This contest is now over. Winners announced on page 4.
Merlin's Equine Species Contest
Hello, everyone.
For some time, I've wanted to have my own adoptable equine species here on CS, something unique, beautiful, and successful. All my attempts so far have failed for various reasons ― not-so-great lineart, ideas that weren't super incredible, or they just didn't appeal to potential adopters. And, as time has gone on, the bar has been raised by all the amazing species that have been created: Wild Mountain Equids, Chrysaora Basilisks, Phaethon's Tekes, and so on. Not that they're "competition" at all. They've simply raised the expectations for equine adoptables.
So I've decided to hold a contest. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to create a unique, creative, fantastic new equine species for me to use as an adoptable. There are some rules, guidelines, and, of course, prizes, which are discussed below.
Merlin's Equine Species Contest
Hello, everyone.
For some time, I've wanted to have my own adoptable equine species here on CS, something unique, beautiful, and successful. All my attempts so far have failed for various reasons ― not-so-great lineart, ideas that weren't super incredible, or they just didn't appeal to potential adopters. And, as time has gone on, the bar has been raised by all the amazing species that have been created: Wild Mountain Equids, Chrysaora Basilisks, Phaethon's Tekes, and so on. Not that they're "competition" at all. They've simply raised the expectations for equine adoptables.
So I've decided to hold a contest. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to create a unique, creative, fantastic new equine species for me to use as an adoptable. There are some rules, guidelines, and, of course, prizes, which are discussed below.
Rules
- Must be an equine (horse-like) species
- Clean, neat lines (in brush size 1 or 2) and correct anatomy/proportions are necessary
- Lock Alpha layer is required
- There are no 1st, 2nd, etc. winners; I will award prizes for all the entries I wish to keep
- There may be anywhere from one winner to ten winners
- If you decide you want to keep your species, please withdraw before the end date
- You may enter as many times as you want
Optional
- Shading and highlights are not necessary, but would be great
- Gender dimorphism (difference in appearance between males/females)
- Foal lines are another thing you could add, if you like
- Special genetics/markings specific to the species
- You are welcome to create multiple entries if you like
Some Neat Ideas
- "Hybrid" species (i.e. bird-horse, plant-horse, etc.)
- A realistic breed/crossbreed (i.e. special strain of Arabian, Akhal-Arabian cross, etc.)
- Something that incorporates unnatural/bright colors/patterns without them looking unnatural/standing out
Things I Like
- Unique creativity - even if you're not sure it'll work, give it a try. Think outside the box.
- Arabians, Akhal-Tekes, Friesians, Andalusians, Lusitanos
- Unique features (unusual manes/tails, feathers, horns, etc.)
- Something beautiful, graceful, majestic
Things I Don't Want
- Appaloosa-based species (spots are hard)
- Ponies or drafts (cute, but I prefer lithe and majestic)
- Spiders (all other living creatures are okay)
- Wings
- Blood/gore/skeletal/scary/death-based species
- A copy of someone else's species
And now, what you're all here for...
The Prize
Each winner will get one (1) of the pets below (their choice), along with an artist position for the adoptable (if desired).
All are re-releases and either rare or very rare.
End Date
July 31st
This will give everyone plenty of time to finish their entries. The contest may be extended if entries are not satisfactory.
Good luck to you all, and thank you in advance to those of you who take the time to enter.
The Prize
Each winner will get one (1) of the pets below (their choice), along with an artist position for the adoptable (if desired).
All are re-releases and either rare or very rare.
End Date
July 31st
This will give everyone plenty of time to finish their entries. The contest may be extended if entries are not satisfactory.
Good luck to you all, and thank you in advance to those of you who take the time to enter.
