FAQ
This would be a lot easier to write if anyone had actually asked questions. ^^
But since they haven't, I will use my limited psychic powers to anticipate them.
*If you have any other questions, please leave them in a comment to this post.*
OVERALL
Um...how do I become a member?
Sign in to LJ and click here. ^.^
"Advanced" and "Enthusiast"? Can you explain the skill-based track system?
We want icon makers of all skill levels to participate in project_icon--and we also want to give beginners a fighting chance. To make that possible, we've created 2 skill-based tracks:
The Advanced track is appropriate for icon makers who are fairly secure in their abilities, place often in icontests (unless they've been affected by poor voting), and have a good understanding of their graphics program.
The Enthusiast track is ideal for icon makers who are in an earlier stage of development. They have just as much drive & desire to compete, but aren't as experienced as the makers on the Advanced track.
You will determine which track you compete on--just let us know where you belong when you sign up. The two tracks will run concurrently, and will feature similar/complementary themes, but will not compete against each other.
Once you are on a track, you will stay there for the remainder of the round (until the final winner is announced). If you sign up for a future round, you don't have to choose the same track you chose the first time. Don't be afraid to switch when you feel you're ready! If both mods agree that you've chosen an inappropriate track for your skill level, we'll contact you to discuss switching.
[ back to top]
Will there be multiple rounds going at once?
No, just one--we'd like to keep it simple, and with the detailed feedback that we compose, there just aren't enough hours in the day to run more than one round at a time. The Advanced and Enthusiast tracks will run concurrently, but they are part of the same round. Once the first round ends (each round should last approximately 9 weeks), a second round will begin.
Sign-ups for the next round will open about two weeks before the current round ends. We think you'll be much more likely to stay interested for two weeks than ten. ^.^ Priority will be given to people signing up for the first time, although if you've been eliminated from the current round, we would love to see you sign up for the next. [ back to top]
Why are there only 8 spots on each track? That doesn't sound like very many.
Well, it isn't--but multiply that by 2 tracks, and that's 16 participants. We want to be able to give everyone proper concrit, and that takes time. Also, we want project_icon to be less impersonal than your average icontest. Smaller tracks allow for that. ^.^
[ back to top]
What if I don't want your constructive criticism, because I'm already super awesome? Can I opt out?
You'd probably be better served by another icontest. We believe that no one's perfect, and everyone can benefit from concrit. Although if your icon wows us & we can't think of a single way to improve it, we'll definitely tell you. [ back to top]
What makes you two the be-all and end-all of LJ icons? Is this contest just because you're bitter you didn't win somewhere?
Oh, goodness, we're not icon goddesses! But we're both fairly well-considered in our fandom, and have a pretty good eye regarding aesthetics. We're not afraid to buck an ugly but popular trend, and we like to reward effort. We created this contest because both of us were tired of seeing the same icon styles win over and over in contests in which we're not competing. We can promise you that the old and tired tricks will not consistently place here, which is a better guarantee then you'll get anywhere else. But we're just here to see lovely graphics and have a good time, which is what iconning and icontests should be all about. [ back to top]
I don't understand how you want us to work together. Isn't this a contest?
This is a competition, but much like the inspiration, Project Runway, we want to emphasize collaboration. We'll post a brief description of each contestant based on the sign-up form. The comments section of that post will be a space for all contestants to interact with each other, ask questions, share ideas, and seek inspiration. This contest is meant to help all of us grow as graphic artists, so consider it a place to comfortably trade information with others. Too intimidated to ask that icon-maker how she got that coloring? Looking for a place to get fantastic textures? You used to have that brush until your computer crashed and now you can't find it? Ask away! [ back to top]
What do you mean by "cookie-cutter" icons?
By "cookie-cutter" icons, we mean icons that all look more or less the same. (Like all you did was punch them out of icon-dough with a cookie-cutter. ^.~)
Examples:
These icons have slight differences, but once rusalkatrix made the first one, it took her about 2 minutes to make the other two. This kind of thing is fine if you're making a set, but it defeats the purpose of entering an icontest. Which is to challenge yourself! And hopefully win a shiny banner.
Everyone has their own style quirks/tendencies--we allow for that. rusalkatrix loves light textures and pastel colors, and woe to the person who tries to take them away from her. But we'd rather reward someone for experimenting, than for making the same pretty icon over & over again. [ back to top]
So much pretty! Can I use these icons?
We would like you to contact the icon-maker if you want to use any of the icons made for this contest. Generally, people post icons in their own journals once the winners for each round is announced. [ back to top]
SUBMISSIONS
What's the submission schedule for this contest?
Right now the schedule works like this: New theme announced Thursday morning, Submissions due/Voting posted the following Monday at 9pm EST, Winners/eliminations announced Wednesday night. All times are based on New York Time. If you require a very short extension (1-2 hours), please notify the mods. [ back to top]
If I submit an icon & decide I don't like it, can I resubmit before the deadline?
Of course! ^.^ [ back to top]
Is fanart allowed? What if it's my own art?
We ask that you not use fanart. project_icon is not fandom specific, meaning you will be iconning a variety of subjects/fandoms. You shouldn't need to resort to fanart. However, if you're looking for stock images or cute animal pics, and you happen to raid someone's Flickr account . . . well, it's nothing rusalkatrix hasn't done. ^.~ But the general rule is this: if the artist/creator asks you not to modify their work, please leave it alone.
Can you use your own photography/art? Yes, of course! But don't use your own fanart. Because really, there's no way for us to know. [ back to top]
Can I use line art/drawings, fine art, etc. for image icons, or am I restricted to screen caps and photographs?
You can use any kind of art you like (except the types named in the above question). Go wild! Really, we are all about variety here. ^^ [ back to top]
What happens if I miss a week? Are there skips/byes in this community?
If you know you're going to be out of town, or really busy--let us know in advance, & we'll give you the theme early. (However, if this happens--you *must* submit your icon within 5 days of receiving the theme. Otherwise you'd have an unfair advantage over the other competitors.)
There are no skips/byes in this community. If your computer dies, or some other catastrophe prevents you from submitting, you will most likely be eliminated. But you are welcome to sign up for the next round. ^.^ [ back to top]
What if I'm late with my submission?
We run on Eastern Standard Time, and we'll include the link to the world clock on each submission post. A few hours late probably won't be a problem, since we also have lives of our own and understand when they get in the way. More than six hours late won't be accepted, and you'll need to withdraw from the round. Because we're both busy in real life, we'd prefer you not to submit late so that we can devote plenty of time to concrit. See the above question for what to do if you know you won't be able to make the deadline. [ back to top]
PRIZES
If I fail to submit an icon & end up getting eliminated, do I still get my banner?
Um . . . no. The banner is your reward for participating, not for signing up. [ back to top]
Who is making the banners? Are they huge and/or generic?
gunshou and rusalkatrix will take turns making banners. You can see samples of both their work at the comms ff_seasonal or ff_eye_candy.
The banners will be slightly larger than standard: 300x125. However, they will not be generic. They may not feature an icon, because we'll be celebrating all of your entries, but we haven't quite worked that out yet. ^.^; [ back to top]
Will banners be available for pickup for awhile?
Yes. Banners will be hosted on ImageShack, and you'll be able to find all banners and overall winner prizes here. [ back to top]
How will you decide what gift icons to make for the overall winners?
Well, if the winners have requests, we'll take them. Otherwise, we can suprise the winners with icons picked from their interest lists, similar to the Interests Meme that recently went around. [ back to top]
But since they haven't, I will use my limited psychic powers to anticipate them.
*If you have any other questions, please leave them in a comment to this post.*
- Um...how do I become a member?
- "Advanced" and "Enthusiast"? Can you explain the skill-based track system?
- Will there be multiple rounds going at once?
- Why are there only 8 spots on each track? That doesn't sound like very many.
- What if I don't want your constructive criticism, because I'm already super awesome? Can I opt out?
- What makes you two the be-all and end-all of LJ icons? Is this contest just because you're bitter you didn't win somewhere?
- I don't understand how you want us to work together. Isn't this a contest?
- What do you mean by "cookie-cutter" icons?
- So much pretty! Can I use these icons?
- What's the submission schedule for this contest?
- If I submit an icon & decide I don't like it, can I resubmit before the deadline?
- Is fanart allowed? What if it's my own art?
- Can I use line art/drawings, fine art, etc. for image icons, or am I restricted to screen caps and photographs?
- What happens if I miss a week? Are there skips/byes in this community?
- What if I'm late with my submission?
- If I fail to submit an icon & end up getting eliminated, do I still get my banner?
- Who is making the banners? Are they huge and/or generic?
- Will banners be available for pickup for awhile?
- How will you decide what gift icons to make for the overall winners?
OVERALL
SUBMISSIONS
PRIZES
OVERALL
Um...how do I become a member?
Sign in to LJ and click here. ^.^
"Advanced" and "Enthusiast"? Can you explain the skill-based track system?
We want icon makers of all skill levels to participate in project_icon--and we also want to give beginners a fighting chance. To make that possible, we've created 2 skill-based tracks:
The Advanced track is appropriate for icon makers who are fairly secure in their abilities, place often in icontests (unless they've been affected by poor voting), and have a good understanding of their graphics program.
The Enthusiast track is ideal for icon makers who are in an earlier stage of development. They have just as much drive & desire to compete, but aren't as experienced as the makers on the Advanced track.
You will determine which track you compete on--just let us know where you belong when you sign up. The two tracks will run concurrently, and will feature similar/complementary themes, but will not compete against each other.
Once you are on a track, you will stay there for the remainder of the round (until the final winner is announced). If you sign up for a future round, you don't have to choose the same track you chose the first time. Don't be afraid to switch when you feel you're ready! If both mods agree that you've chosen an inappropriate track for your skill level, we'll contact you to discuss switching.
[ back to top]
Will there be multiple rounds going at once?
No, just one--we'd like to keep it simple, and with the detailed feedback that we compose, there just aren't enough hours in the day to run more than one round at a time. The Advanced and Enthusiast tracks will run concurrently, but they are part of the same round. Once the first round ends (each round should last approximately 9 weeks), a second round will begin.
Sign-ups for the next round will open about two weeks before the current round ends. We think you'll be much more likely to stay interested for two weeks than ten. ^.^ Priority will be given to people signing up for the first time, although if you've been eliminated from the current round, we would love to see you sign up for the next. [ back to top]
Why are there only 8 spots on each track? That doesn't sound like very many.
Well, it isn't--but multiply that by 2 tracks, and that's 16 participants. We want to be able to give everyone proper concrit, and that takes time. Also, we want project_icon to be less impersonal than your average icontest. Smaller tracks allow for that. ^.^
[ back to top]
What if I don't want your constructive criticism, because I'm already super awesome? Can I opt out?
You'd probably be better served by another icontest. We believe that no one's perfect, and everyone can benefit from concrit. Although if your icon wows us & we can't think of a single way to improve it, we'll definitely tell you. [ back to top]
What makes you two the be-all and end-all of LJ icons? Is this contest just because you're bitter you didn't win somewhere?
Oh, goodness, we're not icon goddesses! But we're both fairly well-considered in our fandom, and have a pretty good eye regarding aesthetics. We're not afraid to buck an ugly but popular trend, and we like to reward effort. We created this contest because both of us were tired of seeing the same icon styles win over and over in contests in which we're not competing. We can promise you that the old and tired tricks will not consistently place here, which is a better guarantee then you'll get anywhere else. But we're just here to see lovely graphics and have a good time, which is what iconning and icontests should be all about. [ back to top]
I don't understand how you want us to work together. Isn't this a contest?
This is a competition, but much like the inspiration, Project Runway, we want to emphasize collaboration. We'll post a brief description of each contestant based on the sign-up form. The comments section of that post will be a space for all contestants to interact with each other, ask questions, share ideas, and seek inspiration. This contest is meant to help all of us grow as graphic artists, so consider it a place to comfortably trade information with others. Too intimidated to ask that icon-maker how she got that coloring? Looking for a place to get fantastic textures? You used to have that brush until your computer crashed and now you can't find it? Ask away! [ back to top]
What do you mean by "cookie-cutter" icons?
By "cookie-cutter" icons, we mean icons that all look more or less the same. (Like all you did was punch them out of icon-dough with a cookie-cutter. ^.~)
Examples:
These icons have slight differences, but once rusalkatrix made the first one, it took her about 2 minutes to make the other two. This kind of thing is fine if you're making a set, but it defeats the purpose of entering an icontest. Which is to challenge yourself! And hopefully win a shiny banner.
Everyone has their own style quirks/tendencies--we allow for that. rusalkatrix loves light textures and pastel colors, and woe to the person who tries to take them away from her. But we'd rather reward someone for experimenting, than for making the same pretty icon over & over again. [ back to top]
So much pretty! Can I use these icons?
We would like you to contact the icon-maker if you want to use any of the icons made for this contest. Generally, people post icons in their own journals once the winners for each round is announced. [ back to top]
SUBMISSIONS
What's the submission schedule for this contest?
Right now the schedule works like this: New theme announced Thursday morning, Submissions due/Voting posted the following Monday at 9pm EST, Winners/eliminations announced Wednesday night. All times are based on New York Time. If you require a very short extension (1-2 hours), please notify the mods. [ back to top]
If I submit an icon & decide I don't like it, can I resubmit before the deadline?
Of course! ^.^ [ back to top]
Is fanart allowed? What if it's my own art?
We ask that you not use fanart. project_icon is not fandom specific, meaning you will be iconning a variety of subjects/fandoms. You shouldn't need to resort to fanart. However, if you're looking for stock images or cute animal pics, and you happen to raid someone's Flickr account . . . well, it's nothing rusalkatrix hasn't done. ^.~ But the general rule is this: if the artist/creator asks you not to modify their work, please leave it alone.
Can you use your own photography/art? Yes, of course! But don't use your own fanart. Because really, there's no way for us to know. [ back to top]
Can I use line art/drawings, fine art, etc. for image icons, or am I restricted to screen caps and photographs?
You can use any kind of art you like (except the types named in the above question). Go wild! Really, we are all about variety here. ^^ [ back to top]
What happens if I miss a week? Are there skips/byes in this community?
If you know you're going to be out of town, or really busy--let us know in advance, & we'll give you the theme early. (However, if this happens--you *must* submit your icon within 5 days of receiving the theme. Otherwise you'd have an unfair advantage over the other competitors.)
There are no skips/byes in this community. If your computer dies, or some other catastrophe prevents you from submitting, you will most likely be eliminated. But you are welcome to sign up for the next round. ^.^ [ back to top]
What if I'm late with my submission?
We run on Eastern Standard Time, and we'll include the link to the world clock on each submission post. A few hours late probably won't be a problem, since we also have lives of our own and understand when they get in the way. More than six hours late won't be accepted, and you'll need to withdraw from the round. Because we're both busy in real life, we'd prefer you not to submit late so that we can devote plenty of time to concrit. See the above question for what to do if you know you won't be able to make the deadline. [ back to top]
PRIZES
If I fail to submit an icon & end up getting eliminated, do I still get my banner?
Um . . . no. The banner is your reward for participating, not for signing up. [ back to top]
Who is making the banners? Are they huge and/or generic?
gunshou and rusalkatrix will take turns making banners. You can see samples of both their work at the comms ff_seasonal or ff_eye_candy.
The banners will be slightly larger than standard: 300x125. However, they will not be generic. They may not feature an icon, because we'll be celebrating all of your entries, but we haven't quite worked that out yet. ^.^; [ back to top]
Will banners be available for pickup for awhile?
Yes. Banners will be hosted on ImageShack, and you'll be able to find all banners and overall winner prizes here. [ back to top]
How will you decide what gift icons to make for the overall winners?
Well, if the winners have requests, we'll take them. Otherwise, we can suprise the winners with icons picked from their interest lists, similar to the Interests Meme that recently went around. [ back to top]