After a long break, `seniormentors is back! Most of you are wondering why we were not responding to your notes, not putting updates in the journal, and whatnot. But, we now assure you that progress will be made, and that your applications are not forgotten!

A Swanky New Look
We are very happy to present to everyone our new application system! This fantastically done, and fully revamped process was coded by the lovely `electricnet.

Writing An Application
There are a few things that you need to know about writing an application, and we will explain them to you here.

"deviantART username" - Here you simply put your deviantART username. Please make sure the spelling is correct!

"Art Category" - This is the drop-down menu you will use to choose which category of artwork you would like to be mentored in. Please have only one in mind when you apply!

"Deviations" - These three spaces are where you will link to the deviations or deviation ID number you want us to view. We need these to determine your level of ability that you show so we know where you are artistically. Please make sure that you are posting deviations here (they must be submitted to dA)--all outside links will be ignored. Also, do not post a thumb code here. Just a link to the deviation(s).

"Description" - Here you will tell us about What you want to get out of this mentorship. Please keep them to the point, direct, and in use of proper grammar. The application description should be English only as well. We also do not want your life story here--a little bit about your artistic background would be great, though.

Did you send in an application using the old notes system? If yes, please re-apply. Thank you.

Film
We will be accepting film applications, even if you are not able to submit to deviantART, as we'd like to help everyone improve. However, we have some conditions:

We would like to see at least one example of your film making (this does not have to be a deviation, hosting your film elsewhere is fine).

We'd like to know about your film background and how you got into making film. Again, we don't need an essay, but something is always helpful.

Only serious applications will be accepted. Please take some thought and time over your application, so as not to waste our mentors time.

We don't have many film seniors currently available, so we would greatly appreiciate your patience as you may need to wait.

Getting a Mentor
Many of you wonder how long it will take you to get a mentor. We can not say for sure or give you an exact time, but we can assure you that your applications are being reviewed, and that our mentors are working hard to go through all of the applications. Notes to `seniormentors regarding how long it is taking us to get back to you are not needed. You will soon be able to view an automatically updating waiting list in our journal in order to help you estimate how long you will need to wait. Please remember that this is a volunteer-oriented project, and that mentors are only able to give up as much free time as they have.

We have put together a list of resources for you to browse in case you would like to get help from somewhere other than `seniormentors.

It is important to remember that we have many applications (major emphasis on many), so patience is always your best friend.

Thank you to everyone who has put forth amazing efforts in the formation of SMP, and to everyone else who has had such great patience with us working behind the scenes.


Writing a Good Description

Whenever you go to write a description, there are are a few things you should remember. Firstly, keep in mind that you're trying to win us over! It's important to keep this in mind as we get a lot of applications daily, and we simply do not have enough seniors for every application. Secondly, it will do you good to remember that you need to tell us about your art background in the subject you are applying for, as well as where you want to go with your artwork. If you tell us all of this (and usually keeping the length at a minimum), your chances of getting a mentor are that much higher!



Now, get out there and apply!