Hello guys!

We've taken the time to split up the AP Guide into several parts for the ease of new-comers and those who have been around the block. This first part is for Visual Arts such as Digital and Traditionally done images. Remember that some events have additional limitations on the maximum number of characters presented within! As always, if you have any questions, please head to the #AP-Questions channel in our Discord!


Remember ; We do not accept Traditional Art Pieces that -

Remember ; We do not accept Digital Art Pieces that -

PRIMARY CHARACTER BASE COUNT

Each Base count for a character should revolve around the physical visual depiction as well as the anatomy level and detail of that character.

With most visual art work, you have Head Shots, Half Body and Full Body Depictions of which can vary from Very Simple /Stylized forms, Simplified forms, Standard forms to Advanced forms. These Subjects then have varying levels of Progress Stages, from a rough, basic sketch, up all the way to a Detailed Lineart.

Together these three aspects make up the Base Count for your Character, and Each character earing AP should be judged in these general manners, though based off the ability you have.

SUBJECT OF DEPICTION

Each category of the subject has its initial category of depiction: Headshot, Half-body, and Full body.


IMPORTANT! There are various angles and poses in which most of the body is not visible for the viewer. (When you look at the cat from the front and the beast is in the middle of the jump etc). However, such depictions will still be counted as full body unless there is a clear attempt to hide the cat's body. (For example poor composition choice, putting bushes in front of the cat, or placing the cat in the very corner of the image).


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HEADSHOT EXAMPLE:

HALF-BODY EXAMPLE 1:

HALF-BODY EXAMPLE 2:

FULL BODY EXAMPLE:

ANATOMY AND DETAIL LEVEL

Each category of the subject depiction has its sub-category:


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Very simple forms / strongly stylized Example:

Simplified Example 1:
 (you can tell it's a cat)

Simplified Example 2:
 (you can tell it's a cat)

Standard Example:

(correct body ratios, you can tell it is a big cat):

Advanced Example:

(shows advanced detail of its individual subspecies and is clear to the eye)

PHYSICAL FORM

Stages of progress for Physical forms are:


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SIMPLE SKETCH: + 0.5 AP

 Has no examples, as this is the category specific for painterly done artwork. No matter if there was a sketch or the art was painted in a “raw” way, painterly art pieces will get this bonus.

DETAILED SKETCH: + 1 AP

SIMPLE LINEART: + 1 AP

DETAILED LINEART: + 2 AP

Head Shot BASE Counts

HS + S. Sketch + Strongly Stylized Form = 0.5 Base AP
HS + S. Sketch + Simplified Form = 0.5 Base AP
HS + S. Sketch + Standard Form = 1 Base AP
HS + S. Sketch + Advanced Form = 1.5 Base AP

HS + D. Sketch + Strongly Stylized Form = 1 Base AP
HS + D. Sketch + Simplified Form = 1 Base AP
HS + D. Sketch + Standard Form = 1.5 Base AP
HS + D. Sketch + Advanced Form = 2 Base AP

HS + S. Lineart + Strongly Stylized Form = 1 Base AP
HS + S. Lineart + Simplified Form = 1 Base AP
HS + S. Lineart + Standard Form = 1.5 Base AP
HS + S. Lineart + Advanced Form = 2 Base AP

HS + D. Lineart + Strongly Stylized Form = 2 Base AP
HS + D. Lineart + Simplified Form = 2 Base AP
HS + D. Lineart + Standard Form = 2.5 Base AP
HS + D. Lineart + Advanced Form = 3 Base AP

Half Body BASE Counts

HB + S. Sketch + Strongly Stylized Form = 0.5 Base AP
HB + S. Sketch + Simplified Form = 0.5 Base AP
HB + S. Sketch + Standard Form = 1 Base AP
HB + S. Sketch + Advanced Form = 1.5 Base AP

HB + D. Sketch + Strongly Stylized Form = 1 Base AP
HB + D. Sketch + Simplified Form = 1 Base AP
HB + D. Sketch + Standard Form = 1.5 Base AP
HB + D. Sketch + Advanced Form = 2 Base AP

HB + S. Lineart + Strongly Stylized Form = 1 Base AP
HB + S. Lineart + Simplified Form = 1 Base AP
HB + S. Lineart + Standard Form = 1.5 Base AP
HB + S. Lineart + Advanced Form = 2 Base AP

HB + D. Lineart + Strongly Stylized Form = 2 Base AP
HB + D. Lineart + Simplified Form = 2 Base AP
HB + D. Lineart + Standard Form = 2.5 Base AP
HB + D. Lineart + Advanced Form = 3 Base AP

Full Body BASE Counts

FB + S. Sketch + Strongly Stylized Form = 1 Base AP
FB + S. Sketch + Simplified Form = 1 Base AP
FB + S. Sketch + Standard Form = 1.5 Base AP
FB + S. Sketch + Advanced Form = 3 Base AP

FB + D. Sketch + Strongly Stylized Form = 1.5 Base AP
FB + D. Sketch + Simplified Form = 1.5 Base AP
FB + D. Sketch + Standard Form = 2 Base AP
FB + D. Sketch + Advanced Form = 3.5 Base AP

FB + S. Lineart + Strongly Stylized Form = 1.5 Base AP
FB + S. Lineart + Simplified Form = 1.5 Base AP
FB + S. Lineart + Standard Form = 2 Base AP
FB + S. Lineart + Advanced Form = 3.5 Base AP

FB + D. Lineart + Strongly Stylized Form = 2.5 Base AP
FB + D. Lineart + Simplified Form = 2.5 Base AP
FB + D. Lineart + Standard Form = 3 Base AP
FB + D. Lineart + Advanced Form = 4.5 Base AP

Coloring / Shading

COLORING

This division has two options:

+ 1 AP : Flatcolour/Coloured
OR
+ 1 AP : Toned


! IMPORTANT !

For painterly art you should pick flatcolour option here. Even if you do not use the actual “stage” of flatcolouring your image.



As you can see below, the toned section has nothing to do with shading. Toned stands for representation of colours without actually using the colours. Only tones.


Flatcoloured image of Wasabi the mascot

Toned image of Wasabi the mascot

SHADING

There are four sub-categories:

SIMPLE SHADING: + 0.5 AP

BASIC SHADING: + 1 AP

ADVANCED SHADING: + 2 AP

COMPLEX SHADING: + 3 AP

Factoring Backgrounds

Background can be coloured or black and white and will still be divided into four categories:

! IMPORTANT !

Original/non-standard backgrounds, such as elemental compositions (fire or water BG) or that works with more decorative elements than true BGs will be evaluated individually according to the overall amount of the details present in them.

SIMPLE BG: + 0.5 AP

Simple BG should contain at least clear division on land and sky (the surface on which cat stands on and the space that surrounds the animal) have at least two significant/distinguishable objects in the surroundings. The surfaces need to be thoroughly coloured or toned, so the tones and hues of objects can be determined easily. 

BASIC BG: + 1 AP

In this example we just improved on the original composition of the simple BG. (with these series we will continue to add complexity to chosen background). Notice the two tones (volume) added to the sky, vague yet noticeable details in the trees, the perspective and space that hills received and the hints for grass on it. Notice shadows that objects leave.

ADVANCED BG: + 2 AP

More depth and details are added to the image. Clouds in the sky, more detailed green of the trees. More objects. More details on the foreground.

COMPLEX BG: + 3 AP

Even more depth and details. Notice how developed and detailed the foreground gets. Additional details added. Flowers, details in bushes and grass. Complex BG might be present as an artwork on its own. It should look detailed, interesting and fulfilled even without the cats in the scene.

Photo Manipulated Backgrounds - 

Currently these Backgrounds are graded on a case to case bases.

ALL Photo Manipulated Backgrounds MUST link to their original Stock image.

Generally, those PM-BG's that have clearly had extensive editing / painting into them, can count as backgrounds and could earn up to 2 AP maximum. While those with little to no adjustment may possibly not earn any AP.


Architecture / Vehicle Bonus - 

This Bonus is dedicated to looking at the vehicles and or buildings presented within the art piece, granting AP dependent upon detail.



Spectators / Crowd /Ambient Creatures - 

This Bonus is broken into three sections depending on how detailed the Ambient Humans / Creatures are within the piece.

This bonus does NOT Stack, and should be seen as an average level of detail across the entirety of the background characters viewed.



COUNTING BONUS AP

Active Handler in Image -

Only counts for Handlers (full body / 50% +)    

IMPORTANT: ** 1 handler per cat(s) they are working/interacting with. Keep it realistic!
+ Max of 5 Active Handlers within any Art piece are valid to earn AP
 - Further, a Maximum of 10 Active Characters are allowed to be count for AP Bonuses.

SHADOW FORMED:
 + 0 AP

CHIBI/SIMPLE HANDLER:
+ 0.5 AP

BASIC HANDLER:
+1 AP

ADVANCED HANDLER:
+2 AP

Handler Holds a SND - + 1 AP

This bonus is for art pieces that specifically have clear indications that the Handler, of whom holds a valid SND given by the group, is training a Shedu.

Often this bonus corelates to Shedu Fundamental Training Images, but, you do not have to have the piece be an official SFT piece. It can be miscellaneous training of the Shedu, but must clearly be that the handler with the SND is training the Shedu in question for this bonus to apply.

This Bonus does NOT stack even if multiple handlers have their SND's.
 - Further, SND Only applied to the Cat/s the Handler is directly training

Example ; If Shedu A Is being Trained by Handler A, and Shedu B is being trained by Handler B. But only Handler A holds a SND, only Shedu A will gain this bonus!


SHEDU TACK & HANDLER ATTIRE

The examples show only part of shedu cats tack - halter.
 But it's legit for any type of tack or attire. 

If 'Attire' upon a handler, it must be beyond the basic clothing of the handler, such as additional jewelry, armor, abnormal outfit, or otherwise not their normal look.

SIMPLE: + 0.5 AP

STANDARD: + 1 AP

DETAILED: + 2 AP

COUNTING BONUS AP

Active Characters - 

There can be up to 10 TOTAL Active Characters (legit for AP count) in the picture:

TOTAL OF 10 DOES INCLUDE the Primary Subject / Primary Handler.
Those do NOT stack with the below bonuses!

Meaning you cannot count your Primary Handler Twice!

! NOTICE !
All 'Active' Characters MUST have legitimate uploaded reference sheets!


You can not exceed the limits:


Bonus handlers, cats and other Creatures must be relevant to the art you are drawing and not hastily forced into the image! Same goes for other ARPGS and Group cats featured!

! ADDITIONAL BONUS CAPS !

(The two bonuses below do not stack. Only one or the other may be used)

+3 AP per Group/Elsevier cat - Max 3 cats.

OR

+3 AP per Other ARPG Species bonus - Max 2 Species.

- Same Species Does not give x2 Bonus, Species must be Different for more than 1 Bonus!
( ie 2 Tokotas will NOT give you +6 AP )


! REGULATIONS AND REMINDER !

Bonus creatures such as additional handlers, cats, Arpg species and group cats relevant to the piece they are featured in only count if your entry is clearly of standard quality in cat, handler, and background (shading, tack, percentage of cat shown are an exception to this rule) however this is judged against your own gallery and must be at least of standard quality for your usual pieces. 

All extra creatures and cats shown must also be linked to their official reference sheets to be valid.

Shedu Mascot Feature - + 0.5 AP

This bonus is for Art Pieces that specifically include one of the Official Shedu Mascots clearly within an image with at least 50% of their body showing.

Mascots can be drawn into pieces as physical beings, or as pictures, billboard art, banners, etc.


Show / Exploration - + 3 AP

Further this includes ; Bi-Weekly Races, Group Sponsored Shows, Classic and Breeders SPC's, Prospective Beast Tests, Explorations, and all Official Group Shows and those sponsored and approved by SheduCats Group.

THIS BONUS CANNOT STACK, ONLY ONE OF THESE OPTIONS IS VALID FOR THIS BONUS

These pieces should clearly identify what event the characters are participating, not just Shedus and Handlers mindlessly wandering around for explorations, or taking a nap during the middle of a show!


ADDITIONALLY : Some Shedu Shows give additional AP as prizes to the Shedus. This AP should ALWAYS be processed through the bank and the link used for this 'BOUND" AP should come from the Shedu being Graded's  LOG.


Show Placement - + 1 / 2 / 3 AP

For those who can validly link to an Official Group Show (or Show Sponsored and Approved by the SheduCats Group) Placement from the Shedu's LOG.

3 AP for First Place
2 AP for Second Place
1 AP for Third Place


Shedu Fundamental Training - + 2 AP

This bonus is for art pieces that specifically have been turned in as Shedu Fundamental Training Pieces.

These pieces should clearly identify what is happening for the SFT, and not just be handlers and their Shedus mindlessly wandering around. We must be able to clearly know that the Shedus are 'Training to Stand Tied" or "Training to walk on a lead"!


Monthly Prompts - 

For those who can validly link to a sent Monthly Prompt comment entry.

AP amount is dependent upon the Prompt itself. Not all prompts allow Literature entries.

Valid Once per Cat per Month, unless otherwise stated.

ADDITIONALLY This AP should be validated through the BANK and applied to the Shedu cat's LOG!


Monthly Theme - + 5 AP

For those who can validly link to a sent Monthly Theme comment entry.

Valid Once per Cat per Theme, unless otherwise stated.

ADDITIONALLY This AP should be validated through the BANK and applied to the Shedu cat's LOG!


Seasonal AP - + 3 AP

For those who can validly link to a sent Seasonal AP comment entry.

Valid multiple times per cat per month unless otherwise stated.


ANIMATIONS - 


Official Reference Sheet - + 10 AP

This Bonus is only allowed ONCE per CHARACTER for Valid AP Counting. ( Meaning Subsequent References will not earn this Bonus )
Further - This Reference sheet may be Head Shot but must at least be Colored to count.
Additionally , The Character should have adequate information about them in the artists Comments, to include ; a link back to their SheduMaster uploaded Reference (if a Shedu).
Examples ;
Shedu Reference: Historia | Torch n Batty Official Reference | Tabs Strutting His Stuff
Juan Elsevier | Sasha F. Melor | Samuel Rahmer | .:[Shedu] Juliette Blanchette:.


Featured Art Bonus - + 10 AP

For those who can validly link to a Featured Art Stamp's AP applied to the Shedu's Log.

Only valid once per piece, per uploaded Shedu within the piece.

If no Shedus are within the piece, valid per valid handler, who has a valid Reference Sheet, for Unbound AP.

ADDITIONALLY This AP should be validated through the BANK and applied to the Shedu cat's LOG!