ElfQuest Fan Art

Elfquest => Art and Elfquest => Topic started by: Maggie on May 18, 2013, 09:24:53 AM

Title: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on May 18, 2013, 09:24:53 AM

It’s that time of year again and I have decided to start up the thread so we can discuss possible themes for this year’s fan calendar.

To get you started thinking about themes, here are the past ones:

Past Themes:

2013 Every Picture Tells a Story
2012 Pinups
2011 Hidden Moments
2010 Finding One's Place
2009 The Magic of Elfquest
2008 Favorite Moments
2007 Home and Family
2006 Elf Art Through the Ages (Art History with an Elfin twist)
2005 Beloved Dead
2004 Then and Now
2003 Celebrations
2002 no theme

Themes on the current ballot:

Contrasts: Day & Night, Young & Old, Good & Evil, Warriors & Healers, Starsong & Wolfsong - the Elfquest saga offers many studies in contrasts.

Elfquest Goes to the Movies:  Very much like Elfquest through the Ages, except our favorite elves do Hollywood; iconic movie characters and/or movie posters or scenes.  (This would be an awesome theme to have if and when an EQ movie comes out)

Otherness, inter-species relations:  When the High Ones crashed on the WOTM, they were forced to relate to other species in a way they never dreamt of before.  Humans, Trolls, Preservers, Bond Beasts, the Neverending.  Throughout their history, the relationships have ranged from enemies, hunter/prey, to god/worshipper, to friend, and many in between.

Teachers and Leaders: A tribute to those who provide(d) guidance.

So let's get talking about a theme!
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on May 18, 2013, 09:29:26 AM
This is just me but I would love to do an emotive portrait calendar, where whatever emotion you choose is expressed with just the characters facial features.  ;D
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Afke on May 18, 2013, 10:54:05 AM
I quite like all of these themes (we still didn't do contrasts??? lol), except for the movies one. I just don't like such an AU for the calendar.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Wolfrider on May 18, 2013, 08:26:44 PM
Well, I actually love the idea of doing movie posters with the elves in. I particularly had the idea years ago of recreating the Casablanca film poster, but with Cutter, Leetah and Rayek in place of Rick, Ilsa and Victor Lazlo (and Renault would be Skywise!).
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Treefox on May 20, 2013, 11:03:08 AM
I still like contrasts a lot, but I also would contribute to any of these themes.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Amberfox on May 21, 2013, 01:50:09 PM
Without creating a new theme of my own to throw in, I'd vote contrasts. It would really leave artists a lot of options and provide for some really interesting images.  As for Elfquest Goes to the Movies, I believe that has actually been done somewhere else.  I've seen several illos, may even have some saved to my computer, but can't recall now where that was.  The Casablanca idea was one already used, too.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Wolfrider on May 21, 2013, 07:59:22 PM
Contrasts does sound interesting. I suppose I'm for that one.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Pyreite on May 23, 2013, 04:07:11 PM
Well the contrast one sounds kewl in any of its variations, though, for a laugh I would vote for the movie one too but with a Lord of the Rings spin, can't help it I am a fan of Tolkien.  Plus I think it would be hilarious to find what a Timmain version of Galadriel wearing actual clothes instead of just her hair (face it she'd make the Tolkien elves faint with her impropriety), dressing up poor Winnowill as either the Witch-Queen of Angmar, or a gigantic headless eyeball, take your pick.  Plus I think that her trollish son, yes I forget his name, so throw bananas would make a fantastically hairy Gollum, face it he's obsessive over Venka, and Cutter as a furry-footed hobbit, or Strongbow as a rather short version of Legolas!  Maybe we could convince the archer to dye his hair blonde!  Maybe not! XD

Just my two cents

~ Pyre
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Afke on May 24, 2013, 10:10:47 AM
Yes, the movies idea has been a contest theme at an older version of this site, a few years ago. I don't recall making an entry myself but I do remember images others made.
Even though I think there were some amazing entries in the art AU calendar, I didn't participate in that one either.

I can't help it, I like canon stuff for something as big as the calendar. I like to think of stuff I've seen or read about or remember being hinted at, and give my view/angle on that. Hidden Moments is still my fave past calendar theme! I like something as challenging and fun to do as that. :)
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on May 24, 2013, 06:30:12 PM
Woo, a discussion which is awesome.  ;D

I have to say I am a little surprised though...no new ideas?



Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on May 26, 2013, 09:03:28 AM
Kahvi said differences make good sparks.

This gave me another idea for the calendar theme. What about pairings?

Now I don't necessarily mean lovers when I say pairings as there can be all types: Lovers, friends, enemies, and strangers just to name a few.

I can see this theme offering up humour as well as an unseen glimpse into a characters mind. You could pair almost anyone together to create a moment fraught with emotion, hilarity or even contempt.

For example, what would it look like if Moonshade and Leetah had a task to complete together? Both characters are strong willed ladies which means working together could prove difficult and the task at hand could end up being a total disaster.

What if Pike wanted to spend the day with Strongbow, would humour ensue or would pike end up being tied to a tree?

There are a lot of different and exciting possibilities and I feel like this theme could be a lot of fun, which would be a nice change from last year’s theme which was a little more on the complicated side.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Afke on May 27, 2013, 11:56:51 AM
Haha, discussion well, then I'll also tell you why, because that might help understanding;
I don't like to put a lot of work into an image that is already made up by someone else. That's what I feel the movies theme would do.

Therefor I really like this pairings idea as well! :D
It could go in any direction, you'd have a lot of freedom; which characters to put together other than who they're usually paired with. Which story to pick (which time), what they're doing and the whole composition part of course.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on May 28, 2013, 05:25:58 AM
I totally get what you are saying about the movies theme, I'm not fond of that idea either. One because it would be a copy of something already done and two because it really isn't canon. If we want to go with something non-canon, I can think of better ways to do so.  ;D
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Amberfox on May 28, 2013, 11:25:16 AM
Contrasts and pairings would also allow for you to jump timelines and holts, for example, TwoSpear versus (or paired with) Strongbow? Cutter and Huntress Skyfire? Lord Voll and SunToucher? I'll try and think of a topic over this week. Been busy and it's not slowing down for me anytime soon.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Wolfrider on May 28, 2013, 06:19:12 PM
It's Elfquest's 35th Anniversary, so we could somehow fit that in to a theme, somehow...
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Eregyrn on May 29, 2013, 09:27:22 AM
I just wanted to say that I haven't chimed in because I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other -- whatever theme is decided on, I'll try to come up with something for it. :)
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on May 29, 2013, 04:57:07 PM
Hehe, well that's good Holly, you'll be happy no matter what. However, in order to get themes on the ballot, more than one person has to say they like it (in fact I believe 3 people have to chime in). So as of now we just have the old standbys for the poll.

Your opinion matters, if you like any of the suggestions for new themes please let us all know so they have a chance of getting a spot on the official poll to decide the theme.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Treefox on June 03, 2013, 10:37:02 PM
I like the pairings idea, but I think all pairings should be canon as well. I also like the idea of incorporating 35th anniversary, but how could we set that apart from the 25th anniversary calendar? I find it hard to imagine a picture that emphasizes the 35th anniversary without showing something that has been shown so many times already.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on June 04, 2013, 03:24:48 PM
Yep, the parings would be canon and I think you are right about the 35th anniversary, what could we possibly do that would some how be specific to 35 years.

Anyway, I am hoping to put a poll up this weekend so we can get this sorted, if anyone has any more ideas please let us know.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: catmahathy on June 05, 2013, 10:00:01 AM
I'm not familiar with ALL of the myriad themes that have been done over the years, so feel free to laugh at me if this is old news, but how about EQ dreamscapes? Maybe depict a character sleeping and a dream image/sequence that you think would be appropriate for the character? IDK... its a long shot, but I'm just trying to come up with some different ideas.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on June 06, 2013, 06:23:31 PM
That is a very interesting idea actually. Thanks for sharing cat.  ;D
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: jaRf on June 10, 2013, 01:10:46 PM
Hmm, we had the suggestions of "teachers & leaders" and "contrasts" before, right? Since I can't submit art (too little time) I should not suggest others what to draw. But all of them sound interesting, offering chances and challenges for everybody. Movies could be funny, otherness sounds challenging, teachers and leaders and contrasts brings me instant ideas. (Ekuar/Rayek and Rayek vs. Fleabag ;) or Winnie vs. Leetah). I guess I'll be fine with all kinds of topics as long as elfquest art is served. :)
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: catmahathy on June 11, 2013, 11:30:19 AM
How about "predator and prey"? Doesn't have to be hunter/animal. It could a male or female and their love interest. Or two rival enemies. Could even be wolves hunting prey or just flirting with each other. Once again, if this has been done let me know.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Treefox on June 11, 2013, 01:14:05 PM
Oooo, I really like your ideas, cat! I think this should be an option, indeed.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on June 13, 2013, 05:52:49 PM
Ok here's the deal, the rules before I took over were pretty clear. Basically three people had to say yes to a theme idea to get it on the ballot for voting, which I think is a rule that should be kept (although I am unclear on whether or not the person thinking up the theme counts as a vote but for arguments sake let's say they do count).

I Like both Cat's ideas, as well as both my ideas (because of course I thought of them)  ;D and what I am thinking is I would like to scrap the old ideas in favour of the new ones that have been thought up but that means more people have to say hey, that is a good idea so they can be on the official poll.

I'm not saying that the old themes are bad ones, I just think it would be nice to have something new rather than choose an old theme that just hasn't had it's day in the sun yet. This is only my personal opinion but ideally for me as the calendar organizer, I would love to see new ideas each and every year.

I understand that may not happen but there are new and fresh ideas being served up this time around so I figure why not use them. However I don't want to step on any toes so please let me know if this doesn't sit well with you.

As I see it, Parings along with Predator & Prey have been given enough thumbs up to land on the poll. There is still Emotive portraits and Dreamscapes to think about. And if you feel strongly that a past theme should be on the ballot than let me know.

I would very much like to put the poll up this weekend so we can get the voting out of the way and start working on some art.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Startear on June 14, 2013, 02:59:00 AM
I love the predator and prey idea, as it is a fairly open theme. Of course, I can't contribute this year, but that one would be mighty interesting.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on June 15, 2013, 12:30:00 PM
I am about to put up the poll, so get ready to vote.  :score10

I did want to mention that the more I looked at it the more mine and Cat's theme ideas, predator and prey/pairings seemed similar, so I am going to blend them together under "pairings", with predator and prey being one of the possible choices you can use when working on this theme (providing it is chosen).

I feel that these two themes are roughly the same concept with pairings limiting you to only two characters, which I believe is a benefit this year as it seems many of you have little or almost no time to get an entry ready.

I just think it would be silly to divide the vote between two similar concepts.

Dreamscapes will also be a new addition to the poll. This theme is an interesting concept that will allow the artist to explore the possibly un-canon dreams of canon characters. It's so naughty, I just love it.

Now please take the time to vote, the poll will end on June 29th, which gives everyone plenty of time to choose which theme they like best.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Wolfrider on June 15, 2013, 06:39:08 PM
Emotive sounds great. That would be an interesting calendar, covering the gamut: happy, sad, angry, scared, etc, all played on a character's face. Colors can be used to express emotions too.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Treefox on June 16, 2013, 11:05:36 AM
Oh great, Maggie! Actually I find both new themes very inspiring, so it was a hard choice. As an idea popped into my head immediately, I voted for dreamscapes.
I am afraid that would not be naughty, though. ;)
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on June 18, 2013, 05:46:41 PM
Heh...I meant naughty as in, some non-canon dreams but regular naughty is fine with me too.  ;D
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on June 18, 2013, 05:48:16 PM
Emotive sounds great. That would be an interesting calendar, covering the gamut: happy, sad, angry, scared, etc, all played on a character's face. Colors can be used to express emotions too.

AHHHH! Too little too late but I think this counts for the next calendar, I'm gonna put Emotive Portraits on the next ballot for sure.  ;D
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Treefox on June 19, 2013, 04:30:30 AM
Haha Maggie, I think your naughty talk actually gave a me a nice naughty idea, would be canon, though.
If I got to enter two entries, that would be something!
Is that still possible, by the way?
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on June 19, 2013, 06:10:01 PM
Oooh, can't wait to see what you come up with if this theme is the one we go with. As for entries, I think you could send in three? Is that correct? I'll have to double check but I know two is fine for sure.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Treefox on June 20, 2013, 12:03:14 AM
 ;D My mind has just so started to draw... I see both entries clearly before me already! Aaagh! I really hope I will find the time somehow.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: catmahathy on June 20, 2013, 06:17:47 PM
Did this ever get decided on?
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Kojiyumi on June 21, 2013, 02:31:33 AM
Hmmm... I don't know that I'd enter the calendar, (http://www.elfquestfanart.com/Smileys/custom/baghead.gif) but I certainly have some ideas from this! :lol
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on June 22, 2013, 05:46:54 PM
Did this ever get decided on?

The poll to see which theme is chosen is on now, don't forget to vote for your favourite.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Kojiyumi on June 22, 2013, 09:59:58 PM
Did the voty thing! :3   :hippie
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on June 24, 2013, 07:36:12 PM
Did the voty thing! :3   :hippie

Awesome, thanks so much!
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Treefox on June 28, 2013, 01:45:22 AM
 :o This is really a close call!
But no matter what theme gets chosen, the new ideas could still be realized in another year.
Truly creative input this year!
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Czarine on June 28, 2013, 04:41:10 AM
So many nice ideas! I voted, but I don't really have a preference, so anything goes!
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Maggie on June 29, 2013, 03:45:39 PM
Ok, Dreamscapes is our theme but please do not get started on artwork yet, there are going to be a few rules/restrictions to be posted in a day or so along with any other details and when the deadline for artwork will be.

I'm pretty excited though, this theme is going to be fun.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Wildfire on June 30, 2013, 07:02:26 AM
I love that Contrasts is never chosen. Dreamscapes is a nice theme though, I voted for it as well. Will we have a brainstorm thread this year? (also hi! I'm still alive)
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Yavia on July 02, 2013, 11:26:48 AM
Hello!
Wellcome back Wildfire!

Why did you love, that contrasts is never chosen?
But it is really funny by the way - now that I think of it.
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Wildfire on July 10, 2013, 04:03:26 AM
Hello!
Wellcome back Wildfire!

Why did you love, that contrasts is never chosen?
But it is really funny by the way - now that I think of it.
Haha, it's just a bit ironic. We all love the theme, but it always been pushed to "next year". I wonder if we'll ever actually pick it xD
Title: Re: Calendar Theme Discussion 2014
Post by: Yavia on July 10, 2013, 10:21:27 AM
Njaaaa, I don't think we ever pick it  ::)