Instead of starting by saying how excellent all the entries are (which is true), I wanted to say thank you to all the participants. These contests really have become one of my favorite things about the board. I wish I had a fraction of the talent that all of you have, because I feel like a slacker for not participating. Again, a huge thank you to all the participants!
Surprisingly this was not a slam dunk for me. Usually I have a couple of front runners, but I felt that the playing field was pretty even this time. There was a wide range of formats, fun, and playfulness.
MIMP Gargoyle Costume, by AirotI won't lie. When I saw this, I had no idea what it was. I had to search MIMP and take a look at
Number 72. Once I saw the figure, I was impressed. Of course, I was impressed with the commitment and effort that went into the piece. I don't imagine this was thrown together in 15 minutes (if it was, think what you could have done in 30!). The forehead is what really stood out to me. The fourth picture seems to really fit the gargoyle's forehead. I got the impression that Airot focused on the forehead and wings, because those two aspects are what really stood out to me. They also seem to be the aspects that stand out on the figure. So I like the interpretation of the figure. The other thing that stood out on the figure was the beading(?) on the chest. I would have liked to have seen an incorporation of this into the chest piece. As weird as this will sound, I both like and dislike the color choice. As a costume, it is bright and probably what you would actually see as a MIMP costume. I would have preferred something that more closely matches the figure, something that gave it more of a little rubber guy feel.
Weirdball and Battle Beast Masks, by Reccoom KaboomReccoom is on a roll with Weirdballs. He's really translating those toys into other things. He either has a great love of them, a really understanding of their design, or a strong combination of both. But it was the Battle Beast mask that really struck me. I felt like I was looking at the original concept piece that would be used to sell Battle Beast children's costumes. I felt like the design would be simplified, watered down, and then made in China. Then, someday, people would see this prototype and be angry/sad over what could have been. Not only is the owl technically great, I felt it really captured this figure in terms of design, color, and intangible feel.
Trick or Meat, by ScumdoggIf I collected BB's, then I would have bought this piece. The only thing that stopped me from buying it was the thought of having to explain it is a picture of a MUSCLE figure dressed up like a Battle Beast. People have a tough time wrapping their head around my MUSCLE's, it exhausted me just thinking about explaining Battle Beats. I think this is a classic Scumdogg piece. Not only is it of high quality, it is entertaining. There is a fluidity and sense of motion even with the static stance. The leaves look great, the background looks great – it just all comes together. This piece simply screams fun, it forces you to smile. Any collector of Battle Beasts and MUSCLE should be fighting over this piece.
EDIT -
It can still be bought here.Headless Tortle, by TortleGod damn. This is what you can sketch out during lunch?!?! I think I want to see more of Tortle's rushed works. Not only is this a fun picture it seems to show Tortle's natural talent. With Tortle's previous entries I feel like his high quality is expected instead of impressive. This recaptures that impressiveness. I feel there are two main things about this piece: Tortle's face and the horse's face. First, the horse. The shadow and darkness around the eye brings in the sense of evilness necessary for a headless horseman piece. I almost get the sense the horse is looking angrily back at the cheerful Tortle – which brings me to Tortle. Even missing his head, Tortle is able to draw his namesake and have him look like he should. Because Tortle is so identifiable it balances the evil horse with a friendly Tortle. After this piece, I really want to see more pieces like this or more Tortle art adventures.
Skull Grotess, by Wrath1104In the thumbnail I thought, "It's ok." Then I clicked on the image. Holy shizznit. I am a sucker for precision and accuracy and this blows my mind. Frankly I don't know what to say. I really am more interested in how this was created, and what the process is. I really struggled with this piece. The technical precision is stunning. It was so intriguing to me, that it made me stop thinking about the piece overall. I have to wonder if the addition of color would have balanced the precision and my level of engagement.
Any of these entries deserve to win. In the end, my vote goes to Weirdball and Battle Beast Masks, by Reccoom Kaboom. He had the technical skills, the accuracy, the interesting format, color, fun, and quantity. There wasn't an area that had a deficiency. In fact, I still would have voted for him if only the owl was entered. If it had been the Weirdballs alone, I don't know if he would have kept the vote. The owl was just stunning.
Again, congratulations to everyone and thank you for participating!
Edited by General Veers, 03 November 2008 - 11:28 AM.
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