Just wrapped up everything ... received files from both ironmike and Visual_Dreamz and paid them each $400 via PayPal. Thank you, great contest!

Ok, thanks to all. First off, I think the second runner up is Inovva who kept refining her design into a contender. First runner up was Ironmike who submitted an entry so strong that I'm going to offer to purchase the design from him for the full original prize amount of $400. I can figure out some way to use these designs in the game. But in terms of the overall winner, the grand prize, I have to award that to Visual_Dreamz because it not only is aesthetically on the money, but it also helps me visualize the style I want for the other images in the game going forward. Awesome job to all, thank you for making this a successful contest. I'll be paying Visual_Dreamz once we coordinate how we'll hand off the payment and the work product, etc. etc.

I agree with royce ... there's a ton of talent here. Thanks to all who have entered so far! Please -- if you have the talent and the inclination -- I do what to see what you can do and get a chance to meet you. I always have projects in need of talented people.

Ok, thanks to all so far. I like what I see and I want to emphasize that I would like to meet as many talented people as possible during this event to establish a longer creative relationship.

Sorry I was absent over the weekend. I needed to recharge my batteries away from the computer. I'm playing catch up right now ... first off, Visual_Dreamz has submitted an incredible entry. Kudos. Please, don't be discouraged by her entry ... I'd love to meet and make contact with as many talented people as possible who are interested in doing this type of work.

Thank you IronMike for a very strong entry. There are some small inconsistencies with what I originally asked for (I need it on a white background with no imagery in the back) and once those get cleared up and we see two other examples, it will be a very strong contender. Thanks!

Thank you to Visual_Dreamz and Inovva who have taken the plunge. As I commented already specific to their entries, I would strongly prefer a whole body image, from the tippy-top of their gun down to their toes. Inovva has done a wonderful job of capturing the iconic idea that I had in mind ... I love the shading and the imagery. I need a white background, however ... just so future entries don't copy that idea completely. Thanks to all so far!