Research Article

Original empirical, theoretical or review research in any of IJCM’s thematic streams. This includes quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies, systematic and scoping reviews, and conceptual or framework papers.

Introduction; Literature Review; Methodology; Results or Findings; Discussion; Conclusion.

5,000–8,000 words*; Double-blind peer review

Technical Paper

The design, development and evaluation of a system, tool, application, production pipeline or technique. Suited to work in sound and audio, animation and visual effects, games, virtual and augmented reality, interactive media and AI-assisted production.

Introduction and problem; Related work; System design or architecture; Implementation; Testing or evaluation; Limitations and future work.

4,000–7,000 words*; Double-blind peer review

Creative Practice Paper

A creative work (such as an artwork, film, animation, installation, performance or design) presented with a written exegesis that explains its concept, process and contribution. The creative work is itself the research (practice-based or practice-led research).

Concept and theme; Creative approach and process; Artistic interpretation and impact; Materials and techniques; References and influences; Conclusion. Include documentation images and, where relevant, links to video or sound.

2,000–5,000 words*; Double-blind peer review

Critical or Creative Nonfiction Essay

Argued or narrative prose on creative media, culture and technology that is not tied to a single project. This includes critical essays, commentaries, practitioner reflections and creative nonfiction, such as place-based or eco-tourism narratives.

A clear argument or narrative, supported by relevant sources and a reference list.

2,000–5,000 words*; Double-blind peer review

Visual or Photo Essay

A submission in which images carry the argument or story, supported by captions and a contextual statement. Suited to photojournalism, documentary photography, illustration, comic sequences and visual research.

Contextual statement; 10–30 images* with full captions; proof of image rights; consent from identifiable people; a statement disclosing any editing, compositing or AI generation.

Statement of 500–1,500 words*; Double-blind peer review

Review

A critical evaluation of a book, exhibition, film, video, festival, game, software or event relevant to creative multimedia.

Full bibliographic or event details; summary; critical evaluation; relevance to the field.

1,000–2,500 words*; Editorial review*