Every picture tells a story. But for this month’s art contest, we want to know what happened The Moment Before 😮

So what does that mean exactly?? Instead of focusing on the outcome, show us what is going on right before the action. This is often a very intense moment! Where does the scene take place? What is the main character doing? What is the consequence of his or her actions?

As an illustrator, it’s easy to focus on the action, but showing what is about to happen next can be a very subtle yet powerful storytelling device.

If you need an example, Edward Gorey was a master of this device. Virtually every image in The Gashlycrumb Tinies book is an example of The Moment Before. (Just so you know! If you’re unfamiliar with his work, it’s very macabre, it’s not for the faint of heart 💀).

Another good example is the original Jaws movie poster. It’s terrifying!

OK team, let’s do this! We are on pins and needles to see what you come up with!

HOW TO ENTER

• Draw something awesome!

• Post your final illustration on the SVS Forum, in the competition thread titled APRIL PROMPT “THE MOMENT BEFORE.” Be sure to keep this thread for final images only. If you want feedback on a WIP (that’s short for Work In Progress), create a new thread. It gets too confusing if it's all shown in one thread. Note: You will need to be logged in as a user on the Forum in order to post. If you don’t already have a user account, it’s free to create one 😀

• Keep the file size to no more than 500 kb.

• Don’t forget to include your name AND Forum name ON THE IMAGE so we can give you credit! And if you want us to tag you, include your handle too. This saves us a lot of time in the end when we are trying to give credit. It also allows others to quickly see who did the work later if they grab your image for reference, etc.

• Only submit if you are OK with us posting your image on our social media and website for the whole world to see 👀🌎 💕 Also, only submit if you are OK with receiving a public critique from our judges, they might comment on your work! 🧐

• One entry per person only, please!

• Entries must be posted by 4/30 at the stroke of midnight ⌛️

PRIZES

• 1st Place: 3 months of subscription

• 2nd Place: 2 months of subscription

• 3rd Place (if there is one): 1 month of subscription

• Honorable mentions: 💖social media love 💖

GOOD LUCK!