EDIT: EXACTLY THREE DAYS LEFT! GET YOUR ENTRIES IN!!!! (Remember, you can submit on the 6th up until 11:59 PM PST)
EDIT: I realize that a lot of people are probably busy with school finals/holiday-related things, so I've decided to extend the deadline by two weeks! Please submit your entries by 11:59 PM PST on SUNDAY, JANUARY 6!
Also, I haven't been able to view my notes for the last several weeks (-_-) so please comment below to submit your entry!
The contest is pretty simple: Depict one (or more) of my OCs listed below! The more creative your entry (i.e. giving them a different outfit, imagining them into a scene, showing them interacting, etc.), the higher your chance of winning! Winter holiday-themed artworks are welcome though by no means necessary. You are also welcome to add other characters or your own OCs, if you find it fitting to do so!
Judging will be done by me, and my boyfriend (a non-dA member).
FIRST PLACE
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
FOURTH PLACE
+ ALL ENTRANTS will receive 5
Note: If anyone still wants to donate prizes I'll happily accept them. And remember that you can still enter even if you donated!
PREMISE: These are characters for a horror/comedy/drama comic book series-type thing I have in the works. It's set in an isolated, suburban American city suddenly struck by a zombie epidemic. A pharmaceutical corporation, headquartered in the city, merges with the local government in order to combat this unexplained threat. They hire an unorthodox group of youths (my characters listed below) to take down and capture the dangerous zombies (who never stay dead for long!) when they appear.

Age 22. A recent college graduate who, before the zombie epidemic, was trying (rather unsuccessfully) to start a career as a screenwriter. Has a strong aesthetic for all things old-fashioned, beautiful, decadent, and dark. Celia is a self-identified misanthrope, bitingly witty, clever, introverted, pessimistic, and moody (though she also enjoys friendship more readily than she would like to admit). She joins the zombie-hunting team for money and creative inspiration. Has a crush on Gary, but it's mostly because of his good looks, suave demeanor, and nice clothing.

Age 18. Starts zombie hunting because she needs a job (and she can't leave the city anyways). Diane (or Di for short) is sweet, generous, upbeat, and a huge animal lover. She seeks harmony and always tries to act as a mediator. She also loves to garden and cook. Despite her soft, seemingly pacifist nature, she has little problem using violent weapons against the undead.
(on left)Age 25. Isn't actually part of the zombie-hunting team; rather, she is the owner of and bartender at their favorite hang-out spot, the Mustard Seed Bar and Inn (also a gathering spot for the more benevolent zombies). Despite having a difficult and traumatizing childhood, Patricia was quick to mature and find her place in the world. Patricia is hard-working and assertive, often coming off as bossy. Although she can be brash and quick to anger, she is extremely loyal and dedicated to her group of friends and always looks after them.
(on right)Age 25. Cassius always felt overshadowed and pushed around by his father and three older brothers. He joins the zombie-hunting team to finally make something of himself, and to find an outlet for his violent, angry impulses. Cassius is rebellious, hot-headed, and likes to appear tough (though he is secretly very self-conscious). He grew up with Patricia and has always been in love with her, though she never reciprocates his affections. Has something of a rivalry with Gary.
(on left)Age 23. The wealthy son of the pharmaceutical CEO. Gary is demure and polite, though also extremely standoffish. He rarely reveals his feelings, thoughts, or motivations. Can come off as snobbish and self-centered. Fast and gifted with a handgun. Like Celia, he has a fondness for literature, fashion, and other such beautiful tastes.

For additional reference, here's some older portraits of my characters (Diane's name, as you can see, has been changed since then). Vincent and many of my other characters from this story aren't included in the contest due to my lack of finished drawings of them ^_^;
GOOD LUCK, AND HAVE LOTS OF FUN!

















[link]
*freak out and stress at how late it is*
Hope you like it ~(._.)~
And if you've already started I don't mind if you submit it partly unfinished... like it doesn't necessarily need to be full colored/shaded