how to enter step by step

1. Take well-lit, high resolution photos of your built/primed entry
2. Then do the same, but with your finished entry
3. Email the photos to community@grimdarkcompendium.com before September 11th

Rules

• Entries must consist of a diorama scene, consisting of at least one miniature
• Entries must be fully painted and based
• Only ONE entry per person in a category
• The top 3 entries will be chosen as a winners
• Entries must be created specifically for this challenge. Use of old works or works that have been used in other painting competitions will not be considered
• Same model CANNOT be entered in multiple categories
• Editing basic photo properties like exposure, contrast etc. in photography applications (such as Lightroom) is permitted, but using any filters will automatically disqualify your entry.
• Accepted Media will consist of wargaming miniatures of any scale or brand, busts, 3d printed figures, taxidermy etc etc
• Entries must be relevant to the current challenge theme
• Entries must be modelled and painted in the grimdark style. Show us your vision of it and don’t be afraid to experiment!
• Grimdark style focuses on trying to capture a dark, dystopian worlds with suffocating mood. This includes techniques such as surface finish variations, grimdark modelling aesthetics, battle damage, chipping, rust, grime, blood, skulls, muted colour palettes, high contrast lighting, OSL, decay effects etc.
• If unsure about a rule, reach out and ask us!

judging criteria – point values may change in future challenges

Modelling – 25 points

In this judging category, we assess the quality of building, cleaning, kit-bashing, and sculpting. While focusing on the added or modified elements and how they integrate into the overall entry, we also allocate substantial points for the skill of building and cleaning alone.

Painting – 40 points

This is the highest-valued category! We focus on the quality of the paint job and the use of the grimdark techniques mentioned above. We’re looking for realistic, moody paint jobs that capture the essence of dystopian worlds and the characters within them. Show us your best interpretation of a grimdark reality! Please note, entries painted in the ‘Eavy Metal’ style or similar will be completely disregarded.

Basing – 25 points

Basing is a crucial element of the grimdark style. In this category, we evaluate the technical skill in base-building, the complexity of the base, and how seamlessly the model integrates with the depicted environment, as this greatly influences the weathering effects.

Photography – 10 points

We are looking for a well-lit, in-focus, and well-composed photograph set against a black or white background. Changing exposure, contrast etc. in photography applications, such as Lightroom, is permitted, but using any filters will automatically disqualify your entry.

Winners

Honourable Mentions