Mascot 2009 and program cover 2008 contests

[JeffT]

Announcing the launch of three contests: The mascot 2009 contest, the program book cover 2008 contest, and the pocket programming book cover 2008 contest!

Artists, here's your chance to make your work a part of Kumoricon. The winner of the mascot contest will receive a free Artist Alley booth at Kumoricon 2009!

The mascot will be prominently used in Kumoricon art and publicity material for the 2009 convention year, including but not limited to the web site, promotional flyers and posters, advertisements, merchandise, and badges/membership cards. It should be an immediately attractive, original, anime-style character or characters reflecting the "cloudy" theme of Kumoricon, typically with an umbrella. We need two versions: one adult or teen, and one chibi.

The cover of the 2008 convention program book introduces attendees to the convention upon arrival; every attendee receives one. It is full color and letter size. Fully detailed, colorful backgrounds and foregrounds work best.

The cover of the 2008 pocket programming guide is a smaller, simpler design, in grayscale.  Lightly detailed and shaded or all-white backgrounds, with strong, contrasting shades, lines, and geometric patterns work best.

All contests:

• Entries must be received by Sunday, July 6, 2008, 11:59:59 PM, Pacific Daylight Time.
• Entries must be emailed to publicity@kumoricon.org, with the files included as attachments. If the files are too big to attach, you can use YouSendIt or a similar service (please one that does not require registration for the recipient), or ask at publicity@kumoricon.org to arrange alternate delivery.
  
• Entries must be accompanied by

1. The full name of the entrant or entrants.
2. The name or nickname, if different, to display as the credit for the entry in the gallery, once voting is closed.
3. Entries must be sent from a working email address at which we can contact you.

• Entries should in some way represent themes of Kumoricon, such as the "cloudy" theme, ("kumori" means "cloudy"), the location, color schemes (blue is a prominent Kumoricon color), or other unique aspects of Kumoricon. Umbrellas are a tradition in the Kumoricon mascot and art.
• Winning entries become the property of Kumoricon. Therefore, by entering the contest, entrants commit to the possibility of their entries becoming the property of Kumoricon. If, after winning, the entrant is requested to or makes alternate or modified versions, or Kumoricon or its staff or volunteers create alternate versions on behalf of Kumoricon, these are also the property of Kumoricon.
• Entrants give indefinite permission for Kumoricon to display all entries in contest galleries, and to use selected entries as ancillary art in program material for the 2008 and 2009 conventions, including those entries which do not win.
• Entries must be original work, and solely the work of the entrant or entrants. Entrants must be authorized and able to assign ownership of the entry to Kumoricon, and to grant Kumoricon permission for the described uses, per the above rules describing such.
• More than one person may contribute jointly to an entry, but all people must be identified in the submission.
• Entries may not have been previously used for publicity purposes by any organization. (It is acceptable, however, if the entry was previously or is currently displayed in a gallery; for example, a portfolio of that artist's work.)
• Entrants must not talk about or link to their entries, or discussion about their entries, or any entries in the contest, on the Kumoricon forums, private messages, mailing lists, or other Kumoricon communication systems, or bulk messages of any form to staff, until we have announced that a winner has been determined. (Non-entrants are also obliged to obey this rule, as a rule of the forums.) This is to help ensure fairness in the voting.
• Content and theme: Entries must be appropriate for all ages. Content, design, and themes of the entries must be appropriate and suitable for their intended uses.
• Entries displayed for voting in the contest must be anonymous, and not have identifying marks. All displayed entries will be credited to their entrants after the close of voting. Entrants, if they wish, may submit a second version containing a signature or marks which will be used for future display in contest galleries.
• An entrant may enter more than once, but each design must be completely unique from others by the same entrant. (That is, if two different people had produced them, neither could be said to be copying from the other.)
• An entrant may send an updated version of an entry prior to the due date for entries, replacing the prior entry.
• Entries recevied very shortly after the due time of 11:59:59 PM may be accepted at our discretion, but if they are, we reserve the right to apply a score penalty to those entries in the voting formula based on how late they are. Because we usually receive some late entries, this is probably the most fair way to handle this situation in order to be fair both to those who entered on time, and those who may have experienced delays uploading large files.

The mascot contest:

• Each entry must contain an adult or teen mascot, and chibi mascot, of the same character and style. Both must be received prior to the due date for entries.
• Although typically the mascot is one person or character, it is allowed to be two characters or more, or to feature sidekicks. We recommend only doing this if the characters are shown interacting in an interesting or unique way (as opposed to just showing two characters side-by-side). In this case, all characters should be drawn in both adult and chibi form.
• Entries should be as high a resolution as possible. Target at least 300dpi at typical sizes (the mascot filling most of a printed 8.5" by 11" page).
• For best results, send your entry in a non-lossy-compressed format, such as PNG, PSD, or AI. If you use JPEG, use as high quality as possible, and we may request an original version if you win the contest.

Program book cover contest:

• Entries must be at an aspect ratio of 8.5" width by 11" height (this is a portrait orientation). Entries must be at least 300dpi. Entries in a different aspect ratio will be cropped or stretched as needed. Entries in a severely wrong ratio may be disqualified, at our discretion.
• Entries should be full color.
• Entrants may enter the same or similar design for the convention book cover contest and the pocket programming guide contest, but if both win, then the Kumoricon board may decide, at its option, to use only one, and select the second-place winner for the other book, to increase the variety of art used.

Pocket programming guide cover contest:

• Entries must be at an aspect ratio of about 8.5" width by 5.5" height (this is a landscape orentiation). [Note: These are the corrected dimensions. Please see my post later in the thread for a note about this change.] Entries must be at least 300dpi. Entries in a different aspect ratio will be cropped or stretched as needed. Entries in a severely wrong ratio may be disqualified, at our discretion.
  
• Entries must not be color. Full grayscale is allowed.
  
• The rule for entering the same or similar design for both cover contests applies (see above).

Contest administration details:

• We will confirm to entrants that their entries have been received. We will send confirmations as we receive entries. Entrants are responsible for entering soon enough so that if there is a problem with the entry, it can be re-sent by the due date for entries. We reserve the right to accept late entries in individual cases if there is a problem due to our error, but entrants are ultimately responsible for ensuring that their entries are received in time.
• Voting is open to staff who have officially registered (submitted signed form and paid dues) by the start of voting. Staff registering after this point may still vote if we enter their data before the close of voting.
• Voting will be done online shortly after the close of voting. Voting will be performed using the Schulze method, which is a type of Condorcet method. In this method, voters rank their choices in order rather than selecting just one. There are many systems of ranked voting which compute the winner differently. The method used here, the Schulze method, has been selected because among all known ranked voting systems, it most encourages voters to rank their choices in their true order of preference, rather than using "strategic voting". For example, if voters were to only select one choice, then voters would be discouraged from picking their true favorite if they didn't perceive it to be popular, because it would be "wasting" a vote. However, with the Schulze method, it is in each voter's best interest to list their true entire preference order. Ultimately, this system makes it most likely that the true preference of the voters, as a group, is selected as the winner. Voters don't need to rank every candidate on their ballots, but it is in their best interest to do so. (Voting for just one does not increase the weight or "strength" of that vote.) You can learn more about Schulze voting here: http://wiki.electorama.com/wiki/Schulze_method.
  
• The mascot contest winner will be announced at the Closing Ceremonies of Kumoricon 2008.
• The cover contest winners will each be announced between the close of voting and the time at which each of those publications becomes available.
• Entries which do not meet the criteria in the rules may be disqualified, and entrants not participating in the contest according to the rules may have their entries disqualified. If this is discovered after a winner is announced, the award may be revoked.
• Kumoricon reserves the right to pre-screen entries before voting begins. This helps the voting process if there are large numbers of entries.
• If an insufficient number of entries is received, an unsuitable entry is chosen in the voting, or if, for any reason, the voting cannot be completed, for reasons including, but not limited to, technical problems with the voting, loss or corruption of ballot data, or insufficient number of votes received, then the Kumoricon board reserves the right to extend the due date for entries, change the start or end dates of voting, annul the voting, run a new election, or choose an entry as the winner, at its option. If, for any reason, the selected winner is not the winner determined by the voting, Kumoricon will release a statement identifying such fact.
• Kumoricon reserves the right to add or modify rules, or make special allowances or changes to the contest, at its discretion, to resolve any unforeseen circumstances or problems which may arise, in the interest of ensuring fairness and seeing that the contest is completed according to the intent and spirit of the rules.

Mascot contest prize:

• The winner of the mascot contest will receive a free Artist Alley table for Kumoricon 2009. Please note, that this is the year after the up-and-coming convention. It is the year for the convention for which your mascot will be used. It is for the year after because the winner is only announced at the 2008 convention. (This prize applies only to the mascot contest; not the cover contests.)

Galleries of past contest entries are online, for browsing and inspiration.

Good luck!

[goatchild]

I have a question: Is it okay if the mascot is a kid? I know there needs to be a chibi version as well as a regular one, and kids are already kind of chibi, but if you make it obvious which one is the kid and which is the chibi, would it be okay?

[JeffT]

I have a question: Is it okay if the mascot is a kid? I know there needs to be a chibi version as well as a regular one, and kids are already kind of chibi, but if you make it obvious which one is the kid and which is the chibi, would it be okay?

Yes, this is ok.

The distinction between adult/kid and adult/chibi is not the same; they are sort of on orthogonal scales. You can definitely have a non-chibi kid and chibi kid, which is the distinction we're looking for.

[goatchild]

Okay, thanks! ^^

[dshwshr55]

I know a full body shot of both images for the mascot contest are probably prefered, but what's legal in a contest as far as the minimum amount of picture allowed? .... um .... I mean, do you take waist shots? Knees and higher? Sitting or crouched poses?

[JeffT]

I know a full body shot of both images for the mascot contest are probably prefered, but what's legal in a contest as far as the minimum amount of picture allowed? .... um .... I mean, do you take waist shots? Knees and higher? Sitting or crouched poses?

We would like a "complete" picture of the mascot, but that doesn't absolutely mean that some part can't be covered. The reason is that the mascot is often used stand-alone on printed material and it looks best if it's a complete character. Using only a partial view may limit the optimal places where we can position the image.

In some cases we ourselves may crop it; for example, the adult mascot in the web site header art. Sometimes due to space limitations that's the best we can do (without shrinking it a huge amount). I experimented with different positions there and it just looked weird if it overlapped the trees, it would be too small if the entire image was used, and using just the head (and chest , and tail) meant we could use the chibi on the other side, too. (Also for a week or two when the 2008 site was launched, the adult mascot was behind the text buttons. But this didn't look very good so it had to go.)

We won't disqualify an entry just because the view is not a full view--possibly something like head-only would need to be changed, though--but the staff might not consider it as good when voting. The pose doesn't matter--this is an area where you can really use your creativity.

[Neolucky]

Will we be getting confirmation our entry made it since it's been said there's huge email-issues with Kumoricon =o? I just wanna make sure my entry got in!

[JeffT]

I've now replied confirming all the entries I've received so far. I should be replying at least daily now until the due date, and throughout the days on the weekend.

I don't think there's any con-wide email problem; I think it's just one other address which should have been resolved earlier.

[ichigo_m.]

do you want the covers to have text of no text?

i'm sending now 1 version with and 1 without (:

[JeffT]

do you want the covers to have text of no text?

i'm sending now 1 version with and 1 without (:

Text is preferred so voters can see where it is, what it looks like and how it will fit in with the art, but entrants should keep an original copy without text just in case it needs to be changed.

I forgot to note in the rules, but "Kumoricon" is officially spelled as one word, no spaces or hyphens, and only the "K" capitalized (not the "c"). However, since this wasn't originally noted, we'll accept any standard alternates in spacing, punctuation, or capitalization on the cover and use it if it wins.

[JeffT]

I just noticed I made an error in the pocket book cover specs! The correct dimensions are:

8.5" width
5.5" height
Landscape orientation.

Before, it said 11" height, which is the same as the main program book (incorrect).

I've contacted the entrants about this, and we'll do our best to use any versions we receive which are in a different dimension and let the entrant modify it, or find a way to use it as-is and be sure it works well.

If you've already started but not yet submitted a pocket guide entry based on the incorrect dimensions and would like to use what you have so far instead of changing it, please contact me at publicity@kumoricon.org and we'll do our best to accommodate this. We have a number of options, and don't want to unfairly hurt anybody who was drawing based on the old dimensions.

I greatly apologize for this error.

[Chevi]

Is it possible for you guys to extend the mascot contest maybe another week?  What with the 4th of July weekend and all that.  If not I understand.

[JeffT]

Sorry, I can't do that. I don't like to extend the contests this close to the deadline because it's not fair to all the entrants. Only if there was a special circumstance where it was needed, like we got a very small number of entries. Also, the date was chosen with regard to the printing deadline, including some leeway, and making things a week later would make things too close for comfort.

We can list late entries in the gallery which goes up after the voting, noting that they weren't included in the voting.

[Mifmemo]

what if my message doesn't send in time because msn usually has a atleast 30min delay when sending mail @.@;

[JeffT]

Drop MSN, because it sucks, and has sucked horribly since around 1998 (I've had lots of firsthand experience with this).

But, if you email from another account, or PM me, the filenames and the file sizes (check exact byte count in the file properties), but I get the files shortly after the deadline, that should be fine.

[Mifmemo]

Pfft, MSN was my upgrade from aol. and I PMed the entry P= just to be safe.
T.T photobucket resized it...

[Negima]

When does voting for the mascot contest go up or is the mascot now selected by those in charge of Kumoricon?

[spaztic_chu]

I was told that it's staff only, date undetermined.

[JeffT]

The description of how and when the voting works in the first post is still accurate. Voting should open by Saturday. I was hoping to try to get it open in the middle of this week, but I've been delayed a bit so Saturday should be the day. It will probably last until the Sunday the weekend after.

[Antares]

Any help in finding my staff log in? What email did it originally come from?

And, if I deleted it, is there a way to get another?

[gladimus]

I hate to sound impatient but it's Monday now, and I still don't see voting up. Does this mean the time for voting to end will be extended?

[JeffT]

Voting is for staff only, and an email announcement was sent to the staff mailing list early this morning announcing the opening of voting. Voting can be accessed by logging in to the staff area of the web site, and the links are on the staff area main page.

Sarah, I've sent you your username.

[TomtheFanboy]

I voted! I'm really excited about some of these!
We got great choices on each of them!

[leashy]

Wow! Radien and I agree that some of the mascots for '09 are amazing!!  I had so much trouble picking my favorites but I do want to find out who the artists were on the top two i chose because I am looking for comission of myself anime style! 

I do feel again this year that we are pretty lacking on the cover art for the program and pocket guide.  There was one real gem in the program art but I do wish we had more selection on them overall <3

[JeffT]

The number of entries was a bit lower this year. Possibly because I didn't announce it on the front page right at the start of the contest this year. Which would be a good idea to do again for future years.

We will de-anonymize the galleries sometime after the voting is over, but before the con, so the public and not just staff can see all the entries, to build up the suspense before the mascot announcement at Closing Ceremonies.

[Raiphin]

I have this lovely pipe dream next year of being able to concentrate on doing program art and stuff and not just running around like a headless chicken to get my mascot entry in.

ps:vote for me!
(yes, I know it's anonymous...that makes it funnier!)

[Negima]

Could you also tell us when voting is officially over?  I would like to post my drawings on Deviantart sometime.
Or do you want us to wait to post it until after you de-anonymize them?

[Kimiski]

I thought voting would be open to everyone again, guess not :/

[Neolucky]

Could you also tell us when voting is officially over?  I would like to post my drawings on Deviantart sometime.
Or do you want us to wait to post it until after you de-anonymize them?

Same, I'd like to post my entry in my gallery sometime! X3

[JeffT]

That reminds me...the staff voting was set to end 2 hours ago, but late Sunday, I extended it 24 hours so that all the new staff who registered at the Saturday meeting would have a full 24 hours to vote. I had earlier tonight sent an email to the staff mailing list about this.

[ichigo_m.]

so dose that mean tongiht or tomorrow or sometime in the near future we could expect to see the gallery and the cover contests winners?

[Negima]

Just bringing this back to attention.

Is voting over and are we now clear to post our entries on Deviantart?

[JeffT]

Yes, voting is over. Due to a backlog of high-priority work as the con gets very near and the book printing deadlines even closer, I won't have the galleries up until at least this weekend, and we haven't used the voting software to tabulate the ballots yet. But voting is finished. You can post them elsewhere (though actually, if you don't mention them here, you could have already posted them elsewhere), but please don't discuss them on the forum here until the galleries go up. After that you can speculate and ramp up the suspense all you want.

[Oniyukai]

Yes, voting is over. Due to a backlog of high-priority work as the con gets very near and the book printing deadlines even closer, I won't have the galleries up until at least this weekend, and we haven't used the voting software to tabulate the ballots yet. But voting is finished. You can post them elsewhere (though actually, if you don't mention them here, you could have already posted them elsewhere), but please don't discuss them on the forum here until the galleries go up. After that you can speculate and ramp up the suspense all you want.

Yay! It is nearly upon us... I can't wait to see all the cool drawings... and revel in ocular joygasms of sight.

[Serika]

I know I'm being impatient (I'm sorry!), but any idea when the galleries will be up on the site yet?

[gladimus]

Yeah I have the same question, I've been checking the site every day since saturday and I'm really itching to see the entries D:

[JeffT]

Sorry about the delay. We're still working on a few high-priority things with deadlines so it will be a few more days. I'll post here when it's up.

[JeffT]

Mascot 2009 gallery is up! Let the suspense begin!

(Sorry, cover galleries have to wait a bit longer. Have to sleep before the meeting tomorrow.)

http://www.kumoricon.org/?page_id=125

[Raiphin]

Woohoo! I can stop obsessively refreshing the page now....and just obsessively worry about how I did! *fingers crossed* ^ - ^

[~boogiepop~]

So many awesome entries, I'm glad I didn't enter this year or I would have been blown out of the water by everyone else. Big kudos to the person who did the girl with rainbow tipped hair though. I'm rooting for you.

[Oniyukai]

Yikes... Firefox makes high resolution JPEGs look yukky when it zooms out... make sure you zoom-in on each of the pictures so you can see their true line qualities. Damn its nice to see a group of entries where the work is good-enough that people are going to be judged on their artistic and technical choices instead of being a "big-fish-in-a-small-pond." 

[ichigo_m.]

i like the one with the orange and the one by chevi.

[Serika]

ooooh geez I'm doomed. 8D;;;


I do like Mifmemo's though, and Shen Travis's.  And I like how Strawberry Jeli's entry's dress looks like an umbrella.

[Chevi]

The rainbow mascot is so cute!  Neo's is great too, of course.  Big zipper ftw.

So many great entries this year, can't wait to see the results. :3

[gladimus]

Wow I wish I didn't suck so much at coloring *whine* *packs bags for next year* Maybe then I can be better and have more of a chance >>

Chevi's is cute =D

[spaztic_chu]

I like the rainbow one, and Shen Travis's design.  Chevi's is so cute, and so is Mifmemo's! <3

[EmAino]

I think my favorites are (in no particular order) Neolucky's, Chevi's and Shen Travis'.   Everyone else's (excluding mine) are REALLY good though.

[Oniyukai]

I think the rainbow girl one is my favorite. But Chevi's and Neo's skills are too ridiculously good to ignore. ShenTravis' non-chibi has an awesome expression on her face.

[Mifmemo]

I'm rooting for Chevi's entry cause the coloring is amazing, very printable and shows a very cloudy theme ^____^ and it's so cute!

[laurifer]

I really like Chevi's and Neolucky's mascots. So well done!

[2otaku]

NEOLUCKY! You ROCK!  CHEVI! You RULE!   Good Luck, you two!

Ok, ok... I'm bias. But I'm not able to vote, so that's OK.

[Misuteru]

haha I have like, four I would be happy if they won (my own included lol, even if it is less cute xD)

[Serika]

Yeah, I think everyone who entered kinda wants to win. XD;;


Except I'm a little upset previous winners were allowed to enter and be judged anonymously... I mean, of course they can win and that's fine and all, but.  D8; We had a lot of good entries this year from less famous people, and for me it just feels a little unfair... please don't yell at me... I guess we'll see in the end, though, right?

[Raiphin]

It's a shame they can't do it like Sakuracon and have a top three with different days of the con having different badge pictures, but I imagine it's cost prohibitive and/or there aren't nearly as many entries for K-con's contest. It's still be cool to see 1st 2nd 3rd though ^ - ^

[TomtheFanboy]

Except I'm a little upset previous winners were allowed to enter and be judged anonymously... I mean, of course they can win and that's fine and all, but.  D8; We had a lot of good entries this year from less famous people, and for me it just feels a little unfair... please don't yell at me... I guess we'll see in the end, though, right?

Whaaaaaaaat?

That's like telling a sports team to lose on purpose just because they were the champions last year. If you're the best you stay the best until someone else gets BETTER.

I don't know anybody that voted on art just because of the artist being "famous".

[Serika]

Except I'm a little upset previous winners were allowed to enter and be judged anonymously... I mean, of course they can win and that's fine and all, but.  D8; We had a lot of good entries this year from less famous people, and for me it just feels a little unfair... please don't yell at me... I guess we'll see in the end, though, right?

Whaaaaaaaat?

That's like telling a sports team to lose on purpose just because they were the champions last year. If you're the best you stay the best until someone else gets BETTER.

I don't know anybody that voted on art just because of the artist being "famous".

That's not what I meant. ^^; They're famous because they're good... My issue is that they've already won previous years, and so it's already known that they CAN win... Does that make sense?  I'm not entirely sure how to phrase it without sounding like a massive b****(lol not swearing lol)...  I don't mean anything personal against them. 

[nanobot]

Quote from: TomtheFanboy on August 09, 2008, 02:57:18 PM
Quote from: Serika on August 08, 2008, 03:49:43 AM
Except I'm a little upset previous winners were allowed to enter and be judged anonymously... I mean, of course they can win and that's fine and all, but.  D8; We had a lot of good entries this year from less famous people, and for me it just feels a little unfair... please don't yell at me... I guess we'll see in the end, though, right?


Whaaaaaaaat?

That's like telling a sports team to lose on purpose just because they were the champions last year. If you're the best you stay the best until someone else gets BETTER.

I don't know anybody that voted on art just because of the artist being "famous".

That's not what I meant. ^^; They're famous because they're good... My issue is that they've already won previous years, and so it's already known that they CAN win... Does that make sense?  I'm not entirely sure how to phrase it without sounding like a massive b****(lol not swearing lol)...  I don't mean anything personal against them.

i know exactly what you mean. i feel the same way. and it sorta is like that sports analogy...but at the same time its not. because with sports, each year the team can change by gaining or losing players/coaches. so the team can either get better or worse. but with art, its rare that someone gets worse as years go on and they practice more. so usually in a year, a person can get waaay better because they had 365 days to improve. sports teams are different in that sense because its not just one person, its the whole team that can change for the worse (or better)

 @_@ its hard to explain with out sounding rude, i agree. lol. but i do feel that it seems unfair that previous winners can enter and win again.

[spaztic_chu]

Well I know that there was some issue with the same artist winning multiple times in the Sakuracon mascot voting, but in that case, maybe just make it so that you can't win more than three non-consecutive years. (There is already a policy that last year's winner can't enter the next year.)  Also, there could be a policy similar to the late entry submission, where if the vote is close between two entries, and one is from a previous winner, then the win should go to the newcomer.

But in other small contests I entered that kept previous winners from reentering, the quality began to get poorer and poorer, because all the people who had won before couldn't enter anymore.  To keep the winners in keeps the competition high.  Also I'll point out that the only one entering on repeat is Chevi. 


On a similar note, people were "complaining" (not really, but wishful thinking I guess?) that there weren't many entries for the cover contests.  You know why?  Because there aren't any prizes for it at all.  If the con wants higher quality covers, or a better spread to choose from like the mascot contest, then they have to offer some sort of prize, be it a half table or kumori-bucks or free admission or something.

[Chevi]

Well I know that there was some issue with the same artist winning multiple times in the Sakuracon mascot voting, but in that case, maybe just make it so that you can't win more than three non-consecutive years. (There is already a policy that last year's winner can't enter the next year.)  Also, there could be a policy similar to the late entry submission, where if the vote is close between two entries, and one is from a previous winner, then the win should go to the newcomer.

But in other small contests I entered that kept previous winners from reentering, the quality began to get poorer and poorer, because all the people who had won before couldn't enter anymore.  To keep the winners in keeps the competition high.  Also I'll point out that the only one entering on repeat is Chevi. 


On a similar note, people were "complaining" (not really, but wishful thinking I guess?) that there weren't many entries for the cover contests.  You know why?  Because there aren't any prizes for it at all.  If the con wants higher quality covers, or a better spread to choose from like the mascot contest, then they have to offer some sort of prize, be it a half table or kumori-bucks or free admission or something.

It wasn't really an issue so much as general complaints pouring in the same girl had one 4 times in a matter of 5 years.  In fact, I was one of those people making complaints...^^;;;  But not because I didn't win, because there are alot of other amazing entries with just as good quality if not better than the person chosen, and there isn't enough variety between mascots.  Whereas here at Kumoricon, they've always had unique mascots.

But it just shows poor sportsmanship overall I've learned.  The staff aren't obligated to even hold these contests, but they are meant for "FUN" which many people forget.  Sure you get a free table, but it's not about winning or losing, and everyone gets to see all the creative entries anyways through the website and in programming books.  I don't think any artist enters expecting to win (I certainly don't)...we enter because it's fun to design a mascot each year.  Wouldn't you want to win for having a great design, not a pity win because "you haven't won yet".  =/

After 5 years of entering Sakura-Con's mascot contest, I haven't won or even placed yet.  But I still enter every year for the chance of at least being in the books.  It a free contest, with judges who choose the best mascot to represent the convention for that year.  There shouldn't be limits on people who win.  It's not about the artists.  It's about an image that reprents the convention.

Also, I'm not the only one re-entering, Neolucky was 2006's winner too. 

[Neolucky]

Well I know that there was some issue with the same artist winning multiple times in the Sakuracon mascot voting, but in that case, maybe just make it so that you can't win more than three non-consecutive years. (There is already a policy that last year's winner can't enter the next year.)  Also, there could be a policy similar to the late entry submission, where if the vote is close between two entries, and one is from a previous winner, then the win should go to the newcomer.

But in other small contests I entered that kept previous winners from reentering, the quality began to get poorer and poorer, because all the people who had won before couldn't enter anymore.  To keep the winners in keeps the competition high.  Also I'll point out that the only one entering on repeat is Chevi. 


On a similar note, people were "complaining" (not really, but wishful thinking I guess?) that there weren't many entries for the cover contests.  You know why?  Because there aren't any prizes for it at all.  If the con wants higher quality covers, or a better spread to choose from like the mascot contest, then they have to offer some sort of prize, be it a half table or kumori-bucks or free admission or something.

It wasn't really an issue so much as general complaints pouring in the same girl had one 4 times in a matter of 5 years.  In fact, I was one of those people making complaints...^^;;;  But not because I didn't win, because there are alot of other amazing entries with just as good quality if not better than the person chosen, and there isn't enough variety between mascots.  Whereas here at Kumoricon, they've always had unique mascots.

But it just shows poor sportsmanship overall I've learned.  The staff aren't obligated to even hold these contests, but they are meant for "FUN" which many people forget.  Sure you get a free table, but it's not about winning or losing, and everyone gets to see all the creative entries anyways through the website and in programming books.  I don't think any artist enters expecting to win (I certainly don't)...we enter because it's fun to design a mascot each year.  Wouldn't you want to win for having a great design, not a pity win because "you haven't won yet".  =/

After 5 years of entering Sakura-Con's mascot contest, I haven't won or even placed yet.  But I still enter every year for the chance of at least being in the books.  It a free contest, with judges who choose the best mascot to represent the convention for that year.  There shouldn't be limits on people who win.  It's not about the artists.  It's about an image that reprents the convention.

Also, I'm not the only one re-entering, Neolucky was 2006's winner too. 

Yup! In fact I see some entries that were re-entered again by previous people last year. Just because an artist may be good or bad shouldn't matter at all - what that means is that those who don't feel 'good' need to buckle down and really start practicing! The people with more skill only have that because they put their all into it!

As far as the complaints about the Sakuracon mascot winner? She wasn't just winning often, she was also STAFF and winning often (Her entries were nice, yes. I don't deny that.) That was one of the reasons I complained about it on the Sakuracon boards, because it felt rigged that a staff member could easily enter and win the contest, and as soon as people put their voices out there, the topic was closed because one of her friends ( some staff member) got upset over it and defended her, and then decided that people shouldn't voice their valid opinions. As a general rule, I thought it was a big "nono" for staff to enter any sort of contest, so it just looked fishy to me (And many others), and heck, she's won next years as well! But...if thats what they ruled and enjoy, then thats it over all. Ain't my contest. Ain't my rules. But I won't be entering Sakuracon again, that's for sure, after winning 2006's Mascot I found out just how poorly they treated their AA attendees. (Lori Collins, Kcons current AA/EX coordinator, was PART of this poor treatment! Surprise surprise!)

So, keep entering. Keep trying. Keep practicing and strive to get better and more creative. Don't boo on artists better (And by better, possibly more skilled, there is no bad or good here to me) then you, because you feel you may not win. All that proves is that you doubt yourself and your own ability...and it's my theory that when an artist does that? It's easy to see in their work. The more confidence you have, the better your art comes off in the end. If all you worry about is winning, then you missed the point of entering an entry completely.

I skipped a year of entering, for my own reasons. And who said anyone entered that won previously was going to win again this year? As far as I've seen Kumoricon HAS NOT ever had a repeat artist, and would that be a problem if they did? Really now. The sports analogy is perfect because as athletes have 365 days to train, so TOO do artists. Yes an artist CAN degrade in skill if they don't keep up with it. (I draw everyday. No joke.) So to claim that it's "unfair" is kinda...well... Whiny. You guys probably don't mean to come off that way, but really, you do! Don't sulk because you might see something better, use that energy to try harder for next time!

[Serika]

Thanks for being mature Chevi, I was nervous about checking this topic again because I don't like making people mad and I knew I was going to piss someone off when I said that. ><;;;;

Of course it's fun to enter.  That should definitely be a big part of entering.  I suddenly had vision of Light from Death Note scribbling furiously.. You can see where this is going, right?

I'm might only speaking for myself here when I say this, but I'm having some insecurities because I wanted to look at the mascot that won and say, "Oh, I see how the proportions are blah-blah-blah, and the colors pop a lot." I become biased like everyone else (Hah!  Like you were expecting that.) so seeing a famous artist win, it's kinda like, "Oh, well they're really good.  Of course they were going to win.  And there's nothing I can look at in this picture and learn from because it's just from a really good artist who has no flaws." Wow, I'm making no sense here.  Sorry. ^^; But when I found out Neolucky was entering, when I was 90% done with mine, my mood pretty much went to, "No point in entering now.  She's famous for her art." I still entered, but not with as much enthusiasm as before, haha. 

Two of my close friends entered, including my best friend, so I'd like to think I'm not throwing a fit here entirely because OMFG MY ENTRYS BEST Y CAN'T I WIN ): (if it's any consolation i'm having a lot of family drama right now that i'm not used to, but i know it's bad to give silly excuses for things.)

As for the Sakuracon thing...really?  That's...err, impressive.  Yeah, I can see how that could be a problem.  I guess I'm very, like... YEAH!  I FREAKING LOVE DIVERSITY.  WOO.  So seeing the same thing that many years at a time would lead some peasant like me to think "HAY CONSPIRACY THEORIES WHISPER WHISPER GEORGE BUSH SET UP THE TERRORIST ATTACKS IS SAKURACON DOING THE SAME?!!!!!!"

and then when i clicked preview neo posted.  8'D Hi everybody.

[Patchwerk]

I think maybe people should refrain from going: "I HAVE NO HOPE OF WINNING BECAUSE ______ ENTERED.  @#$%."

Yes, some talented artists entered, but they have a right to enter just like anyone else.  So, let's not make them feel bad for entering...  Good luck to EVERYONE that entered.

BREAKING NEWS: No one has completely flawless art.  Also, it would be silly to think you can't learn for those who are skilled... I mean, when you take an art class you don't learn from novices. @_@;;

That's just my two-cents.

[Chevi]

Thanks for being mature Chevi, I was nervous about checking this topic again because I don't like making people mad and I knew I was going to piss someone off when I said that. ><;;;;

Of course it's fun to enter.  That should definitely be a big part of entering.  I suddenly had vision of Light from Death Note scribbling furiously.. You can see where this is going, right?

I'm might only speaking for myself here when I say this, but I'm having some insecurities because I wanted to look at the mascot that won and say, "Oh, I see how the proportions are blah-blah-blah, and the colors pop a lot." I become biased like everyone else (Hah!  Like you were expecting that.) so seeing a famous artist win, it's kinda like, "Oh, well they're really good.  Of course they were going to win.  And there's nothing I can look at in this picture and learn from because it's just from a really good artist who has no flaws." Wow, I'm making no sense here.  Sorry. ^^; But when I found out Neolucky was entering, when I was 90% done with mine, my mood pretty much went to, "No point in entering now.  She's famous for her art." I still entered, but not with as much enthusiasm as before, haha. 

Two of my close friends entered, including my best friend, so I'd like to think I'm not throwing a fit here entirely because OMFG MY ENTRYS BEST Y CAN'T I WIN ): (if it's any consolation i'm having a lot of family drama right now that i'm not used to, but i know it's bad to give silly excuses for things.)

As for the Sakuracon thing...really?  That's...err, impressive.  Yeah, I can see how that could be a problem.  I guess I'm very, like... YEAH!  I FREAKING LOVE DIVERSITY.  WOO.  So seeing the same thing that many years at a time would lead some peasant like me to think "HAY CONSPIRACY THEORIES WHISPER WHISPER GEORGE BUSH SET UP THE TERRORIST ATTACKS IS SAKURACON DOING THE SAME?!!!!!!"

and then when i clicked preview neo posted.  8'D Hi everybody.

Pfft you didn't make me mad, lol. I don't think you made anyone else mad either.  XD;  I understand where you're coming from, Ive been there too!

Oh believe me, I totally understand feeling like you wanna give up because a better or famous artist entered.  But rather than feeling like you want to throw in the towel, you should try harder to be better than those that do enter. Besides, you have to expect that every contest will have someone like that, if you do intend to beat them, you have to give your entry 110%!

I really like the ideas people are getting for the mascots each year!  And it's only normal to want your friends to win too!  I just love Kumoricon, that's why I enter!  It's like showing support to them for me.

[Serika]

I think maybe people should refrain from going: "I HAVE NO HOPE OF WINNING BECAUSE ______ ENTERED.  @#$%."

Yes, some talented artists entered, but they have a right to enter just like anyone else.  So, let's not make them feel bad for entering...  Good luck to EVERYONE that entered.

BREAKING NEWS: No one has completely flawless art.  Also, it would be silly to think you can't learn for those who are skilled... I mean, when you take an art class you don't learn from novices. @_@;;

That's just my two-cents.

Of course.  Except unfortunately logic does not always win out in the mind of a nervous silly teenager. 8D; I'm not going to go into detail because this isn't a critique site or anything, and I've made us all go off topic, but yeah, I can see flaws in pictures by famous artists when I look at them, but that kinda immediately evaporates when you see your competition.  And yeah, everyone should stop thinking like that, myself VERY VERY VERY included.  But at the same time, I think any person who had entered a big contest like this for the first time should be allowed to panic a teeny bit, given the circumstances...

On a much more positive note, I think everyone who entered should know that everyone who entered was talented.  I know I'm a very self-absorbed person (ahaha.  shocking), and I saw a LOT of entries other than my own that I would be happy to see on badges next year. except i might not see them because i'll be in egypt for part of the summer and i'll be busy, so.  lol. Some of the alternative, different ones were my favorites.  But honestly, all of them are good. 8D;;; I hope none of my own little problems are leading anyone to think otherwise.

[TomtheFanboy]

I've always wondered why the convention doesn't commission the winner of the mascot contest to draw the covers of the conbooks.

Maybe next year we can have the runners up in the mascot contest win booths and the job of drawing the conbook and pocket guide.

Hmmmm.....
1st prize is AA booth with registration right?

2nd prize could be the same, but you have to design the conbook and pocket guide with the winning mascot.


I also think that the conbook and pocket guide should be done by the same person. Kind of like the mascot and the chibi. That way the designs match.

[Raiphin]

I've always wondered why the convention doesn't commission the winner of the mascot contest to draw the covers of the conbooks.

.....

I also think that the conbook and pocket guide should be done by the same person. Kind of like the mascot and the chibi. That way the designs match.

But there's soooo much less diversity that way!! It seems to work out that the people who win the conbook at least usually reference the winning mascot of that year in their own style, which lends to a theme but also encourages other people to participate which is cool. Perhaps doing that could be more strongly encouaged, or for the program book as well?


As for the mascot---really, if I ever do win and the 'good guys' are participating that would in a very shallow way be waaaaay more satisfying.....just sayin'.  ^ - ~

[Neolucky]

I've always wondered why the convention doesn't commission the winner of the mascot contest to draw the covers of the conbooks.

Maybe next year we can have the runners up in the mascot contest win booths and the job of drawing the conbook and pocket guide.

Hmmmm.....
1st prize is AA booth with registration right?

2nd prize could be the same, but you have to design the conbook and pocket guide with the winning mascot.


I also think that the conbook and pocket guide should be done by the same person. Kind of like the mascot and the chibi. That way the designs match.

This idea might just help out the whole "lack of entries for the conbook" issue!

[MistressLegato]

I've always wondered why the convention doesn't commission the winner of the mascot contest to draw the covers of the conbooks.

.....

I also think that the conbook and pocket guide should be done by the same person. Kind of like the mascot and the chibi. That way the designs match.

But there's soooo much less diversity that way!! It seems to work out that the people who win the conbook at least usually reference the winning mascot of that year in their own style, which lends to a theme but also encourages other people to participate which is cool. Perhaps doing that could be more strongly encouaged, or for the program book as well?


As for the mascot---really, if I ever do win and the 'good guys' are participating that would in a very shallow way be waaaaay more satisfying.....just sayin'.  ^ - ~

I'd kinda like to see the winner design the cover because some of them haven't been very well drawn *sweatdrop*

[Raiphin]

I'd kinda like to see the winner design the cover because some of them haven't been very well drawn *sweatdrop*

Maybe in the past, but from last years and some of the entries I've seen for this years, that may have become less of a problem! Unfortunately I think many artists (including me) go so bananas on the mascot entry that the other stuff slips to the side. ^ - ^;;; But the quality of all the entries seems to be improving year by year.

[Serika]

I was going to enter in the mini programming book thing, but I didn'tt hink about it until the last minute and then I was exhausted and fell asleep, then didn't wake up until like half an hour after the deadline. XD;

I think a lot more people enter the mascot contest because they get a lot more recognition for it, and they even get a table.  If the mascot was used the exact same way but without the table, there'd be fewer entries.  Having a table is like a tangible prize... Some people might feel just bragging rights aren't entirely a prize.  Another thing is a lot of anime artists are used to working with just a floating character on a white background, and don't have confidence in their background skills.  I know I couldn't draw a detailed background to save my life, so I wouldn't enter anything where a background is almost a requirement until I got better.  But I think the prize thing is a little issue... I know that the artist alley is cramped this year so this couldn't go into effect, but maybe if the mini-guide and conbook could share a table or something?  People would be more motivated to enter into those contests because they'd really know they'd be getting something from it, and could sell prints/do commisions/whatever.

I don't think I'd really like to see the same artist doing piece after piece... Seeing people drawing characters in different styles is really interesting to see.  Last year everything was different, and a little refreshing.  Don't get me wrong, Chevi's mascot was awesome and the chibi was adorable... Plus I love bright colors, but it was nice when your eyes could rest on the softer colors of the conbook.  I don't know.  Variety is the spice of life, right?  But it'd be kind of like a slap in the face to people who just wanted to enter the other contests, I think.

[antibishie]

I also think that the conbook and pocket guide should be done by the same person. Kind of like the mascot and the chibi. That way the designs match.

I'm not so much of a fan of having the same person doing everything, though there's nothing wrong with that.  But I agree about wanting things to "match".  Whether it's all done by the same person in the same style or whether it's various styles making use of the mascot for that year, whatever.

Speaking of the covers... are we going to get to see the entries for those before the con?

[spaztic_chu]

While I kind of like the idea of combining the cover contests, I don't think that they should be combined with the mascot contest at all.  Mostly that making the prize designing the covers means you're rewarding them with more work (GLEE).  But also it'd be with a tight deadline following the contest shortly after, and the winner of the mascot contest wouldn't be nearly as secret. It's a crappy prize to give to the second place, and if you made the first place do it, then yeah, the con would lose some diversity.

I dunno, I see the graphic design of the covers as a different art than designing the mascot. 

I think a lot more people enter the mascot contest because they get a lot more recognition for it, and they even get a table.  If the mascot was used the exact same way but without the table, there'd be fewer entries.  Having a table is like a tangible prize... Some people might feel just bragging rights aren't entirely a prize.

Agree!

[Oniyukai]

I've always wondered why the convention doesn't commission the winner of the mascot contest to draw the covers of the conbooks.

.....

I also think that the conbook and pocket guide should be done by the same person. Kind of like the mascot and the chibi. That way the designs match.

But there's soooo much less diversity that way!! It seems to work out that the people who win the conbook at least usually reference the winning mascot of that year in their own style, which lends to a theme but also encourages other people to participate which is cool. Perhaps doing that could be more strongly encouaged, or for the program book as well?


As for the mascot---really, if I ever do win and the 'good guys' are participating that would in a very shallow way be waaaaay more satisfying.....just sayin'.  ^ - ~

I agree with Raiphin on this besides you learn a lot by drawing other peoples characters in your way...and you learn from them what to adapt to your own work...and what not to do for mascot contests... for example I will never again submit a vector file. I will only submit it until after it is judged. Also I decided to draw the strokes in a more brushstroke manner rather than just use the shape outlines. And I will use japanese animals.
 

[TomtheFanboy]

While I kind of like the idea of combining the cover contests, I don't think that they should be combined with the mascot contest at all.  Mostly that making the prize designing the covers means you're rewarding them with more work (GLEE).  But also it'd be with a tight deadline following the contest shortly after, and the winner of the mascot contest wouldn't be nearly as secret. It's a crappy prize to give to the second place, and if you made the first place do it, then yeah, the con would lose some diversity.

No, that's not what I mean.
The winner of the 2009 mascot contest drawing the 2009 conbook and pocket guide. Not THIS years'! 

As for all you guys and your diversity, there's a difference between a variety of styles and random images that make no freakin' sense. >_>
If every entry for the covers featured the official mascot then I wouldn't be bothered nearly as much.

Remember the dude on the pocket guide last year? The art was fine but who was that guy? He was just a random dude!

[Raiphin]

Remember the dude on the pocket guide last year? The art was fine but who was that guy? He was just a random dude!

*laughs* you know, what I totally thought was-- "Yay! I finally get to look at a cute boy on something!"

simple minds <3 eye candy, even if it has no context ^ - ~

[Serika]

Remember the dude on the pocket guide last year? The art was fine but who was that guy? He was just a random dude!

I liked him. 8D; I can see why you'd want things to be more...uniform, for lack of a better word, but it *is* fun for us when we get to look at the different styles and characters.  In 2006 I had no issue with the conbook, despite it being drastically different from the mascot.  I don't think they necessarily need to be similar, since they aren't entirely connected or anything (if the con guide said things like, "please refer to pocket guide page 23, section two, paragraph one" or "note the color choice on the mascot's outfit.  We will refer back to this at various ceremonies" or something, it'd make a bit more sense, but...not really like that?)... And I honestly think it's more aesthetically pleasing for things to be different.  I don't understand what you said about a "variety of styles and random images making no sense..." or whatever it was.  Could you explain that a bit more?

I don't know... I'm all for different styles and random characters.  In my experience, Kumoricon is a pretty random, fun con... And having one person take all the glory for all the art our con uses doesn't really show the image of the convention, I guess?  I'm not entirely sure how to phrase this, so forgive me.

[TomtheFanboy]

I'm glad you guys liked that dude. There was a lot of staffers who were annoyed by him for some reason.

What I'm saying is that I would rather have some sort of relationship between the three art pieces we're discussing here. The Mascot, the conbook and the pocket guide.

I think that the mascot for the year sets the tone for our swag and publications that year, both thematically and chromatically (lulz). I think that this should also apply to the conbook and pocket guide. Sure the Pocket guide is usually B&W but we can still have some connection. I'm not saying we need cooky cutter poses and tracings of the mascot. I just think that the color scheme at least should be similar, and if you're going to put a character on the cover then make it the mascot for that year. Chibi or regular style. That way it's not just "some art", it is art that is MEANT for this year.

Last year we had a bunch of other characters popping up inside the pocket guide and I thought that was great, I just want to see the mascot more. To me, other people drawing versions of the mascot is a sort of sign of respect for the con and a sort of salute to the artist who designed them.

I always wonder if the artists who got to the trouble of making whole new characters for the covers of the books just don't care about the mascots or if they're just bitter because they lost. Some people are like that, but I'm guessing anyone that gets that bitter about the mascot contest would enter the cover contests at all. That could explain why we have so few entries.

[Chevi]

I always want to enter the cover contest and pocket book too, but I always never have time other than for the mascot.

[Neolucky]

To be frank the 'Guy' on the mascot con book looked thrown together and kind of lazy, and honestly did just come off as 'Wow how random.'.

I too would love to see some correlation from Mascot, Pocketbook and Conbook. Kept to an actual theme! This has nothing to do with it being a guy, or being "different" at all. We all LOVE variety! But I will echo Tom here and say that it'd be a treat to see things match. I wouldn't consider that uniformity at all, just less confusing for those attending the convention. It's just common sense that the books somewhat match the mascot chosen for that year. And since there's no prize involved with the book covers, why have those contests at all? Might sound harsh, but you just can't please everyone all the time...just some people some of the time. The book cover contests needs some re-working I think.

If you people wanna see more GUYS in the covers/mascots then stop entering with GIRLS =p and start making entries with guys in them! If I had time to do more then one entry, heck I'd draw a guy as well. But there's just something aesthetic about a cute girl with an umbrella...and if you look at the original Kumoricon Logo, it was a girl, so I always thought sticking to that theme would have made sense.

And having one person take all the glory for all the art our con uses doesn't really show the image of the convention, I guess?  I'm not entirely sure how to phrase this, so forgive me.

That's what contests are for. No convention is just random, to be honest. They always have a theme, a mascot, a color, a special saying. I'm not sure how throwing out random, uncordinating images does anything but confuse people about the theme of the convention. EVERY convention I've been to gives this 'glory' to the person who won because they tried their best and deserve it! By using other pictures that don't have anything to DO with the central mascot/theme, you take away from the image. And when it comes to advertisement for conventions, Image IS VERY important.

See, Kumoricon is pretty generous in giving out a contest that allows people to make up something new each year. Where as Fanime (Wonderful convention!) has a SET group of mascots, with no contest, just a pool of professional artists they hire to work on the art so that way it looks clean and matches every year with the theme. (Theme changes every year, but mascots never do). So...I wouldn't complain so much about diversity when you get a chance to enter at all!

[lychee-twist]

See, Kumoricon is pretty generous in giving out a contest that allows people to make up something new each year. Where as Fanime (Wonderful convention!) has a SET group of mascots, with no contest, just a pool of professional artists they hire to work on the art so that way it looks clean and matches every year with the theme. (Theme changes every year, but mascots never do). So...I wouldn't complain so much about diversity when you get a chance to enter at all!

That's what makes Kumoricon so endearing. I noticed that with Sakuracon there was only a mascot contest, and the year I went, they had Paradise Kiss as the program cover. Given the program cover was really cool with embossed katakana names of popular anime and movies over it, but I like Kumoricon's idea of leaving it up to the fans.

To be blunt myself, I agree with Neolucky. I wasn't a huge fan of the cover art of the "Guy". He did look thrown together, like someone was testing out their newly bought screen tones and decided to submit it. Sorry, it made me felt like not a lot of people submit to the cover art contest. (Once again, I'm sorry for being blunt). I like the idea of a dude on the cover, though. I'm all for a male mascot one of these days, although I acknowledge the chances of that happening are slim. Girl mascots are usually just cuter and seem to attract bigger crowds.

I'm just sad I completely missed the deadline, otherwise I would've tried throwing my ideas in there, too. The ideas for this year are really cute. It's nice to see some color in a few of them.

[JeffT]

The cover galleries have been posted:

Program book: http://www.kumoricon.org/?page_id=170
Pocket guide: http://www.kumoricon.org/?page_id=171

Historical gallery: http://www.kumoricon.org/?page_id=125

[JeffT]

Any ideas and suggestions for how to change the contest will be considered for next year.

I do like having consistent theming across different materials. However, having the winning mascot artist draw the covers might be extra work and I don't know if all or most of the artists would want that. Also it might lose us the opportunity to pick a unique cover that is more interesting.

A prize for the cover contests might be due starting in 2009.

See, Kumoricon is pretty generous in giving out a contest that allows people to make up something new each year. Where as Fanime (Wonderful convention!) has a SET group of mascots, with no contest, just a pool of professional artists they hire to work on the art so that way it looks clean and matches every year with the theme. (Theme changes every year, but mascots never do). So...I wouldn't complain so much about diversity when you get a chance to enter at all!

I thought the 5 Fanime mascots were really cool, too. Didn't know they were the same every year, though.

[Neolucky]

I thought the 5 Fanime mascots were really cool, too. Didn't know they were the same every year, though.

Yup, same ones every year ! I only know this because I work for that artist pool currently, (Did this years T-shirt design infact! WOO!....Too bad I wasn't there, darnit!) the year before this was Space (Macross anniversary), this year was Feudal japan, and next year has yet to be determined.

[TomtheFanboy]

The cover galleries have been posted:

Program book: http://www.kumoricon.org/?page_id=170
Pocket guide: http://www.kumoricon.org/?page_id=171

Historical gallery: http://www.kumoricon.org/?page_id=125

Elle's program book is one of those creepy little dollfies i just know it. KILL IT WITH FIRE!

Sure its a good photograph but I know that this is going to turn around and eat my soul. If that was all done digitally and not with a photograph then good job on creeping me out, very realistic.

Also, meet Mr. Kumoricon 2007

[lychee-twist]

Ah, yes. The dollfies. Those are a commitment.

[Serika]

D8 There are so few!  That's so sad.

I don't know, I still think different styles and different characters are nice.  I wouldn't be too upset if I saw the mascot drawn in a variety of styles, though I really do like seeing different characters and color schemes.  I know I wouldn't mind so much if maybe a contest requirement was to draw the mascot, but repeating myself again... I still like different characters. 

I haven't counted or anything, but it seems like there are a lot more mascot contest entries, and fewer program entries this year.  I think some of the people who were considering entering in the program contests figured they wouldn't be getting anything from it, maybe... That, and every piece of publicity I've seen for the convention involves the mascot, so it's not really getting your art out there.  No table, and no publicity... See how that can discourage some people?  A table would be nice for those winners (and encourage more people to enter), but that is money lost, so I don't know.

[Neolucky]

Elle's program book is one of those creepy little dollfies i just know it. KILL IT WITH FIRE!

If you come by my table, Tom, ...I may have a couple there and they WILL STARE YOU DOWN WITH THEIR SOULLESS DOLL EYES. BE WARY.

[Negima]

There's something that's been on my mind for a while.  I'm kinda wondering if there would be more entries if the prize was a choice between getting a table in AA or possibly something of equal value.  (Free admission + something else....)

Reason why I'm thinking that is because I bet there are some people who would love to enter but wouldn't want or wouldn't know what to do with an AA table.
Course I could be wrong....

[ScrumYummy]

My two cents:

1. You would have a lot more entries for the cover contest (and probably higher quality ones) if there was a substantial prize for it.*

2. I like the idea of having the 2009 cover contest use the design of the winner of the 2009 mascot contest. Not having it drawn by the same artist, just making it part of the contest criteria that the character design be the same (not necessarily the style). (Plus, I just took a look at the entries for the 2009 contest, and WOW the designs were amazing! I can't wait to see who won.)

*I stopped entering the contest because there wasn't any real reason to. Plus, the one year that I won, I was actually ashamed of it because of the shitstorm that followed. Perhaps the contests should be removed from the forums to prevent drama, and all entries/questions/announcements should be taken care of with email and postings on the site.

[Serika]

*I stopped entering the contest because there wasn't any real reason to. Plus, the one year that I won, I was actually ashamed of it because of the shitstorm that followed. Perhaps the contests should be removed from the forums to prevent drama, and all entries/questions/announcements should be taken care of with email and postings on the site.

I completely agree with you here.  Just wondering, what year did you win?  But yeah.  There was a lot of stupid drama with this year's winner for the mascot contest.  I'm not into furry art or anything, but what was with that?  I might be wrong here, but aren't cat/bunny/various animal-girls a big part of anime?  It'd be one thing if we had a blatantly furry mascot that fit all the negative stereotypes, but this one... I mean, COME ON.  Anyways... Yeah, that seems like it might be a better idea to me.  And yeah, cover contest winners should get a better prize... There isn't a lot of incentive now.

[TomtheFanboy]

I completely agree with you here.  Just wondering, what year did you win?  But yeah.  There was a lot of stupid drama with this year's winner for the mascot contest.  I'm not into furry art or anything, but what was with that?  I might be wrong here, but aren't cat/bunny/various animal-girls a big part of anime?  It'd be one thing if we had a blatantly furry mascot that fit all the negative stereotypes, but this one... I mean, COME ON.  Anyways... Yeah, that seems like it might be a better idea to me.  And yeah, cover contest winners should get a better prize... There isn't a lot of incentive now.

THANK YOU.
I'm in Total agreement with you on the furry issue. WTF is up with some people, I didn't know that people took furryphobia to the same lengths that people take homophobia.

At this point it is just a matter of bringing this up to the next Publicity Director.

Even if you're not staff, if you can make it to the elections on October 11th (or some time that wekend) then I suggest you make it known to the candidates that you think the contests should be changed. doing it at that event will also show the rest of the board that Publicity should be allowed to put a prize for the book covers in their budget. 

[JeffT]

As I posted above, I've already been reading the suggestions in this thread. I will be incorporating improvements into next year or making that recommendation to the next director.

If elections just comes down to small differences like whether the publicity director wants a prize for the cover contest or not, then I think we're going to have a pretty smooth elections.

[ScrumYummy]

Well then, looks like I will be trying to make it to the elections. I went a few years ago, when it was held at the central library; do you guys think it will be held there again? That was very convenient for me; I live downtown and don't own a car.

*I stopped entering the contest because there wasn't any real reason to. Plus, the one year that I won, I was actually ashamed of it because of the ****storm that followed. Perhaps the contests should be removed from the forums to prevent drama, and all entries/questions/announcements should be taken care of with email and postings on the site.

I completely agree with you here.  Just wondering, what year did you win?  But yeah.  There was a lot of stupid drama with this year's winner for the mascot contest.  I'm not into furry art or anything, but what was with that?  I might be wrong here, but aren't cat/bunny/various animal-girls a big part of anime?  It'd be one thing if we had a blatantly furry mascot that fit all the negative stereotypes, but this one... I mean, COME ON.  Anyways... Yeah, that seems like it might be a better idea to me.  And yeah, cover contest winners should get a better prize... There isn't a lot of incentive now.

2006. I entered the contest for fun, even though there wasn't a real prize, but I wish that I hadn't. Because  the forums exploded with complaints about my entry, and I felt ashamed that I even made the ***ing thing. I also worked as staff, and several of the staff members complained about it in front of me, without knowing that I was the person that drew it. It made me feel awful.

I entered again the next year (2007; this was my entry), and tried to do better as an apology, and from what I heard it was received well even though it didn't win. But it didn't quite make up for what happened in '06.

I feel really sorry for the mascot winner. Because being the center of that sort of controversy is really hurtful to the person that created the work. My condolences to the artist.

----------------------------

Modified due to foul language

[Chevi]

I HATE the stereotype that has been created for characters with animal ears being called "furry".  I also hate the stereotype of "furry".  What is SO WRONG with animal ears, tails, or even anthropomorphic characters?!  When people see it they automatically scream "FURRY!" and every other nasty stereotype associated with it.  =/  I draw those things, doesn't mean I'm into some sick twisted nasty stuff...it's seriously messed up people assume these things based on a harmless drawing promoting NONE of that stuff.

And I'm sorry to hear what happened to you ScrumYummy. 

[Negima]

I HATE the stereotype that has been created for characters with animal ears being called "furry".  I also hate the stereotype of "furry".  What is SO WRONG with animal ears, tails, or even anthropomorphic characters?!  When people see it they automatically scream "FURRY!" and every other nasty stereotype associated with it.  =/  I draw those things, doesn't mean I'm into some sick twisted nasty stuff...it's seriously messed up people assume these things based on a harmless drawing promoting NONE of that stuff.

I blame CSI.
(For those who saw the episode, you know what I'm talking about.)

[Neolucky]

I HATE the stereotype that has been created for characters with animal ears being called "furry".  I also hate the stereotype of "furry".  What is SO WRONG with animal ears, tails, or even anthropomorphic characters?!  When people see it they automatically scream "FURRY!" and every other nasty stereotype associated with it.  =/  I draw those things, doesn't mean I'm into some sick twisted nasty stuff...it's seriously messed up people assume these things based on a harmless drawing promoting NONE of that stuff.

I blame CSI.
(For those who saw the episode, you know what I'm talking about.)

I don't =p. The CSI thing came about LONG after the Furry stigma. I won't discuss my own personal thoughts on Furries however, in any fandom there's varying levels of 'ew'.

I am shocked to hear anyone had issues with this years mascot. It's freaking cute as a button, well presented and drawn, and unique. Anyone talking smack about it in front of me, will get a rude look.

[MistressLegato]

I HATE the stereotype that has been created for characters with animal ears being called "furry".  I also hate the stereotype of "furry".  What is SO WRONG with animal ears, tails, or even anthropomorphic characters?!  When people see it they automatically scream "FURRY!" and every other nasty stereotype associated with it.  =/  I draw those things, doesn't mean I'm into some sick twisted nasty stuff...it's seriously messed up people assume these things based on a harmless drawing promoting NONE of that stuff.

I blame CSI.
(For those who saw the episode, you know what I'm talking about.)

I don't =p. The CSI thing came about LONG after the Furry stigma. I won't discuss my own personal thoughts on Furries however, in any fandom there's varying levels of 'ew'.

I am shocked to hear anyone had issues with this years mascot. It's freaking cute as a button, well presented and drawn, and unique. Anyone talking smack about it in front of me, will get a rude look.

*high-five*

Even if you hate furries, she isn't a furry.  She's got nekomimi written all over her!

[ScrumYummy]

*high-five*

Even if you hate furries, she isn't a furry.  She's got nekomimi written all over her!

Yeah, I'm kinda confused as to why people would furry hate on her. Because she's a nekomimi. And nekomimi is a staple of otakudom, so it totally works as a mascot.

[Raiphin]

lemurmimi!

I was actually kinda surprised when it won since it was kind of esoteric, but I figured--it's a vote, and thus representative of the people voting, so sure--more power to 'em. And stuff.

[MistressLegato]

lemurmimi!

I was actually kinda surprised when it won since it was kind of esoteric, but I figured--it's a vote, and thus representative of the people voting, so sure--more power to 'em. And stuff.

Pardon!  XD

[Neolucky]

lemurmimi!

I was actually kinda surprised when it won since it was kind of esoteric, but I figured--it's a vote, and thus representative of the people voting, so sure--more power to 'em. And stuff.

Eh? I didn't think anthro/animal girls were that unknown about, or for a specific group of people =p. Not sure if Esoteric aptly defines that design heh!

[lychee-twist]

I completely agree with you here.  Just wondering, what year did you win?  But yeah.  There was a lot of stupid drama with this year's winner for the mascot contest.  I'm not into furry art or anything, but what was with that?  I might be wrong here, but aren't cat/bunny/various animal-girls a big part of anime?  It'd be one thing if we had a blatantly furry mascot that fit all the negative stereotypes, but this one... I mean, COME ON.  Anyways... Yeah, that seems like it might be a better idea to me.  And yeah, cover contest winners should get a better prize... There isn't a lot of incentive now.

THANK YOU.
I'm in Total agreement with you on the furry issue. WTF is up with some people, I didn't know that people took furryphobia to the same lengths that people take homophobia.

I think it goes back to the "I don't understand so I won't bother trying to understand or acknowledge people's admiration for this" bit. I kind of got in a bit of a spat with someone over this and my liking of anime and manga. I've looked at furry art before, and it's just not my thing personally, but I'll roll with the new mascot.

I entered myself, last year, and as soon as I saw the sneak of Kuu on deviantART, I knew she was going to win. XD Crushing defeat twice! Once upon first view and second upon my glimmer of hope at the end of Kumoricon '07!

[2otaku]

Neo doesn't tell the entire story of this so called..'GLORY' of being a mascot winner. Let me tell you about SakuraCon. During the Closing Ceremonies when they 'announce' next years' mascot winner, on a big screen was flashed up Neo's entry.... for like 6 seconds... NO mention of who did it.
So much for glory, eh?

We arrive the next year to find no one knows what to do with Neo. Didn't know where to send her, what she was getting for being the winner. We ended up in a room where the AA head was and the statement out of her was, "Oh, you're lucky we have a table for you."  What? Oh brother!

I have always thought these cons that do have mascot winners could have a small sandwich board display just saying "This Years Mascot Winner!" to place near the winner so everyone knows who it is.  Me being a big supporter of Neo's, was telling most that got near enough that they had a sample of her art ON THEIR CON BADGE. 

KumoriCon. Again, we are walking all over to find someone that knows what to do with neo...AGAIN. Heaps of GLORY here, folks. Someone said to put her in with the Con's merchandise booth. Er...no.
They find her a table, but only half a table. A bit cramped too. Then the person with the other half never showed up.

So you think there's something amazing and wonderful about being the mascot winner. When (notice I don't say IF there but you have to keep at it) you do win, don't expect big accolades and adulation over it. Sure, you can be proud and happy, your friends and family will be glad for you and that's nice. This 'glory' is quite fleeting, when the Con is done, they move on to look for the next mascot. My hope is better treatment for these people who win in the future. Not that Neo complained, but I can! I'm curious about the other winners' experiences. If you'd rather not say, no worry.

I always thought it wasn't a furry unless the face had a muzzle? Sheesh, there's been ears on girls in anime a way long time. Oh, and boys.. Loveless fans, don't hurt me.

The mascot entry is a fun thing, let's keep it that way!

[2otaku]

Hey, hey, hey... Nothing wrong with dollfies.

[JeffT]

If there are or were issues involved with the mascot winner's prize in the past, please email them to publicity@kumoricon.org and please include chair@kumoricon.org. Sometimes confusion can happen at the con but if there are problems the director and chair need to know about them to make sure they don't happen in the future.

So you think there's something amazing and wonderful about being the mascot winner. When (notice I don't say IF there but you have to keep at it) you do win, don't expect big accolades and adulation over it. Sure, you can be proud and happy, your friends and family will be glad for you and that's nice. This 'glory' is quite fleeting, when the Con is done, they move on to look for the next mascot. My hope is better treatment for these people who win in the future. Not that Neo complained, but I can! I'm curious about the other winners' experiences. If you'd rather not say, no worry.

I have personally always cared very much about the mascot contest and that is why we do some of the things we do while I've been managing it as staff--most of these at the suggestion and help of other people on staff:

• Use a careful voting system that has voting open for a week so staff have time to carefully look over the entries
• Integrate the mascot colors into the web site's design
• Print a gallery of the contest entries in each year's con book
• Keep an archive online of past mascot contest galleries and past web sites
• Credit the mascot winner at the footer of the web site pages
• Don't require contest entrants to assign ownership of the entry to the convention unless they win the contest

[spaztic_chu]

Why is the voting limited to staff anyway, for more control and ease of counting the votes?  Sometimes I think it possibly might not represent the whole con, to limit the voting to staff.  I was just wondering because I know that the voting used to be open to the public.

But when I think of say, a popular artist who gets 1000+ hits a day on DA, if they were to enter and say "vote here!"  Even if they didn't say which was their entry, obviously those 1000 people like that artist for a reason, and they'd probably happen to pick that artist's entry, even if they have no personal interest in the con.  *sigh* tough call.  There isn't a way to connect the voting to registration on the forum, is there?  Granted, even voting on the forum is far from representing the whole con.

[JeffT]

Voting was open to the public online in 2006 but there were major problems with vote stuffing at the time.

However, linking voting to pre-registration is something we may be able to technically do in the future.

Indeed, there is concern about influence of voters there. If a small fraction of attendees usually vote, then there is opportunity for a single entrant to influence a large chunk of other people so that the voting is not representative. But, I think over half the staff vote when it's open to staff, so this risk is very small in that case.

Currently, voting is a staff perk, and allows those putting in the work for the con to have more of a say in how it's represented.

[Chevi]

When I found out I won at Kumori-Con 2006's closing ceremonies, they also only flashed my mascot entry for about 5 secs, didn't mention who was the artist, and did it at the veeeery end of the meeting.  They were like, "Oh and here's next year's mascot..." and immediately changed it afterward.  LOL  I didn't want to shout with glee over the person talking, but I did make a bit of a deal about it in my chair and my friend was crying right next to me in happiness that I won.  Some people in front of us heard me and congratulated me. ^^;

Last year, Kumori-Con listened to me when I asked to be credited on the site, they kindly added me and a link to my Deviantart on the bottom of the main webpage.  Eric, the AA coordinator from last year, gladly took my information and I made sure I had a table waiting for me, but as such, I definitely need to fill out a form for AA at the least.  Which was no problem.  When I arrived, I was taken care of, had my table, but the only problem was that my banner was mispelled, as well as my badge, and while I did get a replacement for a badge, did not get a replacement for my banner, and was mistaken as an extra table often, with people putting their bags and drinks on my table for a "break" which I had to constantly tell people not to do that.

The only thing I kinda wish is that I would get one free t-shirt, poster, and tote bag with my artwork on it.  I didn't buy anything till the last day, and THANKFULLY, they had one t-shirt left in my size, and I did get a poster.  But the totebag with my cute teruteruboozu on it was completely sold out. And I was pretty sad, because I wanted one. >:  Or maybe 50% off, at least, I'd gladly support the con with my money...XD

But all in all, my AA experience as the mascot creator was awesome, and everyone who came by who knew who I was were extremely nice and sweet.

[Neolucky]

Ehehe... Yeah, the year I won was insane! No one knew where I was meant to be, let alone what I'd won...but they sure did their damnedest despite that! Although I never did get anything with the  Kumoricon 06, or 07 mascot on it, same for Sakuracon too! =< Well this year I'm buying a shirt ARRR!

[lychee-twist]

You guys are lucky. I forgot to enter this year. I entered last year, but when I first saw Kuu, I knew I was going to lose. That didn't stop me at later times deceiving myself into thinking I had a chance.

This was my entry: http://lychee-twist.deviantart.com/art/Kumoricon-Mascot-Entry-2008-60870152

A guy, not knowing that it was mine, called it a Yuna rip-off. I can see how. I wasn't thinking Yuna at all (never even played X-2 let alone picked it up), but I can see how he would think that. I guess I have to work on my design for next year.

[Serika]

@lychee-twist: Aww, I liked yours.  I really liked the waterdrops by her pigtails. 8D;;

I think it's a little weird how now, with the convention being so close, I'm not even THINKING about the mascot contest, and who'll win, or how close I was. 

[Satsukicosplayer]

like, this is so bad for me to ask, but has the winner been disited? i know you can't enter anymore but i just wnated to know who one. thanks bye.

[Chevi]

like, this is so bad for me to ask, but has the winner been disited? i know you can't enter anymore but i just wnated to know who one. thanks bye.

http://www.kumoricon.org/forums/index.php?topic=5375.60

[Satsukicosplayer]

like, this is so bad for me to ask, but has the winner been disited? i know you can't enter anymore but i just wnated to know who one. thanks bye.

http://www.kumoricon.org/forums/index.php?topic=5375.60

LOL Good job! thanks for the link >_<

[KaBOOM]

I have a question...I have been wondering this for a while haha

why have all the Mascots have umbrella's??
just a random question heh

[Serika]

I have a question...I have been wondering this for a while haha

why have all the Mascots have umbrella's??
just a random question heh

Well, "kumori" means cloudy, I think... And it tends to rain in the area a lot... The umbrella thing is just a theme that's been running for all the years, which is now like a symbol of the con itself, and it's a requirement for the mascots/entries...

I hope I didn't butcher the facts. 

[lychee-twist]

Yup. "Kumori" means cloudy. "Ame" means rain.

Amecon sounds a little weird. I think too many people would call it "aimcon" or "aymeecon"

[KaBOOM]

Oh I see....oh duh I should have pieced that together I took Japanese XP hehe I feel really smart now....
Thank you for answering my question...and don't worry I did add the umbrella hehe I can't wait to turn it in and stuff hehe

[JeffT]

An umbrella isn't a strict requirement in the rules but it's highly recommended, as it's a Kumoricon motif.

[KaBOOM]

Eh it all works ^^
I have a good Idea for it anyways...

wait do they have to be in the same pose?? or anything to that such

[lychee-twist]

I don't think so. I just chose a pose that wasn't tricky, you can see the outfit well, and that the K-con people can use if chosen. A pose standing up would take a good margin space, for instance, while a sitting, crouching, or yoga pose would be harder to fit.

That's my thoughts. It's not an official opinion, but that's why I posed my entry the way I did. (I didn't win, FYI, so I don't know how valid others might think my opinion is).

[KaBOOM]

ok ok that all makes sense....hmmm I guess we will just have to wait and see how it turns out and stuff ^^
thanks for your help and stuff

[ZakkKurama]

I can't waittt my designs fin suck ;d

[Misuzuki]

I had a few problems happening during the time of the contest, may I plead that I may turn it in today?