Linktober has come and gone yet again, and we’ve once again collaborated with the kind folks who run the program to host a Linktober contest! So many talented artists submitted their beautiful pieces to our DeviantArt Gallery for the raffle and once again I am blown away by the amount of talent that each artist exhibits! Our gallery now has 100 members and I’m so excited to see the art they share the rest of the year with us, and we’ll be certain to share them with you!
From beginners to veterans, Linktober artists had four different calendars filled with prompts to choose from, and they clearly displayed their love for art and The Legend of Zelda. Here are some of the amazing entries we’ve received in our DeviantArt Gallery for Linktober as well as the winner of our raffle featured at the end! It’s always so difficult to choose from so many wonderful pieces, so I highly recommend giving the gallery a look after checking these out!
Prompt 1: “Witch” by QuietMask
QuietMask had a plethora of amazing pieces for this year’s Linktober, but the first caught my attention immediately. Each character has such expression and detail, the titular witch herself in particular stuck out to me. The interactions between the three characters are so immersive; you can clearly see a story playing out in this piece and I’m curious to know more!
You can also follow QuietMask on Instagram.
Prompt 3: “Favorite Character” by VirgoTriangulum
It’s clear that Age of Calamity has made Master Kohga a very popular character and VirgoTriangulum has portrayed love for the character in a very stunning piece of art! Even though he’s wearing a mask, Kohga seems just so expressive and playful— even though he’s clearly armed with some dangerous tools!
You can also follow VirgoTriangulum on Twitter.
Prompt 3 & 4: “Favorite Character” and “Boss” by RottenCandyApple
RottenCandyApple’s clean and minimal style stuck out to me the instant I saw it, but this piece just blows me away. It is a simple portrait that conveys so much: just that side gaze that Puppet Zelda gives the viewer is enough to send shivers down one’s spine!
You can also follow RottenCandyApples on Twitter and Instagram.
Prompt 4: “Boss” by ShootingStarBea
ShootingStarBea draws a scene with the first big boss of The Minish Cap, the Chuchu. Of course, some only call it menacing because Link is shrunken down to the size of a Picori, but look at that face! It’s both goofy and threatening as it wriggles along, stalking Link as he does his best to fight back. This artwork captures the thrill of that fight just wonderfully!
You can also find ShootingStarBea on Twitter and Instagram.
Shadow Prompt 5: “Ghirahim” by n2y88
This is a portrait that I am certain Ghirahim would approve of. He’s both fierce and fabulous, a force to be reckoned with! The purple hue of his powers illuminate the villain’s distorted face in a way that invokes fear. Ghirahim’s true form is absolutely terrifying and n2y88 conveys it so brilliantly!
You can also follow n2y88 on Instagram.
Prompt 6: “Island” by Elvishfangirl
There’s something so beautiful about a simple silhouette, especially being illuminated by the moonlight. The reflections in the water make the landscape even more serene. Elvishfangirl did a wonderful job clearly outlining Outset Island and all of the distinct features that make it easily recognized.
You can also follow Elvishfangirl on Instagram.
Prompt 8: “Goddess” by Nozomichan26
Nozomichan26 has perfectly portrayed Hylia and all of her majesty. The expression on her face is so peaceful, yet confident. The blues against a mainly black-and-white piece highlights the piece elegantly, giving her a radiant, otherworldly appearance.
You can also follow Nozomichan26 on Twitter and Instagram.
Prompt 10: “Outfit” by Parastatic
Four Sword Adventures Zelda is a design that I feel is often overlooked and I appreciate that Parastatic portrays her as she appears in this game. The lack of color from a game that features a variety of multi-colored Links was a powerful choice. The monochromatic color scheme, in addition to her striking pose, add so much dramatic flair, perhaps indicating the tension of the looming Vaati.
Prompt 17: “Fairy” by t00n-bb
This piece by t00n-bb is so cute and wholesome, I can’t help but smile when I look at it. I love the Tinkerbell aesthetic of the art and could easily see one of The Wind Waker’s fairies being entranced by their own reflection like this. It really looks like a piece of official art!
You can also follow t00n-bb on Instagram.
Prompt 22: “Snake/Dragon/Serpent” by PixieZero
I really wish this was what the Skyward Sword dragons looked like in-game because they are just so precious! PixieZero’s very distinct artstyle makes these all-powerful guardians so cute and I just want to keep one in my pocket— though it’s likely that they’re still just as giant as in-game.
You can also follow PixieZero on Instagram.
Prompt 24: “Forest” by OutsetEmporium
The statues found in Twilight Princess‘s Sacred Grove have such a powerful presence, even when remaining completely still as they wait for the hero to arrive. OutsetEmporium perfectly exemplifies that authoritative stance, while also including soft details such as the birds perched atop the immobile statues. The subtle rays of sun help us see that they are not to be feared.
You can also follow OutsetEmporium on Twitter, Instagram, and Etsy.
Linktober Contest Winner 2021: Yamischan
And last, but certainly not least, are a few select pieces from Yamischan, this year’s winner for the Linktober Raffle!
Shadow Prompt 8: “Yiga”
Shadow Prompt 10: “Poe/Spirit”
Shadow Prompt 22: “Mask”
Ever since last year’s Linktober contest, I have been following Yamischan and love to watch this artist grow. What stood out to me most about this artist’s pieces is the use of blacklight to reveal hidden images throughout the work. It’s especially effective since Yamischan chose to follow the Shadow Linktober Calendar this year!
As previously stated, these were just a few of the many, many submissions we’ve received for the contest. This really is a favorite time of year of mine because of how much creativity is displayed through all sorts of mediums! I would again recommend that everyone give our full gallery a look as there are so many talented Zelda fans with an array of wonderful Linktober art to share! Thank you to those who participated, and we’ll see you next year!
