LE's School of Editing **Now Offering a Practice Mini Comp for Beginners: Judges & Models**

This message was edited 18 times. Last update was at 01/05/13 07:23 PM

These classes will be school friendly.

Welcome to my School of Editing (Modelling). My first thread became unusable, so I had to restart the school over again. The focus of this school is to help those interested in learning how to edit, create in game sets, storytelling, set enhancement or learning about siggies/background images. I do try and keep up with the latest in the Modelling community, so even if I don't know how to do one of the latest techniques, I can certainly point you in the right direction.

If you are interested in the Modelling scene, you can sign up for a mini modelling competition as practice. My judging skills are tough but fair and this will help give you an idea of what is expected before joining one of the many comps in this community and gaining some valuable experience. For those wishing to be a judge and starting their own competitions, I can help show you the ropes and help you gain experience.

All graduates will receive a diploma siggy and a mention on my site, LE the Strange

Just sign up for the following choices on what you wish to focus on. Please also including what editing program you use. All assignments will run for 10 days. Extensions will be granted if requested.

This message was edited 102 times. Last update was at 01/30/13 08:16 PM

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To all applicants - Lesson 1: Cut and paste a sim onto a background.

This lesson I give out to everyone. It allows me to see how clean you can cut and paste the sim. It's one of the most important things to be flawless in as it can really damage your score in a comp. If you need a tutorial, please let me know

Due 10 days from application date.

JustKeepSimming Lesson 1 Grades:

Break down of Grade: 94%

How well was the sim cut out? 23/25
Is the sim proportionate to the background? 25/25
Does the sim mesh with the picture? 23/25
Overall? 23/25

Comments: You did a really great job cutting out the sim and this would like awesome as an avi. For the white line, it can be tricky to remove. I know Gimp has the option to remove specific colors and color to alpha. Smudge and/or the erase tool would work on that line. Zoom in until the white line is pixelated and then remove. Each method takes quite a bit of time to remove it.

Lesson 2: Editing in objects

In some competitions you can edit in clothing or objects to your picture. You may choose the scene and objects you want to edit in. Be as creative as you would like to be. You have until Jan 25th to hand in your assignment.

I have also included some example pictures (pics are clickable):

Gingi - Grade for 5A:

Makeup: 100/100

Comments: That looks fantastic. One huge advantage of drawing makeup is for fashion competitions. Because they ask for different looks, being able to draw or use the brushes allows you a lot more creativity.

Part B - Going back to my tutorial, select one of the looks with using two eyeshadows and post up your best result! *Headshot*

This is due Feb 9th!

Gingi Lesson 4

Comments: I don't give any grades for this assignment as it is just to get feedback on the use of effects and filters. Sometimes, a photo that has a lot of effects and filters really damage the quality of the photo, so it is important to learn what that happy medium is.

The first picture looks absolutely lovely. For dream pics, consider using a feathered white border to give it a dream like quality and so we would know right away it was a dream picture. Your use of effects in this one is spot on.

The second one is really sweet. I like the effects you used for it, they're spot on and the picture would make for a good story competition.

Lesson 5: This is the makeup portion of the class. It is done in 3 parts. if you need a tutorial, please let me know.
Part A of this lesson is to get you used to applying makeup on your model. The picture should be a headshot. All I will be looking for is eyeshadow and eyelashes, top of the eyelid only.
This is my tutorial here and I can post Cashing's tut as well. This is due Jan 30th.

LE's World of Makeup

Gingi Lesson 3 Grades:

Breakdown of Grade: 95%

Shadow Placement? 95/100

Comments: You did a really great job cutting out the sim and the shadow looks really good, but compared to the shadows in the background with the trees, it should be more on the sims (right) side. Shadows add that extra touch of realism, so it's important to pay attention to the light source that is casting the shadow. Another thing to remember is that shadows aren't a true representation of the person, sometimes you can't see everything because parts get blocked (they're in front or behind the person and how it relates to the light source.

Lesson 4: Effects and filters. Effects and filters can aid in giving your picture a soft look, help with lighting, make it look more dramatic or dreamy; but using too much or too many can make them look washed out or over saturated. In this lesson, post 2 pictures using an effect or filter (your choice if you want dramatic, dreamy, soft, lighting, etc.) This is due Jan 20th.

Gingi - Lesson 2 Grades

Breakdown of grade: 91%

Creativity? 24/25
Believeability? 22/25
Background? 25/25
Overall? 20/25

Comments: Love the background, there is a lot to see, but it adds a really nice depth to the photo as it should with an outdoor picture. Your cheerleaders are front and center and you did a great job editing in the pom poms. What would have made this picture look even more fantastic is a few people in the far background. A bit of an effort, especially if you cut paste and resize them into it. Try to add the feet into the picture as well, but zooming out a bit in tab, or even using Shift + A while in Camera mode (using the tab key to enter in and out of it.) It looks a lot better when the model is not cut off (unless it's a waist up shot of course). The only issue with the pom poms are their stiffness, which can't be helped, but if you are good at drawing, or even the paths tool, you can give them a much softer look.

Lesson 3: Shadows. Using an outdoor picture, cut and paste your sim into the background and then create her shadow. If you need a tutorial please let me know. Lesson is due Jan 16th.

Gingi Lesson 1 Grades:

Break down of Grade: 93%

How well was the sim cut out? 25/25
Is the sim proportionate to the background? 25/25
Does the sim mesh with the picture? 20/25
Overall? 23/25%

Comments: You did a really great job cutting out the sim, especially for your first time. I see no issues along the skin, clothes and hair (which can be very tricky, especially with flyaways). The sims arm behind the sim's back seems to be a bit crooked and thicker than its opposite). It also looks a bit odd where it connects with the clothing. Shading would help which we will get to.
The only other thing is that the sim looks a bit too dark for the photo. In buy mode if you hit Ctrl+C and bring up the bar at the top of the game and type buydebug, you can find the invisible lights in the last tab. Very useful for modelling pictures. Using a few of the floor lamps also helps immensely.

Lesson 2: Editing in objects

In some competitions you can edit in clothing or objects to your picture. You may choose the scene and objects you want to edit in. Be as creative as you would like to be. You have until Jan 15th to hand in your assignment.

I have also included some example pictures (pics are clickable):

This message was edited 5 times. Last update was at 01/06/13 02:51 PM

Storytelling should never explain the picture, but describe the scene in detail. When entering a storytelling competition, I find it much easier to think about the story I want to tell first and then center the picture around it. This can sometimes be a bit difficult to do.

Lesson 1: For the first lesson I will go back to my Miss Simiverse roots, a competition I once held on the forums: You are called into LE's office, only to find her gone and Medusa sitting at the desk, smirking at you.

"LE had urgent business with a few of our Simiverse Corp. models and asked me to fill in," Medusa hissed. "We need you for a cover of our new magazine to get Simiverse Corp back on the map. Present the final photo for submission to LE by Jan 20th."

Requirements: One photo for the cover of the Miss Simiverse Magazine
One photo with story of a glitch/malfunction while getting ready for the photo shoot. (I say glitch or malfunction, but it's mostly like sabotage. Medusa always loved to mess with the models, anything from makeup, to baldness to just anything really.)

This message was edited 26 times. Last update was at 01/30/13 07:40 PM

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Lesson 1: Create an ingame picture of a family having a picnic in their backyard. This is the first lesson for all Ingame Pics and sets applicants due 10 days after sign ups.

lildonnap - Lesson 2 Grades

Breakdown of Grades: 82%

Creativity? 20/25
Background? 20/25
Sim(s)? 21/25
Overall? 21/25

Comments: This is a definite improvement over assignment 1. Good job. You've gotten in closer to the model which is fantastic and the set has a bit more to it. There is still a lot of wasted or unneeded space, you could have zoomed in quite a bit more. If you had you would see the model with the yellow flowers behind her and the flowers at her feet, which would have contrasted beautifully with the model. A good rule of thumb it to leave a space a couple of centimeters or maybe an inch from the top of her head to the top of the picture. You are getting there!

Lesson 3: Inspired by Rexy's SMS thread, I'll provide a model for you and I want you to come up with a set for her. What I will be looking for is if the set fits the model, though the model does not necessarily have to be in the photo. Be as creative as you like. This is due Jan 29th.

The model:

lildonnap Lesson 1 Grades:

Break down of Grade: 61%

Creativity? 16/25
Background? 15/25
Sim(s)? 15/25
Overall? 15/25

Comments: This is graded low, but don't let that discourage you. The backyard is really plain, and it's huge. A few trees, a treehouse, toys, a pond, flowers, rocks . . .there is so much that could have been added to the photo. The sims are really hard to see as well. You need to get in a bit closer and use Camera mode. I posted the functions of Camera mode a few pages back and can definitely repost them if you like. We need to be able to see their expressions or at least have them more dominant in the photo. And the scene behind them needs a bit of detal, right now there is a lot of wasted space. As you go, you will get better and better at making in game sets.

Lesson 2: In game sets is all about practice and learning what you excel at. Some can pull off a really dark photo while others excel at fantasy or sci-fi. And some of the best pics are the ones where it tells a story all on its own. For this lesson, I want you to create something. Just anything that comes to mind. This assignment is due by Jan 28th.

Smash_Box - Lesson 4 Grades

Break down of Grade: 97%

Creativity? 24/25
Background? 25/25
Sim(s)? 25/25
Overall? 23/25

Comments: I love this. Your sim looks gorgeous, and that is a wonderful pose. The background is fantastic and it's just an overall pretty photo. Doing the picture on an angle gave you so much more in your photo than the normal one. It made the sides much narrower and lengthened the photo, which gives way more room to flaunt your model. Great Job!

Lesson 5: I could continue giving you a ton of lessons on sets, but a lot of it is trial and error. What works, what doesn't. But a lot of it is just based on the assignment and how much effort you put into the photo. So for your last lesson before we go into final exam, depict an outdoor set. A lost ruins. You can make it desolate and dark, or it could be set in a jungle. The model could be an explorer or a lost traveler.

As a hint, for dark and desolate, if you use moveobjects on and build up a few levels of walls on the lot and then create your set inside of it, you can create how dark it will be.

This is due Feb 6th.

Smash_box - Lesson 3 Grades

Break down of Grade: 73%

Creativity? 18/25
Background? 17/25
Sim(s)? 20/25
Overall? 18/25

Comments: I'm really not sure where you were taking this picture. The set looks like it could have been already set up by EA in a forest and there seems to be a piece of wood? behinf the rock on the left hand side. And I'm not really sure what Kaylai's purpose is. Is she strolling through the forest? In which case why would she stand like that? That stance is more suited to a crime buster or someone is getting/giving attitude. The background is also a bit dark (as compared to the model who is a bit brighter) making her stand out alot in the picture. All in all, a bit more effort and thought could have gone into the creation of this photo.

Lesson 4: In this lesson, I would like you to create a modelling set. It could be a runway, or a photo shoot on the beach, whatever you like. But I would like you to submit an angled photo. With angled photos, the set shouldn't be too wide, but more narrowed surrounding the model. This is due Jan 28th.

Smash_box - Lesson 2 Grades

Breakdown of Grades: 94%

Creativity? 22/25
Background? 25/25
Sim(s)? 23/25
Overall? 24/25

Comments: What a stunning picture! The background goes on far into the distance which adds a beautiful depth to the picture and just enough in the foreground to really stand out. This is a definite improvement over the first lesson. You can still get in closer to the sim and still keep that gorgeous background.

Lesson 3: Inspired by Rexy's SMS thread, I'll provide a model for you and I want you to come up with a set for her. What I will be looking for is if the set fits the model. Be as creative as you like. This is due Jan 21st.

Smash_Box Lesson 1 Grades:

Break down of Grade: 70%

Creativity? 20/25
Background? 20/25
Sim(s)? 15/25
Overall? 15/25

Comments: This was a really nice photo, it has nice color and having the children off in the background is a nice touch. The sims are not distinguishable due to the fact the picture was taken from far away. For in game pics, there is a Camera mode that you can enter in and out of with the Tab key. This allows you to take pictures closer up as well as angled. I will post for you the Camera Mode functions. Also, think of using flowers, rock, terrain tools and bushes to add to the photo. You did a really good job!

Lesson 2: In game sets is all about practice and learning what you excel at. Some can pull off a really dark photo while others excel at fantasy or sci-fi. And some of the best pics are the ones where it tells a story all on its own. For this lesson, I want you to create something. Just anything that comes to mind. This assignment is due by Jan 15th.

Gingi - Lesson 4 Grades

Break down of Grade: 89%

Creativity? 22/25
Background? 23/25
Sim(s)? 21/25
Overall? 23/25

Comments: This picture really isn't bad, the angle was a nice touch and she could be surrounded by ruins. WA also has a rubble set, broken bowls. Think of using those as well to really complete the look. I can see part of the road in the distance, which does take away from the "lost ruins in a jungle" Just be sure to cover everything up like that. I would also consider having the sim exam the ruin on the other side, so we can see more of her. When you have her posed: Pause the game, MoveObjects on, Move her around and then back into the game with the game still paused. Enter Camera mode and take the picture.

Final Exam: This will include 3 pictures:

Redo the picnic picture.
Redo one of your choice.
Freestyle a picture. (Freestyle means it can be Anything)

This is due Feb 13th!

Gingi - Lesson 4 Grades

Break down of Grade: 96%

Creativity? 25/25
Background? 24/25
Sim(s)? 24/25
Overall? 23/25

Comments: This is a really nice shot. Your model looks gorgeous, but try and keep her feet in the picture as well. She has such a great pose and the lighting on her is perfect. The extras complement her very well and the lighting on them is just the right amount for being in the background. The set behind them really complement them. It's classy and elegant just like the models. The bubbles and confetti are out of place, but overall this is a fabulous picture.

Lesson 5: I could continue giving you a ton of lessons on sets, but a lot of it is trial and error. What works, what doesn't. But a lot of it is just based on the assignment and how much effort you put into the photo. So for your last lesson before we go into final exam, depict an outdoor set. A lost ruins. You can make it desolate and dark, or it could be set in a jungle. The model could be an explorer or a lost traveler.

As a hint, for dark and desolate, if you use moveobjects on and build up a few levels of walls on the lot and then create your set inside of it, you can create how dark it will be.

This is due Jan 27th.

Gingi - Lesson 3 Grades

Break down of Grade: 97%

Creativity? 25/25
Background? 23/25
Sim(s)? 25/25
Overall? 24/25

Comments: This is a really great photo and an excellent background for Kaylai. She fits in nicely with the background and you made good use of the props from Showtime. My only suggestion would be the walls, if perhaps a light or decor piece was hanging, or if you used Camera mode and angled the picture so you get less of the walls and more of the set so you don't see an empty space.

Lesson 4: In this lesson, I would like you to create a modelling set. It could be a runway, or a photo shoot on the beach, whatever you like. But I would like you to submit an angled photo. With angled photos, the set shouldn't be too wide, but more narrowed surrounding the model. This is due Jan 24th.

Gingi - Lesson 2 Grades

Break down of Grade: 87%

Creativity? 22/25
Background? 20/25
Sim(s)? 24/25
Overall? 21/25

Comments: You did a really nice job with the photo, but be careful of clutter. Sometimes you can have too much, and it detracts and takes away from the model. I focus more on the plants than the fairy. In a picture like this, try to have your model more center, and then you can crop away the sides that you don't need. The set should complement the model. You did a really fantastic job on the model, and I wonder what is she doing, she is having fun frolicking it seems.

Great job!

Lesson 3: Inspired by Rexy's SMS thread, I'll provide a model for you and I want you to come up with a set for her. What I will be looking for is if the set fits the model. Be as creative as you like. This is due Jan 18th.

Gingi - Lesson 1 Grades

Break down of Grade: 86%

Creativity? 23/25
Background? 21/25
Sim(s)? 22/25
Overall? 20/25

Comments: You did a really nice job on creating your set. The cement seems a bit over much. Father and son should be playing catch further back on the grass (where some of the cement flooring is) so that if one goes too long, they won't fall on the cement (ouch!) The baby is having lots of fun and you placed her in a good spot, so she doesn't get lost. As for mom, I would recommend shorts, as the game can not smooth out a dress or skirt when a female sits or lies down and it detracts a bit from the game. With editing, you can easily fix all of the games little glitches and give your in game pics a much more flawless look.

Lesson 2: In game sets is all about practice and learning what you excel at. Some can pull off a really dark photo while others excel at fantasy or sci-fi. And some of the best pics are the ones where it tells a story all on its own. For this lesson, I want you to create something. Just anything that comes to mind. This assignment is due by Jan 15th.

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 04/23/12 10:11 AM

What is Set Enhancement?

Set Enhancement is taking an in game picture and enhancing it with brushes from Gimp or Photoshop. This could include adding clouds, a body of water, rain, etc. It is great for those who prefer in game pics but want to do some light editing.

This message was edited 8 times. Last update was at 03/12/13 02:17 PM

This post is reserved for those wishing to sign up as a model for a practice mini comp or as a judge. Models and Judges(especially) may use this Practice comp as a reference for experience in actual modelling comps.

To sign up as a judge include the following:

Name you want to go by:
Have you ever judged before?
A headshot of your judge on either a transparent or white background.

To sign up as a model include the following (these will be graded):

Your Name:
Your Model's Name:
Bio (for your model):
Head and body shot of your model on a white or transparent background.

The post below will focus on assignments and scores.

Rich Bride Poor Bride is based on a Canadian TV show where the couple tries to stay on budget while the bride gets a little Nutso. In this Practice Competition, you will play the part of the event planner who tries to help the couple stay on budget while dealing with the Bride-zilla moments with class. Good luck!

You have met your couple and they have given you the details of their weddings. Throughout the competition, you must stay within a $20,000 budget. The wedding party must go shopping for their wedding attire: Bride/Bridesmaid(s)/Groom/Best man/(ushers). Can the event planner keep them on budget or did the bride put her foot down for the most expensive dress she could find. How much did each attire cost: Tux/shoes/accessories. Gowns/shoes/accessories.

Should be done as two pictures: one showcasing the bridal party the other the groom's. This is due March 22nd.

This message was edited 15 times. Last update was at 03/12/13 01:45 PM

Angel_Zarr wrote:I have a question about the Bio for the model. It has to be about her personality and it should revolve around her being an event planner right?

Model App
Your Name: Angel
Your Model's Name: Carla Mendez
Bio (for your model): My parents were both event planners for a Duke's wedding in Britain. That's how they met and fell in love. My mother's sense of fashion and my father's sense of fluidity and organization, I inherited it all from them both. My parents had a dream, a dream they couldn't achieve. A dream that was almost theirs until, they got into a car accident years ago. Their dream was to watch me plan a wedding and fall in love, just like they did and live happily. I hope someday I'll be able to fulfill their dream, and live happily, while they watch over me. I want to become a successful event planner and fulfill the dream they couldn't.
Head and body shot of your model on a white or transparent background:

Angel_Zarr wrote:Assignment 1

The Owner of the Venue offers the couple the hall with no hesitation. He offers that his workers will follow the brides specific tastes in decoration for the hall. Everything runs smoothly, but the Owner of the Venue tells the bride that it'll cost double the amount than the regular price that seats 200 people and the default decorations colors, Pretty Pink and Crystal White. The Owner of the Venue tells the couple that you can either pay double the amount and get what the bride wants for the hall, or pay the regular (cheaper) price with the default color decor and seats for 200 people.

Question: Would I have to create a solution for this situation?

This message was edited 12 times. Last update was at 03/12/13 02:13 PM

Scores for Practice Comp

Grade for Model App: 70%

The story was very nice and very touching. You can easily develop a connection with her. A few things to consider for the pics. A head shot should be a head shot. The standard is from the shoulders up. Camera mode is a really good tool to use: Camera Mode Guide, and not just for app pics but for assignments as well.

For your full body: try using the flat wall and paint it white from the Misc. tab in CASt. That way you won't see the baseboard in the picture and you can crop it so it's just her in the picture.

Scores for A1:

Creativity: 3/5
Requirements: 2.5/5
Model: 2.5/5
Background: 2/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Total: 12.5/25

Comments: I know that the score is rather disappointing, but you will get better as you progress. A few things to consider: Your event planner is wearing a top that shows her belly: not professional and not something an event planner would wear to a meeting with her client to discuss options. The desk and walls are void of anything. As a business I would expect clutter on the desk, a computer and pictures/plants/various awards on the wall. Be sure to read the assignment carefully. The venue seats 150, you changed it to 200. When venues set a seating amount, its so it is comfortable for guests and staff to move around. And be sure to add more to the story: Are the parents going to foot the bill for the extra cost or do the groom and bride have to. What was the compromise? Being in a competition means paying attention to all the little details both from the assignment and the picture.

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 05/08/12 05:27 PM

To be a Successful Judge/Host

When deciding that you want to start up a competition, remember that experience helps as well as being active in the modeling community.

Key Ingredients to help make your comp a success.

*A fabulous and unique idea - Does it appeal to the masses

*Banners

*Organized and Pleasing to the eye - a lot of simmers use an editing program to make .png files for the introduction to their comp.

*Be an active Judge/Host. Nothing kills a competition quicker than when the scores and new assignment take a long time to go up without word from the host. Be prompt! And if you can't be, try to add a quick update to let the competitors know a time frame.

*If you plan to host the entire competition on one thread, have an

-Introduction Post

-An Assignments Post

-A Scores post at the very least.

*Rules - beyond the basic rules, you can also mention if this is an editing comp, or what kind of editing you will not allow, for example, no photoskinning.

*Scoring - How and what will you be scoring on?

Examples: Creativity, Model's appearance, Pose, overall, etc.
One thing to remember when scoring is that not everyone has a great graphics card, so their pictures are more low quality.

That doesn't mean an automatic low score. Someone with high graphics could have a horrible set, concept or overall picture while the person with low graphics could have put a lot of time, effort and thought into their photo and it shows in the execution.

Pictures always comes down to execution, who did theirs better?

*Be Unbiased - You will undoubtedly have people you know joining your comp. To be a successful judge, everyone must be treated the same. It can be very easy to favor one person over another, simply because you know them. I always find it better to put the person who made the picture out of my mind and focus on the picture itself. Did the picture meet my requirements?

I'd LOVE to be put on the waiting list!!!!

Hehe, the waiting list is more for when I feel too overwhelmed. I can get you started now. I'm waiting for a reply back from a few people.

Just let me know what classes you want to sign up for ^.^

LadyEmillye wrote:Hehe, the waiting list is more for when I feel too overwhelmed. I can get you started now. I'm waiting for a reply back from a few people.

Just let me know what classes you want to sign up for ^.^

Editing and Ingame Sets

I have to go to bed now so NIGHT! Seeya tomorrow ;D

OK then. Have a good night. Your lesson will be up and ready for you tomorrow ^.^

Just go to the Editing post and the ingame Sets post for your lessons.

Lady Em! Sorry to see your old thread not functioning, but this new one looks absolutely refreshed! ^^

I wanted to ask how many students your currently taking and if its still limited to 4.

Thanks in advance! :}

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 10/24/11 02:35 AM

That's ok Dusty. The Ol' School needed an uplift, hehe.

Umm, well I have everything categorized now and everyone is going at their own pace, so I'll say limit to be determined. I.E when it's too overwhelming. However, everyone is going at their own pace, so that makes it easier than trying to get everyone on a set schedule.