Issun-Boshi is the tale of an old couple who wishes for a child "no matter how small." Eventually a son was born to them, but he was no taller than 3 centimeters. As time goes by, Issun realizes he will never grow, so he decides to take up an adventure. He is given a sewing needle for a sword, a soup bowl for a boat, and a pair of chop sticks for oars. He meets a princess, and one day they are attacked by an Oni (ogre/demon). The Oni swallows Issun whole - but Issun defeats the Oni from the inside by piercing it's belly with his needle. The Oni spits out Issun and drops a magical mallet as he runs away. As a reward for his bravery, the princess uses the power of the mallet to grow him to full size. Issun and the princess remain close companions and eventually wed.

This is the first derby where I submit more than one design. I had a really tough time choosing the colors for this one - but in the end, I'm really happy with the results.

I love this so much!

avhienda01 wrote:Issun-Boshi is the tale of an old couple who wishes for a child "no matter how small." Eventually a son was born to them, but he was no taller than 3 centimeters. As time goes by, Issun realizes he will never grow, so he decides to take up an adventure. He is given a sewing needle for a sword, a soup bowl for a boat, and a pair of chop sticks for oars. He meets a princess, and one day they are attacked by an Oni (ogre/demon). The Oni swallows Issun whole - but Issun defeats the Oni from the inside by piercing it's belly with his needle. The Oni spits out Issun and drops a magical mallet as he runs away. As a reward for his bravery, the princess uses the power of the mallet to grow him to full size. Issun and the princess remain close companions and eventually wed.

This is the first derby where I submit more than one design. I had a really tough time choosing the colors for this one - but in the end, I'm really happy with the results.

nice design...kinda reminds me of the story of thumbelina...

stargirl6878 wrote:nice design...kinda reminds me of the story of thumbelina...

cute.

Re: Issun-Boshi

I recognized the story as soon as I saw your shirt comp - I like that you based your shirt off of a story too! & cute illustration :D

Kattywampus wrote:I love this so much!

Thank you!

stargirl6878 wrote:nice design...kinda reminds me of the story of thumbelina...

That's what my cousins said too. Thanks!

sugareeali wrote:cute.

Thanks.

mikan36 wrote:I recognized the story as soon as I saw your shirt comp - I like that you based your shirt off of a story too! & cute illustration :D

Awesome! Thank you ! I wanted to do another design, so I was reading up on wikipedia on Japanese folklore, and I found this sweet little story. Then I realized that was where Okami got the name Issun.

Re: Issun-Boshi

I really like the story behind this! Very cute and creative design

Re: Issun-Boshi

i recognized this story cause i played okami :D

sticklink wrote:i recognized this story cause i played okami :D

Before I say this I am joking...

So doesn't that make this a video game reference?!

avhienda01 wrote:
I had a really tough time choosing the colors for this one - but in the end, I'm really happy with the results.

This is very cute, yet the fish, waves and clouds add an element of prettiness, and the color scheme just seemes really lovely ... and actually looks kind of yummy - like a creamsicle or sherbet or something:D So nice choice with those too!

kender42 wrote:Before I say this I am joking...

So doesn't that make this a video game reference?!

No, it's an actual story from Japanese culture. I was just saying that the game taught me about it :P

sticklink wrote:No, it's an actual story from Japanese culture. I was just saying that the game taught me about it :P

I seriously can't believe you responded. I even said I was joking before I said it. I realize it is an actual story

I like the shirt btw. The way the story is described made me start searching for a copy of it online to read.

jasneko wrote:This is very cute, yet the fish, waves and clouds add an element of prettiness, and the color scheme just seemes really lovely ... and actually looks kind of yummy - like a creamsicle or sherbet or something:D So nice choice with those too!

Thank you Jasneko! And I'm glad you think the colors are yummy, haha. Now I want a creamsicle though P:

kender42 wrote:I seriously can't believe you responded. I even said I was joking before I said it. I realize it is an actual story

I like the shirt btw. The way the story is described made me start searching for a copy of it online to read.

Well I'm glad it interested you enough to look up the story for yourself. The moment I read it, I just knew I had draw it.

Oh wow! I picked up this story in picture book form when I was in Okinawa! The design of the characters are almost the exact same. I wanna buy it just for the fond memories!

sticklink wrote:No, it's an actual story from Japanese culture. I was just saying that the game taught me about it :P

Yes, this was a "real" myth (ironic, right?) long before it was in Okami.

I LOVE that coral base. Awesome. Editor's choice at the very least, I hope.

Re: Issun-Boshi

Haha, the little guy is so cute. He looks extremely happy/determined.

I love the colors you chose and everything seems to balance really well. I have to say I'm a little confused as to the purpose of the fish? But if I had to guess, I'd say he's just on a neat adventure.

Re: Issun-Boshi

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Re: Issun-Boshi

nicely done! gmv!

konkonsn wrote:Oh wow! I picked up this story in picture book form when I was in Okinawa! The design of the characters are almost the exact same. I wanna buy it just for the fond memories!

Oh! Cool, thank you!

supersonic213 wrote:Yes, this was a "real" myth (ironic, right?) long before it was in Okami.

I LOVE that coral base. Awesome. Editor's choice at the very least, I hope.

Thank you!

marzipanapple wrote:Haha, the little guy is so cute. He looks extremely happy/determined.

I love the colors you chose and everything seems to balance really well. I have to say I'm a little confused as to the purpose of the fish? But if I had to guess, I'd say he's just on a neat adventure.

Thank you very much!
Well, I do have to admit, the koi fish don't have much meaning. I added them for detail and as a comparison to show how small the little guy was.

thatrobert wrote:

• Congratulations on winning a Best Loser Award!
  
• This is not SPAM.
  
• Your one and only gift is this crappy little badge in your shirt thread. Enjoy.
  
• My conscience and desires collide like rockets in midair.
  

Oh yay! My first Best Loser Award! awesome~ ;-;

lucky1988 wrote:nicely done! gmv!

Thank you!

Re: Issun-Boshi

without the bowl, it reminds me alot of Ponyo >.<