DIMENSION 20 BIG BANG
WHAT'S A BIG BANG?
So, first things first - what's a Big Bang?
A Big Bang is a fandom event where artists and authors collaborate: the author will write a fic, and the artist will draw an accompanying piece of art for the fic of their choice. The author's fic must relate to the artist's drawing, and vice versa. This specific Big Bang will center around the five currently-released seasons of Dimension 20: A Crown of Candy, Fantasy High (Freshman Year and Sophomore Year), Tiny Heist, Escape from the Bloodkeep, and the Unsleeping City.
Here's how it'll work. Author sign-ups will happen first: fic authors will complete a Google Form full of particulars (asking them if they'd like a beta, their age, triggers, etcetera), but the most important thing they'll be required to provide upon signing up is a 500 word snippet and outline/concept of a fic idea for Dimension 20. As author sign-ups close, these snippets and concepts will be anonymously compiled into a list.
Then, artist sign-ups will open. Artist sign-ups will also compile of them completing a Google Form, but they'll select (again, from the anonymous list) a prompt that they would like to draw for from the list of author fic snippets and concepts. From there, a moderator will (keeping in mind artist preferences, author preferences, trigger warnings, and other information submitted in sign-up forms) manually pair an artist and author together.
The artist and author will continue to work together through a series of deadlines, completing their project. The cumulation of their partnership will be unveiled at the end of the Big Bang!
RULES
1. All authors and artists must create new content for this event. No currently-published works will be eligible for participation in the event. WIPs will only be accepted in the event that absolutely no previews have been shared of the works at any point. WIPs will be held to the same standard as well: they must also be related to Dimension 20 and connect with your partner's work content-wise (their fic or drawing).
2. Finished written works must exceed the strict word count minimum of 10,000 words. At least one piece of art must be completed by an artist (fully colored or intentionally black-and-white). These requirements are due to the fact that creators will have months to work on their projects, and are also due in part to the nature of Big Bangs (which traditionally have been known to have even up to 100,000 word minimums). Written works must be written in English.
3. There are no restrictions on content other than the rule that it must be a fanwork for Dimension 20, and any content rating will be allowed (from General Audiences to Explicit) but we do not allow NSFW content of characters who are canonically minors, and all art must be SFW. If you're set on submitting an NSFW art piece, it must be completed alongside an SFW piece (meaning you'll have to create a minimum of two works).
3a. Moderators also reserve the right to withhold from posting or sharing prompts that they find heavily disturbing at their discretion (ex. torture porn, rape fic).
4. Because partner selection in the Big Bang is meant to be anonymous (that's part of the fun!), where an artist chooses the fic they'd like to draw for from a list, choosing your partner beforehand by sharing the contents of your work is expressly forbidden.
5. Honestly, it goes without saying, but reproducing other people's work or plagiarizing is...clearly not allowed.
6. Minors who submit written NSFW content will not have their entries counted. Minor artists who apply to draw for NSFW stories will have their requests rejected.
7. Authors participating in this event must have an AO3 account, as well as a form of social media (either e-mail, Twitter, or Tumblr*) which their partner will use to communicate with them. Artists must have a Twitter or Tumblr account.
8. Authors and artists cannot share their works for the Big Bang publicly outside of the given preview dates. If evidence of this is found, the creator will be given a single warning. Please refrain from talking about the contents of your work for the Big Bang, whether vague or explicit, at any given point outside of the only given instance of sharing your preview pieces. The "reveal" period is meant to be especially fun because of the mystery of what everyone's been up to during the event period!
9. You cannot sign up as both an artist and an author - you will have to select one. If you feel as if you have the time and ability to fulfill both roles, please sign up as a pinch-hitter instead. Authors and artists cannot be betas as well. If you're not sure what those words mean, please refer to the page "What Can I Sign Up As?" linked in the main menu.
10. Most importantly of all, have fun! The purpose of the event is to reach out, talk to, and work alongside other creators in the fandom. Creating can be such a solitary task, and hopefully this event allows you to experience and enjoy creating in a group.
*All participants are required to have and provide an email they regularly check. This is how moderators will contact them and share announcements and important information about events.
ROLES
Now that you've (hopefully) read the rules and you know what a Big Bang is, the new question that hangs in the air: What can I sign up for this event as?
There are five roles with which you can participate: an author, an artist, a beta, an art pinch-hitter, or a fic pinch-hitter. Below are explanations on what they are and what it means to sign up for each one.
Author. Signing up to be an author means that you'll be participating in the event as a fic author. You will need to write a minimum of 10k words by the end of the event, and you will be working with an artist who will create an accompanying work for your fic.
Artist. Signing up to be an author means that you'll be participating in the event as a fan artist. You will need to create a minimum of one finished piece by the end of the event, and you will be working with an author who will create an accompanying work for your art.
Art pinch-hitter. By signing up as a pinch-hitter, you're becoming the moderator's favorite person a possible substitute/fill-in! If an artist is unable to complete their work and has to drop out for any reason, you're going to take their place and work with the author who was previously partnered with that artist. Additionally, if an author finds themselves without any partners, you'll be contacted as a possible fill-in.
Fic pinch-hitter. By signing up as a pinch-hitter, you're becoming the moderator's favorite person a possible substitute/fill-in! If an author is unable to complete their work and has to drop out for any reason, you're going to take their place and work with the artist who was previously partnered with that author. Additionally, if an artist finds themselves without any partners, you'll be contacted as a possible fill-in.
Beta. A beta's job is to simply proofread an author's written work, checking for flaws and offering constructive criticism upon an author's request. Betas will not be automatically provided - an author will have to specifically request one in their sign-up sheet in the area provided.
TIMELINES AND DEADLINES
July 24, 2020. Author, beta, and fic pinch-hitter sign-up forms open. Authors will be required to submit a 500 word snippet of their fic idea for the Big Bang, as well as an outline or concept summary of their fic (not included in the 500w).
August 3rd. Author sign-up forms close.
August 4th. Artist sign-up forms open and art pinch-hitter forms open. Artists will be required to select a fic snippet from anonymous author submissions to draw for.
August 14th. Artist sign-up forms close.
August 15-16th. Pairing announcements will be emailed to participants by moderators.
August 29th. Check-in #1. Artists must have completed a rough sketch/plan for their artwork. Authors must have hit 1,500 words.
September 25th. Check-in #2. Artists must have completed further progress on their artwork. Authors must have hit 3,750 words. Artists and authors may post a preview of their work for the Dimension 20 Big Bang if they so choose.
October 1st. All pinch-hitter and beta forms close.
October-29th. Check in #3. Artists must have completed further progress on their artwork. Authors must have hit 6,000 words. Artists and authors may post a preview of their work for the Dimension 20 Big Bang if they so choose.
November 25th. Check in #4. Artists must be nearing completion on their artworks. Authors must have hit 8,250 words. Artists and authors may post a preview of their work for the Dimension 20 Big Bang if they so choose.
December 15-23rd. Final deadline. The final check-in. Authors and artists must email moderators notifying moderators of the completion of their works during this time period. Authors must add their works to the Dimension 20 Big Bang Collection on AO3 by the last day of the deadline.
December 24th. Reveal. Authors and artists are free to publish their works on Twitter, Tumblr, and other platforms. Moderators will lift restrictions on written works in the AO3 collection, allowing them to be viewed and read by the public.
FAQ
Q: What if I need to drop out for some reason?
A: We'd really prefer it if you didn't drop out unless you really had to, just because of the inconvenience it'd cause the rest of the organizers, and your partner, but in the case that you have to, please let the us know ASAP via email ([email protected]) so we can work on filling your spot.
Q: What if I don't finish in time?
A: The check-ins are meant to ensure that all artists and authors are working on their collaborations at a steady pace and will be able to finish it by the deadline. However, in the occasion that you are unable to finish in time, you may still post it after the reveal date, but your work will probably gain less traction than it would if it were revealed during the reveal period with the other works! :( Again, though, in order to be respectful of your partner, we highly encourage that you take the initiative to finish your work on-time.
Q: What happens if there are no artists that select my fic? Can I not participate?
A: If this happens, then artist pinch-hitters will fill in the spot for you! Rest assured - even if you don't get a partner in the initial sign-up period, the moderators will make sure you at least have someone to collaborate with.
Q: What happens if there are no prompts/fics that I want to draw for, even though I really want to participate in the event?
A: If this happens, please contact a mod at our email [email protected], and we'll arrange something for you.
Q: Is there a preferred canvas size?
A: No, there isn't! As long as it's postable, it should be fine. While .PNGs may be preferable, please note that Twitter (if you plan to upload your art there) currently has code implemented that makes .JPEGs look better and preserve the quality of the original image!
Q: How do check-ins work?
A: The moderators will e-mail you asking for an update on your work and proof of current progress. If you do not respond within two days, we will mark you down as having "dropped" your spot and will search for someone to fill your spot as soon as possible. If special accommodations need to be made, please mention them in your sign-up sheet or e-mail us to let us know we need to make arrangements at [email protected].
Q: What if my partner just ghosts me?
A: Let us know immediately, and we'll try to sort it out. If the situation can't be salvaged, we'll find you a new partner ASAP.
Q: What if I don't have an AO3 account but I want to sign up as a writer?
A: Register for one ASAP. If you're a pinch-hitter worried about getting an account in time for the gallery period, contact a moderator immediately via e-mail and we'll hook you up!
Q: Can I submit a sequel to a story that I've already published? / Can I submit a drawing that's a part of a series I've started on my account already?
A: You can, but the artwork/fic itself must be a new work made exclusively for the Dimension 20 Big Bang. It must be able to be read and/or digested as a standalone work.
Q: I know I can't apply as both an author and an artist, but is it possible for me to submit more than one prompt/work on more than one piece as an author/an artist?
A: This'll depend on how many submissions we get! We'll keep you updated as entries come in - remember to keep checking our twitter account for updates!
Q: Are crossovers allowed?
A: It's a bit of a tricky question! Crossovers are allowed in the sense that you're able to create inter-season works (think TUC meets FHSY), and you're certainly allowed to make AUs (like Crown of Candy characters set in the Star Wars verse), but creating content with characters from other fandoms instead of just putting Dimension 20 characters into other settings - say, Batman meeting Figueroth Faeth - is heavily discouraged. It's a Dimension 20 Big Bang, so we're trying to keep the subject matter related to Dimension 20! If you have a specific scenario or idea in mind you're not sure is allowed, please ask us about it at our curiouscat or e-mail us about it!
Q: Can an artist create more than one piece of art for the same collaboration?
A: Yes, absolutely!
Q: Can I turn my story/art in early if I finish before the deadline?
A: YES, YES, YES. We'd love to have it! Artworks can be submitted by e-mail for proof of completion, while fics can be submitted to the collection on AO3 early. However, they can't be revealed to the public earlier than the specified date on the timeline (Dec. 24th, 2020).
Q: What timezone is the event in?
A: PST. All deadlines will have countdowns in our Carrd.
Q: If there are too much of one creator than another (i.e. a few more writers than artists or vice versa), how do you plan on adjusting that so each creator can be paired up?
A: If we have too many of one over the over, that's where the pinch-hitters will come in! If someone finds themselves without a partner, those who signed up as a pinch-hitter will step in to fill that missing role.
CONTACT MODERATORS
if you have questions you'd like to direct to a moderator, please either send it to our email ([email protected]), or our curiouscat. We also have a Tumblr and respond to Twitter DMs (find us @d20bigbang). If you'd like to contact our moderators for any purposes outside of the Dimension 20 Big Bang, you can find links to reach them below in their respective profiles.
SIGN-UP FORMS
Artist Pinch-Hitter Form: OPEN
Beta Form: OPEN
Fic Pinch-hitter Form: OPEN
Current countdown until FIRST CHECK IN:
CURRENT STATS
According to the sign-up forms, there are 41 authors, 47 artists, 17 betas, 11 artist pinch-hitters and 9 fic pinch-hitters.
There are 25 authors interested in writing for Fantasy High, 3 authors interested in writing for The Unsleeping City, 12 authors interested in writing for A Crown of Candy, and 1 author interested in writing a Fantasy High and The Unsleeping City crossover.
We have betas interested in beta-ing for all seasons. We are currently looking for fic pinch hitters the most, seconded by betas and then artist pinch-hitters.
Fun Fact: There are four Jays in this event, and three Bees.
Last Updated: Friday, August 16th, 2020, at 4:26PM PST.