Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

When I was in high school, I used to do hurdles on the track team- One time in a race, my foot caught on a hurdle and I fell on my face. I tried to get up with dignity and continue, and then I tripped and fell on my face a second time on the next hurdle. Everyone in the stands was just staring at me, not sure whether to roll over laughing or feel bad. Needless to say, it was probably the most awkward situation I've ever been in. Falling during a race is never fun :P

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

RamyB, I don't hate your work, but really? This is totally jumping the shark.

Just saying.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

*Checks calendar to make sure it's not April 1st*

You have got to be kidding me.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

I wish I could say I'm surprised to see an "awkward turtle" entry from you :/.

Mavyn wrote:Ramby, I don't hate your work, but really? This is totally jumping the shark.

Just saying.

Only now jumping the shark?

ramyb wrote:When I was in high school, I used to do hurdles on the track team- One time in a race, my foot caught on a hurdle and I fell on my face. I tried to get up with dignity and continue, and then I tripped and fell on my face a second time on the next hurdle. Everyone in the stands was just staring at me, not sure whether to roll over laughing or feel bad. Needless to say, it was probably the most awkward situation I've ever been in. Falling during a race is never fun :P

It's not clear that he fell.

I think you might want to take a week or 2 off to regroup.

curli76 wrote:It's not clear that he fell.

I think you might want to take a week or 2 off to regroup.

Plus, considering how small the turtle's legs are, I find it highly unlikely it'd get stuck on it'd be able to be stuck on its back.

Why am I trying to apply logic to this...

Mavyn wrote:Ramby, I don't hate your work, but really? This is totally jumping the shark.

Just saying.

lol ... but where do all the votes come from?!?! I don't get it. How many ramyb turtle shirts can one own?

You gotta give him credit for constantly delivering what the turtle-loving masses want though. I, fortunately, am not a turtle-loving mass.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

Without your story to give an explanation of where you were going with this I don't see why its awkward. I think if you wanted to pull this off you should have used the rabbit as the one that tripped. It would make more sense to carry your explanation for inspiration. Unless you just wanted to use a turtle...

Since Coffeybean's old derby entry was brought up last week it was fresh on my mind, and all I can say is... That background looks vaguely familiar.

The rabbit also looks familiar.
So. Does. The. Turtle.

If you're going to be making the kind of money you're making with these contests, it would be nice to see some variation in the designs. At least then we'd know you're trying and not just recycling assets. Disappointing. Just disappointing.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

The awkwardness is not evident, please try again.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

This shirt strikes me as a little meta. The moral of the original story was that slow and steady wins the race. And yet, in your version, slow and steady loses to fast and furry.

Interesting coming from a guy who is almost always the first to post his design, often at the expense of little details. This isn't necessarily a criticism, just an observation.

ambergreen wrote:Only now jumping the shark?

I didn't say it was the first time.

That would be silly.

Sorry, Ramy, but... meh.

The bunnies and turtles are way overplayed.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

How is this an 'embarrassing moment?' I thought the turtle was supposed to lose the race anyway. Shouldn't it be the other way around?

How is this awkward? I don't see anything on theme with the derby. It's unfortunate, but far from awkward

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

As soon as I saw that neither rabbits nor turtles were banned, I predicted this entry. Yawn.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

haha, j5 called it in the pre-derby thread.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

Ok, so I've been around for the last few Derby's and couldn't understand why everyone was hating on Ramyb all the time... And now I see... It really isn't fair for Ramyb to be getting all this money from Woot because the designs are quite similar. However, there is no reason to hate on the designs themselves since separately, in my opinion, most are quite good. I find them highly adorable and I happen to be a fan of Bunnies (and sometimes Turtles). I honestly do think that they should make a Ramyb section though. Or maybe make a separate section in the Derby for people who either consistently place (have a following) or who submit multiple works per Derby. Idk, just my thoughts, because like I said, I do enjoy the designs. And, yeah, GMV.
Also, for the awkwardness factor... Everyone knows the tale, and the turtle is meant to win. Ever think THAT is the point? I would assume it would be quite awkward to be expected to win and then pull an EPIC FAIL while everyone is watching...

bluetuba wrote:haha, j5 called it in the pre-derby thread.

And you called grim reaper.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

Ramby while I do agree that your themes, like this one, are some times a no brainer idea. I love your work and this is a cute interpertation of the turtle and the hair. I would like to point out though that you could of used a differnt set of animals. Giraffe and a warthog, or a stick bug and a bettle, walking fish and flying fish, armadillo and road runner. They don't have the prestige of the classical pairings of "tutle and the hare", "cat and dog", "bird/fish and cat", "fox and hound", "rat and weasal", "chicken and cow" etc. However they do make you think and they are differnt. While the traditional pairs are "Oh thats ...." which may put a smile on your face but won't be a wow thats funny I need to tell .... about it.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

The big problem I have is the multiple entries- and none of them showing us anything different. Why not spend some time on ONE new and on-theme entry instead of submitting the same old tired and over-used "designs"? Just seems like intentional pandering...again.

j5 wrote:The awkwardness is not evident, please try again.

It's a terribly awkward moment...like having your boozy uncle show up drunk at your wedding: inevitable and embarrassing.

Oh, you mean the theme of the design and not the presence of the said design?

I agree with you there...if there's a race, why are they both wearing medals? Ah, heck, it's not worth trying to critique...

invisiblecrazy wrote:It's a terribly awkward moment...like having your boozy uncle show up drunk at your wedding: inevitable and embarrassing.

Oh, you mean the theme of the design and not the presence of the said design?

I agree with you there...if there's a race, why are they both wearing medals? Ah, heck, it's not worth trying to critique...

My message was the double facepalm (which appears to have been modded out), the text was added for the obligatory critique for thread comments.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

Possibly one of your worst designs. How about some originality and not rehashing old designs to make a quick buck?

This probably took you all of what, an hour, to put together?

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

This is in the fog? Really?

Hmmm... the Ramy minions are obviously voting, I wonder why they're not posting their usual fawning defenses of his incredible talent. I have a confession: I think I'm addicted to the trash-talk comments that invariably follow Ramy entries @_@. I know, I know, it's really sick! I hate it when some bland Ramy cookie-cutter design knocks an original and witty design out of the fog, I really do... but reading the comments when it happens is so much fun!

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

If this design wins, why should anyone else even bother entering derbies anymore?

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

Woah is this your first drawing of the whole rabbit and the hare race? Because it's really good.

-_-

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

I get it. It's awkward because he put the bunny and the turtle in the shirt and it's like a black hole of creativity. It's totally meta.

...right?

palookaboy wrote:I get it. It's awkward because he put the bunny and the turtle in the shirt and it's like a black hole of creativity. It's totally meta.

...right?

This shirt is so meta.

It's designed for us Ramy critics so that we can buy this one, wear it, and be criticised for wearing a Ramy shirt.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

It must really suck to hate an artist so much and yet have him consistently win, be in the fog or frolic just on the edge of it. How about you shut it, make a better design and push Ram out? Good god, every week I look at the field in these derbies and guess what; Ram's designs are clean, humorous if not over played, and what we expect from him. I don't know if there is a more beat on designer on this site.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

The problem I am seeing here is that this design is not awkward in anything but the title.
A turtle on its shell is not awkward, just sad, it’s cute, but it’s not funny enough to be in the top slot.

infinity13 wrote:... Ram's designs are clean, humorous if not over played, and what we expect from him.

I underlined the portion most applicable here.

Anyone who's been around the block here knows of his past. But expecting this from him is also promoting him to fall back to the past also.

I don't mind supporting Ramy these days IF I see him progressing outside his "comfort zone", doing different designs and styles, and learning from past mistakes. But to see him back to the turbunguins and grim reaper, and still missing some of the viewer perspectives that other artists have pointed out about his past work ... that I can't support. 10 steps forward ... 8 steps back.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

If you don't like Ramyb's designs, then make a better one yourself. As far as i can see, Ramyb's still getting votes so why stop? If something different is what people wanted, then there wouldn't be so many vates for Ramyb's designs. It's called capitalism people.

stephenjordan wrote:If you don't like Ramyb's designs, then make a better one yourself. As far as i can see, Ramyb's still getting votes so why stop? If something different is what people wanted, then there wouldn't be so many vates for Ramyb's designs. It's called capitalism people.

But there's also a ton of votes going to other designs. o.o
Sometimes a big fan base does lead to a lot of votes, despite the subject matter.

It's like having Pokemon be made up of only three different kinds, then recycling those species throughout all of their games. :c That wouldn't be fun, no?

crazydoglady wrote:This is in the fog? Really?

Hmmm... the Ramy minions are obviously voting, I wonder why they're not posting their usual fawning defenses of his incredible talent. I have a confession: I think I'm addicted to the trash-talk comments that invariably follow Ramy entries @_@. I know, I know, it's really sick! I hate it when some bland Ramy cookie-cutter design knocks an original and witty design out of the fog, I really do... but reading the comments when it happens is so much fun!

There really aren't many (if ANY) "original and witty" designs in this derby though...

stephenjordan wrote:If you don't like Ramyb's designs, then make a better one yourself. As far as i can see, Ramyb's still getting votes so why stop? If something different is what people wanted, then there wouldn't be so many vates for Ramyb's designs. It's called capitalism people.

Yes, capitalism - which means that Ramy makes a profit from his designs. Which he does. But capitalism and free speech are not mutually exclusive so while Ramy exercises his right to profit from his designs, I will exercise my right to voice my disapproval when I don't like them. Thanks for your post, though - you guys always tickle me!

Dear me, the anger and hate that exist in this world. I think people here might be getting the wrong idea. This is a funny idea and it made me laugh. He is using cute characters that he is good at drawing to express a unique idea. Why shouldn't he use a turtle and bunny (in this case a hare I suppose) if he is good at drawing them and they fit with the theme of the shirt. Seems like a win win situation to me. Good job RamyB.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

Ramy - turtles and bunnies are not my thing but apparently they sell, so go for it. But I keep looking at this design and... what is the bunny's expression supposed to be? I'm getting either angry or evil, neither of which contributes to the design. In fact I've noticed that overall your repertoire of facial expressions is pretty basic; you could add a whole new level to your designs if you worked on facial expressions (if you don't believe it, read the comments on the designs getting lots of votes: "love his expression" "that expression is priceless" etc.)

When I was in school I worked with emotionally disturbed kids and we used a facial expressions chart to help them express their feelings - the "faces" were just circles with lines and dots, but there were about 30 different expressions. I just did a search and there are similar charts available online... why don't you check it out? 'Cuz you're clearly not going anywhere, which means I will continue to see reiterations of your turbunguins on a regular basis - could you just change up the expressions a little?

crazydoglady wrote:Ramy - turtles and bunnies are not my thing but apparently they sell, so go for it. But I keep looking at this design and... what is the bunny's expression supposed to be? I'm getting either angry or evil, neither of which contributes to the design. In fact I've noticed that overall your repertoire of facial expressions is pretty basic; you could add a whole new level to your designs if you worked on facial expressions (if you don't believe it, read the comments on the designs getting lots of votes: "love his expression" "that expression is priceless" etc.)

When I was in school I worked with emotionally disturbed kids and we used a facial expressions chart to help them express their feelings - the "faces" were just circles with lines and dots, but there were about 30 different expressions. I just did a search and there are similar charts available online... why don't you check it out? 'Cuz you're clearly not going anywhere, which means I will continue to see reiterations of your turbunguins on a regular basis - could you just change up the expressions a little?

I'm getting kind of a "Ha ha!" *finger point* mocking vibe. I own more than my fair share of RamyB shirts. I agree that the expressions offer an opportunity for improvement.

rachina wrote:He is using cute characters that he is good at drawing to express a unique idea.

Yes. Something playing off of a children's story, and a meme someone else created is very unique. The fact that he's been using the same flipping turtle over and OVER AND OVER make it even more unique! :D

stephenjordan wrote:If something different is what people wanted, then there wouldn't be so many vates for Ramyb's designs. It's called capitalism people.

From THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT:
Lewis: In the absence of genuine leadership, they'll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. They want leadership. They're so thirsty for it they'll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there's no water, they'll drink the sand.

President Andrew Shepherd: Lewis, we've had presidents who were beloved, who couldn't find a coherent sentence with two hands and a flashlight. People don't drink the sand because they're thirsty. They drink the sand because they don't know the difference.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race
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Wow, this so reminds me of the Wong Fu awkward plushies... Awkward turtle (except those have better expressions)

I've noticed that very few of the serious, worked-on Ramy designs actually win (not that there's many of those). Sure he might get a few encouraging comments from the otherwise bashing crowd and from some of the better artists around here, but not the votes of the masses. So whenever he does the ugly-silly-bunny he spends 2h on it and gets serious dough, and when he works hard(er) and puts a little soul into it he doesn't get anything. I have to say I understand. I don't agree, but I understand.

SJulian1 wrote:Yes. Something playing off of a children's story, and a meme someone else created is very unique. The fact that he's been using the same flipping turtle over and OVER AND OVER make it even more unique! :D

Why, yes. He certainly has put a twist on a children's story. What of it? What is portrayed in the picture is a completely different plot-line to how the story is meant to end. Therefore it is awkward and embarrassing and fits well with the theme. Also, what is wrong with using the turtle if the actual, real character in the story is a tortoise. (anyway, turtle...tortoise, same difference) I really don't see what's wrong with the design.

coolestghoul wrote:lol ... but where do all the votes come from?!?! I don't get it. How many ramyb turtle shirts can one own?

You gotta give him credit for constantly delivering what the turtle-loving masses want though. I, fortunately, am not a turtle-loving mass.

yeah no offense this is a great design like many others but i do not see how it got so much more votes than other a lot wittier and successful in design shirts. friends and fans votes?

stephenjordan wrote:If you don't like Ramyb's designs, then make a better one yourself. As far as i can see, Ramyb's still getting votes so why stop? If something different is what people wanted, then there wouldn't be so many vates for Ramyb's designs. It's called capitalism people.

OCCUPY SHIRT.WOOT STREET! PROTEST THE 1%'s CUTESY GARBAGE! WHAT DO WE WANT? CREATIVITY! WHEN DO WE WANT IT? THIS DERBY!

...But seriously, this design is stunningly unoriginal - even for ramyb.

rachina wrote:Dear me, the anger and hate that exist in this world. I think people here might be getting the wrong idea. This is a funny idea and it made me laugh. He is using cute characters that he is good at drawing to express a unique idea. Why shouldn't he use a turtle and bunny (in this case a hare I suppose) if he is good at drawing them and they fit with the theme of the shirt. Seems like a win win situation to me. Good job RamyB.

He could at least make an attempt to be mildly original by doing something so bold as to make the rabbit brown this time, instead of the typical VacantEyedWhiteRamyBunny. The "harebbit" isn't even really looking like he's making fun of the turtle who somehow ended upside-down...he's pointing with a clubby arm with a Nelson-from-the-Simpson's expression and angry eyebrows.

I'm not saying this is off-topic. I'm not saying there are more on-topic/highly creative and original shirts this week. I'm critiquing this one design because it deserves to be scrutinized since the designer's style is so recognizable and his name so well known. Artists shouldn't win repeatedly on name alone; they should be subject to the same voting standards as the designers who have only subbed once or twice and have never had a print. It's like people who buy Apple products because it says Apple on it, instead of buying it because it is the best quality mp3 player/phone/tablet/computer/gadget with all the features you want. Clearly I'm wasting my breath though because Wooters seem to like rehashes of old, tired designs that are running on the fumes of what at one time was maybe a cute and unique idea. But after weeks of seeing the same characters in the same poses with the same expressions and the same message of "LOL! ISN'T WHAT I MADE SO CUTE?!", I'm just tired of it.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

Aww. I hope somebody helped the turtle up afterwards. I remember when we had tortoises, they would get flipped by the dog sometimes and stuck floundering until someone noticed. That rabbit is a jerk.

trisia wrote:I've noticed that very few of the serious, worked-on Ramy designs actually win (not that there's many of those). Sure he might get a few encouraging comments from the otherwise bashing crowd and from some of the better artists around here, but not the votes of the masses. So whenever he does the ugly-silly-bunny he spends 2h on it and gets serious dough, and when he works hard(er) and puts a little soul into it he doesn't get anything. I have to say I understand. I don't agree, but I understand.

This. It's not always the case, but it does happen quite a bit. Observant and well-stated, trisia.

bluetuba wrote:haha, j5 called it in the pre-derby thread.

j5 might be a witch ;)

missmelis wrote:This. It's not always the case, but it does happen quite a bit. Observant and well-stated, trisia.

Let's go to the tape:



Overall, not statistically Chibi, I'd say.

invisiblecrazy wrote:
I agree with you there...if there's a race, why are they both wearing medals? Ah, heck, it's not worth trying to critique...

Because one is a gold medal, and the other is a silver medal for first and second place respectively.

I usually like ramyb designs, and although this one is cute, I was extremely deterred by the fact that when I first saw it, I immediately thought of his argyle hipster turtle.

Way too similar for my tastes.

infinity13 wrote:It must really suck to hate an artist so much and yet have him consistently win, be in the fog or frolic just on the edge of it. How about you shut it, make a better design and push Ram out? Good god, every week I look at the field in these derbies and guess what; Ram's designs are clean, humorous if not over played, and what we expect from him. I don't know if there is a more beat on designer on this site.

I don't see it as hate of ramyb (in most cases), but more as artist frustration. Every week there are many designs exhibiting far more skilled draftsmanship, far better color sense, far more thought, wit, and heart, and even, at times, more cuteness (ex. walmazan, of whom I'm an unabashed fan). Perhaps ramyb's designs simply meet a happy, comfortable median between those variables, but just because his designs are more popular, that does not make them "better" than true excellence in the derby. That would be like saying McDonald's makes better food than a 5-star restaurant, or that Ke$ha is a better singer than... well, anybody, I guess. I can't speak for all the other voters/artists on this site, but my point is that ramyb should continue to design and submit whatever he likes, and I hope he continues to do so. I just wish that we as a community strove to ingest more filet mignons than Big Macs.

drewpac18 wrote:I don't see it as hate of ramyb (in most cases), but more as artist frustration. Every week there are many designs exhibiting far more skilled draftsmanship, far better color sense, far more thought, wit, and heart, and even, at times, more cuteness (ex. walmazan, of whom I'm an unabashed fan). Perhaps ramyb's designs simply meet a happy, comfortable median between those variables, but just because his designs are more popular, that does not make them "better" than true excellence in the derby. That would be like saying McDonald's makes better food than a 5-star restaurant, or that Ke$ha is a better singer than... well, anybody, I guess. I can't speak for all the other voters/artists on this site, but my point is that ramyb should continue to design and submit whatever he likes, and I hope he continues to do so. I just wish that we as a community strove to ingest more filet mignons than Big Macs.

MMMMMMMM...I do love me some filet mignon.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

Since my carefully crafted data mining operation was removed, I encourage fans and otherwise to do their own to avoid uninformed speculating. Shirt.What is a great resource for derby stats.

rachina wrote:Why, yes. He certainly has put a twist on a children's story. What of it? What is portrayed in the picture is a completely different plot-line to how the story is meant to end. Therefore it is awkward and embarrassing and fits well with the theme. Also, what is wrong with using the turtle if the actual, real character in the story is a tortoise. (anyway, turtle...tortoise, same difference) I really don't see what's wrong with the design.

Oh what? You thought I was being sarcastic? No way! I love Ramyb's designs! <3 The more cute furry little creatures being shoved down my throat, the better

SJulian1 wrote:The more cute furry little creatures being shoved down my throat, the better

I wonder what would pair best with tha... wait, wrong subsite, carry on.

j5 wrote:Since my carefully crafted data mining operation was removed, I encourage fans and otherwise to do their own to avoid uninformed speculating. Shirt.What is a great resource for derby stats.

Shoot, I'm really sorry I missed that.

I'm [supposed to be] working so I have to apologise for not taking the time to do more than skim through the link (I did have a better look at ramy's stats some weeks ago, or so I thought).

I wasn't complaining about the chibiness necessarily. It's the look-at-the-page-and-spot-the-ramyb-design-a-mile-away thing. Of course, I'm not an artist, nor an art critic. I can only say what I think reeks of laziness and what looks to me like he tried. The winning designs I think are mostly lazy (it's all in the details) or chibi or both. I'll spare you the detailed description of what I think stinks in each shirt.

Still, I was surprised when his game controller submission (somewhat planned and not cutesy) got 117 votes while overly awkward-looking drawings like the zebra dance and teacher darth vader garnered around 600 and 800 respectively.

Maybe if you count the stats I'm wrong. I do still get the feeling that he is constantly encouraged by voters to go for the facile, be it cutesy and/or gory.

trisia wrote:valid points.
.
.
Maybe if you count the stats I'm wrong. I do still get the feeling that he is constantly encouraged by voters to go for the facile, be it cutesy and/or gory.

point.

my shirtwhat link was for turtle lovers.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

The art is amazing and I'd love to see something similar in another derby, but it doesn't scream "awkward" to me.

dagenix wrote:The art is amazing and I'd love to see something similar in another derby, but it doesn't scream "awkward" to me.

Stick around for like a week. That shouldn't be a hard wish to fulfill.

Re: Awkward turtle loses the race

...o...k...

It would seem I'm not the only one who finds this design out-of-place. There are a few things I don't understand:

What is "awkward" about being a silver-medalist?
How did the turtle finish the race on its back?
Is the designer the boss's kid or something? Why does this have 300+ votes?

I don't see anything "awkward" about this design, and adding "awkward" to the title doesn't make it awkward. A design on a t-shirt (especially a humorous one) should be able to stand alone without lengthy explanation by the wearer.

captainassassin wrote:

What is "awkward" about being a silver-medalist?
How did the turtle finish the race on its back?
Is the designer the boss's kid or something? Why does this have 300+ votes?

I don't see anything "awkward" about this design, and adding "awkward" to the title doesn't make it awkward. A design on a t-shirt (especially a humorous one) should be able to stand alone without lengthy explanation by the wearer.

There is nothing awkward with being a silver medal, the silver medal isn't the awkward part of this. It's to show that the turtle lost to the hare, a small touch that adds overall, like in Diana's entry how she has the little ghost flying away from the owl.

It has 300+ votes because while some people are tired of Ramyb's turtles and bunnies, they are still cute and well done so others don't mind in the least. Not to mention is isn't just vote for one, which means people that vote for Ramyb can also vote for others. 300 people decided they liked the shirt in general, not exclusively.

The awkward part of this shirt is that turtles that are flipped over have a hard time getting back on their feet. That's the point. It also correlates to Ramyb's little story relating to it about him tripping over the hurdles multiple times.

coolestghoul wrote:lol ... but where do all the votes come from?!?! I don't get it. How many ramyb turtle shirts can one own?

That was a very long-winded explanation for a t-shirt design. Like I said before, the design should be self-explanatory. This one isn't...