In Response To: Visualizing the Halo Universe: An HBO Art Contest (Postmortem)
:
: The Halo Community is filled with hundreds of talented individuals. Over the
: past decade that Halo has existed, many have come forth and contributed to
: the communal vision that we have of Halo by creating works of art that
: express their unique take on this imaginative universe. From ubald's Halo
: renders to works such as A Fistful of Arrows , the Halo community is
: absolutely blessed with unique visual insight into the universe that we
: all call home.
:
:
: However, the desire to come forth and share this vision is the deciding
: factor that seems to determine whether the community as a whole can
: appreciate these artists' unique perspectives or not, and as not all
: immediately seek to share their work with others, I have decided to give
: everyone a reason to come forth and do so.
: Enter "Visualizing the Halo Universe: An HBO Art Contest"
: What is VHU?
: Visualizing the Halo Universe is an art contest designed to encourage artists
: of all kinds to come forth and share their unique visions of some of the
: least-seen aspects of the Halo universe.
: Oh great, another art contest. I'm not good at art, I guess I'll sit this
: one out too...
: Well, just wait a minute. Not good at art? That goes against the very essence
: of human nature! Art is universal, and we're all good at it in one form or
: another, whether we realize it or not! Can't draw or paint? That's fine!
: This contest accepts all forms of artwork, so long as they are visual in
: nature so that others can see your ideas. This means that you can create
: your image in any fashion, ranging from pencil/pen sketches on notebook
: paper to digital paintings, from something created in Google Sketchup to
: drawings made in the sand at the beach. You could even make it in Forge!
: All I ask is that the image is able to be viewed from the HBO forums. It's
: as simple as that!
: How does it work?
: Every so often (I'm aiming at 1-2 times per month), I'll post a new thread on
: HBO including the subject for people to visualize in one form or another,
: as well as where descriptions or images of this subject can be found.
: When the subject is posted, participating individuals will have 1 week to
: finish and submit their artwork. At the end of that week, submitted work
: will be judged by the whole of HBO... again, not for quality of artwork,
: but for consistency of design. This means that if you submit a macaroni
: picture (and it's more than acceptable to do so!), you have just as much a
: chance of winning as someone who submits a 10 ft x 6 ft oil painting on a
: custom canvas.
: What sort of 'subjects' are you referring to?
: Most often it will be a subject from the expanded fiction - usually as
: described in the Halo novels - but other times it may range from things
: seen stylized in publications such as Halo Legends to objects or events
: merely suggested at in the games. The point is, nearly anything goes, and
: my intent is to utilize this project to help visualize aspects of the Halo
: universe that have not fully existed anywhere but in our minds so far.
: Also, keeping to an individual subject each week will help to ensure
: fairness of judging.
: Who should participate?
: Everyone who has a unique vision of the Halo universe all their own! Yes,
: this means you! In fact, this means just about everyone! As we all read
: the books or interpret various aspects of the Halo universe in different
: ways, we all have this unique view that Visualizing the Halo Universe
: intends to highlight. So, even if you've never considered putting pen to
: paper before in your life, now is your chance to do so without any fear!
: Since the contest isn't skill-based, anyone can submit and anyone can win,
: just as long as your vision is consistent with the rest of the universe.
: You said 'judging'. How is this being judged?
: HBO is an incredibly powerful resource of amazingly talented and
: knowledgeable Halo fans. As such, I am asking all of HBO to come forth and
: - after one week - respond to the post containing your favorite artwork
: for consistency of design, indicating that it has your vote. However, to
: ensure that HBO is voting fairly, I will be mediating this process to
: ensure that votes are not being given to any piece of artwork with an
: inconsistent design. However, I expect HBO will vote fairly, so that
: little input will be required from myself.
: Additionally, feedback for artists and discussion of how they have portrayed
: any given subject is encouraged. I want this to be an open forum for
: people to also discuss their views of the Halo universe and how it
: compares with those of others.
: But wait, you said this is a contest? What do I win?
: BS Angel - who as I understand it enjoys seeing fan created Halo artwork just
: as much if not more than myself - was kind enough to provide me with
: redeemable content codes for use in this contest. Which codes you ask?
: Well, in fitting with the theme, I have been provided with Halo 4 Concept
: Art Themes, which could very easily soon be found adorning your Xbox
: dashboard. I myself purchased this theme as soon as it became available
: and don't regret that purchase for a second. The same amazing visuals that
: grace my Xbox dashboard providing me with multitudes of inspiration could
: soon be found adorning yours as well... and for FREE! All you have to do
: is submit your vision.
: Pah! Avatar codes? Not interested.
: Well, hold on just a second. As the number of codes I have is limited, the
: art contest will not be relying on those exclusively. My intention is that
: as time goes on, this may become a semi-regular thing, and as such I've
: been stockpiling a significant amount of non-virtual goodies for giveaway
: as well. What non-virtual goodies you ask? Well, you'll just have to wait
: and see. :)
: Okay, I'm interested. What now?
: What I want to ask of everyone now is to respond to this thread or email me
: with your ideas for what possible subjects could be visualized in the
: contest in the future. Rest assured, I already have a rather extensive
: list of subjects that could stretch this contest into the far future. Your
: posting of ideas simply helps to get a sense of where people's
: understanding of the expanded fiction and the goals of this project stand.
: Additionally, your post shall stand as indication of your interest in this
: contest, either in participating or simply in the concept.
: And that's all! Any feedback is appreciated, and if you have any questions
: I'd be more than happy to answer them. I'll be posting the first subject
: this coming weekend!
Sounds like a neat idea. Love to see what gets produced.
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