In this competition you will be making photos based on your interpretations of songs, or in other words, what they mean to you or inspire in you. Your images can be about the entire meaning of the song, just the feeling (as some will lack singing), just snippets of the lyrics, or any hidden messages you hear. Majority of the rounds are free-reign with no specific requirements so your imagination can run wild, and there are also no examples in this comp since it is all about listening and imagining. I will try my best to avoid music videos, as I want you guys to make edits based on what you think, not what the video is showing (even if some videos have nothing to do with the song).
These songs I choose will either be straightforward or confusing, it just depends on what I choose and how you see things. Also, the songs I choose will not be hardcore (so no hardcore rap, screamo, or hardcore metal, etc.), or inappropriate (though some may imply or have a word or two), so that everyone can enjoy the competition, and for future cycles I may do specific eras/genres. Also, please keep in mind that some songs may be sad or even refer to things, like guns, or cheating. These songs though can range from pop, Vocaloid, rap, jazz, rock, Celtic, fantasy, 90’s, classical, epic, swing, or even techno, so having a wide taste and appreciation for music will be a good thing. I will do my absolute best to give you guys a wide variety, though there are some songs that I’ve been dying to see be interpreted, so some genres may appear more than once, it just depends!
I hope you enjoy this competition, and who knows, maybe you’ll find a new artist you like. ;)
(If you would like to suggest songs, or specific genres/eras for future cycles, please message me!)
There is no roleplaying or storytelling required in this comp, unless you choose to do so. Explanations for your photos, when submitting, are recommended and may be required depending on the song chosen (such as songs lacking lyrics).
The explanations you provide should not be the main way you express your idea. This means that your picture should be able to tell majority of the story without the explanation. The explanation is only meant to clarify and explain why you did what you did.
A wide range of music with different themes may be chosen. Please keep this in mind when signing up as we do not want drops just because one or two songs made you uncomfortable for whatever reason.
S2/S3/S4 models are allowed.
You can use different sims for each assignment this cycle. Any gender, any size, Teen-Elder. No supernatural/fantasy/sci-fi/etc. sims, and no berry sims. Sims can be from previous competitions and must be of your own creation.
Remember that we do not alter the genetics in modeling (body shape/features, muscle, fat, etc. or skin color). Besides hair color/style and eyebrows, everything needs to be changed back to normal after the assignment (this includes contacts, tattoos, giving tans, etc.).
CC is allowed and recommended, but not required.
Editing is optional, but recommended. You are allowed to draw for this comp.
Follow Community Rules: No cheating, no copying, no face/body plastering (includes simmerizing). (No photoskinning in this comp. Hair photoskinning is fine if high quality and correctly edited.)
Follow Forum Rules: No nudity, no inappropriate content, no excessive blood. If you must do excessive blood or nudity for your assignment, post it on the Simmetry thread instead, or send it to me via pm.
Assignments will be 7-10 days long, depending on the song. New rounds will be posted as soon as scoring starts, or once majority turn in.
This is a cumulative competition with no eliminations. There will only be 10 rounds for this competition, with the Final 3 competing in round 10.
Please see the Scoring section for information on judging/ranking, rank value, and tips.
No re-using assignments from previous competitions. (Generally an unspoken Community Rule, but stating it regardless.)
Complete redos/resubmissions are not allowed so no one feels that their interpretation is wrong, and changes the idea as a result. However, you can edit your post and image once to fix errors like lighting, etc. only. Inform me when you do so.
Extensions need to be asked for at least 5+ hours in advance and are automatically granted. Extensions last for 2 days unless you absolutely need more time, but please state so beforehand so we can work out the time.
Late submissions are accepted if you submit before the judges get back to me, but please just ask for an extension instead of being late. If you have not submitted by the time scoring is published, you will automatically receive the lowest rank, which means lowest amount of points for that round.
Please avoid dropping or disappearing to the best of your ability.
Be respectful! No fighting, insulting, or belittling yourselves.
Everything is due by 11:59 pm Arizona time (MST is closest time). I will include a timer with the assignments, but here is a nifty timezone converter as well: http://www.worldtimebuddy.com/
If you have questions or concerns, say something! Don’t hesitate and cost yourself points or stress because you weren’t sure of something.
Have fun! ;)
https://i.imgur.com/iZigomU.png https://i.imgur.com/wyPhAc0.png ---------- Not Checked In ----------
Description: I went for an overgrown post-apocalyptic scene. Humans nearly destroyed the Earth with their destruction of resources and war. Long after most of them are gone, the Earth has taken over again. Lizette is one of the few survivors living in the era of the bitter Earth where life is harsh.
https://i.imgur.com/WreIlRT.png Assignment 8 - Into The Darkness
Another vague song, and I'm sure most of you gamers have heard this song before. Please do not base your images on the actual game though, just focus on the song's lyrics or beat as usual. This is your final round, so do your absolute best! You guys are still close in scores, and this can be anyone's round. I am giving you till the 18th to finish your shots, so please take your time.
https://i.imgur.com/bSceTuT.png This competition uses a ranking system, as I didn’t feel that it was fair to score these with a rubric when this was based on creative interpretation. The ranking system works like the other comps, in that points are assigned to each rank and added up at the end to determine placement.
Feedback is optional on your end, and also on the judges end. So, if you don’t want feedback for whatever reason, say so, and the judges will skip your comments every round. Otherwise everyone will receive feedback from us as normal, unless a judge is skipping a round. Feedback includes the usual pros/cons, how to improve editing, and how better to go about executing an idea. We will keep them short to make judging faster.
When judging, the judges must consider these (in order):
Creativity
Relevance
Quality & Composition
Judge’s Preference (to act as a tie breaker)
How Creative you are is the most important aspect of this competition. Next, Relevance, is just to make sure you are being inspired by the song itself. Judges are only to look for a small relevance, and this can be as small as a single line of lyrics. We then consider your Quality and Composition. Like most comps we will not be looking at game quality, just editing quality and how the image looks overall. Finally, the judges consider their Preference as sometimes we get stuck on who to place where when tied or unsure.
They then rank the images based on everything above. Ranking
20 points
18 points
16 points
14 points
12 points
10 points
8 points
6 points
4 points
The rank and point value differs depending on how many contestants we have. If you miss a round, you receive the lowest amount of points for that round. That means if we have 6 contestants and one doesn't submit, the lowest rank is 5. That means the one who didn't submit receives the same rank as whoever got rank 5, meaning they both got 12 points instead of 10. Hopefully that made sense, but if not, ask questions.
I will be posting scorecards so people can see how judging is going, but I will not reveal total points, etc. until we get to the final 3, as I feel that stresses everyone.
Tips:
Be creative! If your sim is just standing there staring at the camera when the song is about devoted love, etc., you will not do well. Make sure your image tells a story. Here is what I said last cycle:
When I say standing, I mean with very little posing (neutral standing basically), with very little expression. Of course, depending on the idea and explanation you present me with, the more I'm expecting from your sim. If you say your sim is supposed to be dancing, they need to be dancing. If they are working on a project, they need to be working on a project, not standing there surrounded by work. If the sim is supposed to be sad and standing in the rain, I'm not expecting much, just a sad standing position with a sad expression. Hopefully that clears up any confusion.
This is not a regular modeling/fashion competition. Don’t worry about how fashionable the model is, don’t focus on editorial poses, etc. Go for poses that actually express your idea, and dress them appropriately for the situation.
If you feel your image starts to become confusing and/or unrelated, provide an explanation as a just in case. The explanation is only meant to clarify, fill in missing details, explain metaphors, your view of the lyrics/theme, etc. The last thing you want to do is get the judges confused and not have an explanation to help guide them. Do not rely on your explanation to get the story across though.
Quality is not a large focus in this comp, but that does not mean you should forego quality. This means you should still do your best to fix edges, lighting, etc., but it is a small focus when judging.
In other words, as long as you are creative and execute the ideas semi-well when doing your interpretations, you should do well in this comp.
Into the Darkness - we are one Into the Darkness - we all must run Into the Darkness - we'll burn a light Into the Darkness - we all must fight, we all must fight
Angela Comments: Your models' faces show such determination and like they are ready to face any battle coming their way. The background is great, it looks like they are climbing a mountain, and I'm loving the smoke effects. I just wish there was teensy bit more, like an enemy? Either way, I like this shot and think you did a wonderful job, especially throughout the comp! You have a real talent for photos. Also, those are some really awesome armors! I'd love to know where you got them from.
Movotti Comments: I'm just gonna start by saying I can't get over the staff of the girl in the back. Its just a block of color with a crazy swirl coming out! I love it but think its odd all at once. Either way, kudos for the creative creation and pose to go with it! Honestly that goes for the entire photo. The poses and setup of the entire photo is just awesome, and as usual you did a wonderful job pulling it off. I can't wait to see what you do next in our community, as its always a treat.
Erin Comments: I'm sorry you couldn't redo your photo, but I don't think the quality is bad at all! I love how eerie this shot is, with the dead plants all around, her alone and dressed darkly, and her heading towards a giant plume of fire in the distance. I do wish there was a bit more, as well as an explanation to help me confirm a few things, but otherwise this is a cool shot!
Angela Comments: Really liked your shot. The outfits were amazing, you’d do well in my fantasy writing/modelling comp that is about to begin again. They look like they’re waiting for something to come out of the darkness to fight. Well done. I wish I could have seen a cave or something a bit more obvious is the only thing I’d say.
Movotti Comments: This is a great shot, it shows they are all there to fight as well as whatever is coming out of the darkness. They look like they have to go into the darkness to fight it, which is exactly what the lyrics say. So well done and a fantastic effort with so many Sims to organise.
Erin Comments: I like that you took a different perspective than the others. A child going back to face whatever darkness awaits her. It’s a great shot with a fascinating story within the picture.
Angela Comments: I love this photo. Way to step it up for the finale. Everything about this works. The style, the poses, they are waiting to fight whatever is coming after them. The one thing that I would have liked is to see what was waiting for them in the darkness.
Movotti Comments: You have given us so many creative entries through out this comp, and this is no exception. I love this. It show the ultimate battle between good vs evil; light vs dark. Which is what the lyrics are all about. Well done.
Erin Comments: During this whole competition you have been creative, giving us imaginative entries that show you thinking outside of the box. And you certainly did this for the finale. Instead of taking the lyrics for face value, you have your model ready to face the darkness (and destruction) that awaits her.
https://i.imgur.com/bnoV5A1.png Wow! You guys made this round a tough one, and the scores were close! I loved everyone's photos throughout this competition, and you guys really did a phenomenal job, especially on the finale. Congrats to the joint winners, and congrats to everyone on your placements!
We need more money, they say Change is gonna come Like the weather
George was a successful athlete, but after his injury found himself in a wheelchair. The only thing that he felt was confusion and a complete lack of his life's prospects.
When you don't know what to do Don't know if you'll make it through Remember god is giving you beauty in the world
He has now found the true meaning of love is more precious than any material success.
Hey baby when I'm looking at you I know it's fact is true There is hope for love There is beauty in the world
The Lyrics that Inspired Me: When I look around I see blue skies I see butterflies for us
I also got a really sunny vibe from the whole song, and happy vibe. So i kinda placed that in my photo as well, giving it a nice sunkissed- Happy Feel.
Erin with Uma Sparkles https://i.imgur.com/risA64O.png
Uma Sparkles is a young drag queen who dreams of making it big. In the bottom left corner, you can see her out of drag as Charles. She has a Polaroid of her and her boyfriend Brandon on vacation on top, and her performing with two fellow queens on bottom.
Round 2 Assignment 2 - Mordred's Lullaby
Some of you will probably recognize the name, but regardless if you do, try to avoid researching! Just feel the music and lyrics and go from there instead. ;)
Hush, child The darkness will rise from the deep And carry you down into sleep Child, the darkness will rise from the deep And carry you down into sleep
Morgan le Fay whispers her deathly lullaby while Mordred sees visions of battle with his father, King Arthur. Battle image was taken from N. C. Wyeth's illustration for Sidney Lanier's The Boy's King Arthur... "Then the king ran towards Sir Mordred, crying, 'Traitor, now is thy death day come.'"
Long before the Lannister twins was Arthur and his Sister Morgana Mordred is the proof of how Arthur betrayed Guinevere with Morgana, Arthur's half-sister. In my image I have Morgana instilling loyalty in Mordred, from the cradle, loyalty only to his mother, and the story she tells, of how he will denounce his father, to the horror of the 'flower' Guinevere. All for the revenge of his mother, for whom, Arthur's existence is proof of the horrors and cruelty done to her own parents: Her mother plum by Arthur's father, her Farther murdered, and her rightful rulership stolen)
So for the contest i decided to do my own take on Morgan Le Fay. The song in my opinion is from her perspective, and it's about her vengeance and hate. I wanted to try to capture that essence in this piece, I wanted to capture the spirit of that darkness and the feel of the character itself, I also was inspired by the haunting and darkness of the song all together. #NerdMoment
The mother conjures a dark spirit from the depths of the water to posses her son to do her evil work for her. The son is the one in intimidating armour. The mother is slightly transparent to show that she is there in spirit. She controls the evil spirits that have taken over her son to exact her revenge.
Round 3 Assignment 3 - Butterfly
Not a lyric video, so you'll need to read the lyrics below the spoiler.
Lucid dreams Haunted days Do I step when you step til you walk away I know the truth It's hard to change Break away to find a way to break away the chains Fast asleep Living blind I am free When I open my eyes I see the truth in front of me When I open my eyes I'm nothing like I used to be Butterfly Butterfly Days go by Nothin's changed Been standing in the same spot as yesterday Tryin' to move Pick up the pace Sometimes you need some time to reeavaluate Fast asleep Living blind I am free When I open my eyes I see the truth in front of me When I open my eyes I'm not the man I used to be Butterfly (spread my wings) Butterfly (spread my wings) Butterfly (spread my wings) Butterfly I won't sleep No longer blind I am free When I open my eyes I see the truth in front of me When I open my eyes No longer what I used to be Butterfly Butterfly Butterfly Butterfly
https://youtu.be/2OYqlyB33eo
Angela with Griffin and Anna https://i.imgur.com/F8kOpjh.jpg
Lucid dreams Haunted days Do I step when you step til you walk away I know the truth It's hard to change Break away to find a way to break away the chains ...................... Butterfly Butterfly
I got my inspiration from the lyrics below. Her eyes are now open and she can clearly see the past, present, and future.
Haunted days Do I step when you step til you walk away I know the truth It's hard to change Break away to find a way to break away the chains Fast asleep Living blind I am free When I open my eyes I see the truth in front of me When I open my eyes I'm nothing like I used to be
Movotti with Howe Kool https://78.media.tumblr.com/23041385121deb595c37d12124120357/tumblr_pb7y88stKo1v2n804o1_1280.png
Haunted days ..... I know the truth It's hard to change ...... When I open my eyes I'm nothing like I used to be ..... No longer blind I am free When I open my eyes I see the truth in front of me When I open my eyes No longer what I used to be
I'll leave it up to the viewer as to which way they want to imagine his change went. Black hat to preacher, or preacher to black hat?
Where there's a will, there's a way, kind of beautiful And every night has its day, so magical And if there's love in this life, there's no obstacle That can't be defeated
For every tyrant a tear for the vulnerable In every lost soul the bones of a miracle For every dreamer a dream we're unstoppable With something to believe in
Stupid weekdays that get in the way of you going out and looking for a person to woohoo... I mean, love.
Monday left me broken Tuesday I was through with hoping Wednesday my empty arms were open Thursday waiting for love, waiting for love Thank the stars it's Friday I'm burning like a fire gone wild on Saturday
The vibe I got off it is very "current events" so I decided to go with a modern approach to "looking for love" Who needs social interaction when there's a site/app for that.
Description, staying home on alone, swiping through dating apps because finding love is hard. I wanted to go for, "relatable feel" and like cozy, glam, but also frustrated since dating apps are so annoying.
Anita's elderly dog, Baxter (in the photo) passed away and Anita had been scared to get a new dog. She was afraid that she couldn't handle losing another dog. Months later she found Whisper (on the couch) through a shared post. Whisper had been in the shelter for years. Everyone just kept adopting other dogs, but Whisper kept getting overlooked. She looked at Whisper's sad face in the photo and knew that she was just looking for someone to love her. Anita adopted Whisper and knew that they had both been waiting for love, and now Whisper would have her furever home and the void in Anita's heart from losing Baxter would be filled.
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