BJD Project Runway: Take II (Main Thread)

Revised Rules

Project Runway is a fashion design contest for BJD’s.

Elfmoon is the host. Please PM her with any questions concerning the challenges.

The contest is open to all DOA members and to all on-topic BJD’s, all genders, all sizes.

Please read this entire post before asking any questions. We may already have the answer here for you.

Themes for the contests will be decided by the Judges


How the contest works:

Members may submit one entry per contest.
If accessories are included (bags, hats, scarves, etc.) they must be made by the contestant (with the exception of socks and stockings) unless they specifically match the outfit, then they must have been made by the contestant. Shoes are not considered accessories.
Contestants must design and sew the clothing for the current contest and may not submit previously made doll clothing. You may use recycled fabric.
Designs must be original and cannot be copied from other sources. This includes using patterns.
The total dollar amount limit for costumes/accessories is $25.00.
The deadline for submitting entries will be posted and contestants will be expected to post their photos within that time frame. Any one who does not meet the deadline will be eliminated from the contest. If for some reason a contestant cannot meet the deadline, they must PM elfmoon before said deadline and they will be given a 48-hour extension.

Threads:

A separate, individual challenge thread will be opened for each contest.
In the individual challenge threads members can discuss the current challenge, post progress photos and have fun! For general comments please use the Project Runway Chat Thread.

http://www.denofangels.com/forums/s...t-Thread&highlight=project+runway+chat+thread

Entries must be posted in individual challenge thread within the allotted timeframe. The submission form must be posted in the individual challenge thread or the entry will not be accepted.

Submission Form:

DOA Username:
Picture of the Model BJD:
Size and Sculpt of Model BJD:
Would you like your work critiqued?

Progress and Inspiration Shots:
At this moment, there are no requirements to post your design concepts, inspirations, or progress photos. We do encourage you to do this to help get everyone in the mood of the game and to allow us the fun of seeing your work progress. It also helps to see how closely your design matches your concept. If you choose to post any of these three types of photos, we ask that you keep them in one post; that you go back and edit new photos into that one post, so we do not clutter up the thread with too much confusion all over, and so that we can see the progression easily.

Critiquing will be done by the judges and will be PMed to the contestant. Bear in mind, critiques will have both positive and negative commentary on your work, with the intent on helping you improve.

Before the deadline, contestants must post five photos of their final entry, in whatever condition it is in at the end of the allotted time. These photos must be edited into the original submission entry post. These five photos are:
1. Front
2. Back
3. Detail
4. Detail
5. Glamour Shot.
Costumes must be modeled by an on-topic BJD.
A design concept drawing may be posted along with the in progress photos, but is not mandatory and will not affect the judging.
In progress shots of the entry are encouraged but not required.
An explanation of your intent and interpretation of the theme is also allowed, but generally not required. Certain challenges will require an explanation, but you will be informed of this when the challenge is issued.

Judges:

Judges will be anonymous.

Criteria:

1. Interpretation: How well the outfit represents the concept of the overall theme.
2. Design Concept: Creativeness, originality and complexity of design.
3. Accessories: hats, purses, parasols, jewelry and how well they are used to further the design and theme.
4. Aesthetics: Use of color, matching of plaids/stripes, fit of the garment to the doll, etc.

Photography:

While we don't judge you on your camera skills, taking decent photos can go a long way into showing off your design in the best possible light. Here are a couple basic tips: use good natural lighting (sunlight preferably, or use a combination of incandescent and fluorescent lighting so you aren't too blue or too yellow), don't use the flash (it washes out the doll and the outfit, and makes them look a little manic), and clear up the background--drop a clean white/dark sheet over the clutter if you can't find any clean, clear space. It also helps if you check your doll and ensure their eyes are facing the same direction.

Timeline:

A new challenge is announced approximately a week before the challenge begins. This is the time for each contestant to submit their entry form and decide to participate. The challenge begins at the start of the month and runs for a whole month (depending on the month, the challenge could run 28, 29, 30, or 31 days). The 5 required pictures for the official entry into the contest must be submitted in the challenge thread before midnight Pacific Standard Time the night of the last day of the challenge (ex. say the challenge runs through August 1st through 31st, pictures are due by 11:59pm PST Aug. 31st). The contestants may request a 48-hour extension for the pictures once, but they must inform elfmoon before the deadline.

After all the entries are received, they will be turned over to the judges for two weeks (the 1st through 14th of the following month) to select the winner, the first runner-up, and the second runner-up. Also, in those same two weeks the contestants that requested critiquing will receive it from the judges.

Once the judging has been completed, a third week will be taken to select the theme for the next challenge. So, around the 21st the new challenge theme will be posted, and then the cycle begins again.


Please use this thread for asking questions only. Discussions about individual contests should be done in the dedicated threads. All rules are subject to modifications, removals, and additions as the game grows and evolves.

 

For the $25 budget if you have fabric that you are recycling from clothing you have worn how do you factor it into the budget?

 

That's up to you to put a value on recycled fabric.

A good guide line would be to factor in how much the fabric would cost new and discount a few dollars. Maybe a 10 or 20% discount?

Not an exact answer, but I hope it helps!

 

The dedicated challenge thread has been posted. It will be visible as soon as it's approved by a Mod.

At that time a link to it will be posted in this thread.

Please use this thread for questions only.

 

sorry, i am a little confused, we have to post a submission in the individual challenge threads to let you know we are going to participate in that challenge by filling out this information?

Submission Form:

DOA Username:
Picture of the Model BJD:
Size and Sculpt of Model BJD:
Would you like your work critiqued?

 

I think it would be helpful if each challenge thread included the entry form and a reminder of the five pictures that are required, rather than having to refer back to this thread each time (I have a really short memory).

Are shoes exempt from the requirement that accessories be made and included in the $25 budget?

Should we post all five pictures in the challenge thread or just post one and link to the rest? Is there a size limit on the pictures or just use common sense?

If you submit an entry form listing a particular doll, can you change that during the challenge or do you have to stick with your original choice?

I think that's all my questions for now. Thanks again for doing this! I'll be posting my entry form tonight when I have time to find a picture of my model.

 

Blue Oracle ~ I know it's still confusing and I'm trying to get the wording changed.

In the first post above, you'll see a link to the dedicated challenge thread. That's where you will post your entry form now, and the 5 photos of your doll before the contest ends, together in one post.

They'll be a new thread for each new challenge.

Thanks for your interest! If you have any more questions, please ask!

 

Thegashlycrumb ~ that's a good idea! I'll add the entry form to the dedicated thread.

Shoes that are purchased are exempt from the $25.00 limit. If you make a pair of shoes, please point that out in your entry post as an accessory, and it will count in the judging.

All five photos must be in the challenge thread, no linking please! Photo's should be the same size as Gallery photos.

Your model cannot be changed once you have posted your entry form.

Thanks for joining the challenge! Good luck!

 

I haven't got the doll I want to use for this yet, but I may PM to be a judge, and can't wait to see this month's entries. Question, Are the ribbons actual ribbons that will be BJD sized and sent to the participants (would be so cool xD) or just pictures to put in, say, a sig?

 

Ah ok, I get it now. :3 Cool.

I've just realized, do people have to post their pictures by the 1st? Or is it if they are just going to participate?

 

You only post photos of your doll if you're going to enter the contest.

 

Okay, I figure this will all become clearer as we get started, so I've gone ahead and posted my entry form in the first challenge thread along with a random picture of the doll that will be my model for the challenge. Is that correct or is the picture part of the submission form only for the actual entry pictures?

When I finish (or when the deadline arrives, whichever comes first), I should edit that post to add my five pictures of my entry. Do I delete the random picture of my model then, or will my post have 6 pictures? And if I decide to post any progress shots or concept sketches, I would create new posts for those things and leave my original post only for the official entry shots, right?

Thanks!

 

I didn't do the submission/entry form, so I don't have an answer for your question. Please PM Adarhysenthe and ask her to reply in this thread so everyone will know.

The five photos are not connected to the one submitted with the entry form.

Yes, when your outfit is completed, edit your entry post and add the 5 photos of your doll. If you want to submit an explanation of your intent and interpretation of the theme you should do it in this thread.

Yes, you would create new posts for progress pics/design concepts and leave your original post for the official entry shots.

Thanks for entering! This is getting exciting!

 

Is there a minimum size of doll we are allowed to use as our model?

For this "swim suit/evening gown" challenge would there be a penalty for using a male model?

 

This is such a great competition!! Can't believe I missed the first take.

I do have few stupid questions

Will each contest be completely separate, or is it continuous and based on elimination?
Also, there is mention that accessories have to be 'home made' but what about 'props'? For example, if you don't have a swimming pool, but you really want a shot next to one, could you say, photoshop the swimming pool and the scenary around it? Even if the scenary includes a patio set or something?

And finally, will the contest be judged on photography skills and 'scene' setting or just dress/accessory making skills :P

Thanks!!

 

As Adarhysenthe has stated, each challenge is separate and will not be connected to any other challenges, unless otherwise stated. Each challenge will have a new theme, a new dedicated thread and contestants will be required to sign up for each individual challenge that they wish to enter.

Only accessories that complete the ensemble are required to be handmade. These include hats, gloves, handbags, scarves, etc.

Items that are not considered accessories, for the purposes of our contests, are:

Shoes
Glasses
Jewelry
Stockings
Things that people normally wear that are not part of the ensemble.

When submitting your photos it's important for the judges to be able to see your costume clearly. The more you focus on the outfit, the easier it will be to judge it.

1. Photo showing the complete outfit
2. Front
3. Back
4. A close up clearly showing any detail you wish the judges to particularly notice
5. Glamor shot

It is probably best if the first four photos concentrate on the costume itself. The glamor shot would be the best place for the use of sets and props, which are not required to be handmade.

 

ok, another question from me Maybe I shouldn't have entered, since I obviously have no clue what I'm doing?!?! LOL
With my costume, it changes from swimsuit to an evening attire - litterary becomes a different piece. Which photo should I submit for the front/back and glamour shots? Basically, is it mandatory to submit the shots of the swimsuit only and the glam shot is the evening wear? or can I just submit all photos of how it looks as the evening wear?

Thanks!!

 

I think what the judges would like to see is the transition from bathing suit to evening attire, so there should probably be a photo of just the bathing suit and then with pieces added to transform it into evening wear. How you choose to present the transformation is up to you.

You get to post two 'detail' photos, so you might want to use those to show how different pieces were added to the bathing suit. That's just a suggestion though.

 

... Am I just crazy, or are there no pictures posted of the people who entered? I checked both threads adn I'm anxious to see what turned out and what people made, but I can't find anything... xD;;;

 

Challenge 1 thread contains entry photos and also the winners photos.

All the entrants posted photos of their dolls, however some of the were unable to complete the challenge and had to drop out. Their photos are still there though.

Winner photos are in the first post.

 

Here I am with more questions. As far as I have been able to tell you judge the design concept of the outfit? I've been watching the new season of the regular project runway and they put alot of emphasis on how the model is styled: hair, makeup, shoes, etc. How much, if at all, does the general styling of the doll factor in?
The thing is that I would love to enter my newest girl but I don't know if she'll even have a temporary faceup by the time the contest is over.

 

That's a tough question!

Not having a faceup won't really affect anything, although we would hope she has eyes and a wig! LOL! We understand that it takes time to prepare a new doll, so don't let that stop you from entering.

The judges do pay attention to how the doll in presented in the photos, especially the glamour shot. The faceup and wig style are not judged, but if the wig is messy or the doll looks unkept it does affect the aesthetics score. The doll should be pleasing to look at, regardless of the quality of the face up or the style of the wig. If the wig looks like 'bed hair' and the costume is unironed, poorly fitted and sloppily made, then the aesthetics score would be very low, or perhaps no points would be awarded in that category at all. A doll that is well presented will garner more points than a doll that poorly presented. Also, although we don't expect professional photography, we do appreciate good lighting and clear photos.

The most emphasis is put on the design concept and interpretation of the theme.

I hope this has answered your question!

 

This all sounds like an interesting challenge and I'm really tempted to enter as well.

Yet, there are still a couple of questions left, the most important would be this one: are we allowed to post photos of the outfit (in progress and/or completed) in other places than the regular thread before the end of the challenge? For instance, if I already finished this outfit in let's say two weeks from now, would I be allowed to take some photos and post them into the gallery or into my blog?

 

Progress photos may be posted in the challenge thread, but separately from your entry post. You may also post progress photos in the Workshop section of DOA, as that is the appropriate place for them, in your blog or where ever else you'd like to post them.

Photos of your completed outfit may also be posted in the Gallery/Workshop section of DOA, and anywhere else you'd like to post them.

We do ask that you post the five required photos in your entry thread before you post elsewhere.

 

Okay, thank you very much, I'm going to enter this challenge then

 

When is the next challenge going to be announced? Do we have to wait a month for judging from the October challenge or will a challenge be announced for November?

 

Hi, I have a question regarding the 3rd challenge. Is the challenge to make the actual elemental or does the outfit need to represent the element?
I hope I am asking this correctly...

 

I have a seemingly silly question, do the wig and eyes we use for the final shots have to be the ones in the entry shot?

 

Thank you for your answer. I didn't think they had to, but couldn't find if it was stated anywhere. I wanted to check just in case.

 

Was this rule only for the second challenge? It doesn't seem to be in the rules posted in this main thread nor in the current (third) challenge thread.

 

We would like contestants to post progress/design drawings in separate post, not in their entry post. If you're unable to edit this post to include more photos, then you may post as many times as you'd like.

Your entry post should only include a photo of your doll and the time of entry and the 5 required photos, unless otherwise stated in the challenge you are currently entered in.

 

I guess it's about time to express my thoughts of this project.

Certainly, it is wonderful I was just thinking that it would be good if such a thing existed, and then I found it. If not for you, my boy would never have such a fantasy costume he enjoys now.
The first challenge was too hard for me, since I only have boys. I missed submission deadline while was away from internet anyway. I missed the second because I'm not a fan of steampunk and one handmade steampunk outfit is enough for my boys' wardrobe IMO.
But I hope to participate in every future challenge

But what I don't really like is that it is a "Project Runway contest" not just a "Project Runway club". So, I posted my design, has seen others, and had fun. I don't need to know who was best in judges opinion, I just want some critique.

The second what depresses me about it being a contest is the fact Adarhysenthe and elfmoon do not participate in costume design with us. I am sure your projects would be very inspiring for all participants.

Anyway, I thank you for the hard work in keeping this project alive for all of us.

 

Project Runway is a contest. As everyone knows it's based on the TV series of the same name. Being a contest there are winners and runners up.

A club would be by membership only and is an entirely different concept. A club could have rules, such as only allowing people with professional sewing skills to join, or only having one size doll, or one sex.

Our challenges are open to everyone, regardless of their skill level, or whether they sew, knit or crotchet. Of course there are rules, but we try to keep them to a minimum.

The point of it being a contest is to challenge everyone, to bring out the creativity and to unlock the imagination that's inside all of us. A contest inspires contestants to put forth their best effort to obtain a goal, and whether you win or not, it's a learning experience.

The Judges, who are trained in what to look for, offer critiques to those who want them as guide to better express a contestants ideas and design skills.

The reason Adarhysenthe and I don't participate is because our goal is to allow everyone to create their own designs without being influenced by other people's opinions. Adarhysenthe is a designer, I'm not. I'm a professional seamstress. We felt that between us we have the background to oversee Project Runway, and we are willing to help people if we can, but we don't want to interfere or manipulate contestants creative processes.

Having a design club is a very worthwhile idea and it has a place here on DOA. Perhaps you could start a thread in the Workshop Forum under sewing section and start design club! I'm sure there's a lot of members who would be interested in just such a project!

 

I will not ever try to argue, because you are doing your job as project supervisors way too well ~ Just expressed my thoughts. I'm not really a contest person I guess.

Shame I didn't know about TV series =( Have seen nothing similiar on TV here

 

It's okay, I feel dumb from the fact I've never tried to google it before. I found the information already.

I don't spend enough time on forums, and have unstable internet access, so I'll leave the job of managing projects such as clubs to someone else I guess

 

For anyone who missed the programs for whatever reason, I just thought I'd let you know that you can see them online.

Seasons 6-8, the most recent, which aired on Lifetime, are available here.

Seasons 1-5, originally aired on Bravo, are available in several places, including here.

 

Actually the show doesn't air in any European country I know of, but if I'm mistaken, please correct me .

I've had the chance to watch a couple of episodes during my holidays in the US and tried to watch them online back here, too, only to find out that the settings for the videos are such that you cannot see/download them outside the US. So the links kcurry9 provided us with will only be working for those of you living within the US

Broadcasting laws are serious business.

 

If I'm not mistaken, I've watched Project Runway season 3 on TV when i was living in Netherlands before. They didn't show all of the seasons tho. UK and Netherlands have their own Project Runway, called Project Catwalk (never watched the Dutch version yet).
I've been following Project Runway from Season 1 till half Season 8 by downloading via torrent, but recently my internet connection isn't compatible with torrent so i couldn't watch the rest of Season 8

 

We apologize for assuming that everyone would be familiar with the TV show Project Runway. Personally it didn't occur to me that the show is not available outside the US.

We do hope that this thread adequately explains the concept of the game. If not, please post your questions here and we will answer them.

Thanks!

 

Project Runway does air in the UK (although only repeats unless you have Sky), and there is a British version hosted by Kelly Osbourne called Project Catwalk (fashion nerdiness ).

And in relation to the competition - I'm love to see everyone's designs taking shape and when I get a bit better at sewing I might enter

 

When can we expect the 4th challenge? Ofcourse I only saw this thread today :/

 

We hope to have it posted by Mon, Jan 17th!

 

Can't believe I just now found out about this thread and darn it I missed the Steampunk challenge...I actually had a costume that I was creating just around that time for my steamunk girl...off to try and look at the other challenges.