Bring Nature to Life – Join the Botanical Designs 3D Challenge!

TL;DR

What: Botanical Designs 3D Challenge – create and submit original plant-themed 3D models in .glb and .fbx formats with PBR textures

When: Nov 3, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 (winners announced Jan 7, 2026)

Prizes: $1,800 total (1st place $600, Community Favorite $200 and more)

How to enter: Upload your original plant-themed model, include PBR textures, use a Royalty Free license, pass CGT Standard and tag your submission with botanical-challenge

Judging: Based on creativity, technical quality, adherence to the plant theme and compliance with all challenge requirements.

Join now!

CGTrader is announcing the Botanical Designs 3D Challenge, inviting artists and designers from around the world to bring the plants to life through 3D. From realistic trees and flowers to creative botanical concepts – this is your chance to showcase your technical skill and artistic vision. Enter the Botanical Designs 3D Challenge here or through the Publisher (just don’t forget to tag your model with botanical-challenge).

Prize Pool

The total reward is $1,800 in cash prizes, split between the top entries:

• 1st place: $600
• 2nd place: $400
• 3rd place: $300
• 4th place: $200
• 5th place: $100
• Community Favorite: $200

Timeline

Challenge open: November 3, 2025 - December 31, 2025Winners announced: January 7, 2026

How to Enter

1. Upload your original botanical 3D model to CGTrader.
2. Tag your submission with botanical-challenge.
3. Submit it in .glb and .fbx formats.
4. Include PBR textures for full material detail.
5. Apply a Royalty Free license.
6. Ensure your model meets the CGTrader Standard (100%) quality requirements.

Multiple entries are welcome, as long as each follows the rules.

If your model was previously uploaded but didn’t meet the CGTrader Standard, it can be submitted to the challenge once it meets the CGT Standard 100%.

Terms

• All entries must be original 3D models created by the participant.
• Submissions must reflect the plant theme - realistic, stylized or conceptual.
• Each entry must be in .glb and .fbx formats, include PBR textures and meet the CGTrader Standard (100%) quality requirements.
• Models must be uploaded under a Royalty Free license.
• Only models uploaded during the contest period and tagged botanical-challenge will be considered. Previously created models may also be submitted if they have been updated to meet the CGTrader Standard (100%) quality requirements.
• Adult content is not eligible.
• Participants must have a CGTrader account, accept the Terms & Conditions and complete standard KYC verification to receive prize payouts.
• The challenge is free to enter and open worldwide.

Judging

The judging process will be supervised by CGTrader staff. Winners will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Creativity and Theme Fit. Originality, creativity and how well the design represents the plant theme.
• Technical Quality. Geometry, topology and texture detail.
• PBR Texture Implementation. Realistic and efficient use of materials.
• Presentation. Quality of renders, descriptions and tagging.
• Compliance with the challenge requirements. submission in .glb and .fbx formats, inclusion of PBR textures and meeting the CGTrader Standard (100%) under the Royalty Free license.

The Community Favorite award ($200) will go to the model that receives the most hearts from the CGTrader community.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to upload model files or just renders? You must upload a complete 3D model in .glb and .fbx format with PBR textures.
2. Can I submit models I’ve already uploaded to CGTrader? Yes, previously uploaded models can be submitted if they are updated to meet the CGTrader Standard (100%).
3. Do free models qualify? Yes, free entries are welcome.
4. Can I enter multiple models? Absolutely. Submit as many as you like, as long as each meets the requirements.
5. Do I keep the copyright to my model? Yes. You retain full ownership of your work. Uploading under a Royalty Free license simply determines how others may use your model.
6. Do I need verification to receive prizes? Yes. Winners must complete CGTrader’s standard KYC verification before prize payouts.
7. What about the Community Favorite award? It goes to the entry with the most community hearts.
8. Can I resubmit a model that didn’t meet the CGTrader Standard? Yes. If your model was previously uploaded but didn’t meet the CGTrader Standard, you can resubmit it to the challenge once it has been updated and meets the challenge requirements.

Showcase Your Work

You are welcome to share your entries on social media with #CGTraderBotanicalChallenge to reach a wider audience and inspire other 3D creators.Selected models will be featured on CGTrader’s blog and social media platforms, highlighting the best examples of creativity and craftsmanship in the community.

Ready to Let Your Creativity Bloom?

It’s time to go green, literally. Whether you’re inspired by lush forests, exotic flora or fantasy environments, this is your chance to showcase your skills and imagination. Submit your plant-themed models, grow your portfolio and share your creations with the global 3D art community.

Join the Botanical Designs 3D Challenge today and let your creativity take root!