International Illumination Design Awards
Helpful Hints for Successful IIDA Entries
=> DO limit your narrative to 250 words or less (not including the title or slide references not intended to be read). Longer text will be truncated. Words are defined as groups of characters bounded by spaces. Standard consolidations are acceptable. For example:
- Acronyms are one word (e.g. IES)
- "250w" is one word. "250 watts" are two words
- "fc" is one word; "foot candles" are two words
=> DON'T use manufacturer's or designer's names in the description, or in the slides. It's an automatic disqualification.
=> DO clearly key your images to the narrative. It helps the panel appreciate your work to know exactly what they are seeing. Insert the image name in the narrative at the appropriate point, using brackets and boldface or italics. These are not included in your word count.
=> DO, in your narrative, address the categories on the sample score sheet. If any don't apply, say so. It is to your advantage to clearly respond to each category.
=> DO be careful to completely fill out the entry form. Check off all applicable boxes as well as filling in the blanks. And don't forget the photographer's signature. (This may be on an attached sheet provided that attachment is clearly identified.)
=> DON'T submit everything in the job. Every great project has parts that are routine. These dilute the real skill shown in the best parts. In a skyscraper, the real showpiece may be the lobby. Submit that alone, and forget the miles of tenant fitup.
=> DO consider submitting distinct parts of interest (say a library reading room and the park behind it) as separate entries. This increases the chances that your work will stand out.
=> DO, if your work can best be appreciated in motion, take advantage of the opportunity to submit an unnarrated VHS tape. Things like laser shows just don't sell in stills. But DON'T waste tape on static lighting. A bored judge is an unhappy judge. And remember, no audio on the tape.