It's been about two weeks since I first drafted my coin design and with the cut off date looming I figured I better get a move on and do the edits to the original that I wanted to do.
To recap, here is the first draft.
As you can see the wave at the left hand side isn't proportioned.
You can also see the writing isn't centered.
@ejr, (aka ELI from PhELImint) mentioned in the comments that he would like to see different style fishes as we are all different.
So I tried to draw fish various ways.
But I always go back to my original. Why?
Because the fish aspect of this design was actually born in @TheAlliance discord server.
We had been discussing the Adopt a Minnow program and a few of us referred to ourselves as plankton lol. But I don't exactly want to translate that plankton sentiment on to the design, so I opted for "larvae" instead lol that's why the fish is in the "bubble".
Baby fish are initially called larvae, then fry and finally fingerlings before they mature into adult fish. Larvae are totally dependent on their yolk sac, while fry are able to feed themselves. Fingerlings have functional fins and scales that are comparable to adult fish anatomy, unlike fry. Source
In this regard, in response to Eli.
Yes we are all different, but in some ways we are all also the same.
And for the sake of continuity within the design, I'll be sticking with the same fish. It also looked too busy with different types of fish and the details that came with them.
I did try to colour it in.
Steemit green on the "monoliths".
A overwhelming sea of blues, that seemed a little too blue.
I thought maybe green to represent the "Gains and Dips"...
And it's still not working for me.
I'm terrible with colour theory so the colour version will just have to sit on the bench.
I imagined a special, limited print, coloured version of the design. 😁
I've seen a few coins that seem to really come to life in colour and I thought it'd be cool to take this year's coin a little further and get the special coloured version printed.
This coin is a stark contrast from my 2017 design in that it has a ton of detail on it. I wanted the 2018 design to be unique in so many ways. From the style to the amount of details.
There are some amazingly detailed coins out there and each and every single one looks incredible. I'm hoping this design, if it wins, will look as good.
Here's one of my fave coins in silver and colorized, design by Amy Brown, pictures from JMBullion
Amazing right??
Without further ado here is the final draft and my submission for the 2018 Steem Silver Round design.
About the design
Steemit to me is all about community and that is represented by the MINNOWS. Yup the minnows. No dolphins and whales this time, just the minnows.
I feel it's important that we remember what it's like to be a new fish swimming in new waters.
The SWIRLS represent the constant movement and changes on the platform.
This constant change was emphasised when I took a week off for The Move, when I got back this week I found so many new things going on within the communities I am a part of. I was only semi gone for a week.
The 'CHANGING TIDES' when you look at it, looks like it's propelling the "Steem" logo towards the full moon.
This is exactly how I feel about Steemit. It's just a matter of time before the tides change and people really embrace the next generation that we represent.
The RIPPLES represent our interaction with each other and how we have the ability to touch each other's lives.
I find this especially true in my time here. It has been my pleasure to have come across many beautiful souls and because of Steemit, we are able to touch other people's lives outside of the platform.
What we do here, now, makes a difference wether we realise it or not.
The long WAVES represent the dips and gains, the ups and downs, that we as a community go through.
The STARS...
"Reaching for the Stars. Going to the Moon."Lastly. You would have noticed I revamped the STEEM logo.
Honestly? I was having issues getting the proportions right to make it look exactly like the logo so I sketched in a rough outline, which ended up sticking because it reminded me of the 2001 Space Odyssey Monolith.
Which in this design seems so appropriate, as the Monolith, in the movie, triggered a shift in evolution.
Steemit certainly is the next step to evolution.
There are still little bits that need fine tuning, like the writing at the top, and my design doesn't include the rim around the coin.
If I was to go by last year, I'm prepared for edits, if I win this year that is.
I hope you guys like it! I'm in love with it, but it's my design so I'm totally biased. lol
❤ Arly
I love it. Gimme 100.
If I win again I'm going 20 this time!!! 10 is just a crappy amount, and hubby won't let any go without a fight 😁 Vote for me @mattclarke! ❤❤
Love it! Gimme a 120!!!
😳😳😳 lol
awww shucks, thanks @thedamus ❤
Biased about your own design, that never happens. I haven't gotten a chance to see the other, but have to admit this design is beautiful and does a great job capturing the essence of steemit.
aww thanks so much @gniksivart. There's a few nice ones out for sure. Comp it tougher this year. I think I need to campaign for votes lol
Nothing wrong with a little campaigning if you need some resteems to help get the word out come campaign season just let me know.
Love the design! I think you have surpassed most people's expectations. It is an absolutely wonderful piece! You should win this one hands down! You have my vote!
Thank you so much Ceci!! I'm so happy you like it!
I really like it, I think it will be pretty unique on coin, it would have a lot if texture and depth
Thanks so much Phil! I was going for unique ;)
I've seen a lot of coins since I became a stacker and ain't nothing like this out. Hoping it will help promote Steemit to stackers outside of Steemit.
Love your design Arly! Those swirly bits are awesome and look like they would have taken the better part of forever x_x
Thanks Ry!! You know it. its like a million swirls and each edit the swirls needed redoing lol
Nice post.I respect you very much because you contribute to steemit.I will do activities like you.I would like to extend the steemit
I really do like this design, I think you are right to stick with the black and white version - in a way it emphasises more the simplicity of unity. And the single fish type works better, like any good piece of work although you explain the components looking at the last image you can easily understand the intention with no prior knowledge. Excellent piece of work, I hope you do well in the competition.
#thealliance
Thank you so much @c0ff33a. I'm glad someone agrees with the single fish idea :D cos I did see Eli's point, but design wise it just didn't work for me.
#longlivethealliance
That looks totally sick..! awesome job sweetie!
Thanks so much honey!!
Love the design that is so cool,
Cheers Jj!!
This is just so gorgeous. You are super-creative Arly. <3
There yoy go maam ;) Bayanihan hehe i'll look for some contests here too
Ganda po ng design ma'am @bearone, your such a good artist. Thank you po sa footer. God bless po ma'am.
Love this! 😍 It's beautiful
For the win Momi @bearone! Such a masterpiece for the upcoming coin! Excited much!