Rules and FAQ

What makes you a Damn Fine Doller?

Being a Damn Fine Doller means you are an experienced doller (pixel or tool) and have knowledge on the subject. If someone were to ask you to do a 'baseless' doll, that wouldn't frighten the pants off of you. Your dolls and bases were made from your knowledge, not just guesswork, and are so incredibly aesthetic in every sense of the word.

Things that are Damn Fine

Have a good grasp on anatomy.
You don't necessarily have to know how to draw a human figure perfectly, but you should be able to clearly tell if something looks out of place.
Have a good understanding of lighting.
Your lighting should all come from the same source, and affect things equally.
Your lines are clean and smooth.
Your lines should be steady, not shaky as if you drew them with a spazzy pencil tool. The best way to determine this is with Derek Yu's tutorial below, under step 2.
You understand basic color theory.
Colors should match well with others, and the shades should flow together nicely. A wonderful explanation can be seen here
You understand the basics of the dolling community.
Terminology is not an opinion. Knowing the difference between lineart, a base, and a doll is crucial. Here are a few great articles that outline some basic dolling info.
Tracing... have you tried drawing?
Tracing is allowed on DeviantArt, and even some of the amazing dollers started out tracing. Therefore, traced bases are okay in this group. But we highly urge you to try sketching out the pose instead, and make your base from that. Learn something! It's always fun. With all that said, traced bases will only be accepted if they have the proper credit.

Things that are not so Fine

Saving your pieces incorrectly.
JPEG artifacts are a very sad thing to see on dolls and bases. Be sure to save your dolls and bases correctly - as a png! (or a gif, if you know what you're doing!)
Improper dolling terminology or understanding.
Misconception of a base, a doll, or the uses and common courtesies.
Pillow shading and scribble shading.
These styles of shading will not be tolerated. Since many people seem to be confused on what they specifically entail, here's two different examples.
Being a poor sport.
The requirements for this group are laid out clear enough. If you don't get into the group, flaming the front page and throwing a temper tantrum will not increase your chances to join once you improve. If you would like an in-depth review, just ask. We've always got someone who is willing to help you out and show you some tutorials and tips. Tried JoinMe? We'll even sit in a session with you, if you want!
Pixel Lineart
See above in knowing the basics of the dolling community. There is a difference between lineart and bases/dolls.
Recoloring
Bases are bald and naked. Some may come with hair options, which you will hopefully edit a little (add/take away parts, shading, etc). However, bases do not come pre-clothed. This gives you nothing to work off of, and is considered a lineart, not a base. Likewise, taking someone's doll and recoloring it does not make it your own.

This sounds intense! How damn fine do I have to be?

While our rules go over a lot and may seem overwhelming, you don't have to be a master at color theory and anatomy! As long as you have a good sense of it and it shows in your dolls and bases, you will be fine