I am happy to show you the Finalists for Character Contest 52: Sagittarius! There were some great entries this time around; I hope you have as much fun browsing through them as I did.
Airia's "Murasaki" features a great costume design and setting.
Asder's "White Sagittarius" also has a nicely-rendered background and an intriguing main character, plus a custom-built bow for good measure!
I'm a sucker for a good pun, particularly when it features one of the titans of jazz, which explains Atomic Punk's "Sajmo".
Blue Blazer's version has a lot of great elements, particularly the cyclopian targeting goggles and the forearm-mounted repeating crossbows.
All of domhellsing's entries were good, but I picked out "Chiron" for the nice pose, the tight integration of the human and equine portions, the armor choices, and especially the very well-done head. The look is intense, the feature choices spot-on, and the coloring perfect.
I love that Fishsticks went with a Western theme in his "Jessie". The sepia-tone treatment really sells the whole effect, not to mention the great item choices.
Frevoli's concept of centauroid powered armor was brilliant, as was the use of that neck piece to create the opening on the horse body. Really clever.
Gene did a great job on this portrait integrating the various facial elements into a believable whole:
I liked Jason's hand-crafted bow here, it's a cool effect.
Kaldath's technique of creating in essence a saddle blanket for his Huntress works great.
I can't imagine the amount of work Kingslaughter put into this battle scene. I encourage you to go read his backstory as well, it's all very good.
Lime's composition, titled "From the Mist", has a ton to recommend it. I love the way the background is all faded out and how the figure breaks the outline of it. That's great composition. I also like the slightly feral look of her, it makes the animal and human parts seem a lot more in harmony. A wonderful image all the way around.
MLS is committed to continuing his GI Joe inspired line of Zodiac Commandos, so I'll keep doing this theme!
Rhinoman's use of a non-equine human-animal hybrid caught my eye. I love the wheel in the background, particularly with the added element of the center lion sigil. Tight colors and clever item choices also make this one sing.
I liked Sutter Kaine's super-hero themed Sagittarius a lot. The subtle gradient on her legs is a nice touch.
TheRandomHERO made good use of armor and other tack on the equine portion of his archer for a convincing and cool looking character.
Watson Bradshaw's steampunk take on the idea of a centauroid was brilliant, and very well executed as well. I really loved this whole idea, well done, Watson!
Those are all great submissions, and I congratulate everyone on making it as a Finalist. But as they say in the movies, there can be only one, and that one for this week is ... Lime's "From the Mist!" It had by far the best composition, and easily one of the best character designs. Just a great illustration, I love everything about it. Congratulations, Lime! Let me know what you'd like for your prize, and if you can't think of anything you can just wave your hand royally and say "Do the next one on the Replacement Prize list!"
Thanks again to everyone who entered, I appreciate your creativity very much.
Way to Go Lime. Great job on the composition as she appears to be riding out at full gallop ready for battle. Some real nice work as always from everyone.
Congrats Lime and the finalists.
No big deal Jeff (and I don’t think I ever mentioned), but I’m a she. 🙂
Oh, keen, thanks! In honor of my husband just hearing he got accepted into the taiko group he auditioned for Sunday, I request something (what specifically I’ll leave to you) Japanese.
Congrats Lime, I like that one. My personal fave was Fishsticks’ tho. I love that sepia coloring.
Lime If you’d like some suggestion for Japanese Items.
A Kubuki Mask: http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs47/f/2009/189/8/9/Kabuki_Mask_by_elfqueenvik.jpg
Some Kama’s : http://www.asymonte.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/kama.jpg
A Kimono : http://www.annieshavercrandell.com/images/artwork/stepmother.kimono.jpg
A Jade Fan: http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.94414018.jpg
Or
Shoji Screen ( as a Background item) : http://www.roomdividers.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/SSCLCBLSS_4.jpg
These are just a few suggestion for you to consider.
Awww, thanks 😀 And congrats!
No problem, “something Japanese” is on the list. Thanks again, and congrats to your husband 🙂
Sorry about the gender confusion there, Fishsticks, I have a bad habit of underestimating the number of females around here.
Thanks for those links, Kaldath.
Now that I’m looking at them, I’m thinking the Kabuki mask would be a good addition.
Lime, if that repulses you, shout and I’ll think of something else :-p
Congrats, Lime! She really looks like she is ready for battle.
And thanks Jeff for the kind words!
@Watson Bradshaw: Awesome concept!
@MLS: Can’t wait for the next one!
@Blue Blazer: Cool character!
No worries Jeff.
@The Imp: thanks! That means a lot coming from you.
Jeff here are a few more Kabuki Masks for you to look at.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/2286580185_0cc7318965.jpg
@Lime: Congrats. I like the “stepping out of the picture” effect.
@Jeff: Thanks for the honorable mention. I’ve been wanting to create a character around the full-tooth smile.
Good stuff all around. Some nods (alphabetically):
* Asder’s Night Archer: Nice “touch” with the glove hand.
* bl0odstainedeye’s Sagitar: The torchlit path, left leg anklet and tattoo – fire signs.
* Cliff’s Sagittarius: Great forest background.
* Domshellsing’s Chiron: The furrowed brow is like a keystone to a well-designed character.
* Fishsticks’ Jessie: The tone is great. And the galloping pose is convincing enough to convey the “Old West dusty trail.”
* Kaldath’s Huntress: The “saddle blanket” costume creates a culture around her. Something so simple yet ornate that even strangers recognize her as someone of status.
* Oquies’ Sagitarrius: Nice silhouette. The “moonlight reflection” on the body and rocks really pop.
* Rhinoman’s Sagi: The gold color scheme meshes nicely.
* Vampyrist’s Sagittarius: I like the pose and cityscape.
* Watson Bradshaw’s Dr. Sagittarius: Nice steampunk.
Oh, and not to impose, but my vote goes to the Shoji screen background. 😉
I gotta go for the Shoji screens as well 🙂
All outstanding entries. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. I just use HeroMachine to create the occasional guy or gal in cape and tights. You folks are using it to make art. I am profoundly impressed with your creativity.
Sure, the mask is fine. 🙂
Congrats to all and especially to Lime for the win!
Thanks for the honourable mention Jeff.
I personally like the Jade fan and shoji screen.
Thanks for the mention Jeff, that alone is a great reward.