Criteria Used in Judging of Battle

1. Lettering
   We want to see fresh lettering. Usually those who made letters an afterthought have not won. We are looking for solid lettering structures. Note that Lettering is #1 on the list, and is given the heaviest score. Depending on who the judges are, these are the things considered: style, flow, connections.
2. Concept
   You must address the assigned word with a concept. This is where characters, backgrounds, and messaging are considered.
3. Color
   Judges will be looking to see how well you used color to make your pieces burn.
4. Composition
   Folks tend to score lower here if the lettering goes straight across the canvas, dead center.
5. Originality
   Judges are looking for something new and different than what you usually do. Surprise us. Also your style must be unique, as opposed to clearly being a derivative of someone else’s style.
6. Technique
   Here is where we consider your can control, and what you do with techniques that sets your piece apart from the pack.

Judging

1. Pieces will be judged by a panel of judges.
2. Judges score each criteria 0-5, with 5 being the highest. Scores are totaled for each painter, then all the judges’ scores are added together. In case of a tie, judges must deliberate and pick a winner.
3. Lettering is scored 1-10. Scoring is only with whole numbers, not fractions of points.
4. Judges can award a 0 (zero) if the artist broke a rule.
5. Incomplete paintings and incorrectly spelled words are disqualified.
6. Judges are chosen by Estria.
7. Every battle will have an odd number of judges to prevent a tie.
8. Judges will have an opportunity to explain their decisions.
9. Decision by the judges is final. There is no appeal process.

Judges’ Qualifications

1. To be considered for a position as a judge at an Estria Battle, candidates must meet all of the qualifications set below.
2. Painted actively in Writing for over 15 years; long enough to see beyond trends and know the culture’s history. Must be able to provide photos to back this career history.
3. Demonstrates an insightful analysis of Writing’s place in history, politics, etc.
4. Is an accomplished artist in her/his own right. Is widely considered among the best by many of her/his peers internationally.
5. Demonstrates a commitment to advancing the culture. Is responsible and reliable. Is able to judge the contestants unbiased despite any personal relations with contestants.
6. Has developed a unique signature style of painting, that is instantly recognizable as belonging to that artist.
7. Has contributed to the Art in Public culture through one or more of the following:
   • Has painted at least one history-making burner. History-making is defined as somehow shifting the direction of the culture, or inspiring many other artists.
   • Has written articles, books, blogs or spoken on numerous panels that clearly affect how a generation of artists perceive the culture and contribute to it.
   • Is considered the leader/president of a crew, and that crew’s style is internationally recognized or has been a leading style in that city for more than 10 years.