2008 FAQ - please read

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

Welcome to the Yuletart Fanart Gift Exchange for 2008!

Yuletart is a multi-fandom holiday fanart gift exchange. While it was inspired by yuletide, we're not affiliated with it, although we do highly recommend it if you're an author rather than an artist.

Please see the FAQ below if you have any questions. Anything not answered in this document can be directed to the Yuletart Mods at yuletart [at] gmail.com.

What is Yuletart?
What do you define as "art?"
Who can participate?
Do I need an LJ to participate?
What ratings of art are allowed?
What fandoms are allowed?

How does it work?
What is Fandom Nominations?
What is the Set List?
What is a Wildcard Fandom?
What is the point of a validation email?

How do I sign up?
What is the Yuletart Schedule?
What is the Drop-out penalty?
If my art is anonymous during December, how will it remain safe from art theft?

What does 'pinch hit' mean?
When is gift art due?
When are the reveals?

Who maintains the exchange?

What is Yuletart?

Yuletart is an anonymous giftart exchange that is held during the winter holiday season. It's a chance for fanartists across all fandoms to create art for fellow fanartists, receive art from their favourite fandoms and most of all have fun!

What do you define as "art?"

For this exchange, art is defined as traditional art/craft created from the ground-up by the artist ("fine" art, whether done in traditional media - pencils, textiles, food, etc - or via computer), as opposed to graphics, icons, photo manipulations and the like. We will not accept graphics or manips.

Who can participate?

If you are an fanartist, you can participate!

Yuletart is a new fest and as such is trying to promote the joy of giving between fanartists. This includes ensuring that there is love and effort put into each gift. This way, we know the recipients will be delighted not only from fanart of their favourite fandoms, but also from the knowledge that a lot of caring was put into making their giftart.

In short, we would like to ensure that you dedicate time and thought to your submission in order to make it a giftart to be valued, enjoyed and appreciated by your giftee.

If you need suggestions in regards to technical aspects of the artwork, we encourage you to join the Livejournal comm artbeta, where fellow fandom artists will be happy to help you out.

Do I need an LJ to participate?

No! Although the giftart posting is done through the LJ community, the journal will remain public. Fandom Nominations can be done anonymously, and Sign-Ups are done through email. The Sign-Up form will be posted on the Yuletart LJ community.

What ratings of art are allowed?

Anything rated R or under. Please note that we will not accept artwork depicting minors in "adult" situations.

What fandoms are allowed?

Any fandom, except Harry Potter, no matter how small, is allowed here. If you would like to participate in a HP-themed art exchange, we recommend hp_art_xchange. We will not accept any Harry Potter art.

How does it work?

1) Fandom Nominations on Livejournal for approximately two weeks.
2) Sign-ups for two weeks
3) Validation/Confirmation emails sent.
4) Giftart assignments will be given out
5) Time alloted to complete the art and submit it to the mods (About four - five weeks).
6) Art posted anonymously on Yuletart during December 2008
7) Reveals in early January

What is Fandom Nominations?

During the Fandom Nominations period, fanartists will have the chance to nominate up to five fandoms. At the decision of the Mods, the nominees will then be added to a Set List to be used during Sign-Ups. This will help ensure that everyone will get and create art for fandoms they know.

What is the Set List?

The Set List based on the Fandom Nominations and is used during Sign-Ups. Artists must choose at least three fandoms from the Set List that they'd like to receive art for. Fanartists can also list an unlimited number of 'wildcard' fandoms they'd like to receive art for during Sign-Ups.

What is a Wildcard Fandom?

A Wildcard Fandom is any fandom that isn't on the Set List. During Sign-Ups, fanartists can list an unlimited number of wildcard fandoms. NOTE: Artists are NOT required to use wildcard fandoms.

What is the point of a validation email?

After Sign-Ups, the Yuletart Mods will email asking you to respond and validate. We have encountered situations where our emails are sent to Spam folders or the email addresses are not checked, so we'd like to prevent this from happening again. If you do not respond to our validation email, your application form will not be confirmed - so please don't forget!

How do I sign up?

Sign-ups for 2008 are now closed.

What is the fest schedule?

September 15 - 19: Fandom Nominations will be held on the Yuletart community. PAST PARTICIPANTS ONLY
September 20 - 29: Fandom Nominations will be held on the Yuletart community. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
October 1-15: Sign-ups begin. We will not accept applications after 12 midnight, Pacific Time.
October 23: Assignments handed out no later than this date.
November 20: Drop-out notification deadline without penalty
November 30: Deadline for first-time participants' assignments until 12 midnight, Pacific Time
December 7: Deadline for past participants' assignments until 12 midnight, Pacific Time
December 14: Deadline for pinch hit assignments until 12 midnight, Pacific Time
December 15: Anonymous posting of giftart begins!
January 5: Artists are revealed! (Date pushed back due to LJ breakdown over holidays)

What is the Drop-out penalty?

Artists who drop out after the November 20th deadline or without notification will not be allowed to participate in future Yuletarts.

If my art is anonymous during December, how will it remain safe from art theft?

Only for the duration of the fest, the artwork posted on the Yuletart community will bear a tasteful,subtle watermark identifying it as Yuletart 2008 art. This watermark will be created by the mods. After the reveals in January, fanartists are free to sign/tag/identify their work and post it wherever they choose.

What does 'pinch hit' mean?

To volunteer to pinch hit means you'll draw a fill-in fanart, usually on short notice, for someone who has defaulted on their assignment. Pinch hitters are not always needed, but it is always nice for the mods to have willing back-up artists, just in case. Pinch hitters have our undying gratitude and are eligible for first dibs at Fandom Nominations for next year!

What are the Submission Guidelines?

We will link to an LJ post that will have the Submission Guidelines. Please stay tuned!

Who maintains the exchange?

Your moderators are bzzinglikeneon, glockgal and itsbeenvery. Please direct any yuletart business to yuletart [at] gmail.com, not their personal journals.

Comments

[bossymarmalade.livejournal.com]

Yay!!

I'm going to ask a question, and please note that I will not at all be hurt by your answer:

What's the definition of "fanartist" that y'all are using?

I am considering signing up for this (because although my drawing talents are nonexistent, I would love to make something crafty). However, my fandom involvement has been limited to writing and not art at all.

As the purpose of yuletart is to exchange art that *all participants* will enjoy, I certainly would expect that people with a certain amount of artsiness would be preferred. So would I be able to sign up, having absolutely no fanart background?

Like I said, feel free to tell me no; I just wanted to ask and will happily wait for the art no matter the answer. *g*

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

NAWWWW DUDE. *ahem* Sorry, must be Modly and not sisterly. XD

Anyone who can make something artistic and fandomy qualifies as a fanartist. Last year for example, we had cosplay/baking and doll-making, and both were equally amazing. We encourage everyone who makes art (as described in the FAQ above) and loves fandom to consider themselves fanartists.

(plus, I am fully aware of your artistic skills, so I maaaayyy be a little bit biased ahahahHAHAHAHAHAH)

~ glockgal

[bossymarmalade.livejournal.com]

SWEET! Also, wtf? Since your name didn't come up at the bottom of the post as a mod I assumed you were just working in a consultation capacity this year!!

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

AHAAH I fail at including myself!! Thanks for pointing that out, doi.

[reflectedeve.livejournal.com]

I thought I remembered that "Real Person" (RPF/RPS) fandoms were not allowed last year (although, looking through old entries, I can't find this rule). Am I just confused? Would you mind clarifying? :)

Eeee so excited. I love this fest. ♥

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

Your mind is full of sparkly! XD

We do indeed accept RPF/RPF, so no worries there. Last year we did have some RPF - bandom, I'm fairly sure.

Thanks for asking!

[xingou.livejournal.com]

\o/ again!

[melisus.livejournal.com]

Okay, despite these are probably the most ridiculous questions ever, I have to ask. Just so I know.

Last year, I signed up to participate, but due to unforseeable circumstances I was forced to bow out. Seeing as how there are two sets of deadlines for returning participants and newcomers, I was wondering which one I should consider myself under. I figure since I didn't actually make it to the finish line of the fest, I'd deem myself still under the "new participant" category, but I just wanted to confirm.

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

You got it right. :D We are using the term 'past participants' to mean 'people who submitted art for the fest'. You are indeed considered a 'new participant' for 2008.

Thanks for the question, it's not ridiculous at all!

[melisus.livejournal.com]

Ah, thank you very much!

[xingou.livejournal.com]

I am so excited to do this again this year. \o/

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

WHEEE! We're totally excited to have you again! *clings*

[xingou.livejournal.com]

I am so glad I got back on the internet in time.

[tylercat.livejournal.com]

Great to see yuletart again! I'm having trouble thinking of just five fandoms I'd nominate. :)

[tylercat.livejournal.com]

Oh, question!

Why the two-step nomination process? As in, how does the nominations submitted by past participants part differ from the open nominations stage?

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

Ah! Good question. :D

All of the noms by the past participants will be added to the Set List. When the Fandom Nominations open up to the public, the Mods will be selecting nominations at their discretion; not all the fandoms nominated by new participants will be on the Set List, as we have to create a finite list in the end.

Hope that makes sense!

[tylercat.livejournal.com]

Oh, I get it. Thanks. :)

[mawaridi.livejournal.com]

I have no questions, just a big HOORAY! YULETART!

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

HOORAY RIGHT BACK AT YOU!!

[florence-craye.livejournal.com]

Yay! I am looking forward to this. Last year was awesome.

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

Hoorah! Glad to see you! <3

[harbek.livejournal.com]

5 fandoms to nominate? Hmmm... I will have to consider this. Problem is, the ones I would nominate is either something I KNOW someone else will nominate, or that no one's heard of anyway. (I wonder how many musical fans there are here.)

Looking forward to doing this again! :D

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

or that no one's heard of anyway.

LOL you might be surprised.


We're looking forward to having you back, WHEEE!

[osaru.livejournal.com]

I'm excited that we're doing this again!!!
I had so much fun last year haha I think I might try being a pinch hit this year too :D

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

Oh that's so awesome to hear!! Thanks very much!

[tingirl.livejournal.com]

So, when does the signup to be a fanartist happen? Do we have to provide credentials?:)

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

Sign-ups begin October 1 -15. Credentials aren't necessary because we assume everyone's compentant and responsible enough to read the FAQ before participating, heee.

Thanks for your questions!

[sandalstrap.livejournal.com]

Hey, just wondering if it will matter that I've changed email addresses since last year's Yuletart. Is it alright that I supplied my new email for the Fandom Nominations?

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

That's cool! When you sign up, you'll be using your new email address, and I recognize your username from last year.

Thanks for your question!

[grendelity.livejournal.com]

QUESTION. On the nomination post, I know we're limited to 5 nominations, but are we limited in how many nominations we second or third?

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

You have unlimited ability to support/second/third/fourth/etc all nominations!

Just remember - the fandoms nominated by past participants are guaranteed to make it onto the Set List. So really, only noms made by new participants (ie starting from September 19th) need support. :D

Thanks for your question and sorry about the belated reply!

[emmuzka.livejournal.com]

Question: In nominations list, you list bandom, with additional info as "RPS". Do you think that that would be specific enough for the purposes of gift giving? As you have given an opportunity to give specifications that go as far as "movie verse"etc. would it be fair to give an opportunity to divide "bandom" to smaller pieces, too? I mean, if someone requests bandom and I make her Fall Out Boy fanart, she might be disappointed because she was waiting for My Chemical Romance. It might be fruitful to divide bandom to FOB, Panic at the Disco, My Chemical Romance and other.

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

It would be VERY fair to divide this up into each separate band. Frankly, we prefer more detailed entries than wide broad ranges of all-encompassing. So if people want to nominate bands separately, that would be just fine - I'll add them to the list.

Please note that if a first-time participant is nominating, it is up to the mod's discretion whether that nom will end up on the Set List. Please read the Fandom Nominations FAQ on how to try and get a nomination on the Set List!

Thanks for your question!

[emmuzka.livejournal.com]

Another question: (I waited the information about this in the sign up post, but I couldnt find any.)

So, I'm interested in doing fan art that requires me to send the stuff to the receiver by mail. As previously informed, this should be ok. (With sculpting, knitting, etc. it's important that the receiver gets the original work.) What should I do? Should I take a picture of my fan work and send it to yuletart, and send the stuff to the recipient? Should there be a deadline for the recipient to receive the actual goods? Where I could get the recipient's address? what if she/he doesn't want to give it to me? What if my anonymous gift giver has problems with me being in a country where it would be expensive and time consumingto mail things?

It looks like it would be easiest to release a photo first, and then after the gift givers are announced, the partakers could exchange addresses ect. themselves. How this was done the last year?

Thanks,
Emmuzka

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

Hmm, this is an interesting question about a subject we honestly haven't encountered previously. Any of the crafts that were done for 2007 yuletart, the artist simply took a photo of them (http://community.livejournal.com/yuletart/11569.html#cutid1) and then offered to send them to the receiver if they wanted. You can see (in the comments) that the gift-giver and receiver took it to their personal emails to sort it out.

So ultimately, it would be up to the receiver to determine whether or not they wanted to arrange a mail-out of the fan work? Seeing something like dolls a cake or a sculpture can be as much pleasure as seeing a drawing online. But, like illustrated works, if the gift-giver and receiver would like a mail exchange that would definitely be something handled on a one-on-one level.

That way sorting out things like mailing address, S&H fees etc can be arranged off-LJ/publically.

Yuletart is geared more towards gift exchanges like Yuletide, as opposed to something where there is a physical gift-exchange. I remember a few years back, there was a candy-exchange that went around for the holidays. ;D But we're not aiming to be like that.

Hope that helps!

[emmuzka.livejournal.com]

Ok, thanks for the answer. Your solution looks like the best way to keep it simple.

[florence-craye.livejournal.com]

I was the person who made the crafty gift for last year's fest. I took photos of my gift and sent them to the mods with my entry stating that the recipient could have it shipped if they so desired it. From what I remember, the recipient contacted me after the reveal with her mailing address, and I sent it without charge for shipping (as we were both in the US).

Note that I am not a mod, but this is just my personal opinion as someone who made a physical gift and wanted the recipient to have it if they liked it. I think it is up to the creator to offer it for the recipient if they want, as it is their creation. It's very nice of them to offer, but I don't think it necessarily has to be that way. It's not so much about physical gifts (as the mods said), but the spirit of giving and knowing that someone made something for you. Then the recipient has to decide if they want it shipped or not.

I plan to do another crafty gift this year, so I imagine it will be a similar situation. I am excited that we may have more than one crafty gift this year!

[yuletart-mods.livejournal.com]

<3!


~Glockgal