LATEST NEWS (Updated 11/11/2024)

The Animation/FX Stage has begun!

We've got some great 3D models to choose from, animators and FX artists! If you are participating in the animation/fx stage, please make sure to create a progress thread to show your work throughout the course of this stage. Threads can be created here on itch in the Community Forum, or on the Seattle Indies Discord.

This is the last stage of Art Mini Quest! Final submissions for the Animation/FX stage need to be submitted here, on itch, and are due Saturday, November 23rd, by 5pm PDT.

Concept Art (2 Weeks): Start Date: October 13th, 2024 Participants will have two weeks to create one (1) concept illustration based on the chosen theme of the jam. The concept can be of a character (or multiple characters), props, or a small diorama-like environment. Deliverables: One (1) image in a standard, flattened file format (PNG, JPG, GIF, etc.) Optional: Turn sheet showing the character from side view, back view, and in a variety of poses Color and material callout sheet Photo references used (if any)

3D Modeling (2 Weeks): Start Date: October 27th, 2024 Participants may choose from any of the concept pieces created during the Concept Art stage of the jam, or may choose a different concept to work from (provided they have been given permission, in writing, to do so). Artists will have two weeks to model, unwrap, and texture at least one (1) 3D asset based on the concept they are working from. Depending on the concept chosen, the asset can be a character model, prop, or small, diorama-like environment. If the model is a character, it is suggested that the final deliverable (see below) is in T-pose, A-pose, or some other neutral pose to make it easier for animators to rig it. Deliverables: At least one (1) 3D model in a standard format (OBJ, FBX, GLTF/GLB, etc.) Any associated texture files (albedo/diffuse, normal, roughness, metallic, etc.) Rendered image(s) of the model(s) from 3 different views (can also be screenshots of the model from within a game engine or model viewer software) Optional: An exported scene from a game engine (examples: Unreal, Godot, Unity) or model viewer software (examples: Sketchfab, Marmoset Toolbag) containing the model(s)

Animation/FX (2 Weeks): Start Date: November 10th, 2024 Participants may choose from any of the assets created during the 3D Modeling stage of the jam, or may choose to work with another model or models (provided they have been given permission, in writing, to do so). Alternatively, if any artists want to do 2D animation/fx instead of 3D, they may select one of the concept pieces created during the first stage of the jam and use those assets moving forward. Artists will have two weeks to rig, animate, and/or create effects for their chosen 3D/2D asset(s). Deliverables: One (1) rendered video, playblast, or screen recording of the asset(s) animated (looping and non-looping are both acceptable) Optional: Video(s) displaying the rig and demonstrating its capabilities. An exported scene from the animation software used to animate the assets (examples: Maya, Blender, Spine) or game engine (examples: Unreal, Godot, Unity) containing the rigged asset(s).

October 12th: Theme is announced.
October 13th: Concept Art stage begins.
October 26th: Concept Art submissions due.
October 27th: 3D Modeling stage begins.
November 9th: 3D Modeling submissions due.
November 10th: Animation/FX stage begins.
November 23rd: Animation/FX submissions due.
November 24th: After Party!

• Each stage of the jam is only two weeks long! It is highly recommended, therefore, that you focus on simplicity in your designs/models/animations/FX. This is especially true for the concept art stage - keep in mind that other artists in the jam may be working off your concepts, so try to design things that are achievable in a two week period without causing undue stress.


• You may choose to participate in as many stages of the jam as you’d like, and create as many assets as you’d like. The goal is to keep things achievable in two weeks, but if you have the time and the drive then feel free to pursue it!


• As was mentioned previously, it is highly encouraged that you follow the chosen theme of the jam but absolutely not required.


• Show your work! During the course of the jam all artists will create a thread and post updates on the progress of their submissions. You have two options: create a thread here on itch.io, or join the Seattle Indies discord server and create a thread in the #game-jam-progress channel. If creating a thread on the SI discord, make sure to put "[AMQ01]" at the beginning of the title of your thread so people know it is related to this jam.


• Art Mini Quest is a Seattle Indies event, and as such participants are required to abide by the Seattle Indies Code of Conduct. Anyone violating these rules will be removed from the event and barred from participation in any of the associated activities.


• No generative AI of any kind is allowed to be used at any stage of the jam. Submissions with AI will be removed from the jam and the person or people who submitted them will be barred from participation in any jam-related activities.


• By participating in the jam, you are giving consent for your assets to be used by other artists in other stages of the jam. This does not mean, however, that anyone has the right to use these assets in any works (commercial or otherwise) outside of or beyond the scope of this art jam. You, as the artist, still own and retain the rights to your work. Anyone wishing to use your work will need to gain permission from you and any other artists involved in the creation of the asset(s) in question.

The Seattle Indies community dedicates this jam to the memory of Steve Zapata. The core pillars of Art Mini Quest are creativity, community, and honing ones craft - all things Steve believed strongly in. He was a vibrant addition to the Seattle Indies art community and I believe he would have been incredibly excited to participate in this jam.