The Judges' Toss
This is the first time when all the three top picks differed between all the judges. The views are so diversed that it is almost impossible to pick up the winner. After some final deliberation we have decided to narrow down the winners to the following:-
First Place (8SBD)
@rideordiestudio
'The soft muted yet spectacular colors is what grabs me first about this. There's a lot of thought and labor here - 2 whole figures with a bit of background, plus Special FX, and the whole shape of it looks like the logo! I love the feathers on the body of the 'angel', and the whales. The "Fantasy" theme is also very clear. The only thing I'd change would be the cropping, to cut some of the lowest part off the image.' @stahlberg
'This one achieves the theme. It looks like a fantasy land or a glittering dream. Good presentation as a whole, even if the owl looks tiny, it is adequate.' @abgmie
#Second Place (5SBD)
'The owl is portrayed as a main character and very well composed with the surroundings. Well framed and it look very lovely to me.' @abgmie
'I love the cuteness of the characters, children book art style and a good storytelling to it. The logo also stands out as the main chracter in the visual.' @sireh
Third Place (3SBD)
'One of the earliest entries. I like her design which is mysterious and fun. The logo shines bright and stands out, lightening her path to this win. It also has a story to it, cool colour combination.' @sireh
'This entry was chosen because of the usage of owls repeatedly but creatively. Even though the colour is a bit 'dull' but the composition is nicely created as a 'fantasy'.' @abgmie
Honourable Mentions (1 SBD each)
'As a lead concept artist I really appreciate the effort and skill that went into this one. The design is fun, inventive, original, the owl motif used a lot (even her knee armor looks like little owl faces). The purple sets off the greens perfectly. Minty Fresh Magical Girl Fantasy!'@stahlberg
'unique design memorable, nice colour combination and well though process in using all the elements.'@sireh
Guys, it is really a headache but in a positive kinda way. The judges can't decide who to give the final award to and it was a close call all the way from the first prize to the honourable mentions. There is one in the honourable mentions that is listed as first pick by one of the judge. So that was the standard that we are dealing with. Even the judges gets blurry eyed with the picks.
The payout will be made within 24 hours from this announcement.
credit to @zomagic