Fotolia Ten Collection S1 and More

 

**Fotolia created the successful TEN Collection Project with one goal in mind – to democratize digital creation by bringing together in a common project digital art, graphic resources and education.
The Ten Collection Contest invited artists to submit original Photoshop designs for the chance to have their entry featured in an international advertising campaign.

This was the website for the Season 1 contest.
Content is mostly from the site's archived pages and other outside sources reporting on Season 2 and Season 3.

Check out the Ten Collection facebook page at: /www.facebook.com/tencol.lection/?brand_redir=452941418101736

 

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As a graphic artist, the TEN Collection contests, especially Season 3, were an absolute game-changer for me. I remember being in my senior year at RISD when Season 3 was introduced, and my friends and I were just blown away by the challenges and the incredible talent on display. Now, working professionally in the graphics field, I have an even deeper appreciation for the ingenious solutions and techniques these artists brought to the table. This site perfectly captures the spirit of what made the TEN Collection so inspiring – the blend of education, collaboration, and healthy competition.

My only lingering concern, and it's a significant one, dates back to when I submitted my entry for Season 3. I poured my heart and soul into that piece, pushing my Photoshop skills to their absolute limit. Around that time, a bizarre and deeply frustrating issue emerged with my website. For some inexplicable reason, searches for my online portfolio, which showcases my photography and artwork, started prominently featuring content focused on poisonous snakes at the top of the results. It was a complete misrepresentation, and despite my desperate attempts to contact Google and have this inappropriate content removed, I was met with radio silence. I tried every avenue I could find to resolve it, but nothing worked. I genuinely worry that this Google-created problem might have caused my entry to be disregarded or, at the very least, viewed through a skewed lens by the judges. I truly feel harmed by this error and believe there should be a legal mechanism to compel the removal of damaging and irrelevant results from Google upon request.

Despite that frustration, the TEN Collection remains a constant source of inspiration for me. It continually pushes me to develop my own graphic art and Photoshop chops, and I'm always looking back at the work featured here for new ideas and techniques. Basla Rigo

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Season 1

TEN Collection is a creative project focused on promoting digital art, with 10 world-class artists participating. Their work has been published as a free download (24h) throughout 10 next months, starting on December 2011. An International Creative Contest, inspired by this project, was announced afterwards. It was a prestige venture, with 1260 artists from around the globe taking part in it.

Fire up Photoshop and send us the most amazing PSD file you can create based on one of the 10 themes below. The winning artists gets their entry featured in an international advertising campaign worth approximately $250,000, and takes home some amazing prizes, including a copy of the Adobe Master Collection, Wacom tablets and much more!

The rules

  • Choose one of the 10 contest themes.
  • Create an amazing PSD file based on this theme, using at least 3 of the Fotolia images used by the Fotolia TEN artist.
  • Your own images, or any other Fotolia file (including those used for the other original Ten creations), can be used in your work.
  • Submit a JPEG image of your PSD file.

See Contest Terms
The prizes
The grand prize winner will receive the following prizes:

  • a feature in an international advertising campaign;
  • a copy of Adobe® Creative Suite® 6 Master Collection;
  • a Wacom Intuos5 Touch M tablet;
  • a 1 year Fotolia subscription (100 downloads / month);
  • 1,000 “TUTO credits” for use on tuto.com;
  • a wide size PVC print order on Amkashop.com;

Nine runner-ups will receive following prizes:

  • a Wacom Intuos5 Touch M tablet;
  • a 1 year Fotolia subscription (25 downloads / month);
  • 100 “TUTO credits” for use on tuto.com;
  • a graphic bag from Amkashop.com;

Four additional entries will be selected to each win a copy of Adobe Photoshop CS6 Extended. These entries will be selected by Fotolia, and will take Facebook community votes into account.
Prizes are valued at nearly $300,000: you have to be a part of this!
The Details
Contest
The contest will be open from September 10, 2012 to October 10, 2012. Contestants may upload their JPEG files until October 10, 2012 (11:59pm - Eastern time). Contestants may submit a maximum of 1 entry per theme. The jury will include the original Ten artists, members from the Fotolia, Wisibility and Amkashop teams. Winners will be designated on October 17th.

  • PSD file size: 5000 x 3750 pixels
  • Keep a copy of your PSD source file. If your entry is deemed the winner, we require this high-resolution file for the international advertising campaign.
  • JPEG size: 1200 x 900 pixels
  • Please submit a JPEG copy of your PSD file on the relevant theme page.

Images
You may use:
-Your personal images (you must own all the rights on these images).
-Fotolia images which have been properly licensed.
-The images used by the original TEN artists (available free of charge on the contest Facebook application)

Warning: Entries with any other images will not be accepted.

 

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THE THEMES

 

TEN COLLECTION PACK
Catch up with the Ten Collection: own the 10 hi-res original PSD files for $29 only

 

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Our contest is now over, and we had the chance to be overloaded with hundreds of super shiny creative artworks. Needless to say designating winners was everything but easy... but we did it.

Let's end the suspense: you can check the 10 winning entries, by clicking on the thumbnails below. Technique, imagination, talent, the 10 digital pieces of art that we selected have it all.

Congratulations to the winners.

 

NEWS

08.01.2014

S2 TEN Collection Contest: Introduced by S1’s Winner Sebastian Powszuk

After winning, my work was published in different international media industry. Besides advertising campaign, my project was also presented – including description and tutorial – in 3 non-affiliated graphics magazines: Polish Computer Arts and Practical Photoshop and German Foto Hits.

The winner of the Season 1 Contest, Poland’s Sebastian Powszuk has shared with us what it meant to win, why it is worth entering and how Season 2 differs from the previous year’s Season.

S1 Winner Sebastian Powszuk

Fotolia: What has changed in your life / career after winning the TEN Collection contest by Fotolia?

Sebastian Powszuk: First of all my winning significantly increased my graphics confidence and belief in my own abilities. The victory confirmed in me the belief that I have chosen the right path, and that graphic design is what I want to do in life.

After winning, interest in me has significantly increased, which allowed me to make a lot of interesting acquaintances with people in the industry and beyond. This has helped me with the number of orders and interesting projects to work on. I had a lot of opportunities to present my work and my way of seeing the world (interviews, articles, workshops), which positively influenced my name recognition in the industry. It helped me progress hugely.

Fo: According to you why is it worth entering the contest?

SP: A competition of this scale is an excellent platform to spread your wings. The very process of creating the work can be very educating. This is an excellent opportunity to see – from the inside – how the best designers work, draw conclusions and apply that knowledge in your own work.

The benefits of this are priceless. There is no better incentive when you have the opportunity to win (everyone has a chance, I’m a perfect example), promote yourself, get tons of experience and have the opportunity of winning fantastic prizes.


S2 TEN Collection Contest

Season 2 of the TEN Collection by Fotolia replicated the success of Season 1 highlighting a variety of creative and technical skills infused with regional influences. The artists’ work continue to inspire designers and artists globally and once again the TEN Collection is giving designers the chance to challenge this Season’s artists based on the themes they were originally given.

Fotolia is pleased to partner with some amazing international brands, in particular: Wacom, Adobe, Westcott, Exaprint, EIZO, and Template Monster, who have all contributed to the prize total which, with the international ad campaign added, reaches an estimated value of over $130,000!

The First Prize Winner will receive all of the following:

1 x Wacom Intuos Pro M Special Edition tablet
1 x Adobe Creative Cloud 1 year subscription
1 x Westcott Erin Manning Home Studio Lighting Kit
1 x Westcott 30″ 5-in-1 Reflector
1 x EIZO Color Edge CG246 24.1 inch Monitor
1 x Exaprint LED light box
1 x Template Monster template (single site license) + 500 USD worth of customization services
1 x “monthly” subscription on Fotolia.com (100 downloads per month) for a year
Full TEN Collection S1 and S2 packs

The other nine category winners will each receive:
1 x Wacom Intuos Pro M tablet
1 x Adobe Creative Cloud 3 month subscription
1 x Westcott reflector
1 x Exaprint painter’s canvas 100×100 cm
250 x Exaprint gecko flyers 10×15 cm
1 x Template Monster template (single site license)
1 x Fotolia 3 month “monthly” subscription (25 downloads per month)
The TEN Collection S1 and S2 full packs

 

 

S3 TEN Collection Contest

Season 3 of the TEN Collection was quite the challenge. After the phenomenal success of Season’s 1 and 2, we asked ourselves how could we maintain your interest in the project, and keep pushing the skill sets of not only the artists featured, but also our community, whom this project has always been about?

Fotolia started with introducing an extra creative ingredient to the mix: photography. Then, they blended the 2014 batch of TEN talents following a new recipe: Fotolia had graphic designers and photographers work together in the planning, design and production stages in five exclusive duets throughout the year.

Every two months, Fotolia asked design and photography aficionados, amateur and professional to challenge the TEN artists. And challenge they did!  Entrants from all over the world submitted work of outstanding quality every time, making deciding upon a winner a feat of a task.

View the TEN Winners and once again big congratulations to all of them!

 

**About Fotolia

Over 3.7 million people prefer Fotolia for affordable, royalty-free images, graphics and HD videos. With the introduction of the Infinite Collection, Fotolia became the first worldwide microstock organization to offer both crowd-sourced and professional images on one site. Founded in New York City in 2004, Fotolia spans the globe with websites in 15 languages and offices in 22 countries. With over 20 million files to choose from, find it on Fotolia.com .

 

 

More Background on TenCollectionContest.com

The TEN Collection and its associated contest, once hosted at TenCollectionContest.com, stand as a milestone in the evolution of digital art competitions and creative community engagement. Though the original website is no longer available, the project’s legacy continues to influence the global digital art landscape. This comprehensive overview examines the origins, ownership, structure, goals, cultural significance, and broader impact of the TEN Collection, drawing on reputable sources and the context of digital art contests.

Origins and Ownership

The TEN Collection was initiated by Fotolia, a prominent microstock photography agency established in New York City in 2004. Fotolia quickly became a major provider of royalty-free images, graphics, and videos, serving millions of creatives worldwide. The TEN Collection project was conceived as a unique initiative to “democratize digital creation,” aiming to connect professional digital artists, graphic resources, and educational content in a single collaborative platform. Fotolia’s stewardship ensured the project had the resources and industry connections necessary to attract top talent and offer substantial rewards to participants. Eventually, Fotolia was acquired by Adobe, further solidifying its influence within the creative industry.

Project Structure and Goals

The TEN Collection was structured as a multi-season initiative, each season featuring a curated selection of world-class digital artists. Its central goal was to promote digital art by providing access to high-quality Photoshop files (PSD) for educational purposes and by organizing international contests that encouraged participation from both established and emerging artists.

Key goals included:

  • Democratizing Access: By releasing PSD files created by renowned artists for free (for a limited period), the project aimed to give aspiring designers insight into professional workflows and creative processes.

  • Fostering Collaboration: The contest format encouraged artists from around the world to reinterpret the work of featured professionals, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and techniques.

  • Educational Outreach: The project included tutorials, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content, making it a valuable resource for self-taught designers and students alike.

Location and Reach

Fotolia, the company behind the TEN Collection, operated globally, with offices in 22 countries and websites in 15 languages. The contest itself was international, drawing participants from across the globe and reflecting the worldwide appeal of digital art. The project’s digital nature allowed it to transcend geographical boundaries, making it accessible to a diverse and expansive audience.

Popularity and Audience

The TEN Collection quickly gained popularity within the digital art community, attracting thousands of participants and followers. Its audience included:

  • Professional digital artists seeking recognition and collaboration opportunities

  • Graphic design students and educators looking for inspiration and learning materials

  • Hobbyists and amateur creators interested in improving their skills

  • Creative agencies and industry professionals scouting for new talent

The project’s educational focus and high-profile collaborations contributed to its widespread appeal, making it a touchstone for digital art enthusiasts worldwide.

Contest Structure and Prizes

Each season of the TEN Collection contest followed a similar structure:

  • Selection of Themes: Participants were invited to choose from a set of themes inspired by the work of featured artists.

  • Submission Requirements: Entrants had to create original PSD files based on the chosen theme, incorporating at least three Fotolia images used by the TEN artists.

  • Judging Process: A jury composed of the original TEN artists, Fotolia representatives, and industry partners evaluated the submissions.

  • Prizes: Winners received a range of prizes, including features in international advertising campaigns, Adobe Creative Suite licenses, Wacom tablets, Fotolia subscriptions, and more. The total prize value often reached several hundred thousand dollars, underscoring the contest’s prestige and impact.

Menus, Details, and Insights

While the contest did not have a traditional “menu,” it offered a wealth of resources and opportunities for participants:

  • Downloadable PSD Files: Each featured artist’s work was made available as a layered PSD file, allowing users to dissect and learn from professional techniques.

  • Tutorials and Interviews: The project provided in-depth tutorials and interviews with participating artists, offering valuable insights into their creative processes.

  • Community Engagement: The contest fostered a sense of community among participants, who shared their work, exchanged feedback, and collaborated on projects.

Awards and Recognition

The TEN Collection received numerous accolades within the creative industry for its innovative approach to digital art education and community building. It was frequently covered by design publications and featured in industry events, further enhancing its reputation and visibility.

Press and Media Coverage

The project garnered significant media attention, with coverage in leading design and technology publications. Articles highlighted the project’s unique blend of education, collaboration, and competition, as well as its role in promoting digital art on a global scale. The success stories of contest winners were often featured, showcasing the career-boosting potential of participation.

Reviews and Community Feedback

Feedback from participants and observers was overwhelmingly positive. Artists praised the project for its educational value, the quality of its resources, and the opportunities it provided for exposure and professional growth. The contest’s emphasis on learning and collaboration was particularly appreciated by students and emerging artists, many of whom credited the TEN Collection with helping them develop their skills and advance their careers.

History and Evolution

The TEN Collection evolved over multiple seasons, each building on the successes of its predecessors:

  • Season 1: Launched with ten world-class artists, each contributing a unique PSD file and theme. The contest attracted over a thousand participants and set the stage for future editions.

  • Season 2: Expanded the scope of the project, introducing new artists and themes while maintaining the core focus on education and collaboration.

  • Season 3: Introduced a new dimension by pairing graphic designers with photographers, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and pushing the boundaries of digital art.

Each season concluded with the selection of winners, whose work was featured in international campaigns and showcased across Fotolia’s platforms.

Cultural and Social Significance

The TEN Collection holds a special place in the history of digital art contests. Its emphasis on open access, education, and community engagement set it apart from traditional competitions. By making professional resources and workflows available to a global audience, the project contributed to the democratization of digital art and inspired a new generation of creators.

The contest also played a role in breaking down barriers between professionals and amateurs, fostering a culture of mentorship and mutual support. Its collaborative ethos and commitment to education continue to influence digital art initiatives today.

Known For and Legacy

The TEN Collection is best known for:

  • High-Quality Educational Resources: The release of professional PSD files and tutorials made advanced techniques accessible to all.

  • Global Collaboration: The project brought together artists from diverse backgrounds, promoting cross-cultural exchange and innovation.

  • Career Development: Many participants leveraged their involvement to gain recognition, build portfolios, and secure professional opportunities.

The project’s legacy endures in the continued popularity of digital art contests and the growing emphasis on open, collaborative learning within the creative community.

Examples and Notable Participants

Over the course of its three seasons, the TEN Collection featured a roster of acclaimed digital artists and photographers. Their contributions set a high standard for quality and creativity, inspiring participants to push their own boundaries. The project’s winners often went on to achieve greater success in the industry, citing the contest as a pivotal moment in their careers.

 

TenCollectionContest.com and the TEN Collection project represent a pioneering effort in the world of digital art. By combining education, collaboration, and competition, the initiative helped to democratize access to professional resources and foster a vibrant global community of creators. Its impact is still felt today, as artists and educators continue to draw inspiration from its innovative approach and enduring legacy.

 

TenCollectionContest.com