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Wild Wonders
3rd annual aikarin.com custom design competition!

Entry deadline: June 11th, 2006
Voting Round 1: June 14th - June 21st
Voting Round 2: June 24th - July 1st
Winners announced: July 9th
The 2006 contest is over...come back next year!

• Pony must be your own UNIQUE design.  No G3's based on G1's, etc.
• NO copyrighted/trademarked designs/names/logos, like "Harry Potter" or "Nike Air" ponies.
• Design must be a NEW one, not shown or created elsewhere.
• Entries will be anonymous until after judging...please do NOT put your signature on your picture.  Your picture will be assigned an entry number & tagged with the contest information.
• Please keep your designs "kid friendly"...stuff that you can display at an elementary school.  I don't want a bunch of disgruntled parents e-mailing me! ^_^
• Text for the entries must be written in English
• LIMIT OF 2 ENTRIES PER PERSON!
• Entry Deadline is June 11th, 2006
• **NEW rule** Entries must be computer edited or scanned.  
  You MUST use the outline below.
  Please do NOT change the dimensions of the picture.  You are allowed to add a background or text notes, as long as they follow the other rules outlined here.

[RIGHT-CLICK onto the picture and save it to your computer]

Additional information:

• YOU remain the owner of your design.  All copyrights belong to you.
• Feel free to add accessories, props, etc.  We won't be judging these, but it may make your design more appealing.  You can even write a story for your pony if you feel like it.

Click here to see a sample entry

This year's entry deadline has passed.  You'll have to wait until next year to submit a design.

Click here to see the Wild Wonders we've found!

The first round of voting was June 14 - June 21.  The first round has ENDED!

The top 10 finalists will square off from June 24 - July 1

Click here to see the FINALISTS!
The second round of voting has ENDED!

The first two awards will be selected by Aikarin & a few of her close friends.  Don't try to guess what we like...we all have different tastes!  So, make the designs based on what YOU like!  ^_^  Interpretation of the "Wild Wonders" theme is up to you...you don't have to make it an animal or jungle theme.  Once again, judging is NOT based on your rendering, but on your design.  So, if you're not good at drawing or coloring, you can still win as long as we think your idea is great!

Wild Wonders Award - The "best" pony design, per Aikarin & company. ^_^  The prize is a custom pony of your design made by Aikarin!  Includes a custom printed box too.

The Wildest Pony Award - This particular pony will also be selected by Aikarin & a few of her close friends.  The winner of this award will be a well-designed pony that also pushes the envelope.
Your reward is a randomly selected minty condition pony from the extras page or from Aikarin's collection.

People's Choice Award - This award is based on voting by pony fans.  There will be TWO rounds of voting.  The winner will receive a pre-prepped 3rd generation pony & a box with a custom printed front label.  Aikarin will try to select a pony with the same base color, if possible.  Also includes a matching pony comb & supplies in stock that work with your pony's design.  All you have to do is put your pony together!

Instruction Follower's Random Awards - the IRFA - To be eligible for this award, your entry must follow all of the rules listed above & on the actual entry form.  ^_^  Sounds silly, but this will make it a lot easier for Aikarin to update the site.  Your name will be entered once for each design that meets criteria (up to a total of 2).  These names will be randomly drawn for customizing supplies at the end of the competition.

Click to see the winners of this year's custom contest!

Q: Where can I find a program to draw my designs?
A: Download.com has free and trial drawing programs in their Design & Photo Category
Try one of their higher-rated programs.

Q: Does it have to be a jungle/wild animal based design?
A: "Wild Wonders" is just the theme.  You can interpret it any way you like! ^_^

Q: Can I change the base pony's color?
A: Yes.  This is a change from last year.  Now, you can pick any color and pattern for your base.

Q: Is there an age limit?
A: No.  But if you're under 18, you must have your parent's permission to enter.  Make sure that they know if you are a winner, you will need to provide your address (so I can send the prizes to you!).

Q: Can I tell others about the custom I created for the contest?
A: No, I'd prefer that you keep it a secret until after the voting.  That way, the voting is less likely to be affected by the creator's popularity.  Do NOT put your name on your picture!  Do not "advertise" your custom...this is NOT fair to the other participants.  Likewise, it's not okay to tell all of your relatives to vote for you.

Q: Can I submit a pegasus or unicorn?  Can I add additional sculpted parts?
A: Yes, this is a change from previous years.  You can add any extra parts you wish. ^_^

Q: Can I submit a baby pony design?
A: Sure.

Q: Can I make a Twice-as-Fancy design?
A: Yes.  You can place the symbols anywhere.

Q: How complicated of a design can I submit?
A: Your imagination is the limit here.  However, remember that you're being judged on the quality, not the quantity of your design.

Q: Can I submit my pony persona?
A: Short answer: no.  The design must be original & anonymous.   If you use your pony persona, it's pretty obvious who made it. ;)  This can affect the outcome of the voting in the People's Choice Award category.

Q: Can I use special types of hair, like glow-in-the-dark and thermal color changing hair?
A: Yes, this is allowed.

I'd appreciate it greatly if you could help me advertise the contest =)

Please use the banners below (or one of your own, if you wish)    

and link to http://www.aikarin.com/mlp/customs/midsummer06/index.html

Many thanks for your participation!

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