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red_satin_dollMy entries for Round 4 of
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btvsats20in20 continue the theme of the latest entries from ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif){kind=small}
starry_night and midnightisclose: Buffy, Buffy and more Buffy. As kikimay once noted, "Buffy contains multitudes." Starry and Midnight's sets are very different in styles to each other, both wonderful. Check them out here and here.
ETA 11/25/2014: I accidentally broke all my links to these icons the other day so there are only a handful of extras; the actual entries have been restored.
VERY IMAGE HEAVY ICON GALLERY AHEAD. My entries
| 10 Themes | ||||
| Dramatic Light | Friendship | Eyes | Bite | Motion |
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| Weapon | Lyrics | Death | Promo Picture | Textured Background |
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| 5 Category |SHAPES | ||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 2 | Cat 3 | Cat 4 | Cat 5 |
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| 5 Artist's Choice | ||||
| AC 1 | AC 2 | AC 3 | AC 4 | AC 5 |
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Screencaps sourced from Pretty as a Picture, Buffyworld, and the sadly-defunct Screencap Paradise. Image of vintage bottle in Cat 2 courtesy of The Cuckoo Farm. Credit to bangel_4e and pickamix for the inspiration on the Weapon icon; many thank you's to both of them and to spikesredqueen for their advice and feedback; also to bangel_4e for once again graciously extending the deadline twice.
ETA: Credit tosweetiepebbles for the text brushes in the Bite and AC4 icons.
bangel_4e and pickamix for the inspiration on the Weapon icon; many thank you's to both of them and to spikesredqueen for their advice and feedback; also to bangel_4e for once again graciously extending the deadline twice.ETA: Credit to
sweetiepebbles for the text brushes in the Bite and AC4 icons.***********************
Do I have alts and extras? Is the Pope
velvetwhip, snogged, spikesredqueen, teragramm and chasingdemons have all advised me to not be so anxious about competition and show off the pretties. So this time here's a full gallery exhibition, not including some miscellaneous banners and posters for a later date. Enjoy an amuse-bouche:
(teasers)1-5
6-9
10-14I had so much fun with the Buffy & Xander icons, you have no idea. (I used a photo of my stainless steel frypan because I couldn't find a cap that showed Buffy hitting him with the skillet.) "He had it coming, he had it coming / He only had himself to blame...." (If you're about to say that so and so male character is soo much superior to Xander, however, I'm going to respectfully disagree with you. ALL the guys on the show do some stupid stuff. Yes, ALL.)
15-21Warning: "mature" language
22-28If Fritz Lang had directed BtVS - the poster art:
29-32
33-34
35-41
42-47
48-54
55-60 The "Skillet Moon" series.
61-66
67-71 
72-77
78-82
83-87Warning: possibly upsetting imagery below (88-90) or maybe it's just my overactive imagination on my personal Tilt o'Whirl o' Trauma (Pat.Pend.)
88-9188-90 was going to be my "bite" entry - can you see what I had in mind with these? It seemed like a really nifty concept- until it RL and suchforth made it a bit too upsetting even for me. I suspect someone else is going to love these, however.
92-94 I made a blood spattered version of 94, which just pushes past the PG rule of the comm. (So vague suggestive imagery in 88-90 drives me to upset but blood spatters are no prob? Explain me to me, please.) If you're interested in seeing those, let me know and I'll slip them to you under the table.
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no subject
Date: 2014-10-01 07:14 pm (UTC)The lights, blending and texture work in these are great!
Just..I can't see ac 2..it says image removed? :(
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Date: 2014-10-01 07:29 pm (UTC)The lights, blending and texture work in these are great!
My day has been made! *hugs* I really worked on light quality a lot because it's something I admire in the work of other folks - and do you remember when I entered round 1 I had no idea how to do a blend (or what a blend even was?)
And I just fixed AC2 thank you for the heads up! It looked fine when I hit post - I think sometimes PB is really finicky. It's been giving me all sorts of trouble lately.
I'm really glad you approve, I'm always nervous until I get the mod's blessing. :)
ETA to fix formatting. I would like to know why LJ is now only showing my default icon even when I chose another but oh well.
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Date: 2014-10-01 07:48 pm (UTC)No worries! OH the default thing is happening to you too????? I thought it was just me ahahah
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Date: 2014-10-01 08:17 pm (UTC)Also, I didn't have to run to you for help on the template, did you notice? *LMAO* I think I'm starting to get the hang of them.
Thank you for cleaning up my tags - I didn't see one for normal again so I created it, and added the buffy tag just in case, knowing you'd give it a look-see.
the default thing is happening to you too????? I thought it was just me ahahah
It's been happening to me all day - I thought it was a flaw in the icon itself for some reason, glad to know it's not! (I suspect they'll take LJ down for a fix very soon, fingers crossed they work it out.
ETA: Once again I purposely tried to use another icon. no luck
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Date: 2014-10-01 08:36 pm (UTC)No problem about the tags. The rules say that the mods should do it, but sometimes member forget and do them themselves ahah :)
I don't mind anyway.
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Date: 2014-10-01 09:00 pm (UTC)DEFINITELY. My sweetie bought elements 12 (the annoying pop-ups to upgrade to 13 are alread appearing) and it's on both user sides of the Mac - so I can play around and load my photos on my side and not affect any of her stuff on the other. I played with it a little one day and realized there's effects there that I can achieve with the push of one button that takes me piling several effects atop each other in ipiccy to achieve. Can't wait to play in this sandbox!
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Date: 2014-10-01 09:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-10-01 07:18 pm (UTC)Gabrielle
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Date: 2014-10-01 07:32 pm (UTC)Can you see why I was wanting to show them off?
And also, why I'm thinking of stepping back from 20in20 for at least a round or two (famous last words) - I have a huge backlog of posters and banners to show off too. And, take time to start learning Photoshop Elements. :)
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Date: 2014-10-01 07:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-10-01 07:36 pm (UTC)and in what seems like a really short time
I made Moulin Rouge icons years ago as you know but then I stagnated because my tools remained the same, so I never advanced my craft. Having a better program that allows me to grow has made all the difference in the world in less than a year. My sweetie just got Photoshop Elements 12 (finally!) so I'm looking forward to diving into that.
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Date: 2014-10-01 08:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-10-01 09:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-10-01 07:40 pm (UTC)I especially like the 1 to 5 and 6 to 9 icons, because they are simpler and they focus on Buffy's face. I especially like number 4 because the light is warmer, although I think that number 5 has the same cold lighting of the episode. (I like dramatic light in the series you're presenting)
Then 12 - 13 - 14. These are the painful ones. I love them but they are so intense and ... really painful, You managed to give us a glimpse of an obsessed mind with the text that covers everything and repeats the same line. It's the endless obsessive thinking, the unhealthy fixation. You know that I tend to use my icons as avatars. Well, I hope I'll never use this icon of yours for that. :)
Other favorite is 38, which is, I think, the prettiest of the variants because I love the shade of blue you used in it and the crop.
Absolute best, in the aesthetic and meta way is number AC1 and the variant number 68, because you mixed the text and the image in a way that seems that Buffy is just realizing how lonely and destructive she is.
no subject
Date: 2014-10-01 07:57 pm (UTC)Great Cat set ... espec Cat 1 (again a lovely close-up). That is something I find hard to do, yet you show so much, so simply.
All of your work has so many layers and textures .... stunning concentration.
Well done.
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Date: 2014-10-24 05:11 am (UTC)Oh my goodness Deb I'm VERY latish with a reply and I do apologize! I thought I'd already replied to this. But not much to say at this point on my end except I adore you of course and I always appreciate your detailed feedback.
Great Cat set ... espec Cat 1 (again a lovely close-up).
Oh thank you! I was really proud of my Cat icons and love the "Skillet Moon" series if for no other reason than I learned how to make a photo of my cast-iron fry pan as a layer that glowed with light. (Wish I remembered how I did it, alas.) And I do so love using closeups and Sarah offers so much in Normal Again.
Where I'm weak is full figures, pairings and groupings, and distant shots, things you're better at.
stunning concentration.
*blushes* Oh thank you dear! So much.
I already sent you a reply earlier to another post but I'm feeling very frustrated by this round. Just not feeling the same enthusiasm - I think the lack of a boundary, of having to make a specific claim, is making it harder for me. I can do a rainbow of anything and that means no boundaries. Not good for Little Miss ADD.
Also? Everything I make turns out sepia and/or blue. Sometimes violet. But rainbow? Not so much. And everything is an entirely different style to each other, another downfall when it comes to these things: lack of cohesiveness.
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Date: 2014-10-01 09:58 pm (UTC)I knew you could do this!!
You had absolutely no reason to be anxious about your work. You clearly demonstrate that you have the skills and abilities to shine. I am so impressed and so proud to see this set.
I wish you luck in the 20in20. :)
no subject
Date: 2014-10-02 12:02 am (UTC)Confession: once I started seeing other entries come in my anxiety started to fade away and I knew I could do it too. (Then I worried about getting them done on time!) I have so much more confidence in my abilities than I did just in Round 1 and it's not false modesty. But goodness having good tools, mentors, and a personal cheering section are so, so important. Without that - without you - I'd be nothing (to paraphrase Ms Bernhardt).
I wish you luck in the 20in20. :)
Thank you! *in tee-tiny stage whisper* I really want to win at least one award this round - not because of a miscount.*shifty eyes* I also have my sights set on winning at slayerstillness 1st second or 3rd place - it's the comm I've received the most awards for but never one of those three. *more shifty eyes, whistles innocently* Is that silly of me?
Oh, I finally got my hands on some tapes by Jewel a neighbor left behind so I thought of you when I was listening to Hands. I can image Tara listening to her back in the day.
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Date: 2014-10-02 12:40 am (UTC)*hugs tight*
*in tee-tiny stage whisper* I hope you win an award too. Not because of popularity, but because you're talented.
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Date: 2014-10-02 02:05 am (UTC)Not because of popularity, but because you're talented.
Oh dear goddess winning a popularity contest would be the last thing I'd want. Ugh, no. I'd be horrified if I thought I won an art award based on that.
Totally OT- we finally watched the first two eps of HIMYM S9 and knowing what I know about the end I officially cannot even deal. AT ALL. "It's be legendary." "No 'wait for it'?" "I don't need to wait for anything, I have you."
WWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH......Robin and Barney are so officially wonderful it's insane. dumbass showrunners. (scrounges around for pretty R/B icon.)
And the mother is SO CUTE - pretty but not too pretty and I'm already in love with her. Are the creators a couple of sadists?
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Date: 2014-10-02 02:33 am (UTC)I'm so mad about that.
I can't even bear watching re-runs at this point. My love for that show is so tainted.
I am looking forward to watching A to Z this fall. I'm glad Cristin Millioti (The Mother) is getting another chance to shine. She's so funny and so pretty and she deserves the best.
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Date: 2014-10-05 02:03 am (UTC)I've watched up to ep 10 or 11 - OMG I cried when Barney's mother hugged Robin and how great is the mom, telling Barney "Do you want to keep playing or do you want to win?" And then Ted proposing on the lighthouse to her. so sweet
Which really makes the idea that Ted was still in love with Robin all along COMPLETELY GROSS I CAN'T EVEN STAND IT. YUCK.
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Date: 2014-10-05 01:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-10-05 01:31 pm (UTC)And Rashida Jones is one of the Executive Producers? Coolness! (I see Katey Sagal is the "narrator"? I'd like to see her onscreen as someone's tart-tongued mom. Cristin and Katey playing off each other would be AWESOME, wouldn't it? I can dream......)
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Date: 2014-10-01 10:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-10-01 11:43 pm (UTC)I went back and forth on submitting that one or #48 (blue background) but I thought the blue competed with Buffy for attention moreso than the other.
Now that I've finished this I hopefully have time to check out your doings. You've posted more fics?
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Date: 2014-10-01 11:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-10-06 04:20 pm (UTC)Meta-fic commentary on storytelling FTW!
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Date: 2014-10-06 04:37 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-10-02 12:40 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-10-02 01:57 am (UTC)I'm so glad you saw these hon, thank you! I'm really pleased with how these came out and so happy you approve. I have been working on a lot of banners and projects I haven't shown off yet which is where I've been getting a lot of practice in. I LOVE working larger, especially since I started wearing bifocals a couple of months ago.
no subject
Date: 2014-10-02 02:15 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-10-03 06:51 am (UTC)And with these bifocals I'm getting ready to swear off icons altogether; I feels ya, sweetie. I've got some posters ready to show off *wicked chuckle*
Thank you so much for the kind words and feedback (and I know you're not "just saying that", which I appreciate. But you are a nice person anyway, you know. *hug*) I'm keeping your wisdom about not taking awards seriously in mind because, oh gosh I am starting to get pouty and cranky and insecure again, and "what did I not do? Are they not good?" feelings popping up. Must ignore aforesaid feelings and remember how I felt when I submitted them.
What new program are you using?
Still ipiccy, actually. I've just learned a lot about techniques with every round, and by working on (playing with) larger posters in between. I think a big difference is that I've started to get a handle on blends, on ayers and textures, masking etc; and I was very consciously trying to achieve lighter, brighter effects this time around because I noticed that was a feature of a lot of past winners the last three rounds. (Then this round darker and grittier/less focused is the overall look and I'm like, what the heck?)
My sweetie bought PS Elements 12 but I didn't want to switch gears and dig into it until after this round was finished.
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Date: 2014-10-02 04:16 am (UTC)Overall, I like your coloring muchly esp on Cat 1, Cat 4 and AC 1.
As for the Alts, I really like 53, and 78, 79, 80...oh and 67 - nice coloring and texture and well I'm just a big fan of textless, in case you haven't noticed.
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Date: 2014-10-06 04:29 pm (UTC)it's amazing what you can do with a combination of unemployment and fanatical obsessivenessI mean, hard work and dedication *ahem*Thank you for the feedback!
I like your coloring muchly esp on Cat 1, Cat 4 and AC 1.
Those are some of my favorites. I worked very consciously to push myself with color and light this round, so I'm pleased it worked for you.
I really like 53
53 or 54 was going to be my textured background icon, and they're still among my favorites. But as you can see I love that particular shot of Sarah. If it hadn't been pushing the rules I would have used it a lot more. *lol*
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Date: 2014-10-06 10:05 am (UTC)And that is definitely a lot of alts, lol. But I love seeing the different variations. And I have to say 78-82 are amazing! I love the blending of the images and the different colourings.
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Date: 2014-10-06 05:59 pm (UTC)And your feedback is well nigh appreciated because I worked very very consciously on color and light effects this round and trying to improve clarity and "translucency" which I admire so much in other people's work.
I have to say 78-82 are amazing!
Thanks! You're at least the second person to single those out., they're not my favorites but they were fun to work on - they were cropped from a banner I made first and then downsized, etc. I was indulging myself with those. I do love color variations but you already know that.
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Date: 2014-10-08 09:29 am (UTC)Aw, thank you! It's always a nice thing to hear :D
And I do mean it when I say that you keep getting better with each post. I see you got PS Elements as well...that's always fun to play with new programs.
And I have to say, staring at those blended icons for too long makes them turn into like ink blot pictures. Makes you see al kinds of shapes...it's a little trippy :P
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Date: 2014-10-08 12:10 pm (UTC)I see you got PS Elements as well...that's always fun to play with new programs.
I also see a looooonnnnggggg learning curve ahead of me. (I was playing with it the other day and did all sorts of neat tricks but hadn't mastered the basics - "I just wanna resize this puppy!" (Oh who needs to resize stuff - excuse to make banners FTW!)
Makes you see al kinds of shapes...it's a little trippy :P
Heh, you've uncovered my nefarious plot. *lol*
Wednesday, October 15 - Thursday, October 16
Date: 2014-10-17 04:04 am (UTC)