I mean, I've submitting stuff to contests that are slightly off, but I try to tie it in. I'll say in my description how I got there from the prompt.

Some things you are supposed to use certain things and they must be in the image....but....a lot of poeple don't use them like they are required to.

If they don't think you tied it in well enough, they can always not accept it, I guess!

people are so stupid. it's like the gallery owners that were talking to my class about new artists that try to get in and they're be like, here's my awesome figure drawings I know they'll be perfect for your gallery. but the gallery only does geometric drawings.

Yeah....people need to research galleries that fit their work.

and then it's really dumb when they actually write in the cover letter than they KNOW it's a good fit. like what? trash bin.

I know!
Me...I read requirements a few times...even while working on the art piece!

Dinner's ready!
I'll be back later!

Later, Jean! Hope it's good! :D

Is it bad that I just pinned that snipping tool to my taskbar? XD

yeah. I originally thought I would find something I'd already done to enter for the illustration contest, but I knew it needed to be in black and white and sci-fi/fantasy. and I know what the sort of illustrations that win look like. I didn't think my more surreal paintings were it and they didn't looks as great in black and white. it's common sense and it only enhances your chance of winning!

Was it a requirement for it to be in black and white?
Yep! Unless they had different judges...

I just pinned it to my Start Menu....

Well, I think it's exactly right for Fantasy!

yes, didn't I kinda just say that? most book published illustrations are that aren't for kids books.

that's good, jean.

I don't know?

Most illustrations I look at and are shown to me are usually always in color.

but do you see color illustrations inside books?

Depends on the book. Some do, some don't. For price reasons, for just plain regular novels, they are usually just black and white...UNLESS the illustration is on the cover.

the cover is usually less illustrative though and just like...graphics and maybe a photo or something. I don't know of any books with colored illustrations in them. if it's not for art or for kids that is.

The Sookie Stackhouse novels are illustrated. And the first three books of the Lost Continent Series is illustrated.

I never read sookie and don't know of the other. I honestly don't know much of any novels with any illustrations in them. I know The Guardian's of Gahoole books had the drawings of the owls on the inside of the front and back covers, but not within the pages.

The book I am reading now DOES have illustrations in them...But I don't know if they are in color or in black and white since my Kindle is black and white. XD

hm. the kindle won't show color?

I have an older kindle. XD It doesn't light up either.

oh, it's like that. that would annoy me. I like my things to have the backlight.

Yeah...but back lit things don't work well in sunlight...so mine is good for sunlight. :D I do have a light for it though. So I am good. :D

I'm just flashing to my gameboy advanced and how impossible it is to play on it. I always have to try hard to get somewhere where the lighting is just right!