Winner!!!

How to Enter

To be eligible to win, all you need to do is leave a comment. Make sure to include your correct email address with your comment so that we can contact you. This giveaway is open worldwide, but make sure to get your comment in before midnight this Sunday, November 15th, 2009, Eastern Eastern Standard Time. We’ll be announcing the winner next week.

Please note: Envato staff and people who have written more than two tutorials/articles for a Tuts+ site are not eligible to enter.

The Prize

“Cartooning: The Ultimate Character Design Book (Paperback),” by Christopher Hart, and published by Chris Hart Books, 2008.

Product Description

“Chris Hart’s how-to-draw books have sold in the several millions of copies. Now, in his latest, he delivers detailed instructions, inspiring ideas, and invaluable tips for creating appealing and original manga-style characters. Character design is the key to success in comic books and animated films, and with this clear step-by-step guide, it’s a skill that can be quickly learned. Starting with the basics—body types, facial features, costumes, and expressions—Chris shows how to draw a hyper kid, bratty teen, lovable pooch, cool rapper, and many other distinctive types. Then, he takes the reader on a guided tour in search of original characters in places that range from suburban malls to the glitter and glamour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills.”

Winner!

This contest has concluded and the winner is shown below!

Win GoMedia Arsenal – Set 16

GoMedia Arsenal entire Set 16 Package includes 7 individual packs). You get 225 high quality and detailed vector pieces. Included in the set are Primates, Color Radials, Serpents, Winged Scrolls, Maps of the USA, Web 2.0 Badges, and Vintage Elements. One lucky commenter will win this set!

For the chance to win this set all you need to do is comment. Make sure to include your correct email address with your comment so that we can contact you. This giveaway is open worldwide, but make sure to get your comment in before midnight this Friday October 30th, 2009, Pacific Eastern Standard Time.

Please note: Envato staff and people who have written more than two tutorials/articles for a Tuts+ site are not eligible to enter.

Download Free Set Samples

Just click on the image below to download two free Vector Ape graphics, which are available free to everybody! Enjoy!

Subscribe to the Vectortuts+ RSS Feed to stay up to date with the latest vector tutorials and articles.

Winner!

MySuiteStuff

For the chance to win the Ai Icon pillow pictured above all you need to do is comment. Make sure to include your correct email address with your comment so that we can contact you. This giveaway is open worldwide, but make sure to get your comment in before midnight this Friday, Pacific Eastern Standard Time.

To increase your chances of winning, make sure to enter again once on each Tuts+ site. There are a total of 8 pillows to be won!

If one pillow isn’t enough, you can order the whole set from MySuiteStuff.

Please note: Envato staff and people who have written more than two tutorials/articles for a Tuts+ site are not eligible to enter.

Phantasm CS Studio Competition

Astute Graphics is running a competition on their site for Phantasm CS Studio owners. You can win some great prizes over on their site. In order to enter, you need a copy of the Phantasm CS range. If you don’t own a copy of Phantasm CS Studio, well then now is your chance to win one. For one lucky Comment to Win Vectortuts+ reader, you’ll receive a free copy of Phantasm CS Studio.

Astute Graphics is allowing us to give away a copy of Phantasm CS Studio. Instructions for winning this free copy of Phantasm CS Studio from Vectortuts+ follows below.

Phantasm CS is a range of plugins for Adobe Illustrator providing the following benefits:

• Color adjustment tools (inc. Curves, Levels, Hue/Saturation) that works directly in an Illustrator document on all embedded vector objects and images
• Creative tools including vector Halftones and Duotones
• Print production previews including quick and full separations and ink coverage
• Embedded image editing

What Must I Do to Enter?

To enter into the drawing, all you need to do is follow Vectortuts+ on Twitter, if you aren’t already! Next, leave a comment containing your username for verification purposes. I’ll then randomly select one person from this list and email you! It’s as simple as that. I’ll be selecting one random winners in the next 24 hours, and then I’ll update this post with the winner’s name!

Subscribe to the Vectortuts+ RSS Feed to stay up to date with the latest vector tutorials and articles.

All This Could Be Theirs…

… But You Ultimately Choose!

So, who gets your vote?

Finalist 1: Life In The City

“A collection about cities, modern buildings, industrial sounds, videos of a town in motion, or a building in color, you will find it here, brought and made by some of the greatest authors in their fields, enjoy!”

by ahmednaguib

Finalist 2: The Eco-Friendly Collection – Web and Print

“The Eco-Friendly Collection (Web and Print) is a compilation of items across the Envato Marketplaces that relate to going green and being environmentally friendly. Templates can be used as a base for websites and printed material that promote recycling, preserving nature, and anything that has to do with being eco-friendly. Sounds and flash animations can be used to accompany work created on the web.”

by idrawdesigns

Finalist 3: Admin, the Ultimate Collection

“A collection of files to help create the ultimate Flash/Flex content management system.”

by Gr0in

Finalist 4: Must-have to Create a Masterpiece

“Some sounds, graphics, and stock footage to give a masterpiece the perfect feeling.”

by Leas

Finalist 5: The Final Frontier

“Space. It is colorful. It is infinite. These are the voyages of the starship Envato. It’s continuing mission…”

by circuitbomb

Finalist 6: The Colors Of The Rainbow

“This collection has the most colorful resources you’ll ever find. Here you can find icons, vectors, website templates and business cards full of joy and fun, just like a rainbow!”

by drarock

Finalist 7: So Cute it Hurts

“All the cutest resources from Graphic River, and a couple from FlashDen are the cherry on the cake.”

by drarock

Finalist 8: Web Designer’s Toolkit

“This library showcases the best & most useful products in regards to general web design. From Flash to Photoshop to fully coded templates, these represent the best that the Envato Marketplace has to offer. In short, these products should be on every web designer’s shopping list!”

by epicera

Finalist 9: Urbanism

“The Urbanism collection contains the best urban inspired themes, web elements, and design templates.”

by Arezoo

Finalist 10: Rokband Pack

“Rock band objects, textures, graphics, product mock displays, and more.”

by iLLeT

Each one of these finalists will win a single use license to every file in their collection!

But who will win US$3,500 for their ultimate creative set-up? That’s up to you! So pick your favorite and vote for it below!

Please note that only one vote per user will be registered. Voting will close at 12 midday, Australian Eastern Standard time on Monday the 6th of July. The winner will be announced the following day, and then all finalists and winners will be contacted via email to receive their prizes!

So stay tuned to find out who wins Envato’s biggest competition ever!

Winner Chosen!

The contest has concluded. Thanks to everyone that entered. The winner is Ressa McCray, (on twitter @ressamac). Congratulations and enjoy the great book!

What Must I Do?

To enter into the drawing, all you need to do is follow us on Twitter, if you aren’t already! Next, leave a comment containing your username for verification purposes. I’ll then randomly select a one person from this list and email you! It’s as simple as that. I’ll be selecting one random winners in the next 48 hours, and then I’ll update this post with the winner’s name!

Up for Grabs!

A copy of Drip.Dot.Swirl. by Von Glitschka.

Description: A Pattern for Creative Success

These diverse and unique patterns will jump start the imagination. Take the fast train from Boringville, and enter the fascinating world of interlocked embellishments. Learn more about the book over at Vonster Books.

While it’s only required to follow Vectortuts+ on twitter to win this contest, you may also want to follow Von on twitter as well. He drops some of the most off the wall tweets about random funny things and he also sometimes links up to exclusive downloads he’s created, and other illustration goodies.

Subscribe to the Vectortuts+ RSS Feed to stay up to date with the latest vector tutorials and articles.

Winners!

The contest has concluded. Thanks to everyone that entered. The winners are shown below and their books are in the mail. Congratulations!

• Andrew Potter
  • Location: South Africa
  • Twitter: trustclarity
  • Book: Adobe Illustrator CS4 Classroom in a Book
• Kate Payton
  • Location: Australia
  • Twitter: katepayton
  • Book: Real World Adobe Illustrator CS4
• Joe Dearman
  • Location: United States
  • Twitter: joedearman
  • Book: Real World Adobe Illustrator CS4

What Must I Do?

To enter into the drawing, all you need to do is follow us on Twitter, if you aren’t already! Next, leave a comment containing your username for verification purposes. I’ll then randomly select a few people from this list and email you! It’s as simple as that. I’ll be selecting three random winners in the next 48 hours! I’ll update this post with the winners early next week. Have fun!

Up for Grabs!

We have three awesome books on Adobe Illustrator CS4 up for grabs. Leave your comment with your Twitter username to have a chance at winning. Good luck to everybody!

Exploring Adobe Illustrator CS4

Adobe Illustrator CS4 Classroom in a Book

Real World Adobe Illustrator CS4

Big Thanks to All the Readers!

I’m glad so many people enjoy Vectortuts+ and we’ll continue to make it a great source for vector education. Subscribe to the Vectortuts+ RSS Feed to stay up to date with the latest vector tutorials and articles.

About the Contest

Of course we looked at vector quality, technical execution, and originality, but the number one factor in deciding the entries was overall cuteness! Thanks to everyone who entered. Now let’s give it up to the winners. A round of Applause please!

First Place Winner

The first place winner is mirkkum. The first design below with the super cute cuddly squirrel and the little teddy bear titled "friends," is the winning entry, and the prizes are:

• Wacom Intuos3 4 x 6 inch Graphics Tablet OR USD $200 Cash (if outside tablet shipping area, cash only).
• 1 year VECTORTUTS Plus membership (valued at $117).
• $100 to spend on AudioJungle, Flashden, ThemeForest or VideoHive.

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

Here are a couple more cute contest entries from mirkkum.

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

Second Place Winner

The second place winner is i am scotty. The first design below with the super cute little girl and bear enjoying ice cream and soda titled "ice-cream-bear," is the winning entry, and the prizes are:

• 1 year VECTORTUTS Plus membership (valued at $117).
• Logitech G9 Laser Mouse OR USD $50 (cash only if outside shipping area).
• $75 to spend on AudioJungle, Flashden, ThemeForest or VideoHive.

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

Here are a couple more cute contest entries from i am scotty.

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

Third Place Winner

The third place winner is
Brent Nelson. The first design below with the super cute baseball capped character titled "little squid," is the winner and the prizes are:

• 1 year VECTORTUTS Plus membership (valued at $117).
• ‘Vector Graphics and Illustration: A Masterclass in Digital Image-making‘ or USD $25 cash (cash only if outside shipping area).
• $50 to spend on AudioJungle, Flashden, ThemeForest or VideoHive.

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

Here are a couple more cute contest entries from
Brent Nelson.

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

VECTORTUTS! Cutest Character Design Contest!

Congratulations to our winners! Great job to everyone that participated in the contest. I’ll be contacting the winners shortly to assist them with collecting their prizes. The winners should keep an eye on the Flickr email boxes for the next couple days.

Some More Great Entries

There were quite a few entries that came very close to winning. Also, there are certainly more good entries submitted into the contest that are in the VECTORTUTS Flickr Group. Here are just a handful more that really caught my eye. Also, feel free to submit a tutorial concept for your contest entry designs. Many of the characters I saw would make great vector tutorials.

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

Link to Image in VECTORUTS Flickr group

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About the Contest

Are you drawn to the adorable: big eyed kittens, crawling babies, puppies, fluffy white clouds, and happy rainbows. If so, then this contest will be right up your alley. Your challenge is to create the single cutest character ever made! Well, at least a really super happy and cute character!

Read on to find out more about How to Enter, Prizes, Terms & Conditions, review the Helpful Character Design Resources, and learn about our Sponsors. You may even want to stop by Cute Overload for some overwhelmingly cuddly inspiration. Feel free to leave a link to your favorite cute inspiration site in the comments as well. And get to sketching and composing cute vector characters.

Keep in mind that this is a vector dedicated site, so characters that appear to be from a vector program will have a greater chance of winning, though we’ll be using the honor system here and not require anyone to prove the vector origin of files.

Entries are open between now and the end of December. So, get your entries in before December 31st. We’ll be announcing the winners shortly after the New Year.

How to Enter

To enter the competition, contestants must submit any number of massively cute character design(s) into the VECTORTUTS Flickr Group. Be sure to utilize the following directions:

• Submit your character design via the VECTORTUTS Flickr Group, tagged with “vtcutecharacters.”
• Submit a JPG image that is 600 pixels wide and your choice of height.
• Include in the description of your Flickr entry the program the design was created in and note on it’s vector origin.
• Include in the description of your Flickr entry any stock or source images you have used including URLs.

Prizes

• First Place Prizes:
  • Wacom Intuos3 4 x 6 inch Graphics Tablet OR USD $200 Cash (if outside tablet shipping area, cash only)
  • 1 year VECTORTUTS Plus membership (valued at $117)
  • $100 to spend on AudioJungle, Flashden, ThemeForest or VideoHive.
• Second Place Prizes:
  • 1 year VECTORTUTS Plus membership (valued at $117)
  • Logitech G9 Laser Mouse OR USD $50 (cash only if outside shipping area)
  • $75 to spend on AudioJungle, Flashden, ThemeForest or VideoHive.
• Third Place Prizes:
  • 1 year VECTORTUTS Plus membership (valued at $117)
  • ‘Vector Graphics and Illustration: A Masterclass in Digital Image-making‘ or USD $25 cash (cash only if outside shipping area).
  • $50 to spend on AudioJungle, Flashden, ThemeForest or VideoHive.

Terms & Conditions

• Entries into the competition must be entirely your work. If you use stock images in the composition, you must have an appropriate license to use the image and place a link to the image used in the description of your item.
• Entries must be submitted to the VECTORTUTS Flickr Group pool before midnight December 31st Eastern Standard Time.
• Plus memberships will be issued from the date of notification of the winners. They are not redeemable for cash.
• AudioJungle, FlashDen, ThemeForest, and VideoHive credit will be issued to a username provided by the winners. This prize is not redeemable for cash and can only be spent on those sites.
• Judging of the winners will be done by the editor and writing staff of VECTORTUTS in conjunction with the TUTS Manager. Our decision is final.
• Staff or regular writers of VECTORTUTS are not eligible to enter. Occasional contributors (i.e. people who have had less than 2 tutorials published on the site) are eligible to enter.

Helpful Character Design Resources

Character design is filled with creative energy. There is plenty of room for you to express a high degree of cuteness in your character designs. Below are a handful of helpful tutorials and resources to assist you with this contest.

• 

  How to Create a Cute Bunny Vector Character

  In this Illustrator tutorial, I will show you how to create a cute bunny character. This tutorial uses simple shapes and gradients that are easy to apply to other character illustrations. The great thing about his tutorial is you don’t have to be an amazing artist to create it!

  Visit Tutorial

• 

  70 Cute and Cheeky Vector Animal Characters

  This collection of 70 cute and cheeky vector animal characters provides a roundup of some fantastic fauna-based illustrations from across the web. We’ve got everything from bears to beavers to… well, weird—and strangely fat—Japanese-style bunnies.

  Visit Article

• 

  Create a Super Happy Octopus Character

  In Illustrator it’s really easy to create fun characters with some simple shapes and the Pathfinder Panel. In the following tutorial I will explain how to create a Happy Octopus Character. You can use these techniques and elements to create whatever character you want!

  Visit Tutorial

• 

  Maintaining Rhythm and Flow in Vector Character Design

  Rather than working rigidly and formulaic, it is more rewarding to produce art in a pliable and organic manner. As an animator, I strive to preserve and push rhythm and flow in design. Let’s review some helpful approaches.

  Visit Tutorial

• 

  Create a Twitter Style Bird Mascot

  Using some basic shapes, effects, and gradients I will show you how to create a Twitter mascot for your blog or website. Twitter is a popular free web service for social networking and micro-blogging. You can follow Vectips, Sean Hodge, or Collis Ta’eed on Twitter as well!

  Visit Tutorial

• 

  How to Turn a Sketch into a Fat Cat Vector Illustration

  This tutorial aims to guide you from sketchbook to screen; a “Fat Cat” doodled with biro translated into a neat vector caricature. Intermediate knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is advised. Let’s take a look at how to create a cheeky cat illustration – from initial concept through to vector goodness.

  Visit Tutorial

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