** The Book of THoTH - Cover Contest** http://www.renderosity.com/mod/contest/index.php?contest_id=733

I cannot beleive this scam!! An artist should be PAID for their services and should not be treated as a Contest. In this situation several artists will work hard and only one is the "winner". And what a PRIZE this one is...the :winner" gets to have their image on the Cover!! DUH!! What a rip off this one is...I cannot beleive Renderosity is promoting this!!

Hi digitell,

Scam?! I beg your pardon.

I don't see how providing someone with over $500.00 worth of prizes for a winning image is a scam. The guitar has a minimum value of $300.00. The grab bag has a minimum value of $100.00, and then there is the $100.00 Renderosity gift certificate. In addition, the winning artist can use this in their resume as well having his or her name and a short bio in the book.

There are also prizes being awarded to 6 additional artists.

We've done contests for magazine covers, posters, playing cards, etc. providing thousands in cash and prizes. We try to promote challenging, fun and new ways for artists to use their talents and to reap benefits for those talents. Payment, as such, can come in many different forms.

We hope that the community will appreciate the hard work and effort that goes into providing all these different contest opportunities and will enjoy the generosity of the many different sponsors that participate.

Scam indeed. We've seen more of these so called contests in the past..... Book publishers are just looking for cheap art.

Hi aeilkema,

After learning about The Book of THoTH community and reviewing the collaborative nature of this book, I do not share that perspective. I personally wouldn't be upset with $500 for an image. However, I understand and respect that everyone is entitled to a different opinion in the matter and that there are artists that may get paid more or less for their book covers.

There have been several artists that have expressed their excitement and support of the contest and have already submitted images. There are many who will have fun and enjoy the contest in the spirit that it was intended. If it's not for you, that's fine. No one is required to participate in the contest.

Despite how long I have been doing this type of art work I have yet to sell a thing.  A chance to enter a contest and win a cover is a good thing in my eyes.  Sure I don't get paid but as mentioned above, it will make a good portfolio piece in the future. Don't discount that mental boost winning this will do for the one who wins.  Sure we can do this art stuff, but somebody wanting our work will give us that small mental recharge many like me need.  Gotta start somewhere, and this 'little' win may be just the thing somebody needs to break out of the mold. :)

Thanks for the opportunity! :)

Hi NightVoice,

Thanks for sharing your perspective. It is helpful to see things from many different vantage points.

We are excited that we can provide these kinds of opportunities for our community members. Right now we have two exciting opportunities to win cash and prizes and get your work seen by a lot of new folks.

In addition, there will also be many more cool contests coming soon. So, keep entering. Persistence and practice can really pay off. I've seen it several times.

I wouldnt be upset to get paid $500 for a cover either. Actually I make just a little over half that for my book covers...what makes me mad is that this is just another word for "Spec" work that many publishers try to get artists to do. Many artist put forth their hard work and skills but only 1 person will be paid for their efforts. Having a contest for fun is kewl...but for a potential client who turns their need for a book cover into a contest is just not ethical!

How can artists ever expect to make a living if clients decide to make all their projects a "Contest"!

I wouldnt be upset to get paid $500 for a cover either.

I would not either.... but the thing with this is, you're not getting paid money at all. The thing that always bugs me about these contests is that publisher make good money of such books while they refuse to pay the artist their dues and royalties. Instead they write out a contest and give them a bunch af prices. But as long all of you keep on supproting these kind of contest, publishers get away with that they're doing.

Honest work requires an honest payment, if someone makes good money of something, they should give those who have worked hard their share.

Ok, I want to know what percentage of companies that need cover art are having these "no pay" contest.  By the way you two are talking is it 90%? 95% of all companies are doing this?   You guys are acting as if the industry is going to go "no pay" soon and all these artsist will be out of paying jobs.

This is not a giant contest. Heck the book itself is done this same way!  Aside from Philip, this book is all amateur articles and stories, and NONE of the are getting money!  This contest is designed for amateurs that most likely won't sell their work on their own any time soon.   Have you  two ever even looked at our side?  We get no buyers for our work, yet we keep trying.  When jobs out there want to see some credits of what we can do we have nothing to show. 

But if somebody is willing to give us a shot, we'll take it.  Basically it is like making a sacrifice to get our foot in the door.   Take a look at Youtube.  They are making money from people giving away their "video art" for free.  Should people who get paid to make TV shows freak out saying "what if every company used free user posted videos? Youtube should be giving some money back to the users."  No. What do the users get?  Exposure.  And I am sure there are many in the business who will agree that a lot of exposure can be more helpful that a little money.

...theres an old adage....if ya dont like the wage...then dont take the job.  It is their company and if they choose to have a contest for the cover art then it is their right. They are offering compensation so there is no ripoff. It is said up front that there will be a winner and we do assume there will be many others who wont win anything. yes that is work done without compensation. Thats the way contests run. Again...for those who dont care for this...then dont bother with it. Your choice. Seems like it is geared towards the amateur community....try your hand and if ya win then credits and prizes. ill make the attempt just for the experience. I wont expect anything but who knows.

 For those of us who dont do this for a living these contests are great...thx guys,

Dimeolas

Naturely, highly successful artists won't enter this contest, and this is a contest. It's not a contract thing or job for hire thing and no most authors and publishers won't hold a contest for their covers. It's simply too much trouble.

For those of us whom aren't highly successful, or just want their art out there, or simply want a challenge, this is a good contest.

 Oh, just just one question for site admin ( not really related to the issue, but what the heck). How long do I have to wait, if ever, before I can submit non-winning Renderosity contest entries, to Renderosity galleries?

 Thank you.

Hi JOEANOMALY,

All entries, including the winning entries, may be posted in the artists gallery once the contest has been closed for entries.

Great question!

Excellent! Thank you Ms. Lilian for your response. You folks do alright.

I have a question for the Site admin also.  After you submit an art piece how long before it shows up on the contest page as "Submitted" work?  And if something is wrong with the submission will you get notification?  I always get nervous when several days pass and my submission doesnt show.

Hi PsychaDurmont,

Another excellent question. Typically the contest entries are reviewed within 24hours. However, there are times that it may take a bit longer than that. For example there are contest entries pending right now that need to be reviewed. We'll be getting those done shortly.

If there is a problem, we will send an email.

We try to give artists the chance to resubmit to the contest if possible. Unfortunately, if an entry is submitted at the very last minute there is no chance to do that.

That is why it is so important to have a valid email address that you frequently check if you want to participate in the contests. There have been situations where we sent an email, got no response. Then sent IMs...no response. Then after the contest was closed they were upset because "no one notified me". We try our best to make sure the entries are all in.

However, if you have submitted an entry and don't hear from us, or see it in the contest within 24-48 hours, please let us know. Often, this means the entry did not come through. We will be more than happy to check on entries for you.

Best regards,
Lillian

thank you lillianH for the response. It does put a lot of fears to rest :)

Quote - All entries, including the winning entries, may be posted in the artists gallery once the contest has been closed for entries.

Lillian, are you sure you said that right?
I thought we had to wait until the winners were announced, or am I mistaken?

Hi Jay,

Dude...most excellent catch!!

You are correct. The images may be posted AFTER the winners are announced!

(Don't know what we would do without you guys. Someones got to keep us in line ;-)

Much appreciated,
Lillian

Looking around for Jay......

You are most welcome, I was going to go post my work up if I was mistaken.  :o)

Be Well
James

YIKES...I'm having serious brain farts...

Sorry about that James ;-)

No Worries!  I know you are busy.   :o)

That and too much caffeine!!

Hello, I enter the contest, it was fun creating those images, I know am not goin to win,  but I love the thought that maybe? a mention of my work is okay? am still knew to this, site...but it was fun and I want to congratulate all of the artist in here,  some of the work for the book cover are so cool! I have a better idea for the cover... but is too late?  HAHA!  but it was fun.

The winners will be posted shortly. It was very difficult for the judges to decide due to the overwhelming number of excellent images.

They were very impressed with all of the different concepts and art work.

Well done everyone!!

Hang tight, I'll be back shortly to post the results.

What about individuals who have entered the contest with artwork that has already been posted somewhere else....????

Do not the rules strictly state that the artwork must "NOT" have been posted anywhere previously?

Regards,
James

timefighter, the rule I see is that entires "may not be previously published," and I would guess that not everyone agrees on or knows what "published" means. Apparently, some took it to mean published in the more traditional sense (by a publisher), rather than simply posting it on the net, whereas I took it to mean (as you apparently did too) not previously posted anywhere.

Any Winners yet.....???

Almost ready...I feel like I need a drumroll or something...

Anyway, the sponsor of the contest specified that the images could be posted online, but could not be previously published in print. Just wanted to clarify that.

Give me just a few more minutes...