Contest Pro-Tips
1) DO Double-check sizing and proportion requirements. I can't tell how how many entries we've had to disqualify because they were not big enough, or vertical instead of horizontal.
2) DO NOT remove your entry from the category if you are not a semi-finalist or winner. We always privately choose backups in case an entry is disqualified and I have had to find new backups on at least two occasions because the backup choices disappeared.
3) DO Make sure you check the email associated with your DeviantArt account. We'll reach out to you by email and note, but the only email we have on file for you is the one you signed up with. (You can update it if you don't check that one anymore.)
4) DO Take a peek at the comments. If you had a question about the rules, it's probably been asked and answered. You might even see a rule you overlooked.
Feel free to share with anyone you think could use the information!
An interview with nicholaskole
nicholaskole: I like a little dream-logic in my process- while thinking about Speculative Evolution, I wondered what sort of visual might evoke a sense of wonder. I love animals and critters of all kinds- I think remixing forms from nature can create really compelling designs that make us look again at the incredible creature designs around us all the time.
nk: I'm a freelance concept artist and character designer- I do much of my work in video games, as well as animated shows, books & films. Personally, Hayao Miyazaki is my biggest single influence- the inventiveness and delight in his designs and storytelling are major aspirations for me.
DA: What is something you think is underrated about genre art and fiction?
DA: Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share on creating this piece?
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (review)
I just finished Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver in basically one sitting, which I haven’t done for a mid-size fantasy novel in a while! There are a lot of reasons I found it personally gratifying to read, but I think it deserves to be praised for the role one of the protagonists’ identity as a Jewish woman plays in the story.
The ways her identity and culture is woven into her psyche is so thoughtfully done. As with any fantasy novel worth its salt, Miryem’s ‘outsider’ identity –her Jewishness– comes in handy when she has to solve problems in the mysterious magical world. But it doesn’t feel gimmicky. She remembers her traditions and beliefs and values in the same ways I do as someone who holds their culture within them while functioning in a world that doesn’t know it. It surfaces as a personal touchstone about how to proceed in the unknown, and that’s beautiful.
More explicitly, she comes from a family of moneylenders and becomes one herself. Her arc starts out at her building her identity out of a reaction to being a minority who is discriminated against and owning it. It’s an age-old theme, but I’ve never seen it done with Jewish identity in this kind of fantasy story. (And I’ve read a jillion fantasy novels set in old-timey Europe with young female protagonists.)
Touring around Europe (and in history classes) I heard over and over how Jewish people were shoved into ghettos and marginalized while being relied upon for services Christians couldn’t provide. I am frankly floored I’ve never seen a protagonist like Miryem before. That’s why I couldn’t be more pleased that she is written by Novik, because world-building and sense of history are among her greatest strengths, which serves not just Miryem’s characterization, but the other POV characters who interact with her and her family, and as a result, their unfair treatment in the world.
Read the book because Irina is a goddamn badass and my QUEEN. And because the UST between the romantic pairings is so finely tuned you’ll be mad where one of the plotlines ends (in a good way). Read it for great female protagonists in general. Read it for the clever story and deeply satisfying mythos. And also read it ‘cause awesome Jewish representation!
As most of you are aware, I had the terrific luck to be hired by Heidi to work in the marketing department, back when it was just her, danlev, and myself. What I didn't realize then was that I had stumbled into one of the more enviable positions around: my whole job was to work with artists on campaigns surrounding some of everybody's favorite games, movies, and shows. And while I knew I had big shoes to fill, taking over for madizzlee, I have been met with nothing but warmth, kindness, patience, and collaborative spirit from the DA artists I've met. Every artist I reach out to for a campaign is not only mega-talented, also hard-working. I cannot overstate how remarkable it is that not one of DeviantArt's most influential artists I've met had a bad attitude or big ego.
So, if you're wondering whether your faves are as charming in person as you'd like to imagine, rest assured, these artists are role models. So far I've met Firefly-Path, TAHOpaints, rossdraws, TamberElla, AngelaRizza, SpookyChan, reau, FablePaint, and tysonhesse. But I can say for sure that in the years to come, what I look forward to most is meeting and working with as many of you as I can.
Hope you all have a blessed Mabon, and an Autumnal Equinox filled with balance and serenity. ^_~
~Supriya
which sari should i buy?
