OFFICIAL Eorzea's Next Top Model Discussion Thread

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Originally Posted by Jinxie

Midnight on the 6th is tonight guys... midnight tomorrow would be the 7th. TONIGHT.

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No, you have until tomorrow. Perhaps I should go and edit days of the week into that post.

The days are consistent from week to week, so you will always have until midnight EST the Thursday before the round goes up.

lol that might help. I was panicking all day today. 11:59 pm on the 7th is a lot less ambiguous than midnights, because...obviously there's the debate on what day that midnight is. <3

I can't wait for the results to come out! I'll be posting my pictures here for you to all have a laugh at with as each round passes. I think I made some pretty silly ones and hopefully you guys can get some enjoyment out of it just as much as I've had fun making 'em. :D

I'm really looking forward to feedback (from the judges!) It is really hard constructing Round 2 photos when you're not sure what the judges are looking for or where you can improve :( Could there be a way to have a grace day so that we can see feedback before the deadline of our final submission for the next round? Like, how the Models get advice from Tyra before their next photoshoot challenge? xD

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Originally Posted by Tyriont

I do have a suggestion actually, models. Whether you do it or not is up to you.

This Cycle, I have set up a group Skype chat between the judges, so that questions can be answered faster than e-mail. Many of us judging this time around were contestants in Cycle 2 and the intention of just using this occasionally to answer a question had morphed into a fun group chat which several judges have said they wished they had around as contestants last cycle.

So, while you can't actually meet up in-game, if models are interested then I would be open to the idea of setting up something similar. I could e-mail all the models my Skype username and I would set up a room where you could all share your excitement and frustrations with getting your shots together. That sound like something you'd all be interested in?

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I'll join, but not sure how active I'll be :)

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Originally Posted by Wings

Don't scare me like that! The deadline is midnight PST on the 6th, meaning thursday like last week! ...That hasn't changed, right???

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Oh! I'm sorry lol I didn't mean to scare you, I just meant I didn't even realize today had been Wed. so I wouldn't have remember that tomrrow was Thursday lol. So I was like "OMG! Thursday is tomorrow! EEEPPP!"
http://38.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2...8cgzo1_500.gif

http://i.imgur.com/B2YP9Ru.jpg

Went through my screenshot folder and made this >_>

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Originally Posted by Yamimarik

I'd love to meet them too :D

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lol we might be all alone here, buddy! Well we can always meet up with one another and say hi, seeing we are both from Hyperion~! :)

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Originally Posted by Kyan

I'm really looking forward to feedback (from the judges!) It is really hard constructing Round 2 photos when you're not sure what the judges are looking for or where you can improve :( Could there be a way to have a grace day so that we can see feedback before the deadline of our final submission for the next round? Like, how the Models get advice from Tyra before their next photoshoot challenge? xD

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If we do that, it would involve cutting a day from voting, having it end on Wednesday and leaving the deadline on Thursday. (I'm insistent upon keeping the day between submissions ending and the round going up to allow for problems to arise and be fixed, as well as for my sanity). It's worth noting that round voting is longer than it was in Cycle 2 (I wanted to have the days things happen be consistent week-to-week), but we're still getting votes in today, the final day of voting. So it's a trade-off either way. What's everyone's thoughts on this?

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Originally Posted by KaiKatzchen

lol we might be all alone here, buddy! Well we can always meet up with one another and say hi, seeing we are both from Hyperion~! :)

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Ahh well, we Hyperions are an elite bunch anyways. *looks around* Well us two anyways. Yes! least we can clamor together and maybe talk and run ideas by each other and what not, if I see you or you see me, send me a tell or a friend request.

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Originally Posted by Tyriont

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Well that would be neat, to be able to hear judges critiques before the next rounds submission, but... if it will cause any more stress upon you and the judges, I'd rather not. I want us to all have fun doing this! (I'm enjoying myself, and I'm not even sure if I'm in the next round yet lol) So do what needs to be done that helps us all, and keeps us all sane ^^

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Originally Posted by Tyriont

What's everyone's thoughts on this?

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I'm fine with it either way, whichever is easier on you and the judges, seeing that y'all are basically doing this on a volunteer basis and still have RL and the game to play~! Don't want to stress y'all out by making it almost like a job, this should be fun for y'all too~! :)

I usually take the advice given by y'all and the voters, which is greatly appreciated, and try to improve where I can. If I did the best that I could do and I am proud of my work, then even if I get voted out I am still happy~! But honestly the pictures we do and who votes for them come down to personal taste, and I completely respect that. :)

BTW, Idea!

Y'all should do an all-stars version where you bring back the top 2-4 from each cycle that didn't win, but came close, and have them compete~! :D That would be exciting to see! :)

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Originally Posted by Yamimarik

Ahh well, we Hyperions are an elite bunch anyways. *looks around* Well us two anyways. Yes! least we can clamor together and maybe talk and run ideas by each other and what not, if I see you or you see me, send me a tell or a friend request.

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I shall watch for you! :3

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Originally Posted by KaiKatzchen

BTW, Idea!

Y'all should do an all-stars version where you bring back the top 2-4 from each cycle that didn't win, but came close, and have them compete~! :D That would be exciting to see! :)

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This is such a good idea. It'd be gorgeous screenshot thunderdome!

Also I concur with your other sentiments. Just participating in this with all you other talented people that can frame up shots like they are epic movie scenes has been an honor. I've actually learned a good thing or two from the feedback and what I've liked in the other models shots. Even if I'm cut tonight, this whole experience has been a brilliant success for me.

Is there an updated tally somewhere? I'm dying waiting for midnight. Squeeeeeeeeeee Good luck everyone! :D


http://hunterpartyof4.files.wordpres...cited-face.jpg

Did some last minute screenshots, and I really love my idea. I'll be sad if I don't make it into the next round and can't enter this rounds screenshot xD Eitherway, I'll be uploading some awesome screenshots, this round has given me a lot of bloopers, and generally silly thhings to work with.

Yes, I did some more screenshots myself with different body angles, but I am sticking with my original submission - whilst there are some parts of my outfit I didn't want showing, I like the total composition of the shot too much to go with another image. I fear I might get marked down, but it is a risky concept/shot to begin with! Hehe.

And, in terms of the feedback - I definitely do not want anyone to do more work than they have to! This is all for fun. But it might be something to consider for future cycles or something? :)

I really hope my screenshot is good enough. The area I took the pictures in presented some... difficulties. xD

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Originally Posted by Kyan

And, in terms of the feedback - I definitely do not want anyone to do more work than they have to! This is all for fun. But it might be something to consider for future cycles or something? :)

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What if in a future cycle they did a mentoring program, where past models could work with guiding and helping the present models on tricks they learned throughout their own cycles? I think that could be a fun cycle.

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Originally Posted by AmalahRose

I really hope my screenshot is good enough. The area I took the pictures in presented some... difficulties. xD

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Invisible walls? I know those absolutely killed me both the first round and this round XD

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Originally Posted by Corfish

Invisible walls? I know those absolutely killed me both the first round and this round XD

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Oh there was killing! Lots and lots and lots of killing.

OH MY!!!!..... round 1 is over now!!! *breathing intensifies*
http://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2...aoq4o1_500.gif

zomg /nervous ;;

Full judge scores and critiques are in the Round 1 thread. But for convenience, here's the rankings!

Men's Contest Round 1
43 - Epsil Ion
39 - Sienna Moonlux
38 - Sera Alaric
36 - Flare Raulbel
35 - L'yhan Nunh
26 - Marik Destiel
22 - Rho Bhigs
21 - Fate Lhas
21 - Jinx Fireboot
19 - Aiden Weaver
17 - Ronin Woofcub
9 - Adam Fylrmyn

Women's Contest Round 1
48 - Rhaya Relenah
42 - Kaiyoko Star
31 - Sakuraya Kai
30 - Xev Bellwyn
28 - Adeline Urusa
25 - Miki Hoshi
25 - Sangriah V'
24 - Iris Dawnshade
22 - Lowena Fae
20 - Eirwen Mackenzie
17 - Overlord Rikkustrife
15 - Ferah Isis

In a new addition to ENTM, the judges from both sides have also cast our votes as to who we felt was the overall strongest shot - this round's "S-Rank Shot". Fittingly, this round goes to the person with the highest overall votes: Rhaya Relenah! Congratulations on being this round's S-Rank Shot!

Congrats Rhaya! Great shot, and great job everyone! Hehe.

It seems I am quite polarising with the judges, which is cool! It really is quite subjective I guess, especially if you're not marking with a criteria. Reading through the critiques everyone received (and considering how people felt last cycle about tone and language, plus the fact that everyone involved is doing this for fun) could we perhaps aim to use positive language when offering feedback?

I personally have pretty thick skin, but seeing some critiques of other contestants, for what I thought were amazing screenshots looked a bit harsh in my view, hehe. As a primary school teacher, I use a "two stars and a wish" philosophy when marking children's work - I discuss two things I like about the sample, and one thing I wish could have been improved and how. This is because positive language and relationships enhance the experience, not hinder!

For example:

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"This shot doesn't excite me at all. I just feel like it's very bland and could just be completely scrapped and redone."

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Could be expressed as:
Interesting choice of location, and choice of wardrobe. However, I feel that this could be more exciting, by [insert how to 'excite you' here].

My two cents! /hugs everyone! I'm not attacking the judges, I just want to see everyone treated respectfully and with dignity! :3

Also, contestants, I really enjoy the fact a Steam group was made (I made an account to participate), but apparently you need to buy a game to be able to use the chat feature? Perhaps we could use something else to communicate to each other?

Does anyone else feel like their round 2 shot isn't as good as their round 1 shot? :/

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Originally Posted by Exye

Does anyone else feel like their round 2 shot isn't as good as their round 1 shot? :/

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I think I may have derped it ;-;

Is round 2 up yet? :O

It'll go up on the 8th I think. Tyriont wanted to have a day in between the ending of 1 round and the start of another just in case.

Looking forward to it since it's gonna be such an inherently creative theme. :)

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Originally Posted by Exye

Does anyone else feel like their round 2 shot isn't as good as their round 1 shot? :/

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Me! I went with a creative theme/character that's a bit gender-bending, but I just realised a better body/shirt option I could have used (hempen top) rather than what I went with for my character (maybe). Oh well. I wanted to do something creative and different!

I think I did pretty good on my cosplay. I picked something that uses my skin-tone to my advantage, and my lalafellen body-shape MAY lose me some points, but I hope not! <3 All in all I had super fun taking this shot, and I was SURE to keep theme in mind this time.

For those that know jinx In Character?

THIS IS THE ONLY TIME HE WILL EVER CROSS DRESS!!!

Seriously. Ever.

(Also he spent like 3 days grumping about how short his hair was, and the ridiculous makeup. You have no idea the flack I caught in my mind, due to him. RP characters get a voice of their own after a while, and when you displease the beast, you hear about it. Loudly. For days.)

I guess I was just a little dissapointed with my outcome. What I wanted to do with the picture was too hard to accomplish. :/

Thank you so much to the judges for all the feedback, and Judge E that was exactly what I was going for. :)

Buhu, Judge Yomi can't wait for Round 2 to come up to see all the pictures taken ;_;

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Originally Posted by Kyan

, especially if you're not marking with a criteria.

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Thank you for your concern! I will definitely bring this up in the Judge's Skype conversation and see if we can't convince those judges to reword their critiques and make sure to add constructive criticism in the future. ^^

As for the criteria, the judges are looking at the model's outfit, background choice, and the model's over all concept idea/feel of the picture (both stand alone and how it correlates with the theme)!

Speaking of Skype, you guys should all email Tyriont your skype names so he can add you to a group chat and you can chat there with each other! I'll be sad to see this thread die though, so please come back here every once in a while! (We are almost to page 200!!!!)

We really need to plan our Thanksgiving Party for the end of this month! Since nearly half of us are on Balmung, I beg the rest of you to make an alt on Balmung for the day and come hang out with us. ((Our server is CONSTANTLY on character creation restriction though, so you will need to make an alt at 5am Central time...its the only time ive ever been able to make an alt. ><))

We can plan some in game games of some sort with maybe itunes cards as prizes or, if any artists are out there we can offer drawings over our characters or something! Would love to hear what yall think! ^^

November 30th would be the absolute best day for this event for me personally since I wouldn't have work or school that day.

Freedom! I was already expecting it, so it doesn't make me as sad. Though, I do think I deserved the boot; I was panicking with all the shots I took trying to find one I liked personally (I get like this with these sorts of contests). Though, it doesn't seem like most liked it as much as I did which I can understand, since it has a personal meaning to it. But it seems I misunderstood the theme because of the description. (Those reviews though - Ouch).

Ah, don't worry! I'm glad to be able to relax and take the time exploring 2.4, and those reviews made me realise what I missed. I'll still watch the contest and see how it goes, and maybe continue to upload my pictures here - just that I won't be as involved. :)

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Originally Posted by Kyan

It seems I am quite polarising with the judges, which is cool! It really is quite subjective I guess, especially if you're not marking with a criteria. Reading through the critiques everyone received (and considering how people felt last cycle about tone and language, plus the fact that everyone involved is doing this for fun) could we perhaps aim to use positive language when offering feedback?

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Hm... I'm a personal fan of being everyone's cheerleader (this is how I run my FC), but this contest is modeled after a tv show in which the judges DON'T hold back. :/ It may be a good idea, for future rounds, to make real clear that unpleasant critiques are gonna happen. >< Or at least post something like:

HARSH JUDGE: Are you even in the picture? That NPC looks nice though.
KIND JUDGE: You have nice eyes.

Totally exaggerating of course... xD But the idea is to have the contestants know their feels may be hurt throughout the event. I know it's obvious to some folks, but I think many know logically that harsh criticism will happen, but don't fully understand it emotionally until they find themselves about to be cut. ><

Some of the critiques remind me of the "crystal in the background" photoshoot. It's soooo subjective as to how much of the theme counts as "enough". :/ No clue how you would work around this except by posting very clear rules (like 'must be in uniform') which starts removing some of the creativity and artistic interpretation factor.

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Originally Posted by Sadana

No clue how you would work around this except by posting very clear rules (like 'must be in uniform') which starts removing some of the creativity and artistic interpretation factor.

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I'm kind of curious about this part. I mean, I didn't think that it was required to be in uniform. I assumed it meant that as long as it looks like you're flame whether it be a low-ranking officer or a high-ranking one, that it doesn't matter. Just something that's bugging me.

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Originally Posted by AdamFyi

I'm kind of curious about this part. I mean, I didn't think that it was required to be in uniform. I assumed it meant that as long as it looks like you're flame whether it be a low-ranking officer or a high-ranking one, that it doesn't matter. Just something that's bugging me.

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It's true that it wasn't required to be in uniform - and some very high scoring shots weren't! With a contest like this, it's all very subjective and down to the personal preference of who is looking at the image, be they judge or public voter. I tried to avoid "THE CRYSTALS" with my shot list this time around and I feel that the rest are vague enough to where it should be fairly easy to fit the theme regardless of what you do, with one possible exception.

Also, Adam...don't go thinking you're free -just- yet. Two male models failed to get me their round 2 shots before the cutoff...meaning they'll be eliminated by default, giving you another crack at things!

Lastly, please remember that this level of judge critique is new to ENTM. We'll certainly be watching and taking feedback! Constructive criticism has already been stressed, however it is quite easy to fall into the role of "The Simon" in a contest like this! I'll do a better job myself of requesting feedback be edited before posting if needs be - this round, I wanted to post them "as is" to see what the reaction was.

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Originally Posted by Sadana

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I totally agree with this. I know my girlfriend's primary reason for joining this contest was to becoming better at her art by subjecting it to criticism. If judge's are holding back to avoid hurt feelings they're doing the contestants a disservice. I personally believe that people with thin skin shouldn't be joining a contest like this where they are subjecting their work to criticism if they're not prepared for the negative critiques. Leave the Ra Ra stuff to the primary schools.

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Originally Posted by Tyriont

I tried to avoid "THE CRYSTALS" with my shot list this time around and I feel that the rest are vague enough to where it should be fairly easy to fit the theme regardless of what you do, with one possible exception.

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Oh, I was just a little curious. Hence why I asked you about the whole "example shot" a while back before. Different people, different perspectives and takes; which I applaud this is present in your judging and contest! Nothing against you or anyone, I was just mildly curious about it is a-

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Originally Posted by Tyriont

Also, Adam...don't go thinking you're free -just- yet.

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Goddammit. :(
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/webroot/a.../2558350_o.gif

What a thing to wake up to O.O Thanks for the comments, critique, and congratulations! Can hardly believe I nabbed first place!

I owe everything to my Phoenix friends, though, who took time out of their 2.4 excitement to help me out, then put up with my bossiness: "You, closer to the centre, a little bit more, a little bit mooore... You there, half a step forward - no that's too far! You, turn to point out of the picture, then look over your shoulder into the shot..." and so on XD It took a long time to get everyone in position, and I didn't want them to have to stand there for two Eorzean days (weather prediction said bad weather next time around T_T), that's why the shot is so dark. I *did* have options, and maybe I should have gone with those, I was just so happy with how my "NPC's" turned out, that I wasn't exactly objective XD

http://i.imgur.com/WlQItJ0.png

Prime time lighting, but everyone wasn't there yet! And the fact that I couldn't find a dye that perfectly matches the Flames' uniform one is glaringly apparent. Also, her finger blends a bit with the handle of the background weapon.

http://i.imgur.com/tgxwpht.png

One more person had arrived, and the dimmer lighting makes the colours a little more similar.

It was such a tough choice!

My thanks to Ai Pearca, Lauralanthalasa Kanan, Punchy Potato, Valerius Aldaine, Ceallachan Dragonsoul, and Thinalia Kaya - you guys are awesome ♥


I guess I can show some of my outtakes now too XD A lot of skills were attempted, with effects on and off, and I found that a tail is sometimes a bit of a hindrance:

http://i.imgur.com/PbXEz9p.png

Flying shield, anyone?

http://i.imgur.com/LTiHsz8.png

And speaking of panty shots:

http://i.imgur.com/ER13Fr7.png

Quite the balancing act, getting the action stance without shortening the finger too much, tail placement, and the red skirt not to peek out at the bottom :p

After the group shot was done, we had some fun with effects!

http://i.imgur.com/F4e6zZq.png

http://i.imgur.com/SEXoyml.png

Something that didn't always show people's best side :p

http://i.imgur.com/IBaflqj.png

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Originally Posted by Wings

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Oh, I wish your friends had showed up for the prime time one. I much prefer that one. I liked your shot but didn't vote for you as I felt it was too dark, especially with your skin tone.