SotW 73

[Unlimited]

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/177/f/4/sotw_thread_layout_by_24des-d3k1s65.png



Last Week's Winner: blachex12

Theme Options
◘ Option A: Fantasy Warriors
◘ Option B: Abstract/Surreal Fantasy




Option A Examples

[one] (http://wallpaper.metalship.org/walls/Warriors.jpg) [two] (http://wallpaper.1000webgames.com/wallpapers/fantasy_knight_warriors_wallpaper-1280x1024.jpg) [three] (http://www.desktopwallpaperhd.com/wallpapers/8/5000.jpg) [four] (http://theger.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/fantasy-women-29139-352772.jpg) [five] (http://www.foxfinearts.com/Poseidon.jpg) [six] (http://images1.fanpop.com/images/photos/1400000/Kratos-Horse-god-of-war-1481671-1600-1200.jpg)

Option A Tips
to be added

Option B Examples

[one] (http://de.acidcow.com/pics/20100716/amazing_photo_manipulation_04.jpg) [two] (http://lookpic.com/c1/i2/1434/RrTLnQqt.jpeg) [three] (http://features.cgsociety.org/stories/2008_06/floating_fish/12%20final%20image.jpg) [four] (http://www.superhonda.com/photopost/data/500/abandon_church.jpg) [five] (http://fan-tas-tic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Alice-in-Wonderland-by-Tahra-aka-Kyoung-Hwan-Kim.jpg) [six] (http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs39/f/2008/345/8/5/Melusine_by_Wishmistress.jpg)

Option B Tips
to be added

Option A is the theme of choice presented by last week's winner.
Option B is a relevant theme decided by the host.
You must choose only one theme.
Follow the examples and tips if you need help.




Last week's entries:

tyrael2112 - #1 (http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac349/tyrael2112/SOTW72.png)
blachex12 - [winner] #2 (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/30675916/snowwhite.png)
NutterNewb - #3 (http://i51.tinypic.com/i23dzk.png)
Minilano - [2nd place] #4 (http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/5719/vikingcontestsotw.png)




COMPLETE SOTM LIST:

Baked
24des
Exiled
Aragathen
blachex112

Make sure to enter 'SOTM June '11' if you're on the list!





WE MUST BEAT THE RECORD
OF 21 ENTRIES! YOU, YES YOU, BETTER ENTER.

Need help? Ask here or VM/PM me.

Visit the [Information Center] (http://www.ac-web.org/forums/showthread.php?t=119916) for more details.
Visit the [Competition Profiles] (http://www.ac-web.org/forums/showthread.php?t=119930) to compare your status.

[Exiled]

Fail image is broken, anyway i'll join.

[Erotix8210]

Im in

[Bjerkeng]

I'm done!

Summary: Spent around 15 minutes, using c4ds and some secret weapons. I loved the theme and I believe we're getting lots of nice entries this week

[24des]

Jargs<3

[cpx34]

Im sorry but im gunna have to rate that 4/10, I can barely see the text & there is to mutch of it.

[Minilano]

I gotta rate it 2/10 the text is hard to read and there is no Vikings in it.

[Legit.Cow]

Entry Summery:
I spent anywhere from 30 minutes to 40 minutes on this. I enjoyed the theme and thought it would be perfect for my favorite league of legends champion. I went with a grungy/colorful style and really like the outcome. Smudge is a very important concept in this signature, and hopefully you noticed how precise I did it. I spent a great amount of time and effort into this and I think it could very much possibly win. I think I did the best of my ability and I hope I win!!

[cpx34]

I've decided i might aswell do this since it looks fun as hell :P

[Exiled]

Exiled's Summary:
Spent approx. 1 hour on this piece of art. I really enjoyed the theme and my big idea when I saw the examples was fantastic, but I think it didn't hit "fantastic" but I was quiet satisfied with the outcome. I hope that you liked the outcome. What can I say, I did my best?

[24des]

Summary from the real 24des:
I spent for around 1 hour total, by editing and editing over and over again to make the perfect colors, gradients and effects. I wanted the signature to have a great depth where I sharpenned the main render and focal and blurred the other parts. I think I deserve the first place due to I spent alot of time, did my very best, having great contrast, great colors, no-wrong lightning, having a smooth flow and some smooth effects. Thanks

[Squeezee]

I will submit my entry tonight :P

[Supersmash]

Pssst in your summary post in the image, you wrote 'lightning' instead of 'lighting' :). You also added an extra period at the end of the sentence. If you wish to make an it an elliptical, you have to have three dots. However, since it is the end of a sentence, it would have to be four dots.

[Unlimited]

IF YOU ARE AN INEXPERIENCE DESIGNER, READ THIS:

Why should I join this week?
If you are not aware, the anonymity rule is now optional in favour of the new Summary rule!
Want a bucket of reputation points and acclaim? Make a Summary for your entry!

It REALLY DOES work. Statistics proved this last week.
Even if someone doesn't vote for you, they still may "like" your entry, therefore +repping you.

Oh and let's not forget, beating the record = all of you get +rep.
And... just for entering you get free Unlimited Points!



IF YOU ARE AN EXPERIENCED DESIGNER, READ THIS:

Why should I join this week?
It is likely you are not a Super Power User yet, and unless you have some way of supporting yourself
in the WoW community, this is your new BEST way to support yourself in the graphics community.

Get reputation points from the public during voting.
Get reputation points from obtaining 2nd or 1st place.
Get Unlimited Points from entering and more from winning.

And yes, unlike the inexperienced who play for the riches and jewels, you're playing for the trophy!
FIRST PLACE = SotM Invitation, reputation points, Unlimited Points, level upgrade in Competition Profiles, & Hall of Fame status.
SECOND PLACE = SotM Invitation (ONLY if very good), reputation points, and Unlimited Points

If there's so many people... what's the chance of me winning?
Well maybe you're not so experienced after all ;)



NEED SOME MORE INSPIRATION?
There should be no need to complain about themes.
If you dislike the fantastical, unreal, vivid or bizarre, you should not be doing graphics in the first place.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lM65W2qsFHQ/TMX3-JNVd7I/AAAAAAAAC98/w7U9Qw6bK2U/s1600/warda_01.jpg

Art is imagery driving your emotional perception. Think carefully about the colours, shades, depth, lighting, textures, tones, and attitude of your entry. Use eccentric brush strokes, contrasting effects, juxtaposed symmetry, a series of smooth and harsh shapes, a flurry of psychedelic colours or anything to create an alien atmosphere. Try to think beyond the pixels on your screen when you create.

http://www.imscared.com/files/winterglass.jpg

Abstract art has no limits to how crazy or awkward it can look. And when you bring this to the realm of fantasy, you can let your imagination go wild.

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7354/warlr.jpg

You may find an image which fits both themes quite well. Mix and match if you have to.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YmrRm70asRg/S_VI_VG7LXI/AAAAAAAAAFI/M35JxOq3kcI/s1600/Fantasy_Battle_-_Backgrounds_Windows_7.jpg

Not all "fantasy warriors" need to be ancient Warcraft-style rune-worshipping aliens. Just remember that. You can go as far back in technology as you please (given you stick to fantasy) or go as far forwards into the unknown... or as far sideways into a parallel universe. Ultimately, find imagery that suits your abilities, taste, and style. If your end result is not amazing, you cannot win (you can still get lots of +rep though).

Just like before, you can still enter during voting.
You are responsible if you don't get as many votes because you came in late.
If you've already entered, just remember, you can always make any edits/changes and resubmit your entry. I am very flexible and truly encourage you to ask for any help whether it is about the rules, suggestions or even help with artistic ideas.

MAKE SURE YOU ENTER!
THE FATE OF THE WORLD DEPENDS ON IT.

[Squeezee]

Summary from Abandon:
I Spent around 1Hour Creating this signature, had the combined the correct colors and get the perfect feel for what I was heading for. I am very proud of the outcome, for such a sort timed signature, I combined different vectors, brushes and styles to create a signature for the Great SOTW Comeback :P.

*Entry Submitted*

[djcristinho]

Entry Summary

My entry took me like 20 minutes.It's not very pro but my girlfiend liked it so this is it.I like it too and I think this is one of my finest works.maybe I'm not gonna win,but I'll try harder,cauze I saw a lot of competition here :)

(I don't really like to talk about my "work")

[floforza]

I'm in.
Entry Summary:
I spend like 10 minutes on this signature.
I used some gradients and some filters.
I also used a texture.

[Squeezee]

We have what 6 Entry's Now ? :P

[Unlimited]

Not everybody writes a summary so we do have more so far.
But statistics last week showed that people do +rep entries they like, even if they vote for a 'better' entry. So writing a summary is a good idea.

Don't forget Signature of the Month too!
...Baked, 24des, Exiled, Aragathen and blachex112

I also want to express SotW is "IP-sensitive". What I mean by that is no account with a record of being on the same IP address should vote or enter as another one. While it may be a sibling or friend of yours, it could also just be you. And I'll even be giving out infractions to those who rip signatures! Second offences can have a little time out in addition.



Let's keep it fun and exciting.
More entries!

[floforza]

Let the join power control you!

[Squeezee]

Wait Woahh! Was I claimed a Ripper?!

[floforza]

I think that was just a warning if anyone try to do that.

[Squeezee]

Well, Yes I have 2 People out of my house registered on Ac-web, so does that point fingers to me that I have cheated my way through a sotw?

[Unlimited]

No no, there have been people in the past who have, sadly I must say, even gotten away with ripping signatures which I may not find out about until a few months later. I'm warning any of those sneaky people to keep their hands clean. Nothing is directed at you, of course.

[Squeezee]

Alright Then, Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[24des]

Alright Then, Sorry for the misunderstanding.

We all do sometimes.

[Squeezee]

24des Speaks to Me -Gasp- NAHHHHHHH!.

Yea, it could be that I've been staring at a Screen for 2 fucking hours!

[LosTz]

Hahaha. :D

[arjo112]

Workin on it.

[Erotix8210]

Entry done

[Squeezee]

God My ass is falling asleep at the PC, SHIT!

[Unlimited]

We all do sometimes.

Well it's true. Nobody understands me.
You only have to put up with it. I have to live with it.

Anyway,
NEXT PERSON WHO ENTERS GETS INSTANT +REP.

Hurry up and start entering!!!
Don't be left out while everybody else has entered.

[Squeezee]

Well it's true. Nobody understands me.
You only have to put up with it. I have to live with it.

Anyway,
NEXT PERSON WHO ENTERS GETS INSTANT +REP.

Hurry up and start entering!!!
Don't be left out while everybody else has entered.

I am over jealous XD

[Lukasas]

Entry summary
Spent around 15 mins on this, its my second or third siggy in photoshop, tryed to make it look good, but i dont think it looks good, oh well hope you like it.

[Erotix8210]

sry Unlimtied for the 3 entrys xD the last 1 is the right 1... i forgot on the others alot xD

[Unlimited]

No problem!
If you need to touch up on effects or any changes at all, of course you must send another PM. Already from looking at some of the entries I received, I can say that's it's paramount your entries look very good if you want to win.

But there are two kinds of people who enter SotW:
The inexperienced who need +rep.
The experienced who need fame.

So if you're someone who is not so experienced, don't let the big bullies irritate you.
Just give it a shot!

[arjo112]

Papa unlimited, i feel bullyed!

[NutterNewb]

Entry summary
Even though there was loads of examples i was still stuck for ideas :P
But i ended up doing an abstract piece, trying to make it look underwater but still keeping the colours vibrant. Idk how long it took me, but i know it took ages - and it's not that great... Oh well. :)

[floforza]

But there are two kinds of people who enter SotW:
The inexperienced who need +rep.
The experienced who need fame.



There is one more.
Nubs like me that wanna get a new record.

[Unlimited]

More entries!
Not enough regulars entering this week.
Though a lot of "irregulars" seem to be taking a liking.

Some pretty good entries so far.
Voting will be a challenge.

Play for the gold, play for +rep, play for fun or whatever.
Just enter!

[floforza]

I did!
Stop yelling at me!
You'll make me cry.:(

[Golferpro22]

My Summary:

This is a piece that I think shows true talent. As you can see, a lot of tedious work has gone into this piece.
The piece shows great font choice and text placement. It also grasps key aspects of the theme that most will overlook. As I am a fan of using chromatic color schemes, I tried to utilize it as much as possible in this piece. The colors are vibrant and enhance the beauty of the render, bringing out the true beauty of the main focal. I chose to sharpen up the bird, for several reasons. This distracts a bit from the main focal, however, reminds us of the true beauty in this piece, which is nature. I also tried to utilize as much depth as possible in this piece. I tried to also utilize a light source coming from the top of the piece, to symbolize the sun coming in from the forest. I also tried to make sure I got as many shadows in the correct places to counterbalance the light source. Overall, I think this piece is definitely worthy of first place. It contains a lot of high end techniques, which vastly increase the overall beauty of the signature. I hope you enjoy.

[tyrael2112]

Entry Summary
Was confused on the theme so I just went with zelda. Although I'm reaaally bad at making signatures, I could say that I didn't fuck it up this time and I'm learning alot :P Total time spent - 30 minutes

Edit: I'm going to lose! D:

[floforza]

Join join join join!!!!

[arjo112]

Entry Summary
Was confused on the theme so I just went with zelda. Although I'm reaaally bad at making signatures, I could say that I didn't fuck it up this time and I'm learning alot :P Total time spent - 30 minutes

Edit: I'm going to lose! D:

Dude, ur good at gfx; sshhht:P

[Nasro]

Summary:
I think I should win this because I have spent much time on it.. maybe 30-40 minutes of my life have been wasted just in creating this for SotW #73 ^^ Also, I was stuck and I was looking for stocks and renders but I couldn't find anything useful so I used one of the examples shown. I think I have used effects that I've never used before.. This signature, is my best till now.. Although this is my second SotW to join ever I wish everyone else good luck.. Thanks for reading :)

[DeniDov]

Summary:
I think I should win because I spent a lot of time and hard work on mine 45min - 1 hour on this signature. I couldn't particularly find everything I needed. Like Lighting, C4D and renders. That I needed. I spent the majority of my time rendering and looking for Lighting, and C4D. Thank you for reading.

[floforza]

summary:
I think i should win because i spent a lot of time and hard work on mine 45min - 1 hour on this signature. I couldn't particularly find everything i needed. Like lighting, c4d and renders. That i needed. I spent the majority of my time rendering and looking for lighting, and c4d. Thank you for reading.

Gogogogo!

[arjo112]

Sooo, are we @ 22 yet?

[floforza]

Don't think so...

[DeniDov]

Submitted - Sent to Unlimited. I actually tried this time.

[Unlimited]

Four more entries to go!!
Let's get cracking. Make sure to nail it, break a leg... and perhaps some fatal arteries too.

I don't care if your style is Microsoft Paint.
My regurgitated breakfast is both surreal and abstract.
The flurry of colour in the splatter makes it fantastical.

So it's really fucking easy!

[blachex12]

Entry Summary
The signature took me like 1 hour, because I tryed 3 times to make it with other renders, colors, etc. and finally I did what I was trying to do.
The small text from the right is not just random text, there are some words about me.
Anyway, I hope you'll like my entry and apreciate the time spent on it. :)

[Helix]

Joining, I'll just send you it. I lost, but, w/e.

[Unlimited]

It doesn't matter if you'd lose. Just join anyway! :)

It's for the fun of it, knowing you've contributed to the grand record of 22+ entries, and getting lots of +rep as well as fame.

[Helix]

Summary: Took me about and hour and a half to make. My very first render and signature overall with CS5. Background came out too dark, Render too light.

[Devo]

Summary: Took me about 2 hours to make with some serious graphic effects and I tried adding text but it just ruined the mojo of the signature joined the SOTW to make it the best one yet, good luck everyone.

[Cubes]

Summary:
I enjoyed this one, took me about 45 mins, lots of breaks. I started learning new ways of doing things, although I don't expect to win. I may continue entering, this was alot more fun then I thought.
I've never done many things like this in photoshop, with the editting. Althought I feel as if some parts were to light, and alot of parts were too dark.