Entries were judged based on three criteria:
-Adherence to the 2016 theme of Undōkai! Field Day!
-Creativity and Originality
-How well the artwork depicts the back story.
Judging was done by the Anime Boston Social Media Team, who organized the contest.
Below we have the Grand Prize Winner and Runner Up winner, followed by the ten Honorable Mentions and then all other submissions to the Art Contest. You may click on an image to see a larger one in our gallery.
The competition this year was strong and some very hard decisions were made. We want to deeply thank all of the artists for your submissions. It's your participation that makes this Art Contest a success, and we will continue holding it each year as long as we receive submissions!
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Title: Winning in Different Perspectives
Medium: Digital
Find Artist At: http://bosmitze.deviantart.com/
Entry Backstory: “Winning can encompass a number of things, be it being able to open a jar of pickles or to come back home every day to a loving family. However for little Kai, who was often bullied for being slow and overweight, simply being able to talk to someone besides his father everyday was more than enough. Luckily for him, he eventually finds within the overly, energetic transfer student a friend for life.”
RUNNER UP
Title: Dengenki Robotics School Super Undokai!
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://suzuran.deviantart.com/
Entry Backstory: “It's the year 2137!! The sun is shining, the day is young, the world is spinning round and round... It's time for a SUPER SPECIAL Undokai at the Dengenki Robotics School!!! Even the Principal is participating this year! Faculity, students, robo-students, creature-students and kittens will all be competing together to-- wait, KITTENS!? Alright, who let Fisher out on the field again? “
HONORABLE MENTIONS – in no particular order
Title: Golden Girls and Boys
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://torisora.tumblr.com
Entry Backstory: “I wanted to create an illustration that carried a feeling of a colorful, warm childhood that is surrounded by fun and friends. I mixed that theme with the various activities that are involved with "Undokai," especially the racing. I also made this piece while keeping Japanese scrolls in mind--with elements of nature and spirits interacting with humans. The koi watching over the children were inspired by "Koinobori" that are made in Japan to hope for children's healthy and strong futures.”
Title: Unlikely Partners
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://madebybing.com
Entry Backstory: “It's a rare sight to see the school's popular sportsman without his teammates and friends but even more rare to see the school brain anywhere but in the library or classroom. On this warm semi-annual Sports Festival Day, students across the school are mind boggled at the sight of this unlikely partnership in the competitive three legged race across the golden sunlit field. Little did they know, the two have been neighbors since childhood and with an ease of years of familiarity, the two sync their motions and race to the finish!”
Title: Kitty Kibasen
Medium: Paint Tool Sai & Photoshop
Find Artist at: http://www.smallappleart.com/ or reallysmallapple@gmail.com
Entry Backstory: “Unbeknownst to their owners, the local neighborhood cats host their own sports day. The highlight of this year's competition ends up being a kibasen game between long-time rivals Mochi, the Japanese Bobtail, and Ringo, the Scottish Fold. The two teams played rough, but Mochi got the steal, flaunting his victory and hoping to catch the eye of some lady cats to ask out later.
Title: "DON DON!!" Raise Your Undokai Spirits!
Medium: Pencil, ink, and Copic Markers
Find Artist at: http://exshen.deviantart.com
Entry Backstory: “*Don Don!* It's that time of the year again... In the shower of cicadas' cries, it's time to embrace and enjoy the Summer heat. *Don Don* Whilst all competitors' heart pounds as the tension brews in such arena, we, the Taiko Drummers shall raise all your spirits- *Don Don Don!!* Down every each second, your bodies and minds come near the limit of anticipation. But please enjoy our show, before we enjoy ours... *Don Don!!* *Don Don! Don Don-- DON!!!* *Don Don!!* *Don Don! Don Don-- DON!!!* *DON DON DON! DON-!!* Let this year's Undokai begin!!”
Title: Yum, Run Bento
Medium: Paper, Paper cut outs, Colored Pencil, Acrylic Eyes
Find Artist at: http://gentlemoonbell.tumblr.com/ or melvaharris@etsy.com
Entry Backstory: “Blue skies and sunny days, the delicious food happily partake in field day. Running; enjoying the sun, these things and many more bring them together. Everyone has their favorite food.The first item of food that pops into your mind which brings a smile to your face. The one who have hidden in the fridge so your roommates, siblings, or parents wont eat. Food brings people together and after a long day of playing various sports a fine meal of sushi rolls and tako sausages; topped off with a sweet flan is a perfect end to a fun filled day! “
Title: Oh Well
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://einiv.deviantart.com
Entry Backstory: “It’s just a race.” “If you lose, the world still goes on.” “Why do you try so hard?” These are comments people tell me every time I stay late on the field. They’re right though. I can just accept the fact that I can’t out run these natural born athletes. But I refuse. I rather think back “oh well” than “what if”
Title: Final Stretch
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://121642.deviantart.com
Entry Backstory: “The final moments of an intense race as the relay participants are giving it their all as they make a mad dash to the finish”
Title: Pan Kui Kyousou
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://shattered-earth.com
Entry Backstory: “Look, I know you're knew to this school but I'm pretty sure the rules were to race away as fast as you can with the *ONE* BREAD FROM YOUR LANE!”
Title: Spirit of Competition
Medium: Digital
Entry Backstory: “2 track stars, best friends since 1st year, finally gets a chance to compete together after one of them had to take 2 year break due to injury.”
Title: Diehard Tryhard
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://enjou-shinleinkanba.tumblr.com
Entry Backstory: “Sports were never his thing. He lacked endurance and failed to work as a team. She always dragged him along. Obviously, he didn't belong. "Never again!" he'd cry after claiming each prize. But we'd all know that's a big fat lie. Is it for glory? Or perhaps for fame? Or does he simply like the pain? First won't be yours; say your prayers, Because surely, surely he'll be there.”
ALL OTHER ENTRIES – in no particular order
Title: Field Day in the Stars
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://spiritsincdesigns.jimdo.net
Entry Backstory: “A fierce competition raged in the sky as the stars and the void toyed with the earth.”
Title:
Medium:
Find Artist at:
Entry Backstory: “There are things in the world we tend to forget. And its not fair. We should remember and appreciate more but we don't. In my picture I drew it demonstrates the appreciation of fun from a prospective a little different from normal. The story is that Brooklyn is a amputee and she is faced with many daily challenges but she still manages to enjoy things like physical activities. And people are welcoming her with open arms. Its things like Field day that really bring people together and make them forget the weird and strange and different and just focused on working together to reach a common goal”
Title: Be the Best
Medium: Colored pencils, photoshop
Find Artist at: https://instagram.com/andyleonart/
Entry Backstory: “The girls of All the Best Academy, or simply AB Academy, take Undōkai very seriously. Well, at least they try to...”
Title: Ready to Race
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://catscantdraw.com
Entry Backstory: “I wanted to draw one of my favorite field day events; the 3 legged race. In this piece, I have a girl, notably a main character from her hair color, and her companion competing. She’s super enthusiastic about it while he’s not since he’s not athletic at all, causing them to be out of synch in the race. I kept to warm colors because field days are always fun, even though you’re competing. I also used primarily blues and oranges for the colors on the Anime Boston website.”
Title: Team Spirit!
Medium: Copic and Ink on Paper
Find Artist at: http://isetasolaris.carbonmade.com
Entry Backstory: “My name’s Rina, and I’m a second-year student. It’s strange- I only recently transferred to this school, and I was really scared that I wouldn’t know anyone or what they’d think of me. But standing out here, I can’t help but feel really happy about all the new people I met. Now I’m here with all of my classmates, standing next to my closest friends. It’s going to be a long day, but I know it’s going to be the best yet!”
Title: Lasting Memories
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://crowsfury.deviantart.com/
Entry Backstory: “Although field day can be lots of fun, not everyone can be a winner. But in the end you know that your friends will be there for you, that all your hard work pays off in good memories, win or lose.”
Title: Race to the Finish
Medium: Ink, Digital Coloring, Photography
Find Artist at: http://www.facebook.com/chibitsubamecreations
Entry Backstory: “His heart raced as he grew closer to that ribbon. Pumping his arms he took the final strides at the end of the track. His arms flew open as he felt the ribbon break of the poles across his chest. The sound of his classmates cheering filled his ears as a smile spread across his face. Finally he had secured his victory. “
Title: Spirit of the Game
Medium:
Find Artist at:
Entry Backstory: “spirit of the game is so many things the joy we share with our schoolmates ,encouraging each other to achieve our goals , to make our family proud and enjoy seeing us compete as we strive too win. we are just happy to be together having fun cheering each other on with all are hearts laughter and joy , not to mention all the great treats and food , oh my , and when you do achieve your goal of winning a competition you are reaching for the sky in amazement and joy and cant wait to show friends and mom and dad riding on spirits of accomplishment and joy”
Title: 100m relay: Poolside
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/flintfoxfire/
Entry Backstory: “"ugh, why did I agree to this again?" It's the final round of the 100 meter relay during field day. Alice is in her first year of highschool and it's field day! a few days prior, her class chose her and Hibiki to represent the class in the 100m relay in the pool. Alice voiced her disagreement to compete but Hibiki managed to talk her into it. 'damn those puppy-dog eyes!' Alice thought. Alice, already tired from the other heats, gets into position. "ready? on your marks! get set." "BANG!"”
Title: Competitive Friendship
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://www.vanchamarl.com
Entry Backstory: “Vincent and Eric can always be found together in highschool having a blast, even on field day when their competive natures pit them against each other. Vincent normally has the advantage, but Eric is aiming for the goal. In the end they'll laugh it off, but today it's all about who wins.”
Title: The Race
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://torikat2.tumblr.com
Entry Backstory: “Mei expected disappointment when she crossed the finish line in the baton relay race. Once the famed runner of the class, an illness had claimed her strength. Upon her recovery, she was volunteered into the race. Instead of a victory, she could only finish the lap. Rather than despair over what everyone thought was a guaranteed win, they celebrated. Mei had never given up. She'd inspired them in more than the competition. If she could conquer both the sickness and the performance anxiety from returning to her beloved sport, they had hope in their own lives and endeavors.“
Title: The Dreamer
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://butterfly-kitsune.deviantart.com
Entry Backstory: “Countless hours of blood, sweat and tears. All those days when I practiced with my team instead of going to parties. As I run for the net all of those sacrifices flash before my eyes. I jump and I rise up higher than ever before under the warmth of the lights. Time seems to go in slow motion as I dunk the ball into the hoop. It speeds back up as I land on the ground and my team explodes with joy. My team is my family and they help me achieve impossible dreams. “
Title: Super ✰ Princess Carry!
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://r-ena.deviantart.com/
Entry Backstory: “This year's special race at A High is the “Super ✰ Princess Carry Relay Race”!! The race consists of four pairs per team; like a normal relay race, the pairs must hand off their baton before the next can go. Coming in first is the blue team, with the princess's carrier showing an impressive amount of knightly charm! ❤ Go blue team! “
Title: Get Ready!
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://cindiq.deviantart.com or http://facebook.com/CindiqArt
Entry Backstory: “The anticipation and excitement of a team before a replay match during Undokai. The image echoes my past experiences with Undokai and the exciting atmosphere it always gives off. This kind of event really gets your blood pumping! “
Title: Friendly Rivalry
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://Facebook.com/artofsyo
Entry Backstory: “Two best friends become competitive rivals during this years field day at a yokai's Academy. Cheered on by their respective team mates each friend will give it their all and try to claim victory!”
Title: Oni-dokai!
Medium: Copic Marker
Find Artist at: http://kaitquefait.tumblr.com
Entry Backstory: “Oni is the Japanese word for demon-- but it's not all bad! Often used in an idion to mean strong beyond strong, oni are becoming more positive figures. The team cheers on its star oni in celebration for Undokai! Using their different strengths, the team was able to pull through and win first place. This shows the importance of accepting our differences.”
Title: Undokai Animal Field Day
Medium: Wooden boxed, polymer clay, magnets, acrylic paint, gold foil
Find Artist at: http://egyptianruin.etsy.com or http://kellyskeychains.com
Entry Backstory:”One day my 6 year old and I were playing with his "little dudes." He has a grand collection of animals of varying types and sizes. We thought it would be a fun idea if the animals were the people. They had contests, played house, went to school and did other fun things we do as people everyday. My box, 'Undokai Animal Field Day,' is dedicated to my son and his wonderful imagination. The inside holds magnetic ribbons for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Though, no matter what you place, it isn't about winning. It is about how you get there. Have fun, play hard and live out your dreams.”
Title: Bang! ( the big exploding fart )
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: brownrabbit@live.com or http://brownrabbits.tumblr.com. or scream into the void
Entry Backstory: “being the smallest in class, he had no chance of winning the race. but fortunately for him, a big mysterious explosion (fart) came his way and lifted him to the finish line! ( along with a cat)”
Title: Field Day Memories
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://chosenkat.tumblr.com
Entry Backstory: “Field day is a day of fun activities and an escape from the usual classroom setting. More than that, Field Day is a time to build relationships between classmates in an environment of friendly competition. Although Field Day has many events, I decided to focus on the friendships and memories that more often become the very things that make Field Day so exciting and memorable. By depicting a group of friends and their favorite parts of Field Day through polaroids, I believe I was better able to capture the very spirit of Field Day and what it means for students. “
Title: GANBARIMASU
Medium: Digital
Find Artist at: http://cosumosu.tumblr.com
Entry Backstory: “I absolutely love the theme of this year's event! Especially the “comraderie through competitive spirit” and the theme of GANBARIMASU/DO YOUR BEST! I love that it incorporates the students, teachers, staff, families and relatives. It reminds me off conventions in how the volunteer staff, the guests and the con goers all make cons successful, just as everyone comes together to make undoukai a success! I love the parallels, and I hope some of the spirit can be read from my piece!”