This contest is now closed, thank you to everyone who took part, check out the results here -  Contest Results(Please check out the feedback section at the bottom and let me know if there's anything you'd like to see improved/changed for my next contest!)
Hello! So here we are, at long last, the results! Before I begin, I just want to say that I'm deeply humbled by the response I got to this contest, I really wasn't expecting to get a tenth of the interest. So thank you, thank you all so very much for enabling this fools love of merfolk! I only hope that I can do right by you all and judge things fairly. Here's all the amazing people who took part:
:iconizzythekillerwolf: :iconremishu: :iconaquajet: :iconlobsterbiscuit: :iconphynex113: :iconblackrabbitartworks: :iconarcadianadoptables: :icondudakka: :iconcagnaccio87: :iconby0maru:
:icondeedee0298: :iconurbangirl98: :iconshuttered148: :iconradiocandy: :iconintergalactic-goat: :iconnurse-sprout: :iconjackieeisendrache: :iconjde10: :iconfreeliw: :icongamemaster999:
:iconlunarisse:

Update 16/7 (2) - Just over an hour till the deadline. I'll be releasing the results either Monday afternoon or Monday evening (GMT). I might be able to

accept some late entries before that but please let me know ASAP! Thanks to everyone who's participated, shared the journal or even just shown an interest!

Update 16/7 - About 4 hours left!

Update 15/7 - Just under 24 hours to submit entries. If you don't think you'll be done in time let me know and we'll see what we can do.

Update 14/7 - Deadline for entries is Sunday 16th July, 11PM GMT (6PM EST/3PM PST)

Overview

Currently CLOSED for new entries. If you read nothing else, read this.

• Theme of the contest is 'Captive', which can be interpreted however you like (Feel free to go nuts with it, in other words, doesn't have to be the obvious meaning of the word) involving one or more of my Merman characters below.
• One entry per person (Though you can replace it with a new one later), any visual medium accepted (See rules for details)
• Let me know by comment or note if you intend to take part, then when you want to submit your entry upload it to your gallery and note me. Deadline for submissions is 16th July
• Please make a journal, poll or status update featuring the contest if you're entering.

The Prizes

  Point prizes will be slightly smaller than cash, exchange rates make them more expensive to buy here. If you can't accept either Paypal or Points something else can be worked out (Steam games etc). Prizes might be adjusted upwards if I can afford to do so or if I get any donations.

  1st place - Choice of $40USD or about 3200 points

  2nd place - Choice of $25USD or about 2000 points

  3rd place - Choice of $15USD or about 1200 points

Three randomly selected raffle prizes of $10 (People who submit pieces are entered into this)

How to Enter

• You do NOT need to be a watcher in order to enter (Though you'd have my thanks if you were), everyone is welcome
• Be sure you've read and understand the below rules
• Comment below or Note me if you are interested in entering so I can keep track
• Once you have finished your entry, note me again with either a link to the piece in your gallery or on sta.sh (Gallery preferred, so I can create a favourites folder)
• Please create a journal or poll featuring this contest. Favouriting this journal would help too.

The Rules

1. Only one entry per person. However you CAN choose to replace your original entry with a newer one. The last entry I receive from you will be the one judged.
2. Your entry must contain one or both of the listed characters and be based around the theme (See below for explanation)
3. Pretty much any type of visual media is accepted, by which I mean digital, traditional, photography (Though good luck with that!) and so on. The only real requirement to entry here is that there should be some effort involved, not just a couple of minutes scribbling (By which I mean something like Meei Koowaakameh and laner). Original art is greatly preferred over redraws of existing pieces/use of bases/etc too.
4. NSFW content (Gore and other minor fetishes) IS allowed but only in moderation (Minor gore, suggestive content at most). Nothing sexually explicit or involving unusual fetishes. Note me if you're unsure if your idea is ok.

The Theme

Entries should be themed around the word Captive 

Now how you choose to interpret that is entirely up to you! You can go with the obvious thing of locking them up somehow or try something more abstract (For example hypnosis, captive audience anyone?). As long as it relates to the theme somehow anything is fine.

If you do choose something more abstract, maybe give a little explanation in the description, otherwise it might be too much for our mortal minds to understand

The Characters

To participate in the contest, your entry must contain one (or both) of these characters. If you need any more details or references please let me know.

Other characters CAN be included but the focus should be on these two

Luca Nanami - sta.sh/21ujjcpcw7z4

Age - 14
Personality - Optimistic and caring but can have a bit of a jealous streak. Overall a pretty bubbly/peppy character


 

Haru Hosho - sta.sh/21h3e0xmsqim

Age - 15
Personality - Usually kind and friendly but has a pretty short temper and gets frustrated easily. Quite a stubborn/obstinate character

Additional references for both sta.sh/228gpdtczz7h

Important note, the accuracy of the tail is quite important to me, please try and keep them as accurate as possible. See this link - Taildesign - for a reference, more available on demand. Their tails do not have scales

Judging

  Currently I will be judging the entrants solo, but as I mentioned above I am looking for people willing to assist me. Here's some of the criteria I'll be looking at:

• Does the piece follow the theme well, if you've chosen to interpret the theme differently is it done in an interesting manner?
• Are the pose(s) interesting?
• Are the characters accurate? By which I mean personality, tail design, accessories (Although if the piece requires a change there that's fine) and general anatomy
• Has a lot of care been put into the piece, clear signs of effort?
• Backgrounds aren't really necessary but certainly wouldn't hurt

Entrants

Completed Entries

Most recent submissions:

 <da:thumb id="692939793"/> <da:thumb id="692944639"/> <da:thumb id="692945313"/> <da:thumb id="692919492"/>       <da:thumb id="692835132"/>               <da:thumb id="692442929"/>        <da:thumb id="692186562"/>                 <da:thumb id="690779662"/>   <da:thumb id="689687780"/>             <da:thumb id="687601543"/> <da:thumb id="685246291"/>   <da:thumb id="684647405"/> <da:thumb id="684652079"/>