CLOSED!!! Prize picking time!!

I've decided to do the contest! Yay!

The contest is to color one (or both) of these pictures of Taj (just his body)


Contest closes April 30, 2008 at 11:59PM my time (eastern USA). Please send me a link of your submission in a note. That way I will not miss it.
I may post another line art for you to color as well.

Both winners and any honorable mentions will get a featured in my journal all together.

The Prize Pools

RULZ:Each person can select 2 items (except 1st place, he/she gets to pick the 1st three and 6th place, that person gets the 3 remaining prizes). You must pick from SEPARATE pools. No double dipping. 1st place gets 1st pick, and so forth down the line. Keep in mind some donors are offering 2 pieces, others 1. Many of them are offering an option for their 1 or 2 pieces.

When the winners are announced I will personally note the 1st place winner to select the first three prizes. I will go down the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th line accordingly in the same manner.

As the winners select items I will close the pools.

Note: 2 separate winners can select 2 of the same prizes from the same pool if 2 items are being offered. For example: 1st winner can select a 1 year subscription from my pool and then something else from another. 2nd place winner can also select the sub, then something else. That would then close my pool, because I am only offering 2 prizes, leaving my pool unavailable to 3rd, 4th, etc.

If you have ANY questions, just ask. I hope that all made sense.

No original artwork will be mailed to winner’s residence unless otherwise noted.

POOL #1
Chosen by CLOSED!!!!
Artist: =jennyleigh
Offering 2 pieces.
Original artwork will be mailed to winner. Nothing will be physically sent for digital art.
I ( =jennyleigh ) reserve the right to sell any prints of the drawings I create for you. I will of course always note that you are the owner of the character(s). If this bothers you, pick the sub.

Options:
1) A fully toned, traditional piece of *one* of your original characters (my specialty). Ex: [link] [link] [link]
This is more of a toned/lineart piece, but fits the bill: [link]
If selected specify if you want outlines or not (or if you even care). Example of no outlines (not finished though): [link]
2) A pen drawing of *one* of your original characters with a simple background. Ex: [link]
3) A digital line art of *up to two* of your original characters (no background if two characters, simple background if one). I'm new at this, but it is getting fun. Ex: [link]
4) I can digitally color one of your line arts (digital or traditional, background or none [I will not make a background, but I will color one]) Ex: [link] [link]
5) A digital creation/coloring (no outlines, no background) of *one* of your original characters. Ex: [link]
6) A 1 year subscription to DA (It can be kept for you, or donated to someone else. This can be broken up amongst deviants if chosen [split into 3 month chunks])

POOL #2
Chosen by Closed!!!!
Artist: *SilverVistani
Offering 2 pieces.

Options:
1) Digital coloring of your line art
2) Drawn and colored image of your OC (humans preferred, see gallery)

POOL #3
Chosen by 1 pick left!!!!
Artist: *PyroAxel
Offering 3 pieces.

Options:
1) Coloring your line art
2) "CaramellDansen Avatar"… a dancing avatar! Ex:
If an OC a ref will be needed. You can have a name, background, and character.

POOL #4
Chosen by CLOSED!!!!
Artist: =Oblivions-Thief
Offering 1 piece.

1) Journal header/banner

POOL #5
Artist: ~Nucozih
Offering 1 piece.

Options:
1) Creation of a new character for you. This character will appear in her comic strip.
2) Make a reference sheet for your pre-existing OC.

POOL #6
Chosen by CLOSED!!!
Artist: *Lashael
Offering 1 piece.

1) Digital piece in her “dark style.” Example: [link]


POOL #7
Chosen by 1 pick remaining!!!!
Artist: ~caitlincaitiecait
Offering 2 pieces.

Options:
1) Coloring of your line art
2) Drawing of your “human” OC

POOL #8
Chosen by CLOSED!!!
Artist: =TheLadyPegasus
Offering 1 piece.
Original art will be mailed to you.

Options:
1) Basic drawing of animal OC on black paper
2) A line art of your animal OC
3) A piece of poetry


POOL #9
Chosen by CLOSED!!!!
Artist: =peki-vremen
Offering 1 piece.

Options:
1) Fully colored, digital piece of your OC
2) Pencil line art of a new character for you.


Honorable mentions (unspecified number) will receive a sketch of *one* of their original characters by me. These will not be mailed, but a high resolution scan will be emailed.

Rules
1) Do not redraw Taj. Use only the drawing(s) I give you. I don’t want anyone to have a perceived unfair advantage.
2) You are allowed to add things on to him, but I will not be judging based on add-ons.
3) I will accept both digital and traditional submissions.
4) You can submit up to 5 pieces, but I will only select my favorite one of all your submissions to be in the judging.

How To Win This Contest
1) I will not be judging based on skill, but don’t slack. I will be looking through your gallery to make sure you are doing a good job based on your skill level.
2) I will not judge based on add-ons at all. If you give him magnificent wings, mane, tail, etc, but an unimaginative body coloring/markings you will fare poorly in the contest, but I will not reject your submission. This goes the same for giving him a background, or putting him in a scene.
3) Be creative!! Go out of your comfort zone.
4) Personal preference here… don’t pick colors that grossly clash. That bugs me.
5) I will give a description of his personality and story further down in this post, try to pick a color scheme/markings based off of that. Then, in your description, tell me why you chose your scheme. Sell it to me! Make me want to pick you!!
6) If you feel for some reason you visually cannot get across what you are trying to do, please give me a detailed description of what you are going after. Sell it to me!! This can help you!

Why I Am Doing This Contest
I have no idea what this poor fellow looks like (color wise). I cannot decide what to do! I need your help!! I may not pick the winner as his permanent coloring, but I am hoping to use all the entries as inspiration.
Here are some very, very old drawings of him, see if that stirs some ideas for you:


Taj’s Story

Taj and the rest of his species reside in a torturous world. They are systematically caught and executed by “man” (or something similar to human) because they are seen as the dragons of their world, omnivorous and fire breathing. Something evil to be killed because they are highly adept in magic. They have been forced out of their natural territory and are suffering from starvation due to the fact they are in a desolate terrain and cannot adapt quickly enough.

This species, especially Taj, are highly adept in manipulating energy. Their signature magical qualities include telekinesis and telekinetic ability. They also have the ability to possess other creatures. In order to escape the tortures of this world Taj conjures up an unusual plot. The remaining few of the unicorns go into a cave, fall into a magically induced hibernation, and transport their “dream energy” to a kinder, gentler world for them to live in until their bodies finally give out and they just slip away. They do not feel the pain in the world they physically reside.

This new world is lush and forgiving. Filled with anthromorphic unicorns, gryphons, nymps, waterfalls, vast forests, and other awesomeness. This is where Hazel [link] lives as well and it is the original birthplace of the phoenix. In this world they are composed of pure energy and carry a large orb which acts as a window to their physical world. Wonder what would happen if they broke? Hmmm…

Taj’s Personality
Taj is the oldest of his group and the most adept in magic. He is wise, forgiving, very patient, and always willing to teach or tell a story. He has had many children, but all are dead, as well as his mate. He cannot seem to let this go and is always grieving. Despite his kind disposition, Taj is a force to be reckoned with when provoked. His fury is controllable but what he is capable of is terrifying. With a simple twist of magic he can rend a creature in half and even though he is made of energy he can physically kill with his razor talons and steel trap jaws. Perhaps use telekinesis to drive one insane? Why not?



Btw, he can fly, but his wings don’t come out unless he needs them. I imagine they would look like this:


Please let me know if you have any questions! Thank you!