Shounen Awards

special category descriptions:

Any week we get 10+ icons you will be asked to vote for a special category. Axel designates the category based on the most fair choice for all the icons submitted (so if it's a mostly textless turnout it won't be best typography!) Here is a glossary of what each category is looking for:

Best Color: Choose the icon that has the best coloring to you.
Best Crop: Choose the icon that has the most innovative and/or appropriate crop.
Best Typography: Choose the icon in which the text looks the best with the entire composition; has nothing to do with what the text actually says.
Best Adaptation: Choose the icon that best represents either the lyrical or word/challenge theme.
Best Composition: Choose the icon that has the best overall look, taking color, text (if applicable), and crop into account.
Most Emotional: Choose the icon in which the character shows the most emotion (can be any emotion).
Most Creative: Choose the icon in which the maker was most imaginative and did something that was unexpected, but still works.
Best Caption: Not to be confused with best typography, choose the icon in which the words in the caption work best with the image.

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January 2011

15 January 2011 @ 12:27 am

This week's theme is really easy. It's the way-back machine. Basically, you go to the winner's showcase post and pick a theme you missed or want to redo and submit an icon or two for it. If you do two icons, they don't both have to be from the same theme. Because this theme is a bit different than the others, your submission form is as follows:

Here's a rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, January 21st at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Tags: theme

Current Mood: calm

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07 January 2011 @ 11:22 pm

Word; Warm
There is a massive snow storm heading my way, so I want icons of sunny days or that show warmth in some way. You may use the word in a sentence or convey it textlessly. If you're not sure, just ask.

Lyrical; Three Days Grace - I Hate Everything About You
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, January 14th at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: full

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01 January 2011 @ 04:02 pm

Challenge; Provided Image
Your icons MUST use the image I've provided in some way. Here is your image.

Lyrical; Despistaos - Despues de Disimular (translation)
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, January 7th at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: groggy

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27 December 2010 @ 04:11 pm

>>>NEW YEAR'S IS THIS FRIDAY. IF YOU HAVE PLANS BUT WANT TO PARTICIPATE PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR ICONS ACCORDINGLY.

Word; Weapon
Icon must show him brandishing his weapon of choice.

Lyrical; Diffuser - Karma
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, December 31st at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: pensive

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18 December 2010 @ 12:31 am

>>>CHRISTMAS IS NEXT SATURDAY. IF YOU HAVE PLANS BUT WANT TO PARTICIPATE PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR ICONS ACCORDINGLY.

Challenge; Unconventional Crop
I want unconventional crops. None of that showing the whole character's face or centering. Something like the icon I'm using.

Lyrical; Sum 41 - Walking Disaster
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, December 24th at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: exhausted

Current Music: Daft Punk - Finale

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11 December 2010 @ 12:11 am

Challenge; Walt Disney
Since we allow things other than just videogames and anime, I think it'll be nice to force some DISNEY icons out of you lot! So that's what I want. Your icon must depict a DISNEY MALE (HUMAN).

Lyrical; My Chemical Romance - Planetary (Go!)
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, December 17th at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: sick

Current Music: My Chemical Romance - Planetary (Go!)

Leave a comment

26 November 2010 @ 11:18 pm

Word; Night
You icon must either depict a night time scene with him in it or have the word "night" (or derivatives such as "tonight") in the text. If you are uncertain, leave a comment asking.

Lyrical; Blind Guardian - Battlefield
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, December 3rd at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: exanimate

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20 November 2010 @ 03:46 am

FIRST OF ALL; This week is a holiday week. If you want to participate, but have plans I recommend you submit your icons early in the week.

Challenge; Versus
01. Your icon must have two MALE characters in it.
02. They must obviously be engaged in some sort of conflict/confrontation.
03. Text is allowed, but not required.
04. Here is an example, icon by

lunareuphoria. Here is another example, icon by me.

Lyrical; Unkle - Burn My Shadow
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, November 26th at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: sore

Leave a comment

13 November 2010 @ 12:36 am

Word; Blood
Your icon must either show blood or have the word blood on it.

Lyrical; Despistaos - Desde Que Nos Estamos Dejando (translation)
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, November 19th at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: cold

Current Music: Despistaos - Gracias

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05 November 2010 @ 11:44 pm

Challenge; Negative Space
The subject of your icon cannot take up more than 50% of your icon. The icon I'm using is an example.

Lyrical; 30 Seconds To Mars - Closer to the Edge
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, November 12th at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: okay

Current Music: Dani Martín - La Verdad

Leave a comment

29 October 2010 @ 11:32 pm

Word; Quest
You may use synonyms of the word. If you make a textless icon, make sure it's obvious the subject is embarking on a journey of some kind. Maybe have him in a form of transport such as a ship or on a horse.

Lyrical; Alexander Rybak - Fairytale
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, November 5th at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: exhausted

Current Music: Dani Martín - Lo Que Nace Se Apaga

Leave a comment

23 October 2010 @ 02:10 am

Word; Unimpressed
We are NOT amused. /Queen Victoria
That is to say, your character needs to clearly look not impressed or even cynical. You don't have to use the word itself in the phrase and can use quotes like the aforementioned Victorian quote or other quotes that express this same feeling.

Lyrical; The Cab - One of THOSE Nights
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, October 29th at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: cold

Leave a comment

15 October 2010 @ 11:58 pm

Challenge; Nivani
Your icon must have this texture by LJ user nivani on it and it must be obviously there. You may change the hue or even desaturate it if you want, or rotate it.

Lyrical; REM - E-Bow the Letter
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, October 22nd at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: hopeful

Current Music: Mayday Parade - Still Breathing

Leave a comment

08 October 2010 @ 11:21 pm

Word; Rage
Synonyms of "rage" are allowed if using text. Textless icons should show the emotion very clearly.

Lyrical; My Chemical Romance - Na Na Na
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, October 15th at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: sick

Current Music: Taio Cruz - Dynamite

Leave a comment

01 October 2010 @ 11:50 pm

Challenge; Book Titles
Your icon's text must be the title of a book. You must also provide proof (a link to the book for sale on amazon, for instance) that your book exists.

Lyrical; Sara Bareilles - King of Anything
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, October 8th at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: pissed off

Current Music: Sara Bareilles - King of Anything

Leave a comment

25 September 2010 @ 12:51 am

Challenge; Dynamic Duo
Your icon must show two characters that work together for a common goal. Batman & Robin, Mario & Luigi, Light & Ryuuk... things like that. Can be a symbiotic relationship or a parasitic one, totally up to you.

Lyrical; Motion City Soundtrack - Broken Heart
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, October 1st at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: depressed

Leave a comment

17 September 2010 @ 02:43 am

Word; Wind
He can control wind, he can be being blown by it, hair whipping in the wind, anything goes so long as it's obvious wind is there. You can even use a phrase with "wind" in it.

Lyrical; Hot Hot Heat - Running Out of Time
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, September 24th at 11PM EST If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: excited

Leave a comment

10 September 2010 @ 11:52 pm

Word; Ice
Cold as the frigid ice of the north.

Lyrical; Breaking Benjamin - Unknown Soldier
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, September 17th at 1:30AM EST. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments! I CHANGED THE DATE because I will be going to a convention on Friday and will probably not have time to post up the voting then, or on Saturday. Better early than getting rid of the theme altogether, I think.

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: rushed

Current Music: Breaking Benjamin - Unknown Soldier

Leave a comment

03 September 2010 @ 11:53 pm

Word; Fire
What's a fire and why does it... what's the word? Burn?

Lyrical; 関俊彦 - WILD WING (translation)
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, September 10th at 11PM EST. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: satisfied

Current Music: 中原茂 - 愛は流星

Leave a comment

28 August 2010 @ 05:00 pm

Word; Childhood
Icon must depict a child. Be it a "when he was young" sort of thing or a character that is still a child.

Lyrical; MIKA - We Are Golden (thank you music meme!)
( Lyrics. )

Rules recap;
01. Icons must be under 40KB, gif, png, or jpg in format, 100x100px or less.
02. You can use fanart, but please link to either the original image or the artist's page.
03. Do not advertise your icons until the the voting for this submission week is over.
04. Icons must be made for this submission post and not be recycled.
05. If you use the lyrical theme, please use three consecutive words.
06. You may submit up to two (2) icons.

Icons are due to this screened post Friday, September 3rd at 11PM EST. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Submission format:

Tags: theme

Current Mood: hungry

Leave a comment