3D Challenge: Botanical Designs

Awards & Prizes

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

Winners announced: February 5, 2026

• The Botanical Designs 3D Challenge runs from November 3 to February 1, 2026.
• Winners will be announced on February 5, 2026.

Entries must include:

• An original plant-themed 3D model created by the participant.
• Submission in both .glb and .fbx formats.
• PBR textures for full material detail.
• Models that meet the CGTrader Standard (100%) quality requirements.
• Upload under a Royalty Free license.
• The botanical-challenge tag added when uploading your model.
• Submissions must reflect the botanical theme – realistic, stylized, or conceptual.
• Only models uploaded during the contest period and tagged botanical-challenge (November 3 – December 31, 2025) will be treated as valid entries.
• Previously uploaded models may also be entered if updated to meet the CGTrader Standard (100%) quality requirements.
• Adult content or explicit material is not eligible.
• You may submit multiple entries, provided each meets all requirements.
• Non-compliant submissions (e.g., not plant-themed, previously uploaded without updates, missing formats, or not meeting quality standards) may be removed without notice.

Participation:

• The challenge is free to enter and open worldwide.
• Participants must have a CGTrader account, accept the CGTrader Terms & Conditions, and complete standard KYC (Know Your Customer) verification to receive prize payouts.
• Teams and legal entities may participate.
• Employees and relatives of CGTrader are not allowed to participate.

General:

• By joining this challenge, you agree that your submission images may be used by CGTrader for marketing purposes, including social media and promotional materials.
• All entries must be original creations and must not infringe on any third-party rights.
• Participating in the challenge and uploading 3D models to CGTrader is free of charge.
• CGTrader reserves the right to disqualify entries that violate the rules or contain inappropriate content

• Theme Fit. Originality, creativity and how well the design represents the plant theme.
• Technical Quality. Geometry, topology and texture detail.
• 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%), and be offered under the Royalty Free license.

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

1. Do I need to upload model files or just renders?

You must upload a complete 3D model in both .glb and .fbx formats, including PBR textures. Renders are optional but recommended for presentation.

2. Are renderings required?

No, renderings are optional, but clear, well-presented renders can help your model stand out in the gallery and during judging.

3. Can I submit models I’ve already uploaded to CGTrader?

Yes. Previously uploaded models can be submitted if they have been updated to meet the CGTrader Standard (100%) quality requirements.

4. What if I simply tag one of my old models with “botanical-challenge”?

That alone won’t count. Only models uploaded or updated to meet the CGTrader Standard (100%) during the contest period (November 3 - February 1, 2026) are considered valid entries.

5. Do free models qualify?

Yes. Both free and paid models are eligible to participate and judged equally.

6. Can I enter multiple models?

Absolutely. You can submit as many entries as you like, provided each meets all challenge requirements.

7. Do I keep the copyright to my model?

Yes. You retain full ownership of your work. Uploading under a Royalty Free license only specifies how others may use your model through CGTrader.

8. Can I enter with models that have participated in contests elsewhere?

Yes, as long as the model is original and complies with all CGTrader quality and licensing requirements.

9. Can I delete an older model and re-upload it to qualify?

No. Only new uploads or legitimately updated models that meet the CGTrader Standard during the challenge period are eligible. Re-uploading older, unchanged models will not qualify.

10. Do I need to complete verification to receive prizes?

Yes. All winners must complete CGTrader’s standard KYC (Know Your Customer) verification before prize payouts.

11. What is the Community Favorite award and how is it chosen?

The Community Favorite award ($200) goes to the entry that receives the most hearts (likes) from the CGTrader community on the model page.

12. How can I participate in the challenge?

• Create or log in to your CGTrader account.
• Accept the Terms & Conditions.
• Upload your original plant-themed 3D model in .glb and .fbx formats with PBR textures.
• Tag it with botanical-challenge when uploading.
• Ensure it meets the CGTrader Standard (100%) and is uploaded under a Royalty Free license.

13. Can I resubmit a model that didn’t meet the CGTrader Standard before?

Yes. If your model was previously uploaded but didn’t meet the standard, you can update and resubmit it once it meets the CGTrader Standard (100%) and the challenge requirements.