Gimme any theme you want. I'd be okay with it. :D
Originally Posted by "ballsmcgee
Um, I know the rules say "no overt negativity" and I'm not trying to be negative here, but I don't think any of these icons should even be in this contest. Even the banner for this contest is someone else's fanart. Unless you are the creator of the "stock" (I don't think you are using the term correctly) image or have explicit consent from the artist, then you shouldn't be using someone else's art in your icons. These are all just blatantly ripping someone else's artwork which is a huge no-no in graphics design. It's copyright infringement.
I totally get where you're coming from. As an aspiring artist myself, I can see how others using my artwork without my permission would make me feel. But graphic design is a medium most people get into by using stocks (no, that's not really the wrong usage. anything you use as a base can be termed a "stock". whether or not it is correct according to your graphic lingo isn't something I was aware of, though) that don't belong to them. Not everyone can start off creating original works and scratch pieces at the very beginning. Like Fairy mentioned, this is all for fun and to practice/hone our skills. No one is claiming the art as their own. Most people take care not to use art if the artist has explicitly stated that their art cannot and should not be used by others in any way. And we DO credit the original artists. I try to, at least when the name's visible.
Besides, a lot of image manipulation tends to ruin icons. Icons generally look best when they're simplistic - mostly composed of changes like color manipulation and adding a few effects and stuff. You can't expect people to cook up original art everytime they're in need for stocks for a fun little contest - not everyone has the time or the skills that are essential for the task. On that note - I'm sure 99.9% of the graphic artists use stuff like c4ds, textures, brushes and patterns too. Do they credit each and every single person whose c4d they used in a work? Do they? Assuming you're a graphic artist - do
you? If not, why do you think there's a problem with people using fanart as stocks? (when they're even crediting the original artists!) Actually wait, you're against the entire notion of people using stuff that's made by others, am I right? Do you create your own c4ds, textures, brushes etc? No offense intended, I'm just curious.
Anyway, onto the real topic - Congratulations to the winners! I'm kinda late and I didn't get to vote but the audience did pick some good entries this time, imo. :) Can we get started on topic selection for next contest, though? I can't wait for my turn to participate!!!!