Frequently Asked Questions


What is AETHER?
AETHER is a juried competition presiding over what will be deemed the "Best" of General, PG and PG-13 Furry, Anthro, and Were-Art for the 2006 year, to be published as a high-quality art book in 2007.

The set-up will be almost identical to the publication "Spectrum," but with a specialized focus on the Anthropomorphic.

Art is so subjective! How can anyone say what the "Best" is?
No "one" can, but thirteen can get close!

It's true to say that art is very subjective, and there's never a clear way to define what is better than one piece. For this reason, we look at the submissions for their academic qualities (form, skill, technique, perspective, foreshortening, etc), and their intangible qualities (concept, ethos, emotional quality, informational quality, socio-political standing, etc).

These are all things mastered with experience and dedication. Thus, a Jury panel is being assembled of fellow artisans who know what it's like to be the new guy, as well as know when an artwork deserves special attention.

With a Jury of 13 people, that's 13 different opinions, 13 different perspectives, 13 different likes and dislikes, and 13 chances for entry into Aether. Them's good odds!

I don't like the idea of being rejected. It took a long time to create the art I submitted, and I couldn't stand someone telling me I wans't up to par...
Since its conception, some potential entrants into the Aether competition have voiced concern over the idea of being rejected by the Jury after they've put in so much time and energy into their work(s).

This is a highly valid concern, and I completely understand your fear of rejection.

For the record, I must state the obvious. This is a competition, and some people will win out over others. That is the very nature of the beast. However, Aether is NOT about egos or powertrips. In fact, the very purpose of the Jury is to make sure that every art work that is entered will have 13 sets of eyes review it for entry. That's 13 people with different tastes, 13 different opinions, and 13 chances at a "Yay" vote in your favor. Aether is taking every step possible to ensure that no one is declined entry over a matter of conflicting egos, jealousy, or other petty reasons.

Aether values you. We value your time, your talent and your dedication. The absolute last thing we want to do is disrespect someone's masterwork

Aether d'Animaux is a project that intends to honor the varied skills of the Furry, Werewolf and Anthropomorphic followings. We gain nothing in belittling anyone.

However, this is a competition. Aether seeks to find the "best" works of 2006 to feature in the 2007 debut edition. While we would love nothing more than to print every work that is submitted, this is simply not possible for logistic, financial, and quality reasons.

But please, please understand that this is not a matter of being "rejected". True, this is a "competition", and true, competitions are about quality and other desireable traits, but this is not "American Idol" or "The Grammy Awards". Aether is trying to build a healthy level of competitiveness for anthro artisans to participate in and get kudos where credit is due, and advice and help when asked for. We want people to understand that this is a competition of merit and acheivement, not popularity.

Everyone who enters risks the axe. Incredibly talented artists who you would never think in a million years would be "rejected" may enter works that are unacceptable and/or not what the Jury is looking for. This is the major advantage of having a diversified Jury; there are no givens.

Rejection on this level is not a personal attack. It all depends on who's Jurying and who you're pitted against. Some days you're the best there is, other days you're mediocre. Never forget that art is highly subjective, and its quality is totally up to the beholder.

I encourage you to enter! Put your best foot forward, and be proud! It doesn't matter if you're accepted or not into Aether, because you'll have a new piece for your portfolio that you're proud of
and can use to get more work or show off elsewhere. And there's no reason that same piece of work won't win a blue ribbon somewhere else. It's happened to me many times!

As always, good luck and don't be affraid of what people think! It's what you think that counts!

Why even bother with a book when there are so many web sites and galleries that do this already?
Foremost, NO ONE* is doing this already.

True, there are several furry-based sites that claim quality control, even using judges and similar mechanisms, but it's failing for three reasons
First, the judges who often jury over the works on these web sites are heavily biased or egocentric... which they have every right to be, because it's THEIR site. The fewer number of eyes you put on a work, the greater your chances are of offending someone. There is no checks-and-balnace system in place for artists to truly get an unbiased opinion.

Second, once the applicant has been accepted, their is no real-time or enforceable way to make sure that EVERY work that applicant submits to the site will be of the same strict level of quality as their awarding entries. Once and applicant has their space, they can upload all the lesser materials that wouldn't have passed the bar.

Third, web sites, particularly the fan galleries, are massive gardens of artwork. There are often more weeds than flowers,... scraps of art and unfinished sketches that all while good, are not really the sorts of work a person wants to spend hours weeding through to find the quality stuff. And while we all have varying levels of interest in the erotic, we don't want it so overpowering that it dominates EVERY gallery, making it impossible to surf through in mixed or sensitive company.

Also on this note, web sites are fantastic ways to catalog an artist's portfolio, but they're impersonal, intangible, and only available when you're sitting at the computer.

By producing AETHER, you will have a solid, tangible book of high-quality, hand-picked by your peers, diversified artworks to carry with you to school, work, the restaurant, or the coffee table for inspiration.

AETHER will showcase the artwork in it's native format, in high-quality color impossible to match on the computer screen.

*No one that I am aware of, at the very least. Please feel free to correct me, if that is the case.

What kind of materials is AETHER looking for?
It is IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND that AETHER is intended as a publication to show the true talent of the genre. The talent that focuses on concept, technique, skill, professionalism and ethos, NOT it's eros.

As you are no-doubt aware, the genre has gained a very deserved reputation for adult and erotic work, and I think it's our responsibility to balance our yang with a little more yin. I too have my fair share of adult works, so I am not condemning these works, far from it. Though I do feel the need to balnce our world.

Do I have to create a new piece of art, or can it be pre-existing?
Not at all! Pre-existing is fine!

As long as the artwork was created by you and you have the legal right to publish it, it may be entered!

Special works, while appreciated, are not necessary.

How will I know if my work(s) have been accepted?
The Jury will review all submissions during the latter-half of November and all of December. During the first few weeks of January, the results will be tallied and all successful entrants will be posted here, on a dedicated page on the Aether web site.

Participants who were not accepted will not be notified, other than not appearing on the list.

Is AETHER meant to be a jab at Adults-only works?
Not at all.

Not only would it be hypocritical of me to defame adult works, but also idiotic. Adult art has its place in this world just like anything else.

However, like every vice, it can get out of control and threaten to collapse an otherwise strong system. Furridom has been depicted in almost all medias as a fetish, a perversion, and a sin. And how can we blame them when that's what sells?

Aether offers a place — a printed, solid place — that recognizes TALENT, not subject matter.

Does working on AETHER now mean that you [KrossBreeder] will no longer condone or accept adults-only commissions?
Not at all.

But working on AETHER has opened my eyes to a strong need for separation between General and Adult works. You can expect stricter protocols from me.

Who Comprises the Jury for 2007?
Continue watching the Meet The Jury page for this information.

How is this project different than all the other dozens of fan-projects?
I'm motivated. I'm skilled, I'm an experienced agency Art Director who does this for a living, and I've won awards for Best Printing (MoonValley Rustic Folder, 2001; American Red Cross Brochure, 2005) and Best Design (Burns & Wilcox Brochure, 2004) for my design work.

Many very well-intending fans and creators within the Anthro collective have produced or attempted to produce a vast array of do-it-yourself publications and projects. Some, like the successful American Journal of Anthropomorphics, do very well. But most projects die before they even see the light despite their best efforts.

I will not let that happen. This project and its purpose mean too much to me. I have a researched business plan, and a schedule which depends only on artist participation.

How will AETHER be published?
As we are in our debut year, there would be understandable concern asking people to pay fees or pre-order copies that may never happen. As we have no track-record, we have waived all entry fees and any need for outside financial support. To do this, requires us to use Print-On-Demand printers, and we have set our sites on www.lulu.com which will print our publication with limited interference.

The 2008 edition will begin the customary paid-entry requirements, which will help pay for the printing of an established print bureau.

How do I prepare works for the competition and what are the specs?
Check out the Submission Guidelines page for specifications and mailing addresses info.

Where do I send materials for the AETHER competition?
Check out the Submission Guidelines page for specifications and mailing addresses info.

Can materials be FTPed?
Yes! But for security reasons, that information is not posted pubicly. Please email KrossBreeder for FTP Info requests.

Is there an Entry Fee to submit materials to AETHER?
No. For the 2007 edition, all Fees have been waived as a gift to you and as proof of our trustworthiness.

Will artists be compensated for works that appear in AETHER?
Not at this time.

Since there is no Entry Fee, we cannot seecure a traditional printer. Since we cannot secure a printer, we are using a Print on Demand vendor who will print single copies of Aether as they are purchased by you. Because of this, there will be no profi-pool in which to draw from for compensations or royalties.

Future editions may incorporate a royalty plan, which will be entirely influenced by fan/artist participation PRIOR to publication.

If I submit artwork, will I get a copy of the book for free?
Not at this time. Since the 2007 edition is fee-free, we do not have any funding in which to publish one large print run of books. Every interested person will have to buy their own copy of Aether, whether they are printed in it or not.

If I submit artwork, who owns the rights to that work?
You do.

Neither AETHER, KAF! Studio (the producing studio), or Intrinsik Design LLC (the overall agency), claim ANY rights to your work, characters or ideas. This book is simply a collection of works.

I don't know if my work is good enough. Will you look at it for me?
Not really.

First, I don't want to make that call. It is entirely up to you if you want to participate or not. Besides, my opinion is only 1 of the 13 you will need to be entered into the book. It's what the collective Jury Panel thinks, not me.

Also, the Jury and I simply do not have time to review submissions prior to entry or offer critiques.

I created 3D models in Second Life,... Can I enter these?
Yes.

However, like ALL entires, it is absolutely mandatory that the artwork: (a) be entirely created by you, (b) be professionally staged and designed, and (c) be high-resolution for print (300 dpi or better).

We will NOT accept modifications to other artist's skins/designs, or characters staged ("photographed") in realms or buildings you did not create. Since the vast majority of Second Life has been created by others, it will be highly tricky to create an image that satisfies these requirements. Be warned.

Would Fursuit or costume designs be considered "Sculpture" or "Costumes"?
It depends on how it is photographed;

Modeled costumes (people wearing the costume in a staged setting) would be considered for the category, "Fursuits/Costumes".

Un-modeled costumes (people wearing costumes in static photos, or empty costumes laid out) would be considered "Sculpture". Also, stand-alone elements like Fursuit Heads, Tails, Hooves, Wings, etc would be considered "Sculpture".