COMMUNE
A WORLD-BUILDING PROJECT
WITH SEAN MORRIS
YOU SEND ME PHOTOS
(OF YOURSELF, YOUR FRIENDS, YOUR PETS)
I DRAW AND COMBINE THEM
WE BUILD THE COMMUNE
Hey friends! This project launched in August 2020, and I am still working on the drawings (there are a lot!) - you can find updates on my Instagram or the PROGRESS page of this site. Public submissions are now CLOSED - but if you are a member of my Patreon you can still submit up until the end of November 2021 - more info on that below.
Here's the project idea, if you're new!
I want to create a new series of drawings, where the characters are based on all of you.
Here's the process:
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Take photos of yourself / your pets / your friends (solo or together) or dig up exisiting shots. They just need to meet a few rules (explained below) before i can draw them.
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Email them to me, I will make drawings based on them, then put you all together in a giant connected artwork.
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I will make one giant print out of the drawings - and possibly a small book, if there are enough entries.
PATREON
Public submissions are now closed - however, members of my Patreon are still welcome to submit. If you join at the link below (it starts at $3 a month) your submission will jump to the top of the drawing list.
Also: All patrons will receive a free print when the project is finished!
You only need to cover the postage fee.
(Or pick up for free in Melbourne.)
(You'll get a bunch of other good stuff on the Patreon too, I promise.)
THE RULES
1. FULL BODY SHOTS
2. WARM CLIMATE CLOTHES / NO SHOES
3. HIGH ANGLE
The ANGLE of your photo is particularly important.
For everyone to look like they're existing in the same world, your photo needs to be taken from a high angle, similar to the figures above.
See the PERSPECTIVE GUIDE where i clarify this further.
See the SETTING UP page for an easy visual guide for taking shots at the right angle.
On the EXAMPLES page, you can see the process of photos becoming drawings.
You can submit as many times as you like. And you can send multiple shots at different angles/elevations to be sure you've got it covered - or, just send a short video containing multiple angles / poses. If you're shooting yourself solo, do it on timer or video - no selfies with visible devices.
PHOTO QUALITY
This does not matter! Neither does your environment - I'm not drawing backgrounds.
THE DRESS CODE
I created the drawing at the top of the page to show the artwork style for the project - but you can also use it as a guide to possible clothing (and poses.) Feel free to get weirder if you like. Think classic freedom commune, with a few twists.
The COLOUR of your clothing does not matter.
Neither do patterns/graphics, i will just leave them out of the drawing.
The shape of your clothing is the important thing.
NO - heavy winter clothing (big jackets/coats/sweaters etc)
NO - shoes or hats.
YES to:
Robes, shorts, dresses, pants, shirts, underwear, swimwear, pyjamas, shirtless, latex, leather, metal, costume jewellery, mesh, masks, hoods & and any kind of religious covering/headwear.
Small props & objects are cool - let's keep the digital tech out of it though.
If you pretend to hold an object, i can add a fantasy one in. (If you hold a stick, yes, i can turn it into a sword.)
I may also add or change elements of your outfits.
(If you have a great existing photo at the right angle, but you're wearing shoes,
send it anyway and I'll draw you without them.)
QUESTIONS!
WHAT POSE SHOULD I DO?
Be creative, or keep it simple - poses with movement are awesome, but stationary is cool too.
The energy of the artwork will be driven by your photos, but there's no big pressure to provide anything crazy.
If you have them, please send multiple shots! The more options I have to work with the better.
OR - Take a short video with multiple poses, then either send me the clip, or a few screen grabs.
I may even draw and feature you multiple times, especially if you provide images that show you
facing away from the camera ( i would appreciate this - don't want every figure in the artwork to be front-on!)
The drawing above gives you an idea of what poses and actions work, but here are some prompts:
Walking / Running / Standing / Sitting / Lying / Looking / Pointing
Dancing / Embracing / Kissing / Wrestling / Shibari
Worshipping / Meditating / Yoga
Primitive building / Gardening / Simple tasks & Chores
Holding simple objects / Medieval or Traditional Weapons / Pottery
Showing emotion - Excitement / Joy / Grief / Anger / Panic / Calm.
CAN I SUBMIT MY PET?
YES. Please feel free to submit photos of your pet(s), or of you and your pet together.
You probably already have photos of them on your phone which fit the perspective.
WHAT ABOUT FURNITURE?
Please try to avoid sitting on chairs / leaning on things - though if you have a good existing photo
where you are on a chair, I may be able to make it fit the scene - so send it through :)
Lying on a bed is fine, or anything where the furniture can easily be left out of the drawing.
Please note wheelchairs or any other assistive technology are very welcome!
CAN I BE IN WATER?
YES. If you have a photo where you are swimming, sitting or standing in water (where the angle works) please send it!
WILL THE DRAWING LOOK EXACTLY LIKE ME?
Please note that my drawings will be inspired by your references, but I am not promising accurate likenesses - these are not portrait commissions (though i do offer those separately.) I will endeavour to capture your look, but unfortunately there won't be time to accept feedback or revisions on the drawings that result from your pics.
I will include visible tattoos etc (depending how clear they are) but they may be simplified.
**INCLUSION**
This goes without out saying - but just to be totally clear - all bodies are welcome and encouraged!
The more diversity the better, everyone deserves to feel seen. All figures will be drawn with affection, and if there is something physical you are sensitive about, please alert me in your submission.
I'd love to see a spectrum of ages, so there's no restriction on this. But if you want to submit photos of you with your small children, for example, please remember there may be elements of nudity involved elsewhere in the project- though i will be sensible & tasteful about keeping those elements separate!
ALL SUBMITTED PHOTOGRAPHS WILL REMAIN PRIVATE.
SUBMISSONS CLOSE AUGUST 31.
Submit images here: endlesscommune@gmail.com - or DM me on Instagram (@sean__morris)
Please include names for everyone in the photos.
(And Instagram handles - I would love to tag you in any finished drawings of you!)
COMMUNE is supported by the City of Melbourne COVID-19 Arts Grants.