Project CBRunway: Challenge 4 Voting Thread

[mattbib]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/mattbib/My%20Drawings/Project%20CBRunway/d029820c.jpg

Hello. Welcome to the Runway! As you know, in fashion, one day you're in and the next you're out.

PLEASE VOTE for the entry you feel best completes the challenge. Voting should not be based solely on art ability. Ultimately, however, voting is completely subjective. Participants may vote for themselves. The designer with the least amount of votes may be eliminated.

The winning designer will walk away with an exciting prize pack, including Project Runway -- The Complete Second Season (DVD), How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way (Paperback), and an assortment of professional artist supplies!

CHALLENGE 4: ICON
Behind every great superhero is a great costume. For your fourth challenge you will be redesigning the look of a beloved superheroine: Power Girl.

Power Girl has a long, convoluted history. Originally created to be little more than Superman's blonde bombshell of a cousin, she's since been retconned into being a descendant of Atlantis, and most recently as a refugee from Earth-2. You are to create an iconic costume for Power Girl, one that establishes her as an easily-recognizable character and elevates her to the pantheon of heroes that includes Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.


Please vote using the poll, then feel free to make comments or ask questions about this challenge or these designs within this thread.

Let's start the show.

[mattbib]

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/6803/powergirlqe6.jpg

I, like everyone else, found Power Girl's costume pretty iconic already. So this was a tough one for me. I decided to keep the basic white as a base color. Of course you can't have traditional/iconic without "primary colors" (Superman, Wolverine, the Flash, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, even Batman's blue and yellow little number from back in the day). So I chose to use yellow and blue. No red. It looks ugly on her.

Another thing I associate with pretty iconic females is the breast-size. So... I let her keep her big breasts. maybe they aren't ginormous compared to some artists, but for my style that's pretty darn big. And her cutout? It's a much cuter star. I think the circle was too forgettable. She also gets to be showing her cute tummy but she still has enough clothing to be more than an excuse to draw naughty-bits.

She has a matching star on her belt with a "P!" on it. Simple, memorable, and it makes it's point. And of course she keeps her (now blue) cape. Capes kick so much arse. Yay for capes! She also graduated to high heels. The ultimate in feminine footwear, yet symbolic of power and poise.

She gets a tousled little bob because I really feel it fits her personality and that is very important to making a character just "feel right". And I gave her a golden little design thingy on her right thigh of stars (which extend all the way around) and a single lightening bolt.

Oh yeah, and I tried very hard to NOT make this scream "manga!" For branching out of my day-to-day style I am pretty okay with how this came out (rare for me) so hopefully it wont do too poorly. I did just about all of this in a day. Except adding in the clouds (and a few minor details). I had drawn those for another picture a long time ago and never used them. Just randomly painted clouds sitting on my desktop and I figured they'd finally have a use now. All in all this was a quickie little experiment and don't lay into me TOO badly.

... I'd do her. >_>

[mattbib]

http://alyxchance.com/powergirlfinal.jpg

Here's my design.

I used the traditional Power Girl colors of white, blue and red. I changed it up a little and used the red to emphasize the white which in turn empahsizes her most-discussed attributes. I wanted to retain the playful sexiness of the character while at the same time creating a more mature and streamlined look.

I restyled PG's hair into something a little more glamorous. I replaced the cape with a jacket that is very open in the front and wraps around in back and comes forward again to form a skirt. The skirt is fastened with a sigil that I created for the character. The sigil represents the differing origins of the character and her retcon survival. Again, the traditional colors are used.

I made the gloves and boots smaller and sleeker. The white bodysuit underneath the jacket has a plunging neckline that is slightly reminiscent of the Superman sigil (at least at the bottom).

When designing this I wanted to focus more on the Power and less on the Girl.

[mattbib]

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/633/powergirl1smallcy0.jpghttp://img65.imageshack.us/img65/5575/powergirllogosmalllo3.gif

Okay, like everyone else, this was hard for me. I literally went through 12 different designs trying to find one more iconic than the original, but they were all too similar, and I wanted to do something more unique.

On the final design I literally went through 6 variations and three color schemes before settling on this.

Now, I wanted to keep the spirit of the original and the sex appeal, but make her more majestic and, of course, iconic. I look at PG as the rebel/wayward child/black sheep of the Superman family, and so she couldn't have the same appearance as Supes or Supergirl, but I still wanted her to be recognizable as part of that mythos.

The cutout on the chest is an altered design of the Superman symbol, and the blue trim on it separates her from them even further. Had I been able to finish the logo in time, which goes on the back of the cape, It would have kept the yellow face and had a stylistic "PG" in it.

At first I had the red as the dominant color, but I felt the white was both more true to her personality and that it stood out more, so I switched them. It still wasn't bold enough, so I added the blue trim to set it off.

I toyed with gloves, but I felt the wristbands denoted a more powerful and timeless being.

The boots are the classic Supes boots more or less, only blue because red just seemed to bland.

The reason the left arm is covered was a stylistic one, nothing more. I wanted to make her hip and modern as well as iconic, and that seemed to almost do it, and the slanted skirt part finished that goal.

The full red cape was overkill, and no other solid color seemed right, so I went with the two-toned look. The red is still there and is strikingly bold, but the white really makes her pop when it's spread out.

I kept the hair short, but not quite as short. I was going for the Kate Beckinsale look in Underworld, but of course here it's blowing in the wind, and the coloring job on it is horrible.

I was a little concerned about the red, white and blue motif, but I really hoped the yellow would break that up. I'm not sure if I pulled that off or not, but ultimately I'm happy with it. She looks iconic, hip, still sexy, but not too cheap. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.

[mattbib]

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e309/VegetarianGoat/Runway4.jpg

To me, an iconic character is more than the visual- it's the whole package. It's the story- the intent of the character that make the visual mean what it does, and not the other way around. And that's why i spent a great deal of time finding out about Power Girl's origins before i went into the design... i wanted her design to reflect her iconic origins..

Only, i found out her origins weren't so iconic. In fact, they were fairly unorganized, and were quite flotsam-y. So, i figured instead of designing an iconic look for a decidedly un-iconic character, i'd do my best to shape up the motives and intent of the character to match the visual. Power Girl purists beware- you may hate this. But i feel it's a much stronger origin, and a much more interesting character than the Power Girl we were meant to design for:

Basically, I imagine Karen Starr as a college student (Metropolis U!) who's obsessed with her home-town hero, Superman. In a desperate bid to get his attention (and his favor. Ooo!) she becomes entangled in one of his hairier adventures- Lex Luthor is on the hunt for the rarest of all kinds of Kryptonite- UltraViolet Kryptonite.

(Yes, i realize there's no such thing as UV-K. I made it up. It's basically white, with a purple-ish glow.) UV-K is a form of K that has been affected by Solar radiation the way Superman is- it's a form of mutant K, in a sense. Basically, it's capable of bestowing superhuman abilities to a human the way the sun bestows them to a kryptonian. The only catch- the "victim" loses all sense of self- in effect, he/she becomes a kryptonian in body and mind.

So Lex is on the hunt for this rare kind of K (for obvious reasons), except Karen inadvertently finds it, and is exposed to it first, gaining all the powers of Superman, and coming to the false belief that she's a relative or *gulp* mate for Superman. Superman destroys that chunk of UV-K before Lex can use it, and immediately feels responsible for Karen, who's suddenly bursting with power, and has no memory of who she is.

The problem is, her old life hasn't been erased. There's overwhelming evidence that pegs her as a human, not a Kryptonian. Suddenly, she's a stranger in her own body, with no way of completely regaining what she's lost. This struggle with identity- the loss of self, and trying to regain, is what would hopefully connect with audiences. Superman, Batman, Spider-Man- all iconic characters. They all speak to raw, human emotions and situations, and that's why we as readers have the attachment we do to those characters. Sure, they all have smashing good costumes, but without the contextual knowledge of why those costumes are important, i guarantee they'd be less iconic.

As for the design elements i chose and the reasons why:

I didn't want to change that much. i agree with everyone who said that her costume is already pretty iconic to those that even know the character exists. Also- i don't know why, but i've always thought of Power Girl as kind of the superhero epitome of the 60's Mod movement. Hence, certain elements to the costume: The choker, the heavy eyeliner, the plastic shiny go-go boots, the belt/hemline of the skirt. The abstract design elements (the circles)...

I felt that this kind of look could remain cemented in a certain time period (the way Batman is cemented in Art Deco, and Doc Strange is cemented in 60's Psychedelia), but could also reflect current fashion trends, depending on the artistic interperetation- adaptation to different styles is always important for an iconic character.

Also, a good iconic character NEEDS (as both Chad and Okie have superbly pointed out) a strong, easily recognizable, marketable symbol, a la Superman's "S", Batman's Bat, Spider-Man's Spider, Captain America's.... uh... America....

So i gave Power Girl an abstracted star. Very similar to Okie's, in a sense, and i kind of feel like i should've changed it since she put hers up before i did.. but if we both did it, there must be something to the idea. Stars have a way of representing the idea of power- of calling that idea to the mind of anyone who sees it. But i wanted to make mine more than a star- maybe a double meaning type of thing. I toyed with the idea of making it P shaped, but i couldn't find a design that i liked, so i abstracted it to the point where it could look like a beam of some sort, hitting a surface and splashing, also (hopefully) recalling the abstract idea of power. This star is found on both her amulet, and also on the right hip of her belt/skirt.

The white of her costume should always have a purple-ish glow/hue to it, but remain fundementally white, to recall the appearance of UV-K.

Also, i really wanted her to have a little cape. I like little capes.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

so i abstracted it to the point where it could look like a beam of some sort, hitting a surface and splashing, also (hopefully) recalling the abstract idea of power.

It looked like a comet to me. Maybe a shooting-star symbol. I love the asymmetry.

[Ontir]

The Vegetarian got my goat!

Love the illustration and design. I also like the idea of Power Girl being a "Krypton Groupie," which if married to the meta-gene thing, could've given her a new, more interesting, and unique origin, and made her far less a Supergirl Clone. Great work!

[Affinity]

Excellent, excellent entries from EVERYONE! I'm so excited.

DAN(Veg), love the belt, and the sleeves that go over her hands like that. Looooove the backstory, too, and UV Kryptonite got me, especially since I see the oh so soft purple glow you put. Very liquid and flowy, I love it.

GONZO, gotta love the color scheme and the heart type Superman shield!

Atoning, you got me, buddy. The collar, the hair. It's definitely Power Girl without looking too much like the already iconic design or looking like someone else entirely.

Okie, I loooove the pose. A little too Supergirl for me, but the star and the PG! is so funky and awesome. Noice.

[Hi-Fi]

Wow, all the designs look great, especially gonzo's(best uniform hands down) and atoning's (Kara's hair perfectly captured).

I loved Dan's image, it's just so well drawn. It has style! The belt is cool but I think the best uniform was the one gonzo's came up with, so my vote goes to him.

[Gonzogoose]

Thanks for the comments so far, everyone! I really did want to step it up this round. I'm glad you all are digging it! :)

[Pepsigirl]

I really liked all of the designs, but I ended up choosing between Atoning's and Veggie Goat's. I liked Atoning's costume, but it didn't really strike me as iconic. Also, the sigil seemed a little bland, and while I understand why he chose it, unless you already know her backstory (which most people don't, hence the challenge) it doesn't make any sense. Since the challenge was to come up with a new, more iconic Power Girl, I don't really see the point in referencing all of that.

I've never really been a fan of Power Girl's, but I really I really liked everything about his design, and it (along with that excellent backstory) got me really interested in the character. Or his version of her, at least. VG got my vote.

[howyadoin]

...unless you already know her backstory (which most people don't, hence the challenge)...Hasn't her backstory been retconned a half-dozen times? That could be why people don't know it.

[Pepsigirl]

Hasn't her backstory been retconned a half-dozen times? That could be why people don't know it.

Right. Which is why bringing it up again makes no sense.

[spoon_jenkins]

I voted for atoning's design.

It's sexy yet has a lot of dignity to it - which unfortunately isn't always the case with Power Girl. Too much white makes PG look bland; I think she tended to look better when artists emphasize her red cape rather than minimizing it. Although atoning's design makes red more prominently, it's almost as if the cape color has merely been wrapped around her. Yet I like how the white was around the neckline/chest. I like the attitude the collar brings out.

I think the design actually made Power Girl more attractive by making her more dynamic, classier, and less cheesecake.

[Deathstroke]

I think the design actually made Power Girl more attractive by making her more dynamic, classier, and less cheesecake.


Not that I can draw or anything so this is just what I thought. I thought the redesign by atoning made her look like an exceptionally attractive flight attendant for Power Girl Airlines.

I like Okie Dokie's outfit, but still think the bottoms of the costume should actually preclude her from being arrested. The costume should be one piece.

Gonzogoose was a sweet redesign, but I'm not crazy about the inside of the cape being white. However, I'm going to give it my vote nonetheless.

[howyadoin]

I thought the redesign by atoning made her look like an exceptionally attractive flight attendant for Power Girl Airlines.That'd make an interesting Elseworlds story.

[Deathstroke]

That'd make an interesting Elseworlds story.

I hope I get an "inspired by the message board posting of.." credit.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

Man, Atoning, you are kicking so much ass it's not even funny. ;_;

But your design is so awesome, I can't really be bitter about it. :)


Guys, I'm thinking this is the end of the road for me. Maybe it's too early to tell... But I've got that feeling. *sniff* I'll miss you so much. Group hug!

[atoningunifex]

Guys, I'm thinking this is the end of the road for me. Maybe it's too early to tell... But I've got that feeling. *sniff* I'll miss you so much. Group hug!

But Scott's out because he didn't submit. There's not gonna be an elimination on top of that is there?

Anyway, at this point it's anybody's game, Okie. I'm sure by Wednesday things will be much different than they are now.

[howyadoin]

But Scott's out because he didn't submit. There's not gonna be an elimination on top of that is there?If not, then why bother voting?

[atoningunifex]

If not, then why bother voting?

Oh, let me enjoy my brief moment of being ahead for once. :)

But, seriously, in the first round Bib had people vote even though he'd already decided it was a non-elimination round. I guess I just figured that with Scott out this round would be the same.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

Hmmm... I would feel pretty crummy if I only get to stay due to a technicality and not because anyone wanted me to actually advance to the next round.

[atoningunifex]

Hmmm... I would feel pretty crummy if I only get to stay due to a technicality and not because anyone wanted me to actually advance to the next round.

Well, I doubt that will be the case. I'm sure you will be picking up many votes over the next day or so.

And so far three people want you to advance.

Silly Okie, you DO know you and Veggie Goat are the ones who are most likely to be battling it out for the win, don't you? The two of you have dominated this contest. Totally. Now jsut accept that people like your stuff and think you have talent.

[Gonzogoose]

Man, Atoning, you are kicking so much ass it's not even funny. ;_;

But your design is so awesome, I can't really be bitter about it. :)


Guys, I'm thinking this is the end of the road for me. Maybe it's too early to tell... But I've got that feeling. *sniff* I'll miss you so much. Group hug!

Dude, you're already ahead of me. I've barely scraped by each round, and this round doesn't seem to be going any different. I'd say I'll be the one to hit the bricks.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

Gonzo, yours is way more iconic than mine. And I only have two more votes than you, but when I posted that, we were tied.

I'm sure you'll be picking up more too. I can always vote for myself at the last minute if it comes down to a one vote difference, but that seems so sleazy.

EDIT: Calling me dude? Dude, that's harsh. If people aren't aware I'm female I wont get any of those flirty-votes I was depending on. *sigh* I guess it's back to cam2cam solicitations in PMs to buy my votes.

*snicker*

[ScottDMSimmons]

Man, I feel silly for just figuring out how to see who voted for whom. I guess I just never looked for the option before. I just like posting I guess.

Anyways, thanks to everyone who voted for me in the previous rounds! I wish I could have made it in... but I had, um, another commitment... badumbump! It was hectic getting married as anyone can imagine or maybe just knows already. But man, I loved every minute.... stressful or not. And I'll have my version of Power Girl in the play-along thread (the pencilled version is there now).

I'll continue to show my support for the fine people left in the competition and I look forward to the next round.... and hopefully soon, another contest!

Okie, I sent you a PM reply to your PM. Thanks so much.

Scott

[Gonzogoose]

Gonzo, yours is way more iconic than mine. And I only have two more votes than you, but when I posted that, we were tied.

I'm sure you'll be picking up more too. I can always vote for myself at the last minute if it comes down to a one vote difference, but that seems so sleazy.

EDIT: Calling me dude? Dude, that's harsh. If people aren't aware I'm female I wont get any of those flirty-votes I was depending on. *sigh* I guess it's back to cam2cam solicitations in PMs to buy my votes.

*snicker*

Nah, I call everyone dude every once in a while. It's like saying guys instead of guys and gals, and so forth. Sorry. ;)

And no, you're three ahead of me, and I already voted, so I guess we'll see. It was fun regardless of what happens.

[Gonzogoose]

Man, I feel silly for just figuring out how to see who voted for whom. I guess I just never looked for the option before. I just like posting I guess.

There's a way to see who voted for whom? :confused: Did not know that.

[glue]

There's a way to see who voted for whom? :confused: Did not know that.


You see where it shows how many people voted for each person? Click an underlined number and you'll see it.


I voted for Okie.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

I dont get it. Right on the poll is a list of who voted for who. Right there. Underneath all the counters. How could you people miss that? Does it not show up on your screen?

[glue]

I dont get it. Right on the poll is a list of who voted for who. Right there. Underneath all the counters. How could you people miss that? Does it not show up on your screen?


For me it doesn't show up unless I click on one of the numbers.

edit: I just realized that every poll doesn't let me see who voted.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

Hmm... It doesn't give me that option. I guess the forum assumes I so dumb it has to think for me. Or maybe I clicked some setting on accident that I dont know how to turn off. Or maybe I never saw any names on my screen at all and I'm just psychic.


WoooOOOOOoooo *wiggles fingers*

[Gonzogoose]

Yeah, I don't see them either unless I click on the numbers, which I now know to do (thanks, Josh). And yes, I voted for myself because I thought others were doing that. Maybe that's why I don't get many votes...

Hey, I gotta have some excuse. hehe. Just kidding. I guess people just don't dig my stuff in general.

Thanks to Hi-Fi and Lord of Nonsensical Crap for your votes though! :D

[howyadoin]

I just realized that every poll doesn't let me see who voted.Just the public polls.
Hmm... It doesn't give me that option. I guess the forum assumes I so dumb it has to think for me. Or maybe I clicked some setting on accident that I dont know how to turn off. Or maybe I never saw any names on my screen at all and I'm just psychic.


WoooOOOOOoooo *wiggles fingers*What browser are you using?

[Pól Rua]

So difficult.
First of all, congratulations to Scott. However, it was a shame he didn't get to participate in this one, because he has that Silver Age aesthetic, and I was thinking this would be a round where he could really shine.

OkieDokie has once again produced some gorgeous work. Lovely curves and linework there, with some spectaculr use of linework. My only problem was that it made her look a little young.
With Supergirl's reimagination as a midriff-topped teenager, I've always seen PG as the mature one, experienced and established. Hrm.

I loved 'fex's design, and it really suited the Karen Starr persona. She's always struck me as a bit 'no nonsense' and that outfit worked really well. Also dug on the insignia.
Unfortunately, it just didn't say 'superhero costume' to me.

Gonzo's on the other hand, DID say superhero, and I loved the flowing cape and limbs and hair and stuff... but it struck me as a little generic.

Which leaves us with Veggie Goat as my vote. As I said, I've always seen PG as a very Silver Age character, but the latter end... the late 60's, and so her mod-inspired look really worked. I thought the belt was a little overpowering, but aside from that, just spot on.
And I too love the little capes.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

What browser are you using?

Firefox. Does that make a diff?

[Gonzogoose]

Firefox. Does that make a diff?

Shouldn't, that's what I use.

[Jack Flash]

( Reposted! from the other Challenge 4 thread!)

wow congrats all around!

I love the symbol that Atoning's chosen. The colors pop. She's amazing and hip, yet classic and 60s all at once. The boobs are still there, but the cut out takes away from their enormity rather than spot-lighting them, even though she still has the biggest guns in the industry. The blue gloves and chunky boots are both wonderful touches. She looks like she's ready for the runway or for T.O. Morrow! I likes it!

Gonzo! This one is seriously your best yet. I can see that you're stepping up your game! The symbol/clasp on the belt is wonderful! and your chest cut out is like a cross between lips and a heart! Or is that my imagination, either way, they take a bit of the spot light off her boobs without making her less sexy. love the simple wrist protectors. my only criticism is that the skirt hangs a little wierd for me.

Okie Doke! Your style is amazing. it's cute. its hawt. The coloring always blows me away. Love the shoes. love the tatt. Love the star shaped cut away. My only worry is that I think her bottom might be a little too risque for me to call it iconic. The fact that you didn't use red, really makes your piece stand out from the field. incredible job!

Veggie Goat! Totally wow. I love the circle theme. The belt is amazing. The circles in the boots tie in so well. The one finger glove is really cool. The scarf and cool clasp make her feel updated yet like Okie Doke said earlier, there is a retro mod feel to the look as well. I love the symbol on the clasp. Great Job.

Scott! Congratulations on getting hitched!

- - - - - - -

I voted for Atoning. it was really close. Thanks to all 4 of ya'll, the amount of hard work is really clear.

[howyadoin]

Firefox. Does that make a diff?What Gonzo said.

[Gonzogoose]

Well, with only a few hours left in the voting I think it's pretty clear who's going home. I really thought I had a good shot this round. I guess my tastes just aren't the same as everyone elses. I will participate in the play-at-home thread should I be eliminated though. This has been a lot of fun, and much thanks to all the comments and votes this round, and for the few supporters I've managed to gain to scrape by in previous rounds.

[atoningunifex]

Well, with only a few hours left in the voting I think it's pretty clear who's going home. I really thought I had a good shot this round. I guess my tastes just aren't the same as everyone elses. I will participate in the play-at-home thread should I be eliminated though. This has been a lot of fun, and much thanks to all the comments and votes this round, and for the few supporters I've managed to gain to scrape by in previous rounds.

Isn't this what Okie said last night? And now she's in second place. Don't count your chickens before they're hatched.

And, besides, I still think bib is gonna have Scott be the one eliminated and not have any of the rest of us out. Aren't you, bib?

And for what it's worth, I've really enjoyed your entries. I especially liked your Wood entry.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

Isn't this what Okie said last night? And now she's in second place. Don't count your chickens before they're hatched.

Well then he's a smart boy for learning from my example. If bitching about losing puts you in second place then he's on the right track.

[atoningunifex]

Well then he's a smart boy for learning from my example. If bitching about losing puts you in second place then he's on the right track.

This is true.

So when do we get to see that Deviant Art page of yours, girl?

[Gonzogoose]

Lol, thanks all. But let me clarify, I'm not upset or anything if I do get cut. I've had a great time and wouldn't change anything I did (well, maybe being more original on the Vision round, but that's it). So I'm totally cool with whatever happens.

This contest has really forced me to draw again, and that's a good thing because I've been in a HUGE slump. So this contest has been a success for me no matter what happens.

[howyadoin]

So when do we get to see that Deviant Art page of yours, girl?Keep askin'. If enough of us wanna see it, maybe she'll cave in.

[atoningunifex]

Keep askin'. If enough of us wanna see it, maybe she'll cave in.

I think this is the nine-hundredth time I've asked. Hopefully by the thousandth time she'll give in.

[howyadoin]

I think this is the nine-hundredth time I've asked. Hopefully by the thousandth time she'll give in.I was pretty happy that she came here and I finally got to see more than 2 or 3 pictures.

It wore off, though. Now I want more.

How 'bout it, Okie?

[Uncle Nobs]

PLEASE excuse crappy typing. having trouble. will fix later but wanted to vote asap.

i vote dan/veggie.

love chad's. okie's is fun & pretty. dan's is ICONIC. winner clear to me.

chad's might be more original design-wise, but dan's retains more of power girl's character even though he changed her origin again. in fact i think dans works precisely because it is an intentionally less original design. karen is modeling herself after other people because she lacks identity. chads works in a morrisonesque way, as it is semi-deconstructionist, calling attention to her convoluted history. dan's is more straghtforward, which is more suited to this chasllenge.

mod elements mixed with dc icons elements looks like she is perpetual teenager, trying to play in big leagues. forever stuck at a stage where everyone searches for identity, trying to be more grownup than they are. sexuality is flaunted and overt instead of more mature characters (but without being trashy). all of this is conveyed instantly to me, the mark of a smart design.

dans abstracted star symbol not only recalls a star and explosion and splash of light as a beam strikes, but also looks like kryptonite--her new origin. very cool.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

Guys, I am sooo sorry.

A friend of mine made two accounts tonight to vote for me. I never would have even known except I recognized one of the names. Those votes are not "real" votes and please if you can remove "bluebell" and "demer" I would appreciate it.

If you cant remove them, then just dont count them.

Again, REALLY sorry. NOT trying to cheat here and I would shoot myself if I robbed atoning of such a well-deserved win. His is the best and he's such a sweet person. Please please please dont think I'm sleazy.

It wont happen again. I was really clear with him that it's not about winning, it's about people genuinely enjoying my art. So um...

Yeah.

Sorry sorry sorry.

And if anyone out there reading this hasn't voted yet, can you throw a vote to atoning so that he gets his technical "first place"? A tie would be insulting at this point.

EDIT: Problem solved. I'm such a doofus, I haven't voted yet! So I'm voting for you atoning and you'll still get your first place.

[howyadoin]

Guys, I am sooo sorry.

A friend of mine made two accounts tonight to vote for me. I never would have even known except I recognized one of the names. Those votes are not "real" votes and please if you can remove "bluebell" and "demer" I would appreciate it.

If you cant remove them, then just dont count them.One of them could still count.

[atoningunifex]

Okie, this is pretty serious. I mean, vote tampering? C'mon, this SO flies in the face of how this competition is meant to be. I am OUTRAGED! INCENSED even! There's really only one thing that can be done to make this right:

You need to open up that Deviant Art page and show us more art right now, young lady. Consider it penance. ;)

[bakla]

okie had the best drawing hands down, but it looked like Supergirl to me, and I had visions of her pumps flying off into another state if she attempted to kick at some villain and missed! Gonzo's design was my fave of this lot but I didn't think it was iconic enough, because of the very reasons it was fresh and original: the assymetrical details might be too much design for most.

In the end I was torn between Dan's and Chad's designs. I felt that Dan kept things about PG' original look that made her feel like her and then imbued it with some interesting new details, but I also felt like the details were more suited to Dazzler than Power Girl. Like Deathstroke, I thought of the whole airlines connection for Chad's but I like that Atoning went completely original yet it still felt like Power Girl. It was very close but in the end I decided to vote for atoningunifex because it looked the most right on sight, without any explanations.

[atoningunifex]

Gonzo's design was my fave of this lot but I didn't think it was iconic enough, because of the very reasons it was fresh and original: the assymetrical details might be too much design for most.


While I am grateful for every vote I have- if Gonzo's was your favorite, you should have voted for Gonzo.

I don't think too much design works against something being iconic. Look at Wonder Woman's original costume and how much was going on there. You've got that weird bird, the big belt, the stars, the laced boots, the bracelets. It's a hodge-podge. And it became iconic.

All iconic means is that people recognize it and associate it with the character.

[bakla]

While I am grateful for every vote I have- if Gonzo's was your favorite, you should have voted for Gonzo.

I don't think too much design works against something being iconic. Look at Wonder Woman's original costume and how much was going on there. You've got that weird bird, the big belt, the stars, the laced boots, the bracelets. It's a hodge-podge. And it became iconic.

All iconic means is that people recognize it and associate it with the character.

Yeah, like I was saying earlier, iconography has a lot to do with recognition. I did like Gonzogoose's design, but not within the parameters of the challenge, which is why I didn't vote for it. Like, even when I designed a costume for Power Girl myself, I did what I thought suited the character and situation versus what I would dress her in myself (which I may still post, but it's certainly not "iconic" in my mind). In the end that's what determined my vote.

And you're spot-on about WW: I think it's a hideous outfit, actually. Those boots! Ugh. But people remember it. Hell, I think Superman is bad too...

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

and I had visions of her pumps flying off into another state if she attempted to kick at some villain and missed


Hehe! I should draw a comic about a super-heroine who would kick ass except she's always trying too hard to strike the prettiest pose, or keep her pumps on, or not let her hair go flat...

She'd be like, in the middle of fighting some tough dude and she'd be all "Wait guys, wait wait... my cape looks dumb underneath the neon. We need to go back over there for natural light, okay?" And she'd randomly decide that she just got her nails done and so she wont punch anyone for the whole day. Only kick at stuff. But that would pose a problem because she'd keep losing her heels and she "looks dumpy without them" (in her own words).

Her preening would cause all sorts of misadventures and comedy would ensue.

[mattbib]

Hello. Welcome to the Runway! As you know, in fashion, one day you're in and the next you're out.

Vegetarian Goat, voters loved the costume and backstory. The retro look is both classy yet modern and iconic. You are in.

.::OkieDokieArtichokie::., your illustration is beautiful, as always, though some thought that parts might be too risque. Good job, you are in.

atoningunifex, your design took Power Girl's already considerable iconic look and stepped it up a notch, making it more dynamic and less cheesecake. atoningunifex, congratulations, you are the winner of this challenge.

Gonzogoose, you definitely picked up your game in this challenge. Your design has a great color scheme, and the Kryptonian-influence is appreciated, however some voters didn't like particular aspects, such as the lining of the cape.

I'm happy to say this is a non-elimination challenge. You are still in.

[Jaye]

Guys, I am sooo sorry.

A friend of mine made two accounts tonight to vote for me. I never would have even known except I recognized one of the names. Those votes are not "real" votes and please if you can remove "bluebell" and "demer" I would appreciate it.

If you cant remove them, then just dont count them.

Again, REALLY sorry. NOT trying to cheat here and I would shoot myself if I robbed atoning of such a well-deserved win. His is the best and he's such a sweet person. Please please please dont think I'm sleazy.

It wont happen again. I was really clear with him that it's not about winning, it's about people genuinely enjoying my art. So um...

Yeah.

Sorry sorry sorry.

And if anyone out there reading this hasn't voted yet, can you throw a vote to atoning so that he gets his technical "first place"? A tie would be insulting at this point.

EDIT: Problem solved. I'm such a doofus, I haven't voted yet! So I'm voting for you atoning and you'll still get your first place.

I deleted the demer vote and banned the account. The bluebell account will remain active.

EDIT:
Unfortunately justjoseph is also bluebell and demer. All three accounts have been banned.

I went through and checked the other voter accounts. All else seems legit. If Matt wants, I will go and check the previous polls.

I hope the rest of this contest can be free of this, its unfair and a waste of time.

[Gonzogoose]

Hello. Welcome to the Runway! As you know, in fashion, one day you're in and the next you're out.

Vegetarian Goat, voters loved the costume and backstory. The retro look is both classy yet modern and iconic. You are in.

.::OkieDokieArtichokie::., your illustration is beautiful, as always, though some thought that parts might be too risque. Good job, you are in.

atoningunifex, your design took Power Girl's already considerable iconic look and stepped it up a notch, making it more dynamic and less cheesecake. atoningunifex, congratulations, you are the winner of this challenge.

Gonzogoose, you definitely picked up your game in this challenge. Your design has a great color scheme, and the Kryptonian-influence is appreciated, however some voters didn't like particular aspects, such as the lining of the cape.

I'm happy to say this is a non-elimination challenge. You are still in.


Whew, guess I was afraid over nothing.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

JustJoseph? Are you sure? He gave me his word that it wasn't him and that he was only those two.

God I am sooo sorry. Yeah check the back polls please.

Would the honorable thing be to resign at this point?

EDIT: Oh yeah, and congrats Atoning. <3333333

[Jaye]

Just Joseph? Are you sure? He gave me his word that it wasn't him and that he was only those two.

God I am sooo sorry. Yeah check the back polls please.

Would th honorable thing be to resign at this point?

As far as I am concerned, you have been honorable. Its up to Matt as the judge of the contest, but I give you credit for bringing it to our attention.

And yes, I am sure. All three accounts were created at the exact same time (demer, then joseph, then bluebell) and with the same IP.

I'll check the earlier polls.

[Jaye]

I'll check the earlier polls.

That was fascinating.

Challenge 3 was not compromised in any detectable way, and is legit.

Challenge 2 was not compromised in any detectable way, and is legit.

Challenge 1 was compromised, by two accounts voting for the same person from one IP address, both accounts have no activity other than that votes for one contestant and were created at the exact same time. The person who they voted for has been eliminated of the competition, and they no longer cast any votes after that. These accounts are also now banned, and all votes they have cast have been revoked.

Matt, if you need me to do anything more, send me a PM and we can talk on the phone about it.

Everyone else, just know we'll check each and every vote in the remaining rounds. Duplicate accounts will be banned.

Thanks all.

[.::OkieDokieArtichokie::.]

Phew. At least none of my other votes were fake. Thanks 13th. Sorry for the trouble.