CALLING ALL TOLKIEN FAN ARTISTS!
There are just 10 days left to sign up for 2022’s Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang - the form will be open until 23.59 CET on 8 May. We’ve got some great submissions already but it would be wonderful if more of you could join us - the more artwork, the better!
I’d like to take part but I’ll never get anything finished in 10 days…
It doesn’t have to be finished - art drafts are due at 23.59 CET on 15 May, and the draft just needs to give a good idea of what the final piece will look like. Line art which will have colour added later is fine, or you could submit a concept drawing of something that you will work on through the summer - a costume or an embroidery piece, for example. If in doubt, contact the mods; we will be as accommodating as we can.
Unless you decide that you want to be completely hands off in your partnership with your author, you have until 7th August to finish your art.
I’m not sure my art is eligible.
It probably is! We only turn down art for the following reasons:
1) It is so incomplete that you can’t get any idea what the finished piece will be like (e.g. it’s at the lines and blobs stage - a nice sketch, for example, would be fine, or a manip that’s still a little rough at the edges).
2) It doesn’t demonstrate sufficient original input (e.g. it’s a screenshot from a film or game with no transformative elements applied).
3) The piece(s) submitted have previously been published elsewhere (e.g. they’re already on DeviantArt).
We accept all kinds of artworks. In the past we’ve had sculpture, crafts, drawings, paintings, comic strips, moodboards, edits, digital manipulations, calligraphy, collage, cosplay and print block cutting. It would be great to broaden that out even further. (Pyrography? Video? Bookbinding? Board game design?!?)
I’ve never done anything like this before! / I’m usually a writer and I’ve never published my art! I’m nervous!
You’re not on your own - every year we have a lot of first timers as well as plenty of experienced participants. The mods will happily answer any questions you have; our FAQ section gives a fairly comprehensive run-down of the event, but if something isn’t clear, please just ask!
What if nobody wants to claim my art?
We cannot absolutely promise that every artwork will find a loving home with one of our authors, but rest assured that demand on claims night is always extremely high - and it isn’t always the obvious characters and pairings that get snapped up first…
(We also have an excellent team of pinch hitters and treat makers, and will do our very best to find someone to write for your creative efforts.)
I’ve only seen the films / I’ve only read The Lord of the Rings / I’m new to the fandom, but everybody is talking about obscure academic papers and people whose names start with Fin. Help!!!
We have artists and writers of all experience levels taking part in this event, from complete beginners through to professionals. Length of time in fandom and knowledge of different canons also varies, and we will be glad to have you whether you are a full-time Tolkien scholar or you fell in love with the films last weekend.
There is no gate-keeping in this event and no expectation that you are familiar with every Tolkien text or every piece of media. All we ask is that you are clear in your submission which canon(s) your art is based on. Art and fic based solely on the films or on a video game canon is very welcome in the event - in fact, we always like to see a mixture!
Do I have to help the author with the story? I don’t think I can do that!
That’s OK! We have a range of collaboration levels that you select from when you submit your art, including low-commitment options (though we do ask that you are responsive to your author and reply to any questions within 48 hours, unless you have told them in advance that you’re going to be unavailable for a period of time). See the FAQs for more detail.
How many pieces can I submit?
Up to two pieces, for claiming by two separate authors.
The artist signup form is over here - once we have your signup, we will send you a confirmation email welcoming you to the event (this can take up to 48 hours depending on mod availability). We can’t wait to see your beautiful creations!
snowghoul
andulkaphoto
baratheonpilled
jacobvanloon
germansingergirl
