I would like to thank all those who added their feedback to the GH House Challenge. Being a first, it was a learning experience for me too and it helped with the preparation of HOVER to great extent. In this page you will find a set of questions and answers based on that feedback to ease in your start in this challenge and make you focus and the most important things – Creating amazing visuals!

Be sure to read the instructions for this challenge first 🙂

Q. My entry is not up to standard with other WIP’s, Should I just quit?
A. Don’t worry about your entry not being up to the general challenge standard. It’s is first and foremost a sharing & learning experience, this is why I’ve chosen it to be a WIP style challenge. Try to take what you see in other higher standard WIP’s and turn it into your advantage! You may discover new ways and techniques that you previously did not know about, so keep going at it and you will better yourself.

Q. I can’t find the proper amount of time to do this challenge
A. The challenge will run for 3 months, so you have a long period of time to fit yourself in. It’s best to try and work in short but quality bursts rather then waiting to get those few days running that might never come. Take your time to think about the concept and layout the tasks ahead so when you get this unexpected free time you will know what to do with it.

Q. I can’t submit too many WIP’s, will this undermine my chances for winning
A. You don’t have to submit many WIP’s, but you are most certainly encouraged to do so! One for Concept, Modeling, Texturing, Lighting, Rendering, Post & Final is all you need really as far as judging, but past challenge shows you get a lot in return for each WIP you post… So more is better.

Q. I’m not a photo real type of artist, what are my chances?
A. The method is none relevant for the final selection of winners, the end result is what counts. It’s true that the amount of NPR / Illustration type entries was very low during the GH House Challenge and this is why I approached the ASAI and asked them to become sponsors and promote this event to. I hope this will make for a bigger presence of NPR / Illustration participating and adding their feedback too.

Q. Why such a long duration for a challenge, two months might be better and more focused no?
A. Some commented it should be shorter, others liked it very much since it allowed them to join in late or work in bursts. For HOVER however, since I’ve added the design element using the model kit, the duration will remain at 3 months to allow you to come up with a good concept before you dive into the visualization process.

Q. All we get is SketchUP format models?
A. Since this time you get a model kit from which you build up your design I decided to keep it all SketchUP for simplicity & control. SketchUP is free to download and very easy to use to assemble your basic design and export it out. I’ve added a screencast to showcase such a process to make it more understandable. You may also opt to build it from scratch in your package according to kit provided. Once participants convert the kit to their favorite format they are welcome to send them to me to host for other to download too.

Q. How early do I have to start submitting milestones?
A. As early as possible. Although there is no due date earlier than the final closing date, part of the final judging vote puts emphasis on Community Interaction, which means that people who ‘hold back’ their work in progress till the last minute can be penalized. Don’t ‘hold back’ because you don’t feel you are good enough just yet… feel free to share at any time so that you can leverage the feedback you might get.

Q. What if I am a winner and I want a different prize? For example, if I win the Grand Prize but I want the Runner Up prize instead?
A. You can contact the other winners with the prizes that you want, and ask if they want to do an exchange. What you do with your prizes is up to you, just make sure to email me about it so I can send the right names to the sponsors.

Q. Can I have multiple entries?
A. You may submit 2 images in this challenge. Each one will stand on it’s own but only one can win.

Q. Are random or parametric models/terrain and foliage/plant generation software allowed? (for example Revit / Rhino + Grasshopper / Vue / Onyxtree / GrowFX)
A. Yes.

Q. Can I use a trial version of a software?
A. Yes, but final image must not have any watermarks on it.

Q. The guidelines in the instructions says that the resolution for the final image should be at least 2480×1812 or 1812×2480 in pixels. Why do you need such a high resolution for?
A. In real life you usually create artwork for print and need to pay attention to detailed textures and meshes. I would also like the option of publishing your work in print (the new guideline is lower the in previous challenge due to your feedback about it – the winners however will have to recreate their images for the higher resolution as stated in the instruction upon request if they are to be used in print).