XDivination
A DSMP TAROT ZINE
ABOUT
XDivination is a physical, for-charity DSMP anthology centered around the symbolism and ideas involved with tarot. We are not producing a tarot deck. You can find that project here; but we are creating a zine centered around the theme of tarot. All of the art and writing will be inspired not only by the intricate plot, but also by the double meanings via symbolism and positioning. You can read more about what will and will not be included in the content section of this doc. All of our profits will be going to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
FAQ
What is the DSMP Tarot Zine?
The DSMP Tarot Zine is a fanzine focusing on the concept of tarots in relation to DSMP characters.What is a zine?
A zine is a collection of artistic works (mostly written/drawn) all centered around a theme. This zine is specifically a fanzine, which means it is made by fans and for fans who all follow the theme of the zine.Is this physical or digital?
This zine will be physical with a digital pdf also available during preorders. There will also likely be physical merch, but the specific types of merch will be confirmed after the interest check closes.What is the zine’s theme?
This zine focuses on the symbolism and meaning of Tarot and the Dream SMP. Specifically, we’re looking to explore the intersection between the two topics by drawing artistic parallels between the cards’ meanings and the character’s arcs or simply exploring Tarot with the characters. This does not mean we’re creating a tarot deck. Instead, pieces might feature characters surrounded by tarot symbolism or interacting with the cards themselves. You can read more about this here.How original do final submissions need to be if I take inspiration from actual tarot cards?
All submissions (for applications and for final works) MUST be your own work. You can take inspiration from traditional tarot designs, but try your best to keep it unique. If there is a specific instance of this you are confused on, the mods will be available through the whole process to help with art block and inspiration. Additionally, several of our mods have been reading and interacting with Tarot for years, and will be able to brainstorm and offer feedback.Will ships be allowed in this zine?
Yes, but only in the background. Some ships are not allowed altogether to respect content creators’ boundaries. Similarly, some characters will be limited to the background or very brief mentions (such as Techno and Ranboo) to respect their wishes.Is NSFW allowed in the zine?
No. This zine is strictly SFW.Can I participate if I’m under 18?
Yes, of course! You must be at least 13 so that we’re in compliance with Discord’s TOS, but you’re allowed to participate even if you’re a minor.How will contributors be compensated?
Contributors will receive a digital copy of the zine and digital merch regardless of if we break even. At our first breakeven point, contributors will receive the zine-only bundle with free shipping, and at our last breakeven point they will receive the full bundle for free, including any stretch goals that are unlocked.Are AU’s allowed?
Yes!Is this zine inviting guests? When will guests be invited?
Yes! Guests will be invited as soon as we decide on them.Will there be actual cards of the art available?
Mini card decks of a select few of the cards might be available as a stretch goal, but it depends on how much the interest check likes the idea.
(A stretch goal is a merch item that is originally unavailable but after a select number of preorders is reached, is then made available and added to every physical bundle purchased.)Would contributors/artists of the zine have to pay in full if they want the merch/physical copies?
Our goal is for contributors to get free full bundles (not including any stretch goals that aren’t reached in preorders), but currently we can only promise free digital bundles.How much would the zine/bundles etc. cost?
That will be decided closer to production once our shipping/production/finance mods have joined the project and had time to settle in.Do you know about the DSMP Tarot Project?
Yes! These are two completely separate projects, but the mod teams have communicated briefly through email to confirm no one steps on anyone’s toes. This project is a zine, which will provide a physical zine, charms, prints, and sticker sheets. Their project is a tarot project which will have a full printed deck and guidebook. Both projects are aware of the other and we are in full support of their team, which you can find more information about in their carrd :)APPLICATIONS:Will you be sending rejection emails as well as acceptance?
Yes! We will be sending out acceptance, rejection, and pinch hitter emails all at once. If you do not receive your email within 24 hours of the scheduled date, feel free to email us directly at [email protected] or send us a DM on Twitter, as those are the best ways to reach us. If any changes/delays are made to the schedule, it will be posted on our Twitter, so always check there first!Can I apply for more than one position?
Of course! It’s very likely that you’ll only be accepted for one position, but you can apply for as many as you’d like!Will moderators be allowed to contribute?
Yes!When will I hear back from you guys?
You’ll hear about the status of your application on October 25th if you’re applying as a contributor. Any delays will be communicated over on our Twitter account!Are you giving feedback?
This answer is largely dependent on the volume of applications we receive.CREATION PROCESS:Can I reuse a piece that I created earlier?
No. All pieces must be original and created exclusively for this zine.How much do contributors need to know about the arcane/tarot decks to participate?
Knowledge about it is not required, though you will be asked to do a bit of reading if you’re unfamiliar! The mods will link several resources. We want you to have fun mixing fanart and Tarot symbolism using your knowledge of the DSMP and anything you may or may not know about Tarot!How long do we have to create our piece(s)?
You’ll have approximately 3 ½ months from the time of your acceptance, with check ins every month.When will I be allowed to post my full piece publicly?
Once pre-orders close, buyers have received their packages, and leftover sales are being readied, you will be allowed to post your full piece. Otherwise, you may post previews that showcase no more than 50% of your piece.Can I use my piece in portfolios after I finish it?
Yes. Until you are allowed to post it, however, we ask that you only use it in private portfolios that you are sharing with the moderators of that zine only. We also ask that you include a note that the piece is not to be distributed.Can I sell my finished piece/use it on personal merchandise?
Yes, of course. You may do so after leftover sales have ended, and at no prior point.
SCHEDULE
The schedule is subject to change, we'll let you know if it does!
August 1 - August 31 Interest check
August 17 - September 17 Mod apps
September 20 Mod emails sent
September 30 - November 5 Contributor Applications
November 19 Emails Sent
November 26 Last day to accept position in zine
November 29 Contributor Announcement
creation period
December 10 Check in 1
January 10 Check in 2
February 10 Check in 3
February 25 Final submissions due
March 14 - April 15 Preorders
production period
MEET OUR MOD TEAM
Contributor Requirements
Zine Specs:
XDivination will be:
5.5 x 8.5 in (digest size)
Full Color
Perfect BoundWe will be accepting 6 merchandise artists, 22 artists, and 6 writers maximum. This number does not include guests and is subject to change based on the volume and overall quality of the applications received by the mod team.General:
All contributors should have a discord account and be willing to join the server, as it is our main method of communication.
All contributors will be subjected to the schedule as planned. Any requests for extensions should be talked about with a moderator and approved by said moderator in advance.
All contributors are expected to act in a cordial manner with one another. This doesn’t mean that you have to be professional, but it means that you should be respectful and willing to work.
Applicants must be over 13 years of age at the time of application.
All links within your application or portfolio must be visible to the mods. Failure to ensure their visibility may result in your application being rejected.Artists:
Create one or more pieces within the specified zine parameters.
For the cover artist, this will involve creating a two-page spread to act as our cover.
For the page artists, this will involve creating a singular page or a two-page spread. Collaboration is encouraged!
For the merch artists, this will involve creating the piece(s) of merchandise that you are assigned.
Provide updates on their pieces at check-insWriters:
Create one or more pieces within specified parameters.
For poets, this will involve writing a 1-2 page poem.
For fiction writers, this will involve writing a piece that is anywhere from 1500 to 2500 words.