Frequently Asked Questions


#1

For questions/answers on the Challenge, please post here…

1. Please read the instructions before posting here. 
 
2. Please help us to answer questions. If you see a question already answered, please refer the person to that answer so that we don't keep repeating ourselves. 
 

[b]Challenge-Specific[/b]

Q: Do I have to base my entry on a traditional Myth or Legend.

A: Yes – here are a list of links for your reference:

http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Mythology_%28Bookshelf%29
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Folklore_%28Bookshelf%29
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1249132
http://trumpy.cs.elon.edu/metaverse…bliography.html
http://www.mythweb.com/
http://www.pantheon.org/areas/mythology/
http://www.themystica.com/mythical-…nfo/topics.html
http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/index.html

Q: Please can I use a modern or current Myth?

A: No entrant should use a likeness of any living person or base their story on any modern material as this would constitute a violation of rights unless you have gained written permission to do so.

To avoid any potential problems all entrants should base their works on public domain Myths and Legends – all of the traditional Myths and Legends we know of are in the public domain.

Q: Do I need a paid CGSociety membership?

A: Not at all! Our CGChallenges are open to all CGTalkers. If you don’t already have a free account, get one here.
Q: How early do I have to start submitting milestones?

A: As early as possible. Although there is no due date earlier than the final closing date, part of the final judging vote puts emphasis on Community Interaction, which means that people who 'hold back' their work in progress till the last minute can be penalized. 
 
Q: Can we work in teams? What about pairs?
 
A: Yes, teams can submit to the video category. See also the [Looking For Group](http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=236&t=609378) thread.

Q: I’m using a new email but the challenge keeps sending stuff to my old one. How do I fix that?

A: You go into CGTalk's UserCP (User Control Panel) and change your email address there. If you still have problems, email me.
 
Q: What if I am a winner and I want a different prize? E.g. What if I win the Grand Prize but I want the Runner Up prize instead?
 
A: You can contact the other winner with the prize that you want, and ask if they want to do an exchange. What you guys do with your prizes is up to you, and we're not going to be involved in it. 
 
Q: How do I actually enter the competition?
 
A: Go to the challenge site and click on "Enter The Challenge". Upload your pictures through the challenge site submission ("Submit Your Entry") or the CGChallenge Uploader.
 
Q: How I can get out of this challenge?
 
A: Just stop submitting. 
 
Q: Can I have multiple entries?
 
A: Not in a single category. As stated in the guidelines, no multiple entries although it's possible to enter multiple categories. 
 
Q: Can I upload my WIP images to my own server? Is that counted?
 
A: No. Please use the Challenge site facility to upload your Work-In-Progress. It allows us to track the entries properly, and guarantee continued hosting of all images.
 [b]

Technical[/b]

Q: Are random or parametric terrain and foliage/plant generation software (Bryce/Vue/Terragen) allowed?
 
A: Yes 
 
Q: Can I use Poser, Daz 3D or pre-fabricated models?
 
A: Yes. This is no different from using your own pre-built models or the parametric models now availble in most 3D systems. However you should add significant creative input to make the models and results unique? 

Q: Can I use a trial version of a software?

A: Yes. We don't care. The final image must not have watermarks on it. 
 
Q: The guidelines in the instructions says that the resolution for the final image should be at least 2657 pixels wide and/or 3636 high, 300 DPI (portrait). Why do you need such a high resolution for?
 
A: We want to train people to create artwork for print - suddenly detailed textures and meshes are important in the creation of your art! We also like encouraging people to submit their art for Ballistic Publishing books, like EXPOSÉ.
 
Q: What resolution do you want the final image to be exactly? What about if we make the image a different aspect ratio and orientation?
 
A: That's cool, just make it big enough to fill a full page in an A4-sized book. Or make it bigger, even!
 
Q: Because of hardware limitations, is it ok to render a part and use it as a background, or render in "layers" and composite it all together later?
 
A: Yes. This is how professionals work -- you should use every tool and technique availble in the best way possible.  
 
Q: Any problems if I do it with a student license of Maya?
 
A: If it is watermarked then yes. Otherwise, no. 
 
Q: Is it ok to use vray, RenderMan or 3rd party renderers for rendering?
 
A: Yes -- you are free to use any software you like.
 
Q: While I know its ok to use 2D textures in this 3D project....is it going to be ok to use a 2D element as a back drop? Like a background....like a matte painting?
 
A: Yes. You should always use every tool that is apropriate in the best way possible.
 
Q: Are we allowed to use web downloaded textures?
 
A: Yes, but you must credit everything you use. Anyone caught not crediting material, contributors or inspirational works will be disqualified.

#2

SWEET!!

But before all this gets started i need some tech help with the CGUploader.
I posted a request in the portfolio support forum but noone has answered it yet.
The post is located here: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=193&t=693416
I really would like to start useing the uploader for my work and espeacially for this challenge.

Thank you


#3

Hi i want to know is the video challenge open for any styles? Also 2D art and just basic effect editors? With the needed steampunk art??

Can i draw 2D art and just create basic effects over it and set it as a video entry?


#4

Is Softimage offering a XSI licence for the Challenge?
The e-mail notification after entering the challenge included a link, but it is the one for the Uplift challenge, the licence is no longer valid.

THanks


#5

Does the entry have to be an actual steampunk story (myth, legend) or can we make up our own ancient story of something steampunk?

Basicaly are we restricted to actual known myths/legends?


#6

Thats’s something i want to know also, would love to work on my own steam punk myth / legend idea if possible.


#7

Hi, nice CHALLENGE!
One Question: can I use one of my old models in this challenge or I mus do all new ones?


#8

Question:

If I enter into the Individual Video challenge, can I still use music from my friend for the video?


#9

Sweeet challenge!

But with all this talk about 3-D, is there a 2D category still? Is it the image category?


#10

I’m also interested in hearing about this. In my oppinion this would kill alot of creativity if we need to find a story that already exists. I think many of us are interested in creating our own original stories. The theme steampunk already restricts the style/genre, which i think is ok even for a sensitive guy like me :P, but ristricting the story will make for a big loss i think.

I would choke and loose inspiration if i need to do something based solid on something not my own. Yea i could do it at work, but this is my freetime and my personal work, huge difference.

Woot for a new challenge anyway! :slight_smile:

Hope to hear some releaving answer to this…

-Niklas


#11

I also wanna hear about this. And we can use ANY legend, because this seems vary vague? First thing that comes to thought are the greek legends, but i guess we are not limited to those.

So a bit of clarification is needed.


#12

I love the theme its awesome, i just have one question, can we make our entry based on Historic context rathar than a myth? What I mean is portray a historic war as a steampunk war but still keep some of the historic story board.


#13

I also have this question:
I’m entered in both categories and for the video category what are the exact stipulations?
Meaning in the uplift challenge the video section was a trailer theme.
The strange behavior challenge before that was a 8-10 sec animation (i i’m remembering correctly). So what are the, if any, boundries of the video entry?
Or can it be any stlye of animation, trailer or simple animation, involving a steampunk theme?


#14

Hi my name si Shkelzen Kernaja and i am 17 years old i like to enter for the challenger is it ok for me to enter for the callenger because i 10 january 2009 i am going to be 18, i will be happy to enter for the challenger. Many thanks.

shkelzen kernaja


#15

Hi all. Guys i have the same problem , i want to participate and im 17 years old , can i participate ?


#16

Yes, video is open to any styles - I’d love to see some 2D animations show up :slight_smile:


#17

Urgh - no, sorry, no XSI this time around I’ll fix the emails.


#18

[edit by leigh]

Sorry guys but there was a bit of confusion here, so this edit is going to contradict what was previously posted by Anton.

Yes, you are restricted to actual known mythology and legends. However, this isn’t really such a heinous restriction, considering the vast wealth of mythology we have to draw from, from all over the world.

You’re even free to mix different mythologies. So, for example, you could have the Greek god Zeus battling the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, or Norse Thor enjoying pints of mead with Roman Liber. Feel free to mix and match different traditions to create your own new epic imagery.

The fun lies in taking what are essentially quite ancient stories and creating cool, anachronistic imagery of these ancient figures in the more modern Steampunk milieu.

Sorry for any previous confusion and I hope this clarifies the matter.


#19

As long as they are credited yes.

Team entries refer to people making visual elements for videos.


#20

That’s fine, I would deem a historic war as a “legend” of sorts.

I’d like to use this to remind people of our “no politics, no religion” rule. I understand that this challenge leads to many stories that are based on historical, and religious events, and that is OK - but any entries that could be deemed offensive by others won’t be allowed. If you’re unsure - it’s probably best not to :slight_smile: