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Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted

Posted by i_amtrunks May 7, 2008 at 5:55pm CDT 23,993 views
As the Transformers Mosaic's reach their first birthday in June 2008, it appears that the Mosaic Team are planning to "Reboot" the series to improve it's flow and consistency.

Read on to find out more about what is in store for the Mosaic Project.

As the project quickly approaches its first birthday in June, the project team have decided it’s the perfect time to re-asses the project and how it runs.

Since its conception last year, the project has grown well beyond our initial plans / hopes, and now there are over 400 people involved with well over 250 pieces in various stages of construction.

These staggering statistics make it nigh on impossible to keep in touch with every member and keep things on track for all the pieces in production, and many people feeling concerned that their piece has fallen off the radar.

The Megatron Origin-based anniversary project has proven to be very successful, with the creative teams being set in place before work begins on a piece and all follow-up being performed each member of the creative team. This has kept things well on track for each piece. Also, we’ve found that specifying a specific theme/setting has really forced everyone to lift their game so to speak and has produced some simply amazing pieces of work.

Further to the issue, with 6 pieces being released per week (to combat the large backlog), we’re not pleased with the small amount of “air time” that each piece receives, as some do tend to get overlooked.

So what does all that mean?

Well, as of June 2008, we will no longer be accepting any scripts from anyone for regular mosaics and there will no longer be a “script pool” for artists to pick from. All Mosaics currently in production will still continue to be a part of the project and will be released as usual, though our plans are to cut down to releasing one piece per week, on Thursdays.

For any writer / artist / colourist wishing to work on a regular Mosaic, they will be required to organize the full creative team before work can begin. Scripts will need to be submitted to the Transformers Mosaic team for approval. The best way to gather up a creative team would be to send a call out on the IDW forums in the “Transformers Mosaic: Discussion” thread, or any of the other sites where Mosaics are posted.

Once we have been approached by a committed creative team, we will supply them with a (currently in progress) Transformers Mosaic Style Guide. This will be a .ZIP file that will contain a standardized TFM logo, layout templates/guides and lettering fonts.

The Anniversary pieces, which were originally intended to be posted all at once, will now be released 10 at a time, every Monday for 4 weeks, stating 7th of June.

For the whole month of July, Transformers Mosaic will be on holiday, so no Mosaics of any sort will be posted during this time and emails / queries will likely not be handled promptly.

After July, regular Mosaics will continue to be posted one every Thursday and to fill the gap on Mondays left by the Anniversary project, we will be running a similar project, but this one is to be set during the new Transformers Animated cartoon. The one downside we found from the anniversary project was that the theme was too “open” and resulted in more pieces than we had planned for, so we’re limiting the number of characters / pieces to be included in the project.

The following characters are to be included in the project;

DECEPTICONS:
1. Megatron
2. Lugnut
3. Blitzwing [claimed]
4. Starscream [claimed]
5. BlackArachnia
6. Lockdown (yeah, technically he’s not a Con, but…)

AUTOBOTS:
1. Optimus Prime
2. Prowl
3. Bulkhead
4. Ratchet
5. Ultra Magnus
6. Sentinel Prime
7. Jazz
8. Bumblebee

DINOBOTS:
1. Grimlock

HUMANS:
1. Sari Sumdac
2. Isaac Sumdac

The same rules will apply for this project as the Anniversary one, though each person may only be involved in one (1) piece, and each piece may only focus on one (1) character from the above list, though multiple characters may appear in one piece. It will be first come, first choice with character assignments. You cannot claim a character until your creative team is assembled and committed.

When you have a creative team lined up, email us at transformers.mosaic@gmail.com. We will base character dibs on receipt time of emails sent to this address ONLY. We will update the above list for availability as often as possible until all slots are taken. If you miss your first choice, re-submit a message for your next choice and so on.

The Transformers Mosaic team will reserve the right to edit / reject scripts at their discretion.

All scripts, listing FULL creative team must be submitted to Transformers.mosaic@gmail.com by 30th of June, 2007.

Concerned you might miss out on getting involved in this project? Well, we’re planning on making these projects and ongoing process, so there’s always next time.
Also keep in mind that you can still submit regular mosaics if your creative team would still like to work on a TFA piece.

We understand that these new processes may seem unfair to some people, but the project is just getting too sprawled out to manage, and we feel this is the best way to keep things moving smoothly.

We look forward to the next phase of Transformers Mosaic! Huge round of applause to everyone who made it the first year so amazing!

More Bots. More News. More Awesome.

Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by primeoptimus May 7, 2008
sweet,tfa mosaics!!!!!!!!!
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by Black Bumblebee May 7, 2008
Well, guess it sucks for the writers... so much for the "any fan can participate" thingie... ah well, good while it lasted.
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by olokin May 7, 2008
Some of the latest releases do tend to get overlooked. The quality is already good but I think with their new guidelines, it would go to a new level
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by Liege Evilmus May 7, 2008
I was working on something. I liked the whole free range thing.

I apreciate the outlet these guys offer, but why not just start a thread here, call it "One Shots" and submit them under the fan fic forum as Seibertron exclusives.

That is of course if any Seibertron memberes would be intrested in doing something like that.
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by ashe5k May 7, 2008
There went my interest level in working on one. And here I was gearing up to see about getting in on it and now I need to have a writing team and everything before hand? *sighs*
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by Duke of Luns May 7, 2008
ashe5k wrote:There went my interest level in working on one. And here I was gearing up to see about getting in on it and now I need to have a writing team and everything before hand? *sighs*


Wait, you need a writer? Well, I've written a few. What characters do you like/want to draw? Maybe I've already got an idea for them, or maybe someone else does.

Anyway, I think we should have a thread stickied at the top of the forums dedicated to Mosaicon's seeking scripts/artists.

Oh yeah, my past "published" works:

Transformervania: http://transformers-mosaic.deviantart.com/art/Transformervania-73553048

Public Service Announcement: http://transformers-mosaic.deviantart.com/art/Public-Service-Announcement-80391225

The Informant: http://transformers-mosaic.deviantart.com/art/The-Informant-82117806

Till all are Autobot: http://transformers-mosaic.deviantart.com/art/Till-All-Are-Autobot-84487178
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by darkqueen01 May 8, 2008
I can understand why they need to try to put more organization into this. It sounds like Mosaic has pretty much exploded lately, and I am sure that Mosaics in the future will still be great pieces of work.

Still, it's a shame that they are changing what was so unique about the project. I guess we will soon see if the change is for the better.
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by ashe5k May 8, 2008
Duke of Luns wrote:
ashe5k wrote:There went my interest level in working on one. And here I was gearing up to see about getting in on it and now I need to have a writing team and everything before hand? *sighs*


Wait, you need a writer? Well, I've written a few. What characters do you like/want to draw? Maybe I've already got an idea for them, or maybe someone else does.

Anyway, I think we should have a thread stickied at the top of the forums dedicated to Mosaicon's seeking scripts/artists.

Oh yeah, my past "published" works:

Transformervania: http://transformers-mosaic.deviantart.com/art/Transformervania-73553048

Public Service Announcement: http://transformers-mosaic.deviantart.com/art/Public-Service-Announcement-80391225

The Informant: http://transformers-mosaic.deviantart.com/art/The-Informant-82117806

Till all are Autobot: http://transformers-mosaic.deviantart.com/art/Till-All-Are-Autobot-84487178


Sent you a PM. :)
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by Redfox1701 May 8, 2008
Is there a link to go to an archive of the mosaics? I don't think I ever found it if there is one.
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by Duke of Luns May 8, 2008
Redfox1701 wrote:Is there a link to go to an archive of the mosaics? I don't think I ever found it if there is one.


Right here on their deviant art page: http://transformers-mosaic.deviantart.com/gallery/#Transformers-Mosaic-Pieces

All(and I didn't count, I read this on the IDW forums) 147+ pieces!
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by Cheetron May 8, 2008
I don't know if I like this.

I may not be a writer or an artist and I am far from creative, but the mosaics of the past were always excellent because of their diversity and total differences in art style. Now By limiting it to only certain people and by forcing those who did it on occasion to go through ridiculous means to get work submitted, this feels like the end of the Mosaics.

It used to be fun to read different peoples perspectives and opinions on Transformers stories, events and characters. Now, by limiting it to what THEY approve of, whether that be which stories are presented or which topic are allowed, it just feels like the end is upon us.

Sorry for being doom and gloom but I've seen this too many times in real life. Things go good and then somebody says it's time to restructure or consildate to makes things more smooth. Sounds good but it fails more often than it helps.
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by Jeysie May 8, 2008
I've been a bit wary about this, too... I know I only got my script published because they knew of potentially interested artists, while I didn't... it makes it harder for occasional contributors and "newbies" to get stuff in, I agree.

For what it's worth, some of the IDW folks started up a "public script pool" to help match up people who don't know other writers/artists or aren't comfy with contacting people out of the blue:

Writers Seeking Artists: http://idwpublishing.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3947

Artists Seeking Writers: http://idwpublishing.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3948

Maybe any Seibertronians who wanted to participate could start a similar thing, or if they read the comics too they could join the IDW boards and post in those. It's not as nice/easy as having just one central spot, but maybe it'll help a little.

(Of course, it'd *really* help if they had a proper website instead of the DeviantArt stopgap, but I imagine that'd be an even bigger project.)
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by First Gen May 8, 2008
I felt this was important information that needed to get out so I FC&P'd it.

I still got a couple Mosaics floating out there, so you guys are not alone. In the end, though, I think this will work best for the whole Mosaic family.
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by WhiteRabbit May 8, 2008
Cheetron wrote:I don't know if I like this.

I may not be a writer or an artist and I am far from creative, but the mosaics of the past were always excellent because of their diversity and total differences in art style. Now By limiting it to only certain people and by forcing those who did it on occasion to go through ridiculous means to get work submitted, this feels like the end of the Mosaics.

It used to be fun to read different peoples perspectives and opinions on Transformers stories, events and characters. Now, by limiting it to what THEY approve of, whether that be which stories are presented or which topic are allowed, it just feels like the end is upon us.

Sorry for being doom and gloom but I've seen this too many times in real life. Things go good and then somebody says it's time to restructure or consildate to makes things more smooth. Sounds good but it fails more often than it helps.


Well, the Chicken-Little attitude is nothing I can combat, that's just your outlook-- and that goes for more posters in here than just you.

As for your concerns about edits and approvals, that's just in place in case get a bunch of submissions about Starscream stroking Megatron's "fusion cannon", or scripts that are grammatical nightmares. In the case of the anniversary celebration pieces, there was also a continuity matter to edit around as well.

The editorial presence could also be looked at as a chance of working within a pseudo-professional publishing structure, which people looking at breaking into the business might appreciate some practice with.
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by MisterNewUzer May 8, 2008
I totally wanna write a script for Lugnut, who do I talk to or where do I look to try and find the rest of a creative team?

:)
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by Primus C-00 May 9, 2008
I don't get it. i thought Mosaics were by the fans for the fans?

This just sounds like any freedom of vision or creativity will be stifled by rules, regulations and parameters.

For example I have two Mosaic, if not three, ideas in progress, but, if they don't fit into the current direction and vision I wont be allowed to make them?

That sounds pretty weak especially for a fun fan project. I mean if you were going top pay me then I might consider stifling and funneling my creativity into what suits your purpose/vision...

I-)
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by Primus C-00 May 9, 2008
Liege Evilmus wrote:I apreciate the outlet these guys offer, but why not just start a thread here, call it "One Shots" and submit them under the fan fic forum as Seibertron exclusives.


Until Mosaics find out and with their new business mentality sue...

:-B
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by Primus C-00 May 9, 2008
At the end of the day I guess I'm morning the loss of 24 years worth of product to play with.

That's not to say I'm ungrateful for Animated. I *LOVE* Animated to the very molten core of my being. Expanding the canon on that baby at least within the parameters for fanfic is a quite awesome proposal of venture.

Plus it's for the kids.

Always for the kids.

I have at least one idea, a tribute to War Dawn in itself, explaining Lugnut's fascination with Megatron.

Or indeed a tale illustrating how Blackarachnia came to cross paths with Megatron?

Gentlemen, our franchise needs us.

Let's focus!

*salutes*

B-)
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by Jeysie May 9, 2008
Primus C-00 wrote:At the end of the day I guess I'm morning the loss of 24 years worth of product to play with.

That's not to say I'm ungrateful for Animated.

Whoa, wait a minute... I think some people are reading the announcement wrong here!

Regular Mosaics are still very much being done, with all continuities open, the difference being that you now need to form a creative team on your own, and they're getting released once a week on Thursdays from now on.

The Animated Project is a new thing they're doing, where they're also going to have "Theme Mondays", releasing Mosaics once a week on that day that have been written/drawn to a specific prompt.

So, the Animated thing is an *additional* project, not *replacing* the normal Mosaic project.
Re: Transformers Mosaic to be Rebooted (view post)
Comment by Primus C-00 May 9, 2008
Evidently I lack clarity.

*smashes reading glasses*

Thank you, for providing said clarity.

Much obliged.

:grin:
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