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Unicorn Utopia
4th annual aikarin.com custom design competition!

Entry deadline: September 16th, 2007
Voting Round 1: September 23rd - September 29th
Voting Round 2: September 30th - October 6th
Winners announced: October 7th, 2007!
(please note, deadline was extended due to Aikarin's real-life schedule & web host problems!)

This year's contest is officially OVER!  Until 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! ^_^
• Text for the entries must be written in English
• LIMIT OF 2 ENTRIES PER PERSON!
• Entry Deadline: September 16, 2007
• 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]

Need a Non-Display side?  Follow the link and submit an additional pic.

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.
• This year, you're not required to describe your pony in terms of base color, hair color, etc.  However, please note colors vary depending on your monitor settings.  So, if you don't describe your pony or leave something out, Aikarin will make it as close to what it looks like on her computer and fill in any details which are missing. ^_^

Click here to see a sample entry

Ahhhhh...the entry deadline has passed.  Sorry, you'll have to wait until next year's contest.

Click here to MEET THE UNICORNS!!

Click here to view the People's Choice Finalists!!

Ahhh...Voting this year is over!

Click on the picture to see this year's winners!

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 an unicorn?
A: Ummmm...yes.  That is the theme this year!  ^_^

Q: Can I change the base pony's color?
A: Yes.  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 your prizes can be sent 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?  Can I add additional sculpted parts?
A: Yes, you can add any extra parts you wish. ^_^  However, since the theme is Unicorn Utopia, the horn must remain!

Q: Can I submit a baby pony design?
A: No. This year's designs are limited to adult G3 Unicorns only. 

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

Q: Can I include a non-display side symbol?
A: Yes.  I'm including a non-display side outline for you to use.  Check it out here.  So, you can submit two pics (display side and non-display side) for each entry.

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.

Unicorn Utopia Award - The "best" pony design, per Aikarin & company. ^_^  The prize is a custom pony of your design made by Aikarin!  

Most Unique in Utopia 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 of creativity.  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 3rd generation unicorn pony.  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 IRFAs - To be eligible for these awards, 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.

I'd appreciate it greatly if you could help 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/midsummer07/index.html

Many thanks for your participation!

adorable free font used in the buttons: Sparhty Girl by Omega Font Labs.

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