GFX: Emoticon Contest 2018
 

In tribute of the new emoticon shop, we'll be having a emoticon submission contest! This contest will be similar to the State Contest we had last year. Just like that contest, please read the rules of the contest before submitting anything.

• All emoticon submissions will be here at Graalians.com.
• Do not PM me your submissions. Submit your emoticons in this thread below!
• Posts below in this thread will be contest comments, questions and/or submissions. Posts not pertaining directly to this contest will be removed.
• Submissions must be entirely completed pieces utilizing the emoticon template attached to this post, and must be uploaded with forum options. Foreign links or websites will not be considered as a contest submission.
• Do not change or edit the given emoticon bubble. Only work within the space provided in the bubble.
• You may only submit a total of one emoticon submission for this contest; multiple submissions will not be allowed.
• GRAAL CLASSIC IPHONE STAFF MEMBERS MAY NOT PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONTEST.
• Emoticon recolors are not accepted. Multiple submissions of the same emoticon, recolored, are not accepted.
• You may make animated emoticons. However if you do, please refrain from making the file size too large or having anything that flashes rapidly.
• Refrain from using transparency in any submissions this time around. Any emoticons that have transparency will not count as a submission.
• This is a one-person contest. You may not work with anyone else.
• You may edit or completely change your emoticon submission up until the deadline for the contest. The most recent emoticon submission you post will be treated as your final submission.
• You may discuss submissions and offer constructive criticism to one another.
• You must have a valid, e-mail account attached to your Graal Account or you will not receive a prize should you win. Winning contestants will be contacted via Graalians.com with a request for the email account associated with their Graal account. If you do not respond to that message within approximately 1 (one) week of receiving the message, you will forfeit your prize.

Please do not attempt to create multiple accounts to submit emoticons. We can track and figure out who's submitting multiple submissions. Emoticons will be reviewed by the graphics team and myself and will be judged based on creativity and graphics quality. In case questions arise in regards to this contest, this post may be edited to display the most up-to-date information.

Once we hit the deadline, I'll make another poll on google docs like i did for the state contest so everyone can vote for their favorites. The results of the vote won't to choose the winners, but will heavily impact our decisions on who gets what placements.

Here's the emoticon template (I also attached the template to this post)
https://i.imgur.com/9VCwboI.png

FAQ
Q: "Will we get the trophies pictured in the original post of this thread?"
A: This time around, more or less, yes! You'll get the corresponding trophies as an emoticon you can show off in-game.

Q: "What if two different people submit similar emoticons?"
A: If they're that closely similar, then I would probably consider the one that was submitted first as the official entry.

Q: "Can I make characters/things that exist outside of the game?"
A: The same rules that apply to custom uploads (as well as everything else on Graal) should apply to emoticons. Please refrain from making anything that could be considered copyright.

Q: "Can we use other tools that programs like Photoshop provides/does it have to be strictly pixel art?"
A: You can use whatever tools you feel you need to use, as long as the completed image is still pixel art and isn't using a ton of colors that tools (like blur and smudge) would generate.

Q: "How long does the emoticon show after the thought bubble pops up?"
A: About 2.5 seconds.

Q: "What's the maximum file size or amount of frames you can have?"
A:There's not really any limit, just try to keep the file no larger than 32KB I suppose. (Though I doubt anyone will make a file that large anyway, but if it does happen to go over, just try to keep it close to 32KB). If you dont know how to check how many KB your file is:


Q: "Can we edit emojis from the existing list?"
A: No edits, everything you make must be 100% by you. Anything submitted that appears to be an edit will not be accepted.

Q: "Can we put anything in the smaller bubbles?"
A: No, anything you put in the smaller bubbles will not show up when players use the emoticon.

Q: "Can we make things that go outside the boundaries of the bubble"
A: Though it's not recommended for the sake of simplicity, you can. Just be sure you stay within the 47x51 boundary staying as close to the bubble's edges as possible.

first comment !

some of the animated ones utilize other techniques outside of pixel art, such as Roster art (programs like Gimp, Photoshop, FireAlpaca).. Does it strictly have to be pixel art or can we use aid from these other tools for things like animation?

How long does an emoticon show after the thought bubble pops up?

You can animate it however you want as long as it's still pixel art. Nothing containing a million colors (which tools like blue and smudge would create). Not sure what you mean about some of the animated ones utilize things outside of pixel art. They were all done with just pixel art, no fancy tools.

About 2.5 seconds.

(I'll add these questions, along with any other ones into the FAQ :) )

Is it ok if you put your submitting through an imgur link?

Here's my submission! Graal's own LUL emote. Based on TotalBiscut, of course.

Graal online Classic staff may not participate .....
Muaha
Muahahaha
MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAA

I would prefer you upload the image through graalians by attaching it to your post. If you don't know how to do that:

Ive never really done a graphics contest like this before, but hey I tried!

its meant to be a little grave with a flower.

the color is way too light, i can hardly see it
maybe try to go to like an orange ish color

Perhaps I could move the colors over? Like make each one darker? Because with Orangeish tint is doesn't represent what I am going for

Tysm!

Seems nice I’ll partake !

lmao