I've read through most of the threads in this forum and they've all been really helpful. So, thanks. I think I've compiled a pretty okay list of what is necessary to get the judges' attention in the Art competition, but had a couple questions for all you professional critics out there.

#1. TATTOOS (an absolute necessity) Check.

#2. BACKGROUND (can help a weak pose, just pick a popular hang-out spot)

#3. TOTEM (or elemental staff or entity or lyre or some kind of class-specific prop)

#4. MOAR TATOOZ (srsly)

#5. SKIN (to win)

#6. COLOR? (how many black-and-white entries get a second look?)

#7. TO ANIME or NOT TO ANIME? (I don't think I could even if I wanted to)

#8. CUTE (I haven't seen many winning entries that didn't have something cute going on. Not enough horrific gore for a game that seems to revolve around violent combat practices)

I guess that's it. Add more if you think of them. Any specific comments that help me get a merit will be rewarded with a hearty handshake.

This thread is better

That thread is what you posted here except infinitely better due to visual examples.

Morwen's thread has more multi-media appeal. But neither this one nor that one has gotten much in the way of useful responses.

To be fair, both have a jocular tone in their first post that makes it difficult to take them seriously.

You could try submitting a piece that's original and unique?

No, we can't have THAT, now can we?

According to all my research, this is art!

Touche. I guess the question is: does one enter a work to express themself? or does one enter a work in an effort to please the judges and win something?

As it turns out, I just submitted something in black & white with 0 tattoos.

Well, I assume that if you enter a contest you're set out to win something, so that's kind of a silly question. Also, the two don't have to be mutually exclusive, but I don't think it's bad form for the judges to expect things to be distinctly Achaean. A guy standing around with a sword: not so Achaean. A guy standing around with a sword in the Basilica: much better. (Silly example, but you get the point. No, you don't need a million tattoos and 30 packs and all that mess. It just has to look like you put time into it and that it was inspired by and related to the game.)

Phae's art comes to mind here.

I always liked Phae's art. Her fullplate drawings make me want a knight character. o_o

Aside from the quality, I just meant as an example of things that are distinctly Achaea without a million tattoos, bags, etc.