Do you feel like your art lacks improvement? Are you feeling demoralized because you don't think you're getting any better? Do you wish that artistic improvement could be judged more objectively like EXP in an RPG? Now it can.

Art-PG is an art improvement game to play here on Deviantart. You gain experience or EXP based on what and how much you draw. The more you level up the more you improve.

How do I Play?

First, you must make a journal announcing that you're taking the challenge and include a link to this page. Then, you go to your signature and put the following: Art-PG challenge level 1 [link back to this page]. Congratulations, you have officially started the game.

How do I Gain EXP?

To gain EXP, you must draw. I think that one's a given, but how much is a drawing worth? Here is a handy guide to art and EXP:

• Tracing or copying= 1 EXP (must cite your source/original artist)
• Anatomy studies= 2 EXP
• Sketches= 2 EXP
• Headshots/busts= 2 EXP per character (+2 if colored and/or shaded)
• Line art= 3 EXP (+1 per extra character)
• Lineless Art= 4 EXP (+1 per extra character)
• Colored character without scenery= 5 EXP (+2 per extra character)
• Character turnaround/action sheet= 6 EXP
• Colored character with simple scenery= 6 EXP (+2 per extra character)
• Landscape, still-life, or matte painting= 7 EXP
• Character with fully-rendered Scenery= 8 EXP (+2 per extra character)
• Comic layout= 2 EXP per panel
• Finished comic page= 5 EXP per panel (+3 bonus for every panel with fully-rendered scenery)
• Animation= 2 EXP per frame (amount of drawings if it's a cycle or loop)
• Finished animation (colored and with scenery)= 5 EXP per frame (amount of drawings if it's a cycle or loop)

If there's anything you want me to add or edit to this list, please comment below.

Bonuses:

• Convince a new person to join the game= 1 EXP
• Get a favorite or praise on your work= 3% bonus per favorite or comment (5% if the comment is about your improvement)
• You are proud of your work= 5% bonus
• Giving or receiving advice/constructive criticism= 7% bonus
• It is original artwork (ergo no fanart or fan characters)= 8% bonus
• Your work is a style/subject/medium that is new or difficult for you= 10-15% bonus (depending on difficulty)

How do I Level Up?

In order to level up, you must do two things:

1. Get enough EXP. Now, in order to figure out how much more EXP you need to gain a level, you must calculate based on this formula: Needed EXP= 5*X if X= current level. For example, to get from level 1 to level 2, you'll need 5 EXP. To get to level 2 to level 3, you'll need 10 more EXP. To get from level 3 to level 4 you'll need 15 more EXP. So on and so forth. 
2. Redraw an old piece of yours to show how much you've improved for every 5 levels starting with level 5.

Other Rules:

• Do not post someone else's artwork and claim it as your own.
• Keep track of your EXP. Use a notebook, microsoft notepad, or anything else you can use to record how much EXP you've gained and how much you've got left before you level up.
• Update your signature every time you level up.
• You cannot use old artwork in this game. From the moment you start the game, only new stuff will count.
• Have basic understanding of algebra. This activity only requires a little math, but you must be able to multiply for X and be able to know how to add percentages to play. All decimals should be rounded to the nearest one.
• All Art-PG art must be uploaded to Deviantart to count.
• Show your math in the description. This is to avoid any mathematical errors when calculating EXP gained.
• Don't give yourself more EXP than you've earned. Remember, if you traced or copied something, it's only worth 1 EXP. Don't go claiming it's a sketch or anything worth more than that. That would be like slapping wings on a rat and calling it a dragon.
• Art-PG level =/= skill level. If someone is a higher level than you but a lower skill level, don't put them down. Their Art-PG level shows how much improvement they've made since they started. So, please be polite when addressing other players. After all this is an improvement game not a "my art is so much better than yours" game.
• Everyone starts at level 1. I don't care if you're a professional or just starting, everyone starts at level 1. If you are a professional or have had years of experience, that just means you'll probably level up quicker.

That's pretty much it. I made this game to help improving become more fun, get other artists (as well as myself) to challenge themselves, and to produce higher quality work quicker. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and I'll construct an FAQ if necessary. Until then...

The Challenge is On!!!!