OFFICIAL Eorzea's Next Top Model Discussion Thread

[Sadana]

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?

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.

[AdamFyi]

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.

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.

[Tyriont]

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.

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.

[AdamFyi]

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.

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-

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

Goddammit.

[Wings]

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

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.



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:

Flying shield, anyone?

And speaking of panty shots:

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

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

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

[Amenian]

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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.

[MorinaLucine]

Everyone did a great job this round. Congrats to all of you. The judges also appreciate feedback. While we are critiquing you, you are also critiquing us to be better judges. Remember this is the first round for all of us and we all, judges and models, will do better in the next round.

[TheRogueX]

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Your kitty is so pretty!

I apologize for nothing.

You don't have to. This is an excellent way to promote tourism in the Black Shroud. They should start making out the commission checks.

Eep! I ended up lower than I had thought O_O;
Oh well, better luck next round, which was a fun one to do!

Don't worry Eirwen! I still <3 You! I just couldn't easily figure out who you were supposed to be. Better luck next round!

In the meantime I took so many screenshots, I figured I could make an entire short film with the outtakes. So I did.

LOLOL!! I love that. How many hours did you spend trying to line that shot up? Entire Eorzean DAYS passed!

Well none of my original ideas came to fruition but, this one was the closest to being done. For what it's worth, I give you Cinderella

OMG TINSLEY I MISS YOU!

Also, for those of you who haven't made it over there yet, I made us a Steam Group! I hope Rongi doesn't mind. xD

Eorzea's Next Top Model on Steam!

Can someone make a logo for it and write up a group description?

[Amenian]

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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.

[Sadana]

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.

erm, no (respectfully). Adults need cheering just as much (actually more) than little kids do. ^^ Like I mentioned in my post, this is the entire concept I run my FC on (with quite of bit of success, I might add.) Inspired by ENTM, I held a screenshot contest with minion prizes for my FC and judged the photos in a similar fashion to my C3R1 vote post. No feels were hurt. Even the 'weakest' photos had good points to bring out. :3