Showing posts with label contests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contests. Show all posts

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Emails About the Prizes Went Out & PRIZES!

If you were one of the 12 main picks for the calendar, check the email you used to submit to the contest. The 2nd Figma Link figurine arrived so I did the lottery drawing for the prize selection order. I let you know which number you drew, and thus what order you will get to select from the remaining prizes. If you didn't receive something from me, just let me know. (Since it may be an issue of emails not getting through, check your spam mail -with words like "contest" in the email, it might be filtered out- you can also try to reach me here on blogger, on my DA account, or on Facebook in this case.) And thank you again guys!

Since I never really got to update the forum thread with the contest info (because the prizes weren't all here, so I didn't confirm them until I was sure they'd show up) this is what was available this year. Next year (or this year's! Holy crap it's 2013!) should be even better *crosses fingers* The first year's contest prizes were pretty sweet!

Also, I still plan on making a post, a few posts, about other pieces. That's really important to me: there were so many wonderful ones and I wanted to talk about them. Before Christmas I was very scattered, and then out guests arrived: so I promptly caught a bad flu... which brings us to today! But I feel very bad about it because it's something I've wanted to do, it's something I feel is very important.

Anyway, here's what was goodies there were this year! Not counting the 4 participation prizes that were given out :3 That consisted of another copy of the Japanese Hyrule Historia, an English copy of Hyrule Historia, and 2x Link plushies and practice Ocarina's with Zelda songbooks!

Prize 1:
Japanese copy of Hyrule Historia

(Collector's item at this point, for those of you who haven't followed along insanely closely I feel like I shoudl explain or this will look odd: I didn't know they'd be releasing it in English at the time. I got these reserved for the contest when they were still selling out and seemed to be a limited edition: Which seemed like quite a feat. I was so excited I could offer them. I bought most of the prizes early in the year. If I had more money, I'd include an English copy with these. But I can't afford it T_T)



Prize 2:
(Another) Japanese copy of Hyrule Historia




Prize 3:
(ANOTHER) Japanese copy of Hyrule Historia




Prize 4:
These Six Figurines (from Various Games)

Includes Link and Zelda from Skyward Sword, Young Link and Yound Zelda from Ocarina of Time 3D, and Link and Tetra from Phantom Hourglass.



Prize 5:
Map of Hyrule by Mudron
(Not official, but quite awesome regardless)
24 X 36-inch print on premium matte stock. More details can be found here.



Prize 6:
Box Set of the 10 Akira Himekawa Manga (English Language Version Only)

This includes Ocarina of Time vol 1 & 2, Majora's Mask, Four Swords 1 & 2, Oracle of Seasons, Oracle of Ages, The Minish Cap, A Link to the Past, and Phantom Hourglass.



Prize 7:
"Ocarina of Time-like" Professional Quality Ocarina (With Zelda Song Books and Playing Instructions)

A 12-hole Alto Ocarina, it has more of a range and is bigger than the old prize. It's also green with a Triforce on it, and has a nifty little pouch to protect it. (Being donated by Fenrisfang!)



Prize 8:
"Saria" Ocarina (With Zelda Song Books and Playing Instructions)

It's from Song Bird Ocarina;s, so the quality is very good. It's ceramic brown, and the green inlay is very nice looking. It comes with the suede carrying case.



Prize 9:
The Five Phantom Hourglass Figurines:





Prize 10:
A Skyward Sword Link figurine by Figma

Here's what it includes: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151324479240610.520490.306059985609&type=1



Prize 11:
Another Skyward Sword Link figurine by Figma
He's what held us up. But I think he was worth the wait.




Prize 12:
A cute, small, 4 hole ocarina and song book

It's a ceramic ocarina by Song Bird, and is actually a very nice sounding instrument.



***

OR:  a 12 month individual account DeviantART subscription can be substituted for any prize. :)


Edit: I fixed the images, sorry about that!

Monday, December 31, 2012

The Free 2013 Zelda Calendar (UPDATE)

Happy New Year! It's finally done: Just print it out and you're all set for 2013!
Thank you again to all the amazing artist's who participated to make this happen!


  • Here's the .zip with the individual pages as files: 18 Megs
  • Here's the .pdf, if that makes printing even easier for you: 23 Megs
  • Here's a smaller, lower quality, .pdf for people who don't have fast connections: 4 Megs


You can also download the .zip it on my DeviantART account.
Let me know if you have any trouble with those, or if you spot any errors. I had to shorten some of the original descriptions by the artists so they'd fit the template, so be sure to check out the original pieces for the full ones! They're great.






Sorry it took me so long to get this posted. I got it done a while ago but I wanted to double check it; then I got the flu, which prevented me from getting on the computer.

EDIT:
Remember, you can make your own version using the blank template and any of the spectacular 250+ entries! 





Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Last Participation Prize for This Year


So, here goes the lottery drawing for the last Participation Prize!


BAM. This was the list, and Julieta it is! Congrats~! I'll be writing you soon to see what you want! ♥ & I'll try to get the actual calendar made, and added, soon so every one can have it for next year.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

2nd Annual Calendar Contest Winners


After this, I hope to be posting a follow up discussing some of the other pieces that came really, really, close to being the main picks. I feel that's very important, because it truly was so incredibly close for so many of them... Plus, I still want to come back and comment on everyone's piece! Unfortunate timing occasionally prevented me from commenting on an entry, and it's been driving me crazy. I'll also be re-checking the entries on flickr soon; making sure all the links and info for the pieces are up-to-date.




This selection was really hard to make. Thank you to everyone who entered and made this so difficult and amazing at the same time. I hope you will join us again next year. And thank you for bearing with me; it's been over a week since the contest deadline passed and I know how long that must have felt. There were over 30 pieces on the table that could have been the final picks, (and that wasn't including the ones I loved but knew would be harder to read when printed,) and really: any of those would have been great choices. While I originally narrowed it down by doing things like, selecting ones that I thought fit the theme the best, seemed well thought out, inspired, would print well, were the most "skillfully" done, had good polish, and were ones that just spoke to me or were pieces I thought would speak to the most fans: Out of those, what ended up influencing the very final choices was that I, basically, tried for the most variety.

About the free-downloadable calendar:
These are merely my choices for the main calendar and the 12 prizes. But the real point of this yearly event is to have a free, downloadable, fan-calendar that any Zelda fan would like: so, if you have other favorites, and simply want to make a calendar with the pieces you would have chosen: Please know that ALL the entries will be on the site, with a blank template, so you can make your own version of the calendar. You don't have to stick with my choices. I'll be making another announcement when the new calendar and the blank templates are ready. It might take me a little while, but it will be finished before January.

Last year's calendar, and entries, can be found here. As soon as I make the template for the 2013 calendar, you can even use last year's entries for your new 2013 calendar too. That's one of the reasons I always want them to be the same size ratio. :)

And please remember:
Each and every one of the artists involved only deserve positive feedback; everyone did an amazing job, and these picks were extremely difficult because of that. These are only the results based on my, (and another judge's,) final decision. If you disagree with me, don't take it out on any of the artists. These were my choices, not theirs. I ultimately wanted this contest to be about encouragement. I know 99% of you are awesome and that this hardly needs to be said, but; I know not winning is incredibly discouraging, but please avoid leaving public comments on any of the entries saying someone else should have been picked for one of these spots. If you want to tell someone you feel they should have won over someone else, then consider that notes and email may be a kinder option. Thank you for understanding! ♥

Final Participation Prize:
I'll try to do the lottery-style drawing for the last participation prize very soon. Remember that the 12 finalists, and the other early participation prize winners, will be excluded from this final prize drawing to ensure that at least one more artist has a chance to win something in this event. I'll be updating the list on this post so you can see who is eligible. This means you still have time to double check things for me: If you entered, but your name is not on that list, let me know ASAP! Once we do the prize drawing; there is no going back.


*** The 12 Winners ***
(If you're one of these 12, please check your email. I sent you some info before I hit post here)


January


Artist's Name: Shadottie
Website: http://shadidraws.tumblr.com/
Image Location: http://shadidraws.tumblr.com/post/36891967996/this-moment-in-the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of

Artist's Summary: "This Moment"
This moment in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will always be special to me. I was really young when this game was first released, and there were many things that terrified me in game. But I pressed on, got through my fears, even if it took years, and made it to the end. It was incredibly rewarding to finally defeat Ganondorf, hit the credits, and find that all the people of Hyrule were gathered in one place, celebrating this victory. Hyrule can finally live peace and prosperity.

Some Brief Reasons for the Pick: The artist managed to take a scene from the game, one that I did not even like originally, and they turned it into something I love. It really gives that moment life & it's just got a great feel as an art piece. They way they used the sage's colors was really fun and, while the vibrant colors are throughout the whole piece, they don't come off as being too overbearing. Like all great art, they seem to have found the right balance. Including detail, and lack there of: it's really the right amount of everything. Plus, the composition is just really good and the whole thing reads very well~ even printed. It's also a celebration of one of the most important moment's in Hyrule History: the triumph of the Hero, instead of Hyrule's fall into the Era of Decline. So it's a HUGE one for the theme of the contest.

...And doesn't it make a great piece for bringing in the New Year? It's every friend out celebrating under a brilliant night sky. Perfect!


February


Artist's Name: Hadece
Website: http://hadece.deviantart.com/
Image Location: http://hadece.deviantart.com/art/Zelda-Until-the-last-Breath-340206714

Artist's Summary: "Until the last Breath"
"Young lad, do you plan fighting the mighty beast Ganon? It once was a proud man, blessed with a bright mind and immense power by the goddesses. But he strived for too much. So when he gained the land he desired for, his mind fell to the darkness.
The man was swallowed, leaving behind a struggling beast. Now it is not more than a wild animal, blind of anger and desperation, waiting for someone to finally release it.
Will you have the courage to strike the giant, young lad?

So go on.

But it is dangerous out there. Take this."

Some Brief Reasons for the Pick: Well, for one: It's goregous. The detail is awesome and it's so well done. It doesn't just look like it: it feels like it's taking place in an old, lost, realm. Some place that is not use to being disturbed. Some place that you shouldn't be disturbing. Just like how it can feel sometimes when you wander alone through an empty cave, ruined castle, or old forest. (Or; like how the old Zelda often games felt to me.) Somehow it feels quite, and eerie, like the moment is frozen- like you're catching your breath: It really is the moment of realization that the power of destruction is going to be crashing towards you. I love how the pillars are showing the history, they're so much fun to decipher. The lighting composition is amazing.

Maybe I picked it for the February slot because it has a cold, almost lonely, feeling to it. Link is alone and has that to face. And February has always felt like the coldest month to me.


March


Artist's Name: Mikey Patch
Website: http://irontree.deviantart.com/
Image Location: http://irontree.deviantart.com/art/The-Legend-of-Zelda-Shadow-of-Katirok-End-Duel-340525578

Artist's Summary: "End Duel"
This is a scene from the final battle between Link and the Sheikahn dark wizard Agahnim in the "Shadow of Katirok" fan story - written by Andy Pinkston and Mikey Patch

"Some time ago, before the King of Hyrule unified this country, there was a fierce war in our world."
— Deku Tree Sprout

Link awakens from a terrible dream of war and destruction. The last time he dreamt of something so significant, Hyrule was overthrown by the bearer of the triforce of power. He had to travel through time to change the course of history. But maybe this change made a new path for evil to tread.

During the Hyrulean civil war for the Triforce and the sacred realm, 2 warriors saved Hyrule from the Garo interlopers from the north. One (the most powerful) was a Fierce and loyal knight of the King named Ealit, and the other was the prodigy of the sheikah named Agahnim. Under the direction of the Majune, the matriarch of the sheikah, Agahnim betrayed Ealit and the king in a plot for obtaining the triforce. The traitor sheikahs were executed and Agahnim was banished to the desolate land of the Garo in the north called Katirok.

8 years later, the time of peace granted by the Hero of Times victory, is coming to an end. Agahnim survived, and has returned far more powerful that ever before. Link must find a fierce power from the past in order to protect the future.

Some Brief Reasons for the Pick: This is one of those pieces where it just feels enough like an actual Zelda game or story that you'd hardly question it. Every element in it is something that already fits with what we've seen from the franchise, but it's all new and the piece makes its own story. It feels like it adds to the series. It's gratifying. It's so amazingly well done. All of that is impressive; it's an extremely impressive piece in every regard. And I love seeing an Agahnim-like entity more of a "modern" Sheikah's garb; it really works for that character's concept to have more than just The Eye on his robes. Kind of marries that symbol from A Link to the Past with what was seen in Ocarina of Time and the later games.

I kept thinking of the betrayal aspect that was so integral to Agahnim's story~ that I guess I placed it in March for some loose, conceptual, "Ides of March" tie in. Plus, the name "March" coming from the celebration of the god "Mars" -Having a violent piece for the month seemed quite a decent fit. The colors are beautiful and seemed to work well for the time of year too.


April


Artist's Name: Evelmiina
Website: http://evelmiina.deviantart.com/
Image Location: http://evelmiina.deviantart.com/art/Fate-of-the-Trinity-pirates-339702256

Artist's Summary: "Fate of the Trinity Pirates"
Long before birth of the hero of the wind, a small group of pirates became notorious for their hunt of what was known as golden triumph forks. They were fearsome, for they used whatever means, once they got a whiff of the prize. Some thought, that gods themselves punished them for their arrogance. However it was, they perished at the sea.

A bit of this and that, I thought it’d be interesting if it was their ship that is the ghost ship in the wind waker. Even after their death, the ship wanders about carrying the memory of their failed mission. As for their looks, I thought it’s interesting contradiction that they resemble the three goddesses, but whether they actually are their incarnations or not, who knows.

Some Brief Reasons for the Pick: This is another one of those pieces that, while it didn't really happen, I want it to happen. I can believe it happened. It creates a side story that gives an almost inconsequential aspect of the game, that seemed small to me until now, a really great depth. It's a really fun thing to think about. I love how it feels like a last desperate stand of people to whom fighting is familiar, and also feels as if it's the persona of the ship. There's so much glorious attitude to this piece. I love the style, the look, the character design. I love picking apart the details. It's just really damn cool. And the piece is so successful because it creates its own story in your mind. The artist's description sums everything up so wonderfully; but you wouldn't have to read that to get a similarly amazing story from it. It made a tale, a legend, that will be told as a part of the history of Hyrule.

As for the month? I tend to always think that something storm related can work well for April.


May


Artist's Name: Karlen T.
Website: http://kgoggles.deviantart.com/
Image Location: http://kgoggles.deviantart.com/art/Leaving-the-Forest-313419666

Artist's Summary: "Leaving the Forest"
"When you play my Ocarina, I hope you will think of me and come back to the forest to visit." - Saria

Some Brief Reasons for the Pick: I love the peaceful feel. I love how it shows a whole region (and without it feeling forced together.) It's all encompassing and sums the moment up so well. It's beautiful; just like the Kokiri Forest should be. The work of art exemplifies why it must have been so hard for Link to leave. (...Yet Saria looks so assuring because she know's it's right! You have to go. But, in that moment, as far as she and you know, the she and the forest will always be there for you to return to.) The piece personifies charm: and there's hardly a more charming moment in the series. It's everything it should be; except, I think it makes it even better. So well done!

Picked for May, because it's such a beautiful "spring-like" piece, a time when the world is young and green.


June


Artist's Name: Skull the Kid
Website: http://skull-the-kid.deviantart.com/
Image Location: http://skull-the-kid.deviantart.com/art/The-War-of-the-Kings-and-the-flood-of-Hyrule-339902948

Artist's Summary: "The War of the Kings and the Flood of Hyrule"
I chose my favourite part of the Legend of Zelda mythos and probably the most tragic of all: the very end of Hyrule.

The vain struggles for survival of the kingdom against Ganondorf, the Goddesses act of the flooding and the exodus that lead to the civilizations of the Great Sea.
The best way to describe this image could be quoting Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule himself:

Once, long ago, this land of Hyrule was turned into a world of shadows by Ganon who sought to obtain the power of the Gods for his evil ends. My power alone could not stop the fiend, and our only choice was to leave the fate of the kingdom in the hands of the Gods...

Some Brief Reasons for the Pick: Great style (it also prints so beautifully!) and very clever. It's familiar, like the official Wind Waker art, but it's actually a very different style, and it's so skillfully done. While still retaining a look that's extremely modern and very appropriate for videogames, (like the Wind Waker, of course) it also manages to merge the feel of the official art, and our real-world's old-world style, perfectly and without flaw. I'm very impressed. The details are great and tell so much of the story~ This piece makes me want to see one of Hyrule's books on history illustrated in this way, or walk down a hallway lined in tapestries like this. For some reason I really get caught up with how Ganon's cloak encompass destruction, of villages by flame, while King Daphnes's is not just the people of Hyrule, but it seems to give us the feeling that he is their hope as well. I love those two parts so much. The swirls (the circular graphic design aspect) of the monsters is enviable. This piece includes so many series details without feeling as crammed as that many details should have to make it feel: in other words, to write about everything shown here would take many, many pages. This piece is a wonderfully thought out, passionate and succinct, visual summary of so much of the series.

The colors, the imagery that's a little fiery and a lot of water; it seemed to make a decent choice for a summer month. June it was.


July


Artist's Name: Josh
Website: http://xxkuronoxx.deviantart.com/
Image Location: http://xxkuronoxx.deviantart.com/art/The-Hylian-Charge-338063517

Artist's Summary: "The Hylian Charge"
Just before Link enters the Twilight Realm one last time with Midna, he leads the Hylian army to push back the corrupt Twili forces back into their realm.

Some Brief Reasons for the Pick: Goodness, we really needed a good war piece for this theme. (We got two true ones and, man, it was hard to pick between them.) There could probably be articles and article's written about "Hyrule's Forgotten Wars." There's so much talk of them in the series, so many hints; but I think that it's such a complicated thing to actually draw that we never really see them depicted in full scenes. We don't even see them in the games because, (even still!) they'd be so incredibly taxing on the systems. This artist really took the task to heart and it shows. This is beautifully done; there's so much detail, and the mastery of color, and the coloring for the lighting, is something I will never get tired of going over. The moment feels desperate, and it feels valiant. It's not just Link, but all the people of Hyrule, fighting for their homeland.

July is a good war month, with so many country's "independence days" happen during this time.


August


Artist's Name: Aquanut
Website: http://aquanut.deviantart.com/
Image Location: http://aquanut.deviantart.com/art/Book-of-Mudora-340721361

Artist's Summary: "Book of Mudora"
Link fulfilling the prophecy about using the Book of Mudora to translate the stone tablet in the desert. I like the idea that the Book of Mudora contains the records of Hyrule's history as well as being a translation key, so the Hylian spilling from the book is spelling out some lines from OoT's creation myth.

Some Brief Reasons for the Pick:  A forgotten language rediscovered! The past comes into the future and  history is brought into relevancy again; It's not just legend anymore. It's the moment the quest can move forward and new realms open -thanks to what the ancients left behind. If not for that book, so much would have been lost. There would have been no way to connect the past and future people of Hyrule. It's one of those moments where the importance of the in-game items is really highlighted. When the game design works realistically. I think it's kind of easy to forget about stories being behind the items, or just not think about them as anything at all, since there are so many you grab along the way: but seeing it as an illustrated scene really helps them make an impact. The designers actually thought about how things could work- they gave items a little story, they placed design features in the game, (like monoliths with a lost language,) to make sure things made sense for the player. It's simple concept, but often over looked in games. It's not just some random mechanic. And, as a work of art: This piece has great design, great color, and it really feels like the game should. I love that it's like a sandstone desert with the light just peeking over the ridges, the dark storms looming in the background. It's how I pictured the top of those rocks, by the desert, in a Link to the Past to be; yet this is even more vibrant and foreboding. It was a wonderful concept to pick for this theme, especially since it was so inspired by the release of the book "Hyrule Historia." (You know, it was released on December 15th in Japan.. so we're only 6 days away before the 1 year anniversary of it!)

Besides the colors seeming a great fit for August: I'm so sorry but... I couldn't help but place it here as a reminder that you're probably about to start yet another year at school. TIME TO OPEN THOSE BOOKS!


September


Artist's Name: Ebillan
Website: http://ebillan.deviantart.com/
Image Location: http://ebillan.deviantart.com/art/The-Arrival-of-Demise-323149918

Artist's Summary: "The Arrival of Demise"
When the gods of old left the world they created, they trusted their ultimate power, the Triforce, to the hands of Hylia so that she could protect it. She did so throughout the Era of the Goddess Hylia until one day a crack opened up in the earth and the Demon King Demise and his demonic hordes came forth from the fissure...

In order to prevent the great power from falling into the hands of Demise, Hylia gathered the humans and sent them skyward with the Triforce, beyond the reach of evil forces wrecking havoc upon the surface world.

Some Brief Reasons for the Pick:  I LOVE the atmosphere in this. There were a lot of really great "beginning of Hyrule" pieces; but this one seemed like the perfect moment to really define the history of the land. The dread and the hope that came to fruition at this moment; the piece made an impact on me. It shows a real turning point~ when darkness comes to the land and the golden power is placed out of the reach. I also really enjoy the fact that, even though these aren't colors I would normally like in a piece of art; I love them here, they're simply perfect. Again, I think this is a piece that has just the right amount of detail, and just the right details.

The colors, and the mood, seemed to make it a great choice for the beginning of fall.


October


Artist's Name: Tawny
Website: http://niraven.deviantart.com/
Image Location: http://niraven.deviantart.com/art/The-Ancient-Power-334435768

Artist's Summary: "The Ancient Power"
“It is called Majora's Mask. It is an accursed item from legend that is said to have been used by an ancient tribe in its hexing rituals. It is said that an evil and wicked power is bestowed upon the one who wears that mask. According to legend... the troubles caused by Majora's Mask were so great... the ancient ones, fearing such catastrophe, sealed the mask in shadow forever, preventing it's misuse. But now, that tribe from the legend has vanished, so no one really knows the true nature of the mask's power...”

A theory I decided to put into motion. Impa enters the Lanaryu Mining Facility of the Past with a Timeshift Stone, in order to remove Majora's Mask and seal it away in shadow. After viewing the extinction of the Ancient Robots, it was clear Hyrule's safety was at stake. When I first played Skyward Sword, I was immediately struck by the similarity in the music between Lanaryu Mining Facility and Majora's Mask's theme. I found the vibrant colors reminiscent of the mask, and found it interesting that even if the Thunder Dragon was saved, the Ancient Robots still all died out. I theorized they could have discovered or created the Mask, seeking an alternate power source as the Thunder Dragon ailed. Electricity could easily be viewed as “a hexing ritual” by the rather medieval races that we've seen throughout Zelda games. Impa's time portal also very much reminded me of the portal through which Link enters Terminia, which is often referred to as “Hyrule's shadow”. There are so many more details I could share on similarities, but then this description would go on and on and on-- my original document going over similarities was well over 900 words. So, I will spare you reading it here and instead let my artwork tell the story.

Some Brief Reasons for the Pick: Very pretty and very well designed as a work of art. Conceptually mind blowing ...just perfection. AKA: It doesn't have to be real to feel real. It's simply fun to think this. It's simply fun to have an explanation like this. It inspires! This is a muse. This is a reason to want to go back through each game and explore every detail of the series in depth and let your mind just expand them. This piece takes such amazing, and kind of mysterious, aspects and very important tales from two great games and merges them to make a really cool moment and idea happen. It expands and explains. Please let yourself get carried away in the artist's summary.

Why October? Colors and, heh, of course: a mask.


November


Artist's Name: Cojirou
Website: http://cojirou.deviantart.com/
Image Location: http://cojirou.deviantart.com/art/The-Recording-of-the-History-of-Hyrule-311782913

Artist's Summary: "The Recording of the History of Hyrule"
I chose to paint the painting of the painting of the Royal Family found in Wind Waker's Hyrule Castle. I adore that game. No long description history behind this picture, because well... it's pretty self explanatory.

Some Brief Reasons for the Pick:  As soon as you see this piece I hope you say what I said~ that there could not have been a more perfect moment to choose for this contest. It's one of those things I hate myself for not thinking of because it just needed to be. This needed to exist. It seems real because it had to be real, this moment had to happen at some point in time for that picture in the Wind Waker to exist. (And the revelation found in that portrait was such an important one in the game.) Plus, the style is so insanely perfect! The artist did such a remarkable job re-creating the right look and feel! Bravo!

Loosely chosen for November because of everyone getting together, and the colors, kind of reminded me of the Thanksgiving holiday in the US.

December


Artist's Name: Breana Melvin
Website: http://89ravenclaw.deviantart.com/
Image Location: http://89ravenclaw.deviantart.com/art/Finding-the-Master-Sword-317954642

Artist's Summary: "Finding the Master Sword"
Link finds the timeless Master Sword, hidden and forgotten by the world.

Some Brief Reasons for the Pick:  Again, it never happens in the game: but it does happen, doesn't it? Another Link, from some other time and place, finds what everyone has forgotten was anything but legend. How can we forget the importance of the sword? Without it Hyrule would have been doomed many times over. It's also just an amazing piece of art; not just for winter, it's goregous in every way. It has such a sense of wonder about it; one that can hardly be explained.

A pick for December because I hope everyone has a beautiful winter; filled with everything they want and need!

All of you, thanks so much for helping make this event great!
~Melora
(There are probably typos I will come back and fix; I've had a small cold ;p forgive my awful writing!)

Thursday, November 29, 2012

New Entries Uploaded (With UPDATES): Check for Yours & Just Hours Left!

I have responded to all the contest emails that had entries in them. (I still have a few non-entry emails left.) If you have not heard back about yours, please resend with the image attached and comment here or note me on DA or Facebook to let me know it's not going through so I can add your email to the contest email's safe list.

We currently have over 126 beautiful pieces by 110 amazing artists!



If you do not see your entry in the flickr gallery, let me know ASAP. I need you to help me double check these things. If it is not in there, there is a small risk it will get missed for judging, (though I will do another pass through of all the emails before I start, just to be safe) so your help is appreciated! Below I will post the list of current participants with valid entries in. Check that for your name as well. I will be updating this list until the contest deadline happens.

You can also find the ones from DeviantART (it's not all of them, just the ones on DA) in this group folder. Please honor the artists and leave them a nice comment if you have some time! Thank you to everyone!

You still have until midnight, PST, November 30th, 2012, to get in entries and updates! That's around a day and a half left to do what ever you need to do! But, please do not wait any longer than you have to get something in. Emails sometimes error and I can not make exceptions on the deadline. The "midnight" deadline is slightly loose in the sense that, as long as your entry is in my mail box by the time I check it, it will be counted. If it comes in while I'm checking, that's too late. So, while that gives you a few extra moments, do not risk waiting a second past midnight, November 30th, on this PST Time Zone clock.

And, yes, you can update anything about your piece all the way until the deadline. Including the art. You can even update it after the deadline, but anything that comes in after the deadline will not be counted towards or judged for the contest: it will only be included with the other entries for the spirit of the event and so people can use it on their calendars if they want. Basically: If you finish late, or want to change something later, you can still send your piece in to be included with the other calendar pieces, but anything that comes in after the deadline will not count towards the "contest" part of the event. Only what I have AT the deadline will count towards the contest.

EVERYTHING must go to the contest email, historyofhyrule.contests@gmail.com  I can not accept notes or comment, anywhere, as valid entries unless we agree to it before hand. Other notes and comments can only be used to notify me if you think something has gone wrong.

& thank you to everyone who has entered so far, everyone who is going to enter, to the people who have commented on entries, and to everyone who has shown interest in it! I can't wait; it's so exciting! Good luck to you all!


This list of current participants:
Being updated as they come in...
  1. Linksliltri4ce
  2. Paper-Plate
  3. Robson B.
  4. Drisana Rodriguez-Martin
  5. Poly
  6. Mizueyes777
  7. Bookwormtiff
  8. Val Toukatly
  9. KingdomTwilightXIII
  10. Christian H.
  11. Ryttu3k
  12. Doudet
  13. SYChunsa
  14. Kylias Darkheart
  15. Erika P.
  16. Kyle L.
  17. mrpretzel
  18. Gakoru
  19. Elizabeth R.
  20. Clara B.
  21. Ashleigh
  22. Julieta
  23. Gimme
  24. Kreus
  25. Miniktty
  26. ApplejackMan
  27. Link24656
  28. Ryuupix
  29. Kyasarin Mire
  30. Jujulica
  31. Karnella
  32. Lisa H.
  33. Kudaku
  34. Fainttos
  35. Song C.
  36. BunBun
  37. Carolyn D.
  38. StardustFawkes
  39. Nummonkee
  40. Kichisu
  41. Zelidnia
  42. Lunasatomi
  43. Polina T.
  44. Miry
  45. FierceDeku
  46. Leeatard0
  47. Dagronrat
  48. Christin
  49. Ryoga
  50. Kuurankukka
  51. Leia C.
  52. AttractiveAustrianAristocrat
  53. Amber W.
  54. The Williams'
  55. Evanatt
  56. Pizza Breath the Awesome
  57. Chato Jr.
  58. Methuselah-Alchemist
  59. Aud Green
  60. Mellifera-imiya
  61. Link Fanatic
  62. Monkeykaos
  63. Byrch
  64. Malu CLBS
  65. Blackash
  66. S.C.
  67. Katie L.
  68. Steh-chan
  69. Zalogero
  70. Luluchia
  71. Gizmo
  72. Ideya-Freak
  73. Pandora
  74. Scowling Elf
  75. NelmaThyria
  76. Uni
  77. Gabriela Birchal
  78. Ponthion
  79. WhiteFoxCub
  80. Wings33
  81. RikkidoSnake
  82. Ari
  83. Niram
  84. Keyshe54
  85. ViridianRain
  86. Ferisae
  87. Majora
  88. 8-Bit-Hobo
  89. Kuroari (Wow! 100 plus the 3 below! 103 artists!)
  90. Stephanie J.
  91. Fenrisfang
  92. Seeburglar
  93. Sophie T.
  94. 7essa!
  95. Evergreen13
  96. Green Tea of Death
  97. The Great Ahtnamas
  98. Andrei Abismo
12 Main Calendar Winners:
  1. Karlen T.
  2. Cojirou
  3. Breana Melvin
  4. Aquanut
  5. Shadottie
  6. Mikey Patch
  7. Evelmiina
  8. Hadece
  9. Skull the Kid
  10. Josh
  11. Ebillan
  12. Tawny
Participation Prize Winners: (They are removed from the above list simply because they already won one. This way their number wont be drawn for future participation prize lotteries. They are still eligible for one of the 12 calendar spots though! No worries):
  1. Waffletea
  2. Ebillan
  3. Hina-ichigo

Out due to art issue, at least until reply is received: (Please email me back if you want to be counted in!)
  1. Leah
  2. Crystal M.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Small Contest Update. I have replied to everything I have recieved.

Figma Link is here :) He's prudy!
& He can't wait to go home with one of you guys. Yes, he WILL be one of the 12 final prizes.



Also, if you sent an entry in, you should have received a reply back from me. If you did not, please resend your entry ASAP! You can also leave a comment here, or send me a note on DA, if you think your emails are not going through. That way I can add your email to my accounts "safe" list so we know they're not being blocked for some reason (though I have been checking the spam folder.) Notes and comments WILL NOT COUNT for the deadline cut-off time, only contest emails to the contest email account will be counted unless other arrangements are made: so do your due diligence & help me make sure I have your entry in time! Again, all the contest info can be found here: http://melorasworld.com/zelda/theforest/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=863

And, if you're in doubt about something, just email! historyofhyrule.contests@gmail.com

There are a few (12 or so) letters left in my inbox that I still want to reply to, but they don't directly relate to someone knowing if they've been counted in or not so I've put them off until I'm done with everything else. Some are description updates, some are just people I want to talk to. I just making sure I update the contest entries and make replies on everyone's DA entry before I respond to more personal emails. No one's asked me about those letters; I just wanted to update you wonderful people with that info so you guys knew what was going on with my slow-butt. ;)

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

New Contest Prize Confirmed!

I wasn't sure the pre-orders would be honored, so I didn't announce this yet but... the Skyward Sword Figma Link WILL be one of the fanart contest prizes! Yes! This absolutely awesome figure:


And if you haven't heard about the Fanart Calendar contest yet, please see this post and this information thread. There's only a few days left until the contest ends! You better hurry!

Specifications:
ABS & PVC Pre-painted Posable Figure
Size: Appx. 140mm Tall (NON Scale)
w/Base

Details:
The Hero of Winds in his classic green outfit!

From the popular action adventure Zelda series' newest addition, 'The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword' comes a figma of the main character of the series, Link!

-Using the smooth yet poseable joints of figma, you can act out a variety of different scenes.
-A flexible plastic is used for important areas, allowing proportions to be kept without compromising posability.
-He comes with his standard gallant expression, as well as a powerful shouting face for combat poses.
-The Master Sword as well as the Hylian Shield are both included. They can also be carried on his back as they did in the game.
-A poseable figma stand is included, which allows various poses to be taken.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

All the New Contest Entries Have Been Added!

You can find all the current entries in this gallery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/historyofhyrule/sets/72157630007526131/ 
Please check them out, they're simply beautiful! You can also find the ones from DeviantART in this group folder: http://thehistoryofhyrule.deviantart.com/gallery/37561737 Please honor the artists and leave them a nice comment if you have some time! Thank you to everyone!



If you haven't heard about the contest yet, or would like to join us in this collaborative event to make a free, downloadable, Zelda calendar for next year; please see this info thread! It has everything you should need to know. You can also look at the post I made just before this one to get a better idea of what it's about. The contest ends at the end of November.

 At this time I am only checking the contest email, historyofhyrule.contests@gmail.comnot my other message centers.

If you see an error, please let me know ASAP. I'm human and make mistakes; I want to ensure everything is right~ which means I need your help to double check things. I'm happy to make corrections to any aspect surrounding your art.

If you sent something in, and do not see your name on this list, or your piece in the flickr gallery, please re-send your email. The list and gallery are current, to the best of my knowledge, as of Nov. 17, 2012.


This list of current participants:
  1. Linksliltri4ce
  2. Paper-Plate
  3. Robson B.
  4. Drisana Rodriguez-Martin
  5. Poly
  6. Mizueyes777
  7. Bookwormtiff
  8. Val Toukatly
  9. KingdomTwilightXIII
  10. Christian H.
  11. Ryttu3k
  12. Doudet
  13. SYChunsa
  14. Kylias Darkheart
  15. Erika P.
  16. Kyle L.
  17. mrpretzel
  18. Gakoru
  19. Elizabeth R.
  20. Clara B.
  21. Karlen T.
  22. Cojirou
  23. Ashleigh
  24. Julieta
  25. Gimme
  26. Breana Melvin
  27. Kreus
  28. Miniktty
  29. ApplejackMan
  30. Link24656
  31. Ryuupix
  32. Kyasarin Mire
  33. Jujulica
  34. Karnella
  35. Lisa H.
  36. Kudaku
  37. Fainttos
  38. Song C.
  39. BunBun
  40. Carolyn D.
  41. StardustFawkes
  42. Nummonkee
  43. Kichisu
  44. Zelidnia x2
  45. Michel F.
  46. Lunasatomi
  47. Polina T.
  48. Miry
  49. FierceDeku
  50. Leeatard0
  51. Dagronrat
  52. Christin
  53. Ryoga
  54. Kuurankukka
  55. Leia C.
  56. AttractiveAustrianAristocrat
  57. Tawny
  58. Amber W.
  59. The Williams'
  60. Evanatt
  61. Pizza Breath the Awesome
  62. Chato Jr.
  63. Methuselah-Alchemist
  64. Aud Green
  65. Mellifera-imiya
  66. Link Fanatic
  67. Josh
  68. Monkeykaos
  69. Byrch
  70. Malu CLBS
  71. Blackash
  72. S.C.

Participation Prize Winners: (They are removed from the above list simply because they already won one. This way their number wont be drawn for future participation prize lotteries. They are still eligible for one of the 12 calendar spots though! No worries):
  1. Waffletea
  2. Ebillan
  3. Hina-ichigo

Out due to art issue, at least until reply is received: (Please email me back if you want to be counted in!)
  1. Leah
  2. Crystal M.

In Emergencies: If you think your emails are not getting through, or you have sent something but not heard back from me in a day or two, please use my other email melorasworld@gmail.com and/or leave a comment (not a note! I don't often check DA notes) on this DA journal entry: http://woodland-mel.deviantart.com/#/d5jdkkq The contest ends on midnight of Nov 30. Anything sent after that, even if your email fails, will NOT be accepted- so please make sure you check that I get what you send.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Entrants So Far, & Please Check Your Name Against This List If You Should Be One.

EDIT: So, here goes the lottery drawing for the prize!


BAM. Hina-ichigo it is! Congrats~ I'll be writing you soon to see what you want! ♥ I'll try to add the new entries soon, (sorry, I've been working on something.) ~and good luck to everyone else for the end of the contest, which ends at the end of November! 12 prizes and another participation prize will be given away then.

✶ ... ✶ ... ✶ ... ✶ ... ✶

If you haven't heard about the contest yet, or would like to join us in this collaborative event to make a free, downloadable, Zelda calendar for next year; please see this info thread! It has everything you should need to know. You can also look at the post I made just before this one to get a better idea of what it's about. The contest ends at the end of November.

 At this time I am only checking the contest email, not my other message centers.

Below I'm going to list the people who have gotten valid entries to me, as well as the number of entries I have from each person. If you sent something in before Oct 29, 5:00 PST, and do not see your name on this list, please re-send your email to the contest's email address: historyofhyrule.contests@gmail.com 

Besides 6 pieces that were more recently sent in, you can find all the current entries in this gallery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/historyofhyrule/sets/72157630007526131/ (I'll add the more recent entries when we get everything for the Oct 31st prize)

If you see an error, please let me know ASAP. This is also the current list of people eligible for the Oct 31 "Participation Prize":
  1. Linksliltri4ce
  2. Paper-Plate
  3. Robson B
  4. Drisana Rodriguez-Martin
  5. Hina-ichigo
  6. Poly
  7. Mizueyes777
  8. Bookwormtiff
  9. Val Toukatly
  10. KingdomTwilightXIII x2
  11. Christian H.
  12. Ryttu3k
  13. Doudet
  14. SYChunsa
  15. Kylias Darkheart
  16. Erika P.
  17. Kyle L.
  18. mrpretzel
  19. Gakoru
  20. Elizabeth R.
  21. Clara B.
  22. Karlen T.
  23. Cojirou
  24. Ashleigh
  25. Julieta
  26. Gimme x2
  27. Breana Melvin
  28. Kreus
  29. Miniktty
  30. ApplejackMan
  31. Link24656
  32. Ryuupix
  33. Kyasarin Mire
  34. Jujulica
  35. Karnella
  36. Lisa H.
  37. Kudaku
  38. Fainttos
  39. Song C.
  40. BunBun
  41. Carolyn D. x2
  42. StardustFawkes x5
  43. Nummonkee
  44. Kichisu
  45. Zelidnia x2
  46. Michel F.
  47. Lunasatomi
  48. Polina T. x2
  49. Miry x2
  50. FierceDeku
  51. Leeatard0
  52. Dagronrat
  53. Christin
  54. Ryoga
  55. Kuurankukka
  56. Leia C.
  57. AttractiveAustrianAristocrat
  58. Tawny
  59. Amber W.
  60. The Williams'
  61. Evanatt
  62. Pizza Breath the Awesome
  63. Chato Jr.
  64. Methuselah-Alchemist
  65. Aud Green
  66. Mellifera-imiya
  67. Link Fanatic

Removed from Participation Prize List Simply Because They Already Won One (still eligible for one of the 12 calendar spots though! No worries):
  1. Waffletea
  2. Ebillan x2

Out due to art issue, at least until reply is received: (Please email me back)
  1. Leah
  2. Crystal M.

In Emergencies: If you think your emails are not getting through, or you have sent something but not heard back from me by Oct 30th, please use my other email melorasworld@gmail.com and/or leave a comment (not a note! I don't often check DA notes) on this DA journal entry: http://woodland-mel.deviantart.com/#/d5jdkkq


Please go ahead and post your piece to a gallery so there is a time stamp, in case there are problems with emails.

Just one month until the Zelda Fanart Contest Ends!



CONTEST INFO! Please join us!!

PRIZES: There's ocarinas, manga, toys, figurines, DA Subscriptions, and I'm also giving away a bunch of Japanese & English copies of Hyrule Historia.

And another deadline is coming up~ The main contest doesn't end until the end of November, but if you finish your entry by midnight on October 31 you'll have a chance to win one of these things:


CHECK IT OUT!

Go read about it! Get inspired! And enter so we can make it freakn' AWESOME!

Again, this contest is really just being held to make a free 2013 calendar for everyone: so it's also kind of a collab. Even if you don't care about prizes~ consider entering just to make something that every Zelda fan can use and love.

Spread the word so it doesn't suck! :3

And, if you have any questions, just ask! (email only right now: historyofhyrule.contests@gmail.com )

~Melora

Also, I'm still mostly absent because I'm trying to put a series together for a gallery. You can really only reach me about the contest through the contest email. I will not have time to check other messages until mid-November or later. 



Sunday, September 30, 2012

Slowed Down Again, but Still Running!

So, I'm back to working on stuff for the site, but the day the new Himekawa manga "came out" and was translated by Zeldanime, I had a bit of an emergency with one of my pets. She almost bled to death and was barely saved by the emergency vet. I've had to spend the last few days with her, checking on her almost non-stop, to make sure her beak injury didn't re-open and start bleeding again. Which at least has been an enjoyable task, because it's fun to hang with her- but it explains the slowdown in replying about the contest and posting the new entries. Let alone getting more translations posted.

I also have a surgery (unrelated to my arm) at the end of this week, on the 5th, so I don't know how soon I'll be back after that.

So, I'll still be doing stuff for the site and replying, I just wanted to let people know what any delays might be about.

Don't forget though! New participation prize :3 Get your entries in by the end of October at a chance to win this one! Contest info can be found here.




Also, head over to our Tumblr if you enjoy fanart, and join us on Facebook for even more fun updates.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

New Participation Prize Announced!

Alright! I'm announcing another participation prize for the contest! It's the same as the last one I did, but the deadline for it is Midnight, October 31, 2012: a month before the contest really ends. Be sure to read all about the contest first (and its rules and guidelines.)


This is a prize given out to someone just for participating in the Zelda fanart calendar contest. Simply finish and send a valid entry in by midnight, Wednesday, October 31, 2012 for chance to win one of these 3 prizes. There will be only one person selected for this but they get to pick which they want: (a) A pre-order for a copy of the English language Hyrule Historia, a (b) 12 month DeviantART subscription, or (c) a Link plusie and Ocarina.

Prize Update


Hey guys, I have an update on the prizes!
So, Fenrisfang was donating a really high quality ocarina as one of the prizes. That hasn't changed, but she's actually willing to part with an even better one that seems even more fitting -so the old one is being switched for this new one! Normally I would never change what's being offered, just incase I'd inadvertently remove something that someone was entering for a chance at, but I think you'll see why I'm making the exception. Being able to offer this new one is mind blowing cool to me! She's amazing! ♥

Here's the new prize!
(More info on the contest can be found here)



It's a 12-hole Alto Ocarina, it has more of a range and is bigger than the old prize. It's also green with a Triforce on it, (almost like the Ocarina of Time!) and has a nifty little pouch to protect it. I'm also going to look at purchaing a Zelda Music book from Songbird to offer with this... (If they have a 12 hole one.)

In other prize news: A while back I tried to pre-order 3 Skywayrd Sword Link figurines, the really nice ones from Figma:


I do not normally like to announce prizes until they're in my hands but, these don't come out until October and I've never used the shop before. I'm simply wary about them arriving. So, IF they arrive, 2 of them will be prizes. If the pre-order is canceled because the orders can't be filled- I'll be looking for other awesome things to fill the slots. I only bring this up because a few people have asked me about these as prizes  ;p To reiterate: To offer 2 of these as prizes IS in the plans, but they can not be guaranteed at this point.

Monday, September 17, 2012

New Contest Entries and the Participation Prize!

I added the new entries that came in this weekend! They're beautiful! Check them out~


If you haven't heard about the contest yet, or would like to join us in this collaborative event to make a free, downloadable, Zelda calendar for next year; please see this info thread! It has everything you should need to know.

And here are the current participants and their lottery numbers for September 16th's "Participation Prize:"
  1. Linksliltri4ce
  2. Paper-Plate
  3. Robson B
  4. Drisana Rodriguez-Martin
  5. Hina-ichigo
  6. Ebillan
  7. Poly
  8. Mizueyes777
  9. Bookwormtiff
  10. Val Toukatly
  11. KingdomTwilightXIII
  12. Christian H.
  13. Ryttu3k
  14. Doudet
  15. SYChunsa
  16. Kylias Darkheart
  17. Erika P.
  18. Kyle L.
  19. mrpretzel
  20. Gakoru
  21. Elizabeth R.
  22. Clara B.
  23. Karlen T.
  24. Cojirou
  25. Ashleigh
  26. Julieta
  27. Gimme
  28. Breana Melvin
  29. Kreus
  30. Miniktty
  31. ApplejackMan
  32. Link24656
  33. Ryuupix
  34. Kyasarin Mire
  35. Jujulica
  36. Karnella
  37. Lisa H.
  38. Kudaku
  39. Fainttos
  40. Song C.
  41. BunBun
  42. Carolyn D.
  43. StardustFawkes
Removed from Participation Prizes Because They Won One (still eligiable for one of the 12 calendar spots though):
  1. Waffletea
Out due to art issue, at least until reply is received: (Please email me back)
  1. Leah
  2. Crystal M.
So, here goes the lottery drawing for the prize!

BAM. Ebillan it is! Congrats~ I'll be writing you soon to see what you want♥ And good luck to everyone else for next time because:

I also want to announce that, before the contest is over, I'll be doing yet another participation prize XD It will probably be the same as this round's, but I want to make sure about that (and the deadline) before I make a formal post about it. So get your entries in! & Yes: This means there will be at least 2 more prizes given just for participating (because I do one at the very end, after the finalists have been selected)


Sunday, September 16, 2012

Participation Prize Deadline TONIGHT~!


Just a reminder that if you want to qualify for this round's prize for participating, finish your entry and email it before the end of tonight! (Sept 16, 2012.) I'm off to reply to the most current emails so, if you've sent one in, and haven't heard from me soon: email me at the contest email again.

If you haven't heard about the contest yet, or would like to join us in this collaborative event to make a free, downloadable, Zelda calendar for next year, please see this info thread! It has everything you should need to know.




The Arrival of Demise by Ebillan
'When the gods of old left the world they created, they trusted their ultimate power, the Triforce, to the hands of Hylia so that she could protect it. She did so throughout the Era of the Goddess Hylia until one day a crack opened up in the earth and the Demon King Demise and his demonic hordes came forth from the fissure...
In order to prevent the great power from falling into the hands of Demise, Hylia gathered the humans and sent them skyward with the Triforce, beyond the reach of evil forces wrecking havoc upon the surface world.'

Friday, September 14, 2012

Contest Update!


Contest Entry: The Rebirth of Ganondorf by Jujulica

All the new entries for the fanart calendar contest have been added to the gallery! If you don't see yours there, please email me and resend. There were some amazing ones... but!


We need more entries, there were only 10 sent in the past 2 months. Please join us to help make an amazing (free) calendar for all fans! Also, prizes! You can win stuff! I'll be adding more prizes soon and a participation prize is going to be given away to someone who has a valid entry in by this Sunday (the 16th) --but the real contest doesn't end until the end of November! More info here.


Also, if you missed my past note on this: I've been fairly ill lately so I'm pretty much only going to be able to focus on the contest and not a lot of the other stuff I wanted to get done. Hopefully I'll be able to fit other little things in as well, but I have to take it day by day. Replies will basically be slightly slower.