Contest Info... Read Me!

[A.Alvarez]

Welcome to the Gnomon Workshop community gallery contest...

We have launched a small forum to allow our community the opportunity to share their work. These are not critique or discussion posts, but purely the sharing of artwork produced via traditional or digital means.

Every month our producers will select four winners from the 2D, 3D and Digital Sculpting categories (twelve winners total), who will receive up to twenty-five Gnomon Workshop DVDs! (winners get to choose of course).

Rules:

Simply post examples of what you consider to be your most accomplished work in the forum thread. At the end of each month our producers will choose their favorite images which will then be announced in the forum. The first place winner will receive 25 DVDs, second place 15 DVDs, third place 10 DVDs and fourth place 5 DVDs. Winners will be contacted via the email address used at forum sign-up, the first week of every month.

Anticipated FAQ:

Q. What criteria are used to pick the winner? Well, this should not be seen as some sort of brutal competition. We love to see new artists emerge, and this seemed as a good way to give artists exposure, while rewarded them for their talents. The winners will be judged based on our producer's personal criteria.

Q. Who are the producers? Alex Alvarez, Travis Bourbeau, David Caplan and Ryan Kingslien judge the contests.

Q. Isn't it unfair that the people who need the DVDs the most are at the biggest disadvantage in this contest? Not true... we often award prizes to people whose CONCEPTS or IDEAS are excellent, regardless of technical execution. While first place tends to bias to a combination of concept AND technical merit, we often choose winners who show POTENTIAL.

[Osakamitsu]

This is a geat idea! Thank you so much for all you've done for the fx community. Are we aloud to post more than one image? Also are there size requirments?

[Joes]

I have bought all the dvds of gnomon of 3ds max, but I am not expert.. newly beginning in the world of the 3d and 2d painting.

are single experts able to post their images and works?

forgive my English poor person.

[Datameister]

This sounds like a lot of fun. I'm hoping to enter in the 2D caption--if I have enough time to properly finish an entry.

I have the same questions as Osakamitsu, along with the following:

1. If we submit an entry and later revise that piece of art, may we submit the revised entry before the contest ends?

2. I have no intention of using 3D in my entry, but for anyone who's considering it--is it forbidden to use original 3D graphics in your 2D entry?

3. If there are enough entries by the time September 30 rolls around, is there a possibility of there being Honorable Mentions? You know, three or four people get one DVD each, or something like that. Obviously, this won't be practical if only a few people enter.

Thanks for getting this started! I hope these contests really become a showcase for art much more impressive than mine. :D

EDIT: Ah, yes, two more things. Regarding the "can of worms" you mentioned, Mr. Alvarez--perhaps one or more future contests could be judged according to who seems like he/she would find the DVDs most useful. Not necessarily the worst entries, but those that seem like they have the most unfulfilled potential.

Item two: are we allowed to submit works that we've already completed, or are we required to create new pieces explicitly for this contest?

Thanks!

[A.Alvarez]

Hiya.

I would prefer that artists only submit one or two images... as far as editing your posts to update your work, that is of course no problem.

For this contest it is perfectly fine to use work you already have... there are no expectations of people to produce new images exclusively for the contest.

Will there be honorable mentions? For now we'll stick to the rules set forth... four winners. :)

As far as if you can use 3D elements in a 2D image, that is also ok.

-Alex

[Datameister]

Thanks! This should be fun.

[whalerider]

And how will that be determined objectively? Just about everyone who doesn't win might claim they "would find the DVDs most useful". It really can lead to controversy and upset people. Sticking to the rules is the most wise thing to do, imho.

Regarding the "can of worms" you mentioned, Mr. Alvarez--perhaps one or more future contests could be judged according to who seems like he/she would find the DVDs most useful. Not necessarily the worst entries, but those that seem like they have the most unfulfilled potential.

[Datameister]

It can't be determined objectively. But you can't judge art in the conventional way objectively, either. It is by nature a subjective decision, although certain pieces will typically demonstrate much stronger understanding of form, lighting, composition, etc.

What I'm suggesting would indeed be difficult to judge. Perhaps it's a bad idea. But it's something to consider, because some people might become far more frustrated to realize that 40 instructional DVDs will be going to the artist who theoretically needs them the least. :)

[Andreseloy]

with the hight quality of The Gnomon Workshop
Andreseloy

[mordecaidesign]

Isn't it unfair that the people who need the DVDs the most are at the biggest disadvantage in this contest? Interesting point, hmm. Well, let's not open that can of worms for now. Perhaps we will have a new contest format in the future that could address this good point.

Yes. It is unfair. I've never heard of an artist or business person who had the balls to address this issue until I read this post. Thank you Alex. This is great.

I had to wait a long time to start buying dvd's. I've only been able to afford two so far (got another for my birthday) and everytime I've hit that purchase button I feel sorry for a younger version of myself. Some kid is out there who wants to buy the dvd's to get better, but can't afford the dvd's cuz he's workin a crappy retail job.

I personally don't think that seeing potential in a person is arbitrary. IMO it's all about the concepts. If the person has amazing concepts but lacks the means of expression then they deserve the dvd's.

[nomo81]

Ok, its unfair, big deal !
Remeber one thing, gnomon its not the only school of visual effects, maybe one of the best, but not the only... all the people who want to learn some 3d and 2d skills, can do it!. the internet its full of tutorials for any software.
So .. Google its your friend. go and get it.


Post Data.
I love the tutorials of gnomon, but its not the only research i do
Long live to gnomon!

Grettings from Mexico

[mordecaidesign]

Ok, its unfair, big deal !
Remeber one thing, gnomon its not the only school of visual effects, maybe one of the best, but not the only... all the people who want to learn some 3d and 2d skills, can do it!. the internet its full of tutorials for any software.
So .. Google its your friend. go and get it.

Well, we're talking about the DVD's and autodidactics who search for knowlege, not the Gnomon school itself.

And if you can show me one good pay tutorial site or even a number of tutorials on pay sites that has all the info that's just in one Gnomon DVD, I'll paypal you the money to buy a month's membership, or enough to buy some tutorials.

This caliber of info isn't on the internet. If it was, The Gnomon Workshop wouldn't be in business, and doing as good as they are.

[Datameister]

This caliber of info isn't on the internet. If it was, The Gnomon Workshop wouldn't be in business, and doing as good as they are.

That's absolutely right. Online tutorials and walkthroughs can be incredibly helpful, but there's something singularly useful about seeing the artwork being created before your eyes in video. The Internet isn't a good home for videos of large resolutions and low compression, so most online video tutorials only give you an idea of the artists' workflows. From what I've seen, Gnomon's DVDs do a truly excellent job. Now, if only there was an option for watching the artwork take form at normal speed...and using your DVD player's slow motion doesn't count. :)

[Rafael Rivera]

I bought the analouge bundle about a year ago, and I absolutely love them. I practice all of the time. I am currently working towards my degree in Game Design and Developement at the ART INSTITUTE. Here is my image for the DVD challenge. Good luck to all.

[Rafael Rivera]

I don't think that posted properly. Let's try that again.

[zombielust]

Forgive me for being obtuse, but are the entrants in both the 2D and 3D categories competing for the same group of prizes, or are there two sets of first, second, etc. place prizes per category (or, to put it more simply, are you giving away 80 sets of DVDs for two first place prizes, or are the 2D artists competing with the 3D artists for the same prizes?) Thanks in advance for your help (and sorry for annoying you with this question).
The few Gnomon DVDs I've been able to get (too few, alas!) are excellent--thanks so much for such brilliant products!

[Rafael Rivera]

I hope my post are at a good size. I don't want to be disqualified because the thumbnails are too small.

[A.Alvarez]

zombielust: There's only one first prize,etc...

sinister: Glad you liked Iain's DVDs... he is an amazingly charasmatic person and it was really a lot of fun to have him around. Hopefully he'll be coming in soon to record the fifth DVD on storyboarding the story. :)

rafael: As long as the images are around 500 pixels wide that should be cool.

-Alex

[Rafael Rivera]

I think I finally got it at the right size, thankks Alex.

[Rafael Rivera]

I just Keep Trying. It still seems to small to view.

[haydn104]

Hi,

I have a question regarding material. Should the work be completely original or can it be a rendering of an existing character such as a comic book character? Forgive me if I didn't understand your answer to a previous question, are the 2d entries competing against the 3d?

Thank you

[3Duser]

Can I enter this 2d section even if I am not a gnomon customer?

Or do I have to be a gnomon customer?

[A.Alvarez]

haydn104: There are four winners total... In other words, all four winners could be 2D, or two winners from 2D and two winners from 3D, etc. Regarding the images, it is best for them to be original work.

3Duser: This contest is open to anyone. :)

-Alex

[nissta]

hi all

great idea with the contest! im very new to using tablet and all but i will try to join and see if i can hopefully win a few dvds.

so. do i just post the image here or?

thanks!

[Rafael Rivera]

Here's a car inspired by Scott Robinson and Harold Belker.

[Sam Ellis]

This is a fantastic contest, and the art work others are posting are truly amazing.

[celiksert]

Well, we're talking about the DVD's and autodidactics who search for knowlege, not the Gnomon school itself.

And if you can show me one good pay tutorial site or even a number of tutorials on pay sites that has all the info that's just in one Gnomon DVD, I'll paypal you the money to buy a month's membership, or enough to buy some tutorials.

This caliber of info isn't on the internet. If it was, The Gnomon Workshop wouldn't be in business, and doing as good as they are.

***Gnomon is not "only a 3d visual effects" school. I'm Studying interior& environmental design for 4 years and I learnt more than the 4 years' experience from Scott Robertson's 2 DVDs. These ppl don't only teach the usage of programs or designing they give u SOUL !!
:o :o :o

[mordecaidesign]

***Gnomon is not "only a 3d visual effects" school. I'm Studying interior& environmental design for 4 years and I learnt more than the 4 years' experience from Scott Robertson's 2 DVDs. These ppl don't only teach the usage of programs or designing they give u SOUL !!
:o :o :o

Yes. I am going to buy Scott Robertson's DVD's as well.

"The Techniques of Feng Zhu Volume 3: The Fundamentals of Shot Design for Environments" is a DVD has Painter listed as the "program used". If I was only looking for computer application tutalage, I wouldn't buy this DVD because I use Photoshop. But since I know that all of Gnomon's DVD go far beyond the "click here do that", I am going to buy this DVD to further my dream of matte painting and concept art.

Online tutorials give you an understanding of "how" but typically not "why". All of the DVD's I've purchased have explained methodology and concept.

Methods and concepts can be applied to other trades. I certainly have applied what I've learned from my DVD's to help out my day-job as a web-designer.

[celiksert]

Yes. I am going to buy Scott Robertson's DVD's as well.

"The Techniques of Feng Zhu Volume 3: The Fundamentals of Shot Design for Environments" is a DVD has Painter listed as the "program used". If I was only looking for computer application tutalage, I wouldn't buy this DVD because I use Photoshop. But since I know that all of Gnomon's DVD go far beyond the "click here do that", I am going to buy this DVD to further my dream of matte painting and concept art.

Online tutorials give you an understanding of "how" but typically not "why". All of the DVD's I've purchased have explained methodology and concept.

Methods and concepts can be applied to other trades. I certainly have applied what I've learned from my DVD's to help out my day-job as a web-designer.

yeah absolutely right:)

[Grabbel]

Hello,

I?m new hear.
Can some one help me please?
I don?t now how to display my Image only attache!

Thanks

Christian

[lowlight]

This is a drawing I did of my favorite Blind samurai..ZATOICHI, Hope you guys like.

It's done in Photoshop. Its not a original idea or concept .. except that its done digitally. :rolleyes:

[lowlight]

Here are some sample of some concept stuff, The drawing were just sitting around , so I decided to color them in photoshop.

Can this count as one , since its a team?

[Rafael Rivera]

Good work everyone. Keep it up.

[Rafael Rivera]

Here is another quickie. 45 min.

[Rafael Rivera]

Here is some quick female studies. Hopefully I can pick out 40 of mt favorite dvds.

[Velarion]

so where can I post my image for November?

[beelow]

There is a thread dedicated to the contest. Post there. I know that it will say the month and the contest. Good luck people!:)

[killermachine]

my first post here i'l try to enter in this contest too

[Splinter]

I definitely want to join, this might take me a few days to come up with something. On that note when is the dead-line.

[Splinter]

I found the actual thread that also includes the dead-line in it, so sorry for my previous thread.

I really should look around before asking crAAAzzy questions.

[wickedsunny]

I am eligible or not ?

me from India.

I am not bothered about winning DVDS (though I would love to have them),

I am more interested in displaying my current works here.

also all the other artists designs posted here will help me improve my creativity

Hope to be a part of this community for a long time.

Thanks

[swaltenburg]

Question:

Is this where someone adds an image for the contest or is there a special place where we are supposed to post?

Sorry, new at this!

S

[Snow'Punc]

I'm knew to the forum and that's probably why I'm asking this.

Can someone who has already won or placed in the contest compete and win or place again in a later month?

[avann]

hope i can get in the contest too

my attempts of traditional Art :P
1. http://ic1.deviantart.com/fs14/i/2006/363/d/8/Linchamiento_XD_by_avann.jpg

Attempts of Digital art
1. http://ic3.deviantart.com/fs15/i/2006/360/f/5/Elven_style_XD_by_avann.jpg
2. http://ic3.deviantart.com/fs13/f/2006/365/1/e/young_warrior___Sunset____by_avann.jpg

hope im not late for the contest guys, by the way, i dont have such experience with Photochop, i barely had paint like 5 or 6 draws, i got my wacom graphire (im poor) this november, after 2 years dreaming with one.

greetings for mexico, =D

[marxmyth]

yep
just a dab bit late signingup...I hope i can still qualify to post and be a part of the contest. I will jump in with the assumption that this is a true statement. Here is my entry.

http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/76014/76014_1167746004_large.jpg

it is a picture of a sea dragon and comes from my cgsociety portfolio page

hope you like and this commentary is succinct enough

[Jason Embury]

Maybe this will help some of you out. Each month there is a new contest here, and it has it's own thread devoted to placing your artwork. The contests usually have themes that Mr. Alvarez gives you at the beginning of the contest, that you create a piece of artwork for. See the January 2007: Tunnel thread in the 2D Images forum for the current contest. That is where you should post entries for the January competition. Hope that helps. :)

[Squibbit]

i wanna ask cause i read this thread (okay , real fast) and couldn't
find it, can these contest images be matte paintings? can they be built
of photographs alone with almost no actual paintwork?

just wanna know how this works and i'm allowed to do

these contests open for squibbits?


.

[junthi]

Moro Squibbit!:D

I guess it's ok to build a matte painting mainly of photos. There's been many matte paintings in these contests and some of them have also been awared. I think I'll try and do one too this month.

Skaba kumpi voittaa enemm?n devareita?!:D

[Squibbit]

okay thanks


saas n?h?, v?h? on kiirusta ja silleen, ehk? tos kerkee
viel jonku kuvan t?n kuun skabaan heitt?? :)


.

[daniel ching]

ja makes a time that I wait this possibility here. excellent initiative. its dvds are wonderful and inspired

[daniel ching]

before more nothing I want to thank this chance? of another form would not obtain ?to gain? these DVDS? but I find that only the fact to be between the three placed and chosen for members of the jury highly enabled would leave very been thankful. I go to place an avalanche of images, but with quality alone? the direction " of the Gnomon can stop this avalanche will be becoming confused some thing. it forgives English mine badly I wait that the images speak for them ...below my new image and link for the work process and soon to follow links of other images that I placed here ...

Farol Woman(process work)
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/processo.jpg

Farol Woman(1275x1600)
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/1600final.jpg


OCC-magic
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/occ-magic.jpg

Car Design
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/CarFinal.jpg

[Stalsby]

This is a really cool contest! Unlike a lot of the other forums there is an actual rewarding prize if you when! I love the gnomon DVD's I own about 6 of them and I would love to when some more! I'll be joining in a the next one! Thanks!

[daniel ching]

the last essence...image start(artrage) and finishing(photoshop)

[daniel ching]

here it is the video "step by step":)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LggxCeMPJYI

[monkey016]

I hope this is the right place to post a contest entry. im new to this.

[Stalsby]

So what's up for May's topic??? It's already been a week into the month! I haven't found anything on this forum pertaining to monthly topic suggestions or anything like that. Is there a suggestion thread? and is there a certain date when the new monthly topic is posted?

[Michal]

Yeah, I'm also waiting for it :).. Any date when will it be up? Or did you guys give up the monthly contests?:(

[JimW]

the new topic is usually announced a little after the winners from the last month are announced. For the past few months the topic hasn't been given till a week or a week and a half into the month. It's no big deal just wait a little

PS I don't know of any suggestion thread and I'm 99% sure there isn't one

[Michal]

Noone's panicking ;) Just asking questions, that have already been aswered :) New contest is up.

[Fagertveit]

A quickie, Whats the policy for semi-nude contributions? Good to know for the freak contest! =) (no, im not a perv hehehe :P)

[daniel ching]

it makes much time that I not rank. ..I obtained a good production of images for all. :o
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/race03.jpg
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/step-by-step.jpg
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/tork.jpg
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/DogFighting1.jpg
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/fisiculturismo2.jpg
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/fisiculturismo.jpg
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/medieval7.jpg
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/concepts.jpg
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/valentina.jpg
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/car-dino.jpg

[daniel ching]

I used programs-photoshop/openCanvas4.5:)

http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/BLUEMONTAIN-F.jpg
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/step-by-step-mountain2.jpg
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/step-by-step-mountain.jpg

[daniel ching]

I created some sketches before finishing the art... that I will go to show in elapsing of the topic... the reasoning line was one environment futur?stic and uncommon. I inserted the ships in the end... before it did not exist and the image me seemed meaningless, therefore I inserted the ships.

thanks for attention

I used the programs: photoshop and Opencanvas4.5 ...and I took - 18 hours approximately to conclude

http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/matrix2.jpg

the Process(brushes used)
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/m01.jpg
http://www.freelancenow.com.br/arquivos/1179/m02.jpg

[Andre-J]

Is it allowed to use stockphotos?

[Chroma]

Stupid question. How do you get your images to appear in the post vs. just a link?

I've just been using the attach image function.


Thanks,

Chroma

[Dstinct]

Q. Isn't it unfair that the people who need the DVDs the most are at the biggest disadvantage in this contest? Interesting point, hmm. Well, let's not open that can of worms for now. Perhaps we will have a new contest format in the future that could address this good point.

There are a couple of ways that you could address this. One would be to find merit and reward things beyond the contests, specifically related to the forum. Perhaps you could have an annual reward for "most improved", "Most constructive input", or "forum leader". This could be voted on by the staff and the previous year's winners.

[Tiletron]

Question: Is the contest open to everyone, or just people of a specific geographical area (i.e. the 50 states of the US and British Columbia)?

[zallpaper]

What day are the pictures choosen, the first of the next month? or what?

[Roy Korpel]

Ahh, i was looking for this tread!

Well, its a great way to be competive and focus to make beter work everytime. This competition gives me motivation...and it would be great to win some DVD's. If i had the money i would buy some, but i need to pay the bills first offcourse!

Thx Gnomon for this change to share my work with the rest of the Gnomon scene. And thx for enjoying others work! :D

[Squirrel Emperor]

Hmm... I didn't realize that all it takes is your best current effort in order to win. :\
I've been thinking that one has to be professional level or something in order to even stand a chance.

I'll have to give it a shot.

[joeslucher]

Alex,
I know we can submit pieces that weren't made specifically for this contest but can we submit something that we submitted in an earlier monthly challenge and didn't win. For instance, I submitted a piece for the Behemoth challenge and didn't win. Can I submit that piece again for the "sea creature" challenge?

[mike33r]

Hi - What an excellent forum - and what a inspirational outlet for the imaginative. Thank you for keeping this contest going (maybe soon I will submit) Its fun enough seeing all the entries - modeling in maya is officially my hobby! Thank you Alex and all the fine folks at Gnomon for making it possible.

[Wicked]

Hello Alex!:)

I wanted to ask is there a possibility in the future of each month contest that the 2D and 3D part will be seperated?

[eWKn]

when does the january contest end, and when will it be judged?
Anyway knows?

[Hazart]

when does the january contest end, and when will it be judged?
Anyway knows?

I quess it ends after last day of january, but some have post works till judgement comes out. I dont know how strickt they are, but I quess it's fair to give time to different timezones. Last month the judgement came out about week after the deadline. ?

But I really dont know for sure. Just what I have observed so far... :)

[arrrgh4life]

These are such super prizes, but I was just curious, if someone wins, is there a possibility they could substitute one of the DVDs for a Gnomon Workshop/Design Studio Press books?

[hellandback]

Here is my image for the DVD challenge. Acrylic painting

[Zelenkov]

can participate in both 2d and 3d contests or are we limited with only one choice of either 2d or 3d?

[Studio Colrouphobia]

Very nice idea, but I seem not to be able to post any new threads at this moment... maybe it is because I haven't posted any replies to a topic yet?

[auny]

wat softwares do u use for 2D and 3D drawing?????? someone plzzzz tell me

[madmind]

Hi Alex,

Hope you will still continue the monthly challenge with a theme...

Thanks

[prayingmantis]

wat softwares do u use for 2D and 3D drawing?????? someone plzzzz tell me

Take a look at Gnomon DvD the software used are listed on each DvD.

But the major software used are, for 2D: Corel Painter and Photoshop.
There are other software like Autodesk Sketchbook or even Gimp who is a free software who try to emulate photoshop.

For 3D Software it is really wide, it goes from 3DSmax,XSI, Maya through Fusion, Zbrush, Mudbox and so on.

I highly recommend you to browse gnomon website to see what you like to do and look at which software they are using.

Hope it helps.

[Fra]

hi this is my immage for the contest:
http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/1368/cittuk6.th.jpg (http://img356.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cittuk6.jpg)http://img356.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

www.francescolorenzetti.blogspot.com

p.s I try to buy some dvds but credit card system dosent work so i try the contest ;) I wanna lern more and more and more... cya

[Fra]

hem hem!! sry ^^
http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/1368/cittuk6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/cittuk6.jpg/1/w1457.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img356/cittuk6.jpg/1/)

[Squirrel Emperor]

hem hem!! sry ^^
http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/1368/cittuk6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/cittuk6.jpg/1/w1457.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img356/cittuk6.jpg/1/)


1) This is the wrong thread to post your image in.

2) Time is up for October's theme. You have only one month.

3) Even if you were to post that picture for October's theme, it wouldn't work cause it's not on theme. The theme was graveyard.

Hope that helps!

[Fra]

THX Squirrel !! I will wait until next contest so...:D

[MurkyMadhammer]

Ok this is the coolest contest, and I can't believe that thegnomonworkshop is giving dvds away as rewards! I am so excited to try this because doing art pieces to try and win a contest just adds extra incentive, but also its work I get to throw in my meager portfolio. Seriously great of The Gnomon Workshop to be so involved in the community. Well done guys!