FAQ (a work in progress)

1. I've applied but need to pay. Why?
2. Why can't I sign up with the right date of birth?
3. I can't sign in…
4. How do I submit images?
5. How do I delete images?
6. I submitted images but they haven't appeared on my portfolio...
7. What if I'm an amateur model/performer/extra and I don't have any existing photographs?
8. Why haven't my images been appproved?
9. Why was my application declined?
10. I was a member, but now I'm denied. Why?
11. Multiple profiles? Can I list in more than one category?
12. Can I change my username?
13. Can I change my main thumbnail?
14. Can I leave the site? How?
15. Who are the moderators?
16. Can I post website links on my profiles?
17. I don't live in the UK. Can I still apply?
    

I've applied but need to pay. Why?
Because of the sheer volume of work for Dark Arts staff, new members are required to pay a one-off registration fee of £10 when applying for a Dark Arts profile.
This is purely to cover our running costs and for the initial set up of your profile on the site – we do not charge any ongoing subscription fees or ask for commission on bookings.

Why can't I sign up with the right date of birth?
We have an 18 and over age requirement. You can't sign up with a date that makes you younger than 18 because we're not accepting members your age.

I can't sign in…
Perhaps you have disabled cookies which could be the cause of the problem. Try manually setting your internet security options to allow cookies from darkarts.org.uk and you should be all set.
Check your username and password carefully. Unlike other sites our system WILL allow usernames with spaces in them. Uppercase/lowercase letters don't make a difference. Try copying and pasting your username exactly as it appears.
When applying for a profile please choose a professional username - 'actual' names are preferred (no need for underscores, hyphens, or numbers!), we reserve the right to make ammendments to profile names or even decline applications with unsuitable names.

How do I submit images?
Once you can login an "Upload Images" link should appear in the user panel. From there, you can upload a selection of up to 80 of your best images to feature on your portfolio.
Every member can upload a maximum of 80 images PER profile. We would like for all profiles to remain equal in this way – nobody gets preferential treatment and we don't have different ‘levels' of membership like some other sites.

No watermarks will be added to your images and the only manipulation will be some proportional resizing. Images should be submitted as JPG files with a maximum length or width of 500 pixels, and under 300KB in size. If you have trouble doing this yourself, let us know – we're here to help!

If you would like your own watermark or a photographer's watermark on your images please do this before submitting the images.

We recommend you keep your portfolio updated to best showcase your talents and skills.

How do I delete images?
By following the 'Manage Images' link you'll be able to delete old images.
We will soon be adding the ability for members to add image captions and copyright information to each image.

I submitted images but they haven't appeared on my portfolio...
That is because Dark Arts does not use an automated imaging system. Although it would be quicker, such systems can reduce image quality by automatically re-sizing images, and create thumbnails which are not in proportion and do not clearly show your work.

When you upload images they remain in a pending state until a moderator is online to approve them. We will manually create thumbnails and resize your images individually whilst ensuring they remain at the highest quality possible; just think of us as your personal web designers, constantly maintaining your portfolio and highlighting your talents in the best way possible.

If you have multiple profiles on Dark Arts – please ensure you 'switch profile' BEFORE uploading your images, otherwise they will be added to the wrong profile!

What if I'm an amateur model/performer/extra and I don't have any existing photographs?
Please contact us directly by email as you will be unable to complete the online application form without a minimum of 5 images.

We realise everyone has to start somewhere, so if we feel you have potential we will either recommend one of our listed photographers located near you, or arrange a shoot in our Stoke-on-Trent studio. If we've already emailed you about the site or given you a sticker, chances are we already like you!

Dark Arts will shoot potential site members whenever possible. We offer shoots at a very reasonable £35 per hour. We will provide edited images at a web-friendly size and resolution either on CD or by email. See the Dark Arts photographer profile for more information and details of our credentials and experience.

Members of Dark Arts are also free to contact each other to make such arrangements; in fact we like to encourage this as it will improve the portfolios of all parties involved.

Why haven't my images been approved?
The most common reason for rejected images is poor quality.
We will not accept phonecam or webcam images.

Images must be professional quality. By professional we mean taken by a professional photographer with a decent camera – not a friend, or partner with a cheap digital camera from Argos … and preferably in a professional studio setting or on location. Your average ‘posing-on-bed' shots will most likely be rejected

If you need better quality images email us – we may be able to help!

Models… please bear in mind that Dark Arts is not a pinup site. We do not want images of you in various states of undress. Please submit professional quality MODELLING images – we want to see YOU!

Photographers... please do not apply with pictures of landscapes and animals. Whilst we can see you have skill we cannot show a portfolio of work we can't really promote. If you have a desire to photograph alternative people, places, or events - we need some examples for your portfolio!

If in doubt – have a browse through our existing members for an idea of the quality we expect.

Unlike other sites we are happy to accept images of an artistic nude or horror/gore nature – and they will be visible by ALL users of the site.
However, we will NEVER accept images we deem pornographic or inappropriate in any way.
This also applies to images of minors (anyone aged under 18) – Dark Arts will NEVER accept any images that may constitute lewd or inappropriate behaviour either explicit OR implied from minors as it would be illegal.

Why was my application declined?
The most common reason for rejected applications is poor image quality (see the above for more information)

We are very cautious and particular with our applicants. We carefully consider every image you apply with and do our research on each applicant. We ask for a portfolio or website link for this very reason.

Currently, we are only accepting members who fall into one or more of the following six categories: model, performer, photographer, stylist, artist, or extra.

Both your pictures and profile information must reflect a genuine desire to pursue work in one or more of these six areas. If your pictures or info don't match the area(s) you designated or remain incomplete for more than a few days, your profile will be declined. If we cannot see that you are ambitious or serious about your application, you will be declined.
Not only should you be prepared to work if offered the opportunity, you should be reliable, punctual and professional.

We are NOT currently accepting web designers, film & video makers, studios, contests, musicians, tattoo artists, bands or managers/agents/referral services as members.
We are also not accepting members under the age of 18.

Profiles that violate copyright laws are not acceptable. Only submit images which you hold the copyright to or have permission from the copyright holder to use.

We may also reject applicants if we consider them to be too ‘mainstream'. Please bear in mind that Dark Arts is a service for alternative people seeking work and self promotion.
If you are model regularly published in magazines like NUTS and ZOO – chances are this isn't the place for you, and you don't really need the extra exposure anyway!

Pornographic ("adult" or "X-rated") images are not allowed on this site, nor are links to hardcore porn sites.

Image approval is at the discretion of the moderator doing the approving.

I was a member, but now I'm denied. Why?
Either you were violating one of the above criteria and we didn't spot it when you applied, or you were verbally abusive/threatening to other members, or making other members feel uncomfortable in some way. You can also be banned from the site for spamming through the message system, comments or forums.

We will not approve applications from individuals who intend to use their portfolio solely for the use of plugging other websites. Nor will we tolerate individuals who use the Dark Arts site to spam or solicit members for other websites. We want Dark Arts to be a safe, professional environment – any breach of the rules will be dealt with effectively and immediately.

Multiple profiles? Can I list in more than one category?
Yes, once you have an account on the site you can list additional profiles at no extra cost.
For example, many of the Dark Arts models are also listed as extras on the site. There is no need to fill out a separate application – all additional profiles are managed with one username and password. Just use the ‘switch profile' function to swap between your profiles!

If you would like any additional profiles just let us know by email .

Can I change my username?
No, but the moderators can. Your username is the name you use to login into the site itself, it is also your posting name on the Dark Arts forum – only a moderator can change this name. The name on your profile (display name) can only be changed by a moderator too. Send one of the moderators a request to change your name and it will be taken care of.

Members have the option to list multiple profiles in additional categories. If you have multiple portfolios your alias (display name) need not be identical for each one, and can be changed by a moderator... and as long as the name is not already taken by another member.

Can I change my main thumbnail?
Your main thumbnail (or avatar) can only be changed by a moderator. We will usually pick a thumbnail we feel is eye-catching and best shows your skills.

Just send us a quick email with a description of the thumbnail you would prefer and we will change it for you immediately.

Can I leave the site? How?
Notify a moderator immediately. We'll remove you as soon as possible.

Who are the moderators?
Asha is the site owner and operator. This is a one-woman show, and not one of those sites actually backed by a big money guzzling corporation.
Her partner Wolf helps her out with event handling and when Asha gets too many emails to deal with..

Can I post website links on my profiles?
We prefer that you do NOT post your email address or links to your personal websites for privacy purposes… Dark Arts will handle any hiring enquiries for you directly, screening out any offers that are not serious or potentially dangerous or offensive. Moderators will always keep an eye on the information you post on your profile, and we reserve the right to make any amendments we deem necessary.

However, you CAN plug your personal sites in the Dark Arts forum, as it is a member's only forum.

I don't live in the UK. Can I still apply?
Dark Arts is a UK service. Whilst we make SOME exceptions for models willing to visit the UK for work, or illustrators willing to provide artwork for UK clients... we do not generally approve overseas applicants.

If you live overseas and would like the opportunity to be considered for a Dark Arts listing – please email us BEFORE filling out an application.

WE ARE ONLY HUMAN. SOMETIMES WE MAKE MISTAKES!
We are always happy to discuss applications - we're only an email away!