AOTM: Theme Suggestions & Monthly Schedule

[Shon Harris]

Sure, why not? I'll add it.

Theme: The Four Elements.
Description?: Render or draw a representation of one or more of the four elements: Earth, Wind, Water, and Fire.

Components:

• Add a fifth element: Spirit. <- I want to make it more goal-oriented, but it is functional just being there as is. (Appeasing the audience.)
• Combine two elements into one form. <- For those who put in the time and effort to do something really creative. Like water that is on fire. (Creativity-unlock)
• Utilize water-paint scheme? <- I'm not an artist, but something to change up the style of the works should be a reoccurring component. Kind of like how poetry sometimes appears in WOTM. (Style-changing.)
• Draw something that personifies an element? <- Not sure if it is properly worded to be absolutely clear.
• Empty slot 5.

Theme: Steampunk.
Description?: Draw or render something within the Steampunk genre.

Components:

• Draw a diagram of a piece of steampunk technology: A blueprint or rough design draft are both acceptable. <- Shakes up the typical style of art, fits the theme. (Style-changing.)
• Take something from fantasy and make it steampunk! <- Could be worded better, but it gets the general message across. (Genre-crossing.)
• Empty slot 3.
• Empty slot 4.
• Empty slot 5.

I can't help but wonder if we spoke of the OTMs as a whole, if your well-intentioned advice would sound less instructive/demeaning and more akin to the nature of what you're doing (I choose to believe you're not trying to assert dominance or take the 'wise one' position and are simply trying to share OTM experience, which I thank you for). There are moments where it does feel demeaning, for example, making sure things are done right. Spare us these statements. This also comes in when you compared 'comic-pane art and claymation', though the contest was solely based on Sequential Work. This, we could talk about in private to manicure the idea, if you're interested. The OTM as a whole can grow if we work together as equals and that means using history to our advantage, not to assert forms of dominance or superiority. Again, I believe doing that is not your intention, and I point this out because it's becoming a common trait in the advice given to our WOTM counterparts. I hope we can avoid such phallic comparisons and stick to growth. In that spirit, as always, thank you much for your insights Brovo. It's almost like having another manager on board .

Theme: The Four Elements.
Description?: Render or draw a representation of one or more of the four elements: Earth, Wind, Water, and Fire.

Components:

• Add a fifth element: Spirit. <- I want to make it more goal-oriented, but it is functional just being there as is. (Appeasing the audience.)
• Combine two elements into one form. <- For those who put in the time and effort to do something really creative. Like water that is on fire. (Creativity-unlock)
• Utilize water-paint scheme? <- I'm not an artist, but something to change up the style of the works should be a reoccurring component. Kind of like how poetry sometimes appears in WOTM. (Style-changing.)
• Draw something that personifies an element? <- Not sure if it is properly worded to be absolutely clear.
• Empty slot 5.

Hey look! We already agree on what to do first. You've pretty much displayed my plans, uncanny how different we are, but how often we walk parallel paths. This is shaping up well, however, we'll need to think more on the water-based bit. Someone could use turpentine and graphite to create an effect too similar to ink and water, watercolour, or thin gouache, and none of us would ever know (or be able to tell, so does that matter?). Liquid medium might be more appropriate. As much as I actually really like this idea, it also puts more advantage toward traditional artists. While our voters adore traditionalists, there are definitely more digital artists around. I wonder if we can re-word this component. Finally, I realize now, there is good chance you meant water-based scheme as in a motif or atmosphere and not actually the medium. That would definitely clarify a bit, wow lol. Obviously we'll reword that one, but if you did mean the latter, that does sound like a good idea. I also may change Spirit to also fit more in other perceptions of a fifth element, which are extremely common, normally as Ether, Space, Spirit, Ki... basically, Energy.

So you know, we'll be doing a Theme Voting on the next contest. Steampunk will be one of those possibilities. The surge of activity here is finally supporting this opportunity, so let's hope it brings more ideas!

[Bela]

Yay, I'm excited about theme voting. I think that if more people have a say in what the themes are, then they'll be more akin to actually participate. <3

[PaladinFoster]

Hi, I've just recently heard about all this AOTM stuff from Shon Harris. Forgive me if I'm intruding, I just wanted to say I think the steampunk theme idea sounds kind of interesting, and I also intend to enter something no matter what theme is chosen.

[Bela]

Hey guys! I just wanted to let you know we only have a few days left until next month's Theme Voting begins. We'll be posting it on the 22nd, and we want your ideas! So keep 'em coming.

Also, I wanted to let you guys know that I'm going to be taking a little bit of my free time to make up a AOTM Calender that people can save on their computer with next month's schedule on it. That way participants may find it a bit easier to make time for their entries.

[Bela]

Hey guys, Bela again with more news.

I updated this threads OP & Title, as you may already have found. I've updated the "Themes Used So Far" as well as added a new little Calendar that I hope might help you guys even a little bit. Now I know that the Calendar I put up is for next month, but that's because this month is only partially on the new Schedule System we're going to be using. Also I put it up a little earlier than I'm going to put up the next Calendar, because I wanted to give you guys an idea of what we'll be doing.

Now July's Calendar probably wont' go up until the last few days of June. At that point I'll leave both Calendars there, and won't delete June's Calendar until July has begun.

[NatsumeHack]

Grimmification should be made into a theme.

[Bela]

I love that, considering I actually kind of did that in the Favorite Game/Disney Character theme with Snow White.

An interesting Component for that could actually be the opposite: Take something already grim and make it happy.

[NatsumeHack]

I love that, considering I actually kind of did that in the Favorite Game/Disney Character theme with Snow White.

An interesting Component for that could actually be the opposite: Take something already grim and make it happy.

You should be happy I like weird shit.

[Rose Swan]

We should do an Animal theme. I can't think of any good components for it, but I know it can be done.

[Bela]

July Theme Voting is sneaking up on us guys, so we'd love to see your suggestions!