I have no skin in this game - but decent at brainstorming random ideas.
Collab ideas:
The collaboration event could be a limited time special event - maybe in between Rumbles.
Kind of going off the various cooking shows that throw twists halfway through the competition -
Set up like a rumble round - each participant is set up with the horse stock, background stock, and theme; and a set time limit to get it completed
BUT WAIT - A Twist!
In the cooking shows, just as the contestants are in the middle of having things pull together, but everything is separate components, the lovable host interrupts and with a few simple words turns the entire concept and flow of the round out the window for the chefs. Sometimes the twist is a different theme, or a new element required - or swapping workstations with someone else!
I had a couple ideas to implement a collaboration twist
Least Invasive
- The artists work with the given criteria of the prompt, then the image is swapped with another artist. The second artist must insert a second set of criteria within the first image (something like adding animals or background element. This would be the safest from potential drop outs - each element could be judged if two images are incomplete.
- Similar to the previous but the second artist must complete the image by adding elements to the horse (Artist A sets the horse into the background according to the theme, and Artist B adds the details and embellishments to the horse). The first image should be a finished piece.
- With a Twist: Artist A is given a prompt and criteria, submit finished piece - But Wait - the image is given to Artist B who is given a New Prompt (should be similar to original but 'twisted') and added element to be added and shift the image to portray the new theme. (Example: a sweet bridal portrait, but twisted to make it haunted)
- Tier Swap | An artist from a lower tier works on the prompt and then it's given to an artist from the upper tier to finish
With all of this - each artist would work on Two Pieces. The first piece with the original prompt, and the second where they finish someone else's piece with the Twist
Most Collaborative/Invasive
- List of details and done in a grab bag style, find partner and figure out what parts can be done by who - (artist A completes the body cut, Artist B does the mane, A does the tail, B does blending, etc. etc. etc.) Break down of skills can be harder for upper tiers. This can be a Single Image sent in, done by both artists. Or it could be Two Images as the artists flip roles for each piece (Artist A starts Image 1, Artist B starts Image 2 - then swap, and swap again for each new detail/role that's been predetermined)
- - -
Totally random thought - what if all of the Rumble images are put in Escrow or something, so that the artist can't sellout before the reveal?
Maybe an auction can be set up right after each round by a Third Party so the art and artist aren't connected except through the SSCNs.
The pieces are in high demand in that moment so it's understandable for wanting to sell, this way it stays anonymous.
(set up a horse auction with the auctioned images so it can be set up like a real auction instead of through the forums or outside coding - spit-balling ideas as I type)
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The Who's Who of it all
Making a Game of matching the Artists with their Super Secret Code Names
It first depends on if the entered artists are known from the start.
If there is a list at the very beginning of all the artists who wish to enter (like the most recent where everyone posted on the Rumble Thread with their name and tier).
Everyone who wants to participate in the Who's Who game could make their guesses of matching the Stable Name with the SSCN - this could be done with each round, starting before the first round is posted. At the end of the Rumble, anyone who got the names right at the very first round would get more points than those at the last round (e.g. 100 points versus 5 points for each correct guess). The points could translate to prizes or ebs.
If the artists are completely anonymous - not a clear list of who has entered (could be done through a Google Form or Mailed in Entry) - the game could be to guess what artists/stables have entered and then figure out the SSCN
...sidebar ideas...
...all interested contestants could be given a set of stock and prompt to be submitted by deadline (done when the artists slots are opened and a deadline of 5-X days later). The Rumble Panel could sort the given entries into the tiers. This would help to give the potential artists an idea of what is expected and if they can give the quality performance in the set time - like a Mock Rumble Round.
...what if there were awards for Rookie, or Most Improved, Audience Choice? All the Rumble Round Images could be voted on for the most favorite and the artist could get special recognition?
...if there is a Tie in voting or really close - could the two artists go into a Sudden Death/Rematch Round?
...it would be interesting to have like Demos/Clinics happening along side - like other artists not participating (or on an Off week) posting speed-paint videos, or How-Tos tip tutorials. An educational and engaging element to show what the skills needed to participate are (and how to get better!) - maybe these images could be bought and part of the proceeds go into the Rumble Prize Pot?
...I don't know if it's feasible, but having Grand Prizes be something artist related like a subscription to stock images or art shop program - up the ante for winning the Rumble