Q: So, I can do whatever I want, so long as it complies with the rules, in order to make my kite?
A: Yes! Go wild! Get creative! Spill that glitter glue everywhere! Use your computer, or print it out and finger paint it for all we care, so long as you get it done however you want!
Q: What does "Spirit of Wind" mean?
A: This is a special selection for the design that the judges feel best captures the 'feel' of the Mistral Jamboree as a whole. This is a kite or balloon that the Windsinger himself would be proud to fly with!
Q: I need a different file format to use to make my design then what has been provided. What do I do?
A: In the case that you need a special file format, send a PM to @
CluelessCat with your request. She will try her best to provide you with whatever you need in order for you to participate!
Q: Are we allowed to add extra bits on the tails and tassels on the arms of the kite?
A: Absolutely, you have full creative license to add feathers, bows, tassels, and other paraphernalia. Our main concern is that the body of the kite's line-art remains unaltered to provide a fair base for everyone to start on.
Q: Can the size of the kite templates be altered?
A: Yes absolutely, the files are rather massive so that the integrity of the lines remains intact when scaled down. The only thing we ask is that when submitting that it be scaled down to 350x453 in order not to blow up the thread. However, feel free to provide a link to a larger version if that's your fancy. For traditional art, you can just provide a link and don't have to worry about resizing.
Q: I want to make a kite traditionally but it's too big or I don't have a scanner. Does that mean I can't enter?
A: Please don't let lack of technology hold back your creativity. A picture taken with a camera or your phone will work just fine with some adequate lighting.
Q: The program I'm using won't allow me to open/edit the file. Help!
A: No problem, just ping @
CluelessCat what kind of file you need and she can send you a version that will work with your program.
Q: I have no art talent what so ever, especially not digitally but is it alright if I print a template and just color it/play with a design then scan it in for submission?
A: Absolutely! We'd love traditional entries as well. Finger paint, watercolor, markers, whatever you want to do. It's supposed to be fun for everyone, not just for people who consider themselves "artists", so have at it! :D
Q: You said no textures if you're using photoshop, so does that also mean no collaging if you're working traditionally?
A: Oooh, very good question there! Our reasoning for 'No Textures' is that we don't want for people to take the lineart, slap it over say, a cloudscape or a fur image, and call it done. On the other hand, if someone were to put the work into drawing out a texture specifically for the kites shape, like a fabric pattern or patches or whatnot, that is an allowable texture, because it was made just for this contest. If you were thinking of taking a flat photo of grass or bubble wrap and just putting it down without trying to fit it to the lines, that would be a no.
Q: As long as I use one of those designs (Diamond, Box, Spiral, SD) can I make a real kite for my entry instead of a drawn one?
A: This would be permissible, under a few conditions.
1. The base design must match the template as close as physically possible.
2. The final image you take of the kite must be as close to the templates as physically possible, position and orientation wise.
That way, it will still be the 'same' base design, and the 'same' sort of final image that we would be basing our judgments around.
Q: So if I printed out a template and then used construction paper to make a 'weaved' look for one of them, would that be acceptable?
A: Yes, that should be fine, since you made it specifically for your kite!
