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It's February 2024! Welcome To A New Month

February 1, 2024 at 12:00 AM

Welcome to February!

The year 2024 is already in full motion! Welcome to February... the month that's typically all about pink and love at Egg Cave!

Cash Shop Monthlies

Please welcome these brand-new Cash Shop creatures—the Lovour and the Empercora.

A big thank you to @dragrawr for the Lovour and @ida92 for the Empercora. The first of their kind have been added to your accounts for free with the Creator's Mark.

Cave Monthlies

There are new creatures in the Cave this month, too. Say hello to the Candyfin and Bunvun.

These two lovely creatures come to you courtesy of @redflipflap and @senkou, respectively. The first of their kind have been added to your accounts for free with the Creator's Mark, too!

Chocotravaganza Exchange Returns Soon

The Chocotravaganza Exchange returns this month on February 14. Stay tuned!

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February's Unvaulted Creatures

February brings back these legendary creatures... this is the Valgrun and Luvlei. Welcome back, you two! They're each 1000 CC.

Limited stock is now available. Act quickly!

Comments: 133

senkou • 1 Feb 2024, 8:18 AM

and if they feel like the concept needs to be changed this much i'd honestly rather not getting chosen in the first place.

shirothekittehlover • 1 Feb 2024, 8:19 AM

@sparklefox Not being rude, but isn't the entire point of the Bunvun just an tribute to an individual pet put into a species? You're saying as if there wasn't any thought to it in the first place...

senkou • 1 Feb 2024, 8:36 AM

@daisycat LOL how did you see a squirrel face from a random flower x) that gave me a good giggle, thanks for making my night with that drawing x)

prairie • 1 Feb 2024, 8:54 AM

Unpopular Opinion: I get being upset your [/i]suggestion[/i] was changed; but honestly?? Suggestions are suggestions, and a suggestion is not meant to be a carbon copy. Trust me; I've been there. BUT. honestly we are back to the topic 'if you don't like it: do it yourself'.

prairie • 1 Feb 2024, 8:54 AM

Lets put it this way: lowkey? you're getting free art. I think some people got used to the other artist sometimes rendering out the original concept art almost 1:1 and heavily refing OG, and expect that. That's cool, but don't expect that to happen it its not that artist.

prairie • 1 Feb 2024, 8:54 AM

If you're super attached to the way you posed your suggestion and the designs you incorporated; perhaps observe the way the artists rotate and attempt to line your suggestion up to the month they might be drawing. BUT FOR THE LOVE- do not expect it to be copied all the time.

nut • 1 Feb 2024, 9:02 AM

+1 prairie, i don’t think its really the artist’s job to follow “instructions” on how to create creatures

shrimp • 1 Feb 2024, 9:03 AM

@Prarie I dont think anyones upset about the design not being a 1:1 exact copy, but rather that specific notes were not copied, like the white on the Empercora, or the actual selling point or idea of the Bunvun being small, which more than just Senkou wanted that.

shrimp • 1 Feb 2024, 9:03 AM

And also : Its not really “free art”? Since eggcave now hold ownership of the design, so not only were their designs misinterpreted and not followed, now they have no property to it for future use, aside from what would be considered “fanart”. 2/2

pastelrabbit • 1 Feb 2024, 9:07 AM

I’m honestly not sure how to feel about this situation, as honestly, I see both sides as having valid opinions, however it’s really sad to see another controversy occur again- T-T

sandara • 1 Feb 2024, 9:17 AM

@pastelrabbit Me too, I was hesitant to comment about it, I do feel like they could follow more the player's suggestions, but at the same time, I understand that they change designs to fit their choices of the month 😕

prairie • 1 Feb 2024, 9:17 AM

The artists often are not actually people who *play* Eggcave; so notes such as: 'like shaibun' are often confusing. That's the way it is in the art world; artists are outsourced. When they're given a topic to draw, they do their best interpretation of it in their artstyle.

prairie • 1 Feb 2024, 9:17 AM

They draw the way they are comfy. They got hired because Ian saw their artstyle and said "that fits what I want for this site". So yeah, sometimes sadly, you're concept art might not bake it detail for detail to final.

prairie • 1 Feb 2024, 9:18 AM

Also "[eggcaves] designs [being] misinterpreted". Again. Concept. Art. Look at the Trolls concept art. Some details are kept, some aren't. When you make a suggestion: think of it like the first draft of concept art. Where your concept are lies in the 'final' is up to the artist.

shirothekittehlover • 1 Feb 2024, 9:20 AM

@prairie You do have a good point, but Ian or some other staff member could've told the artists that some notes are really important to the suggester's original idea, especially if said idea is literally just the suggester's pet in Ark creature form...

shirothekittehlover • 1 Feb 2024, 9:22 AM

Like, imagine if you commissioned someone to draw you, whether it be your persona or just you irl, and they made someone that is not you instead- Wouldn't you be very disappointed at that one?

shirothekittehlover • 1 Feb 2024, 9:23 AM

My analogy is not great ik, but the feeling is similar to that

prairie • 1 Feb 2024, 9:28 AM

I do not pretend to know how much feedback Ian gives to these artists when they give him the work in progresses or finals, but I don't think he has your suggestion notes on the side to see that its followed. He clears the final. I don't think edits are asked for much.

prairie • 1 Feb 2024, 9:28 AM

@shirothekittehlover Bluntly. Ian doesn't provide your notes. He provides the image of your suggestion. Which yes; has notes. But again, if they aren't followed, and Ian doesn't ask for edits (often artists have additional fees for edits) - that won't matter.

prairie • 1 Feb 2024, 9:28 AM

Also. "imagine if you commissioned someone to draw you" - its not you getting the commission. you aren't part of the commission. Ian is the commissioner. When Ian clears it; the commissioner. Is happy.

redflipflap • 1 Feb 2024, 9:30 AM

@shirothekittehlover I get where you’re coming from about that bc my Sunniflat design was very different than the concept art, but that’s kinda the name of the game. There’s no promise to keep notes/exact design details

aardbeix3 • 1 Feb 2024, 9:45 AM

@ida92 aaaahhh omg congraaats! ❤️ you deserve it dear! ❤️ And also big congrats to @dragrawr, @redflipflap and @senkou ! ❤️ Love them all!! You're all so talented 😱 !

redflipflap • 1 Feb 2024, 9:56 AM

@aardbeix3 thank you so much!! And congrats to my fellow Eggcave users for your designs being brought to life!!! ♡ proud of y’all

crowvict • 1 Feb 2024, 10:10 AM

I'm in agreement with prairie on this one. When you submit a creature suggestion, it is just that a suggestion. Hate to be that person but it's best not to do anything super sentimental knowing it has the possibility of being changed.

crowvict • 1 Feb 2024, 10:10 AM

Also to note not every artist has the ability to make "tiny" creatures look good. They are essentially working on half the canvas size than normal. It's not as simple as resizing to be smaller either as things will get distorted or look wonky.

crowvict • 1 Feb 2024, 10:10 AM

I won't claim to know how every artist works but this is coming from a pixel artist who often works on the small scale.

luv • 1 Feb 2024, 10:17 AM

My take on this, and I hope no one takes offense, is that we do have to remember that while Ian is the final commissioner, creature suggestions are free concept & design art that the original idea generator does NOT get compensated for, that generate massive revenue for EC. (1/3)

luv • 1 Feb 2024, 10:18 AM

This is a site that brings in a lot of money through the cash shop and doesn't have many opportunities for our idea creators to engage with their creatures if they're a CSP without purchasing more than one. And that's fine, it's the nature of the site. (2/3)

luv • 1 Feb 2024, 10:19 AM

But I can also see getting upset that your free idea/art you provided out of love for the site was interpreted "wrong" in your opinion. On the flipside, though, it's also a tricky thing to attempt to solve, because you never know what might be the most important notes to someone.

shirothekittehlover • 1 Feb 2024, 10:28 AM

Again, not being rude, but the Bunvun is literally a living tribute to an individual. Sure yeah, the artist can put their own touch on the design or whatever, but as it's a tribute, it has to be as accurate as possible...

shirothekittehlover • 1 Feb 2024, 10:30 AM

(No hate to Ian, but he could've just told the artist that the Bunvun is a tribute to the suggester's beloved in the first place-)

Orderedchaos • 1 Feb 2024, 10:35 AM

If someone wants to have memorial art of a beloved pet, perhaps they should commission it themself and thus have much greater control over the final product. If it means that much you probably shouldn't give up that control to an outside person who is actually paying for the art.

luv • 1 Feb 2024, 10:37 AM

@Orderedchaos Respectfully, this comment feels very tone-deaf to the fact that this community seems upset right now. I can understand the frustration that must come from moderating through debates like these, but ALL of us are "actually paying for the art" in the long run (1/2)

prairie • 1 Feb 2024, 10:38 AM

@shirothekittehlover If its a memorial creature, honestly players should reconsider. You are not commissioning the artist, it does not have to fit suggester standards, only Ian's. Ian is not your mouthpiece to the artists, as much as you might want him to be.

luv • 1 Feb 2024, 10:38 AM

@Orderedchaos (2/2) in the case of CSPs, which, yes, the Bunvun is not, but many creator suggestions are. Either way, I don't think it's unreasonable for people to have feedback or be disappointed, and I also don't think this is a proper response to people's emotional reactions.

redflipflap • 1 Feb 2024, 10:40 AM

@luv feedback is fine, but imo it feels like it’s kinda crossed the line of feedback versus demands ;-; honestly I don’t think that Eggcave is the place for Memorial creatures bc of how sentimental it is to the creator, and not anyone else, if that makes sense

prairie • 1 Feb 2024, 10:41 AM

I will be honest; I have thought of doing the same with my late dog. But; because I am aware and observed the artist's styles, I don't want to submit it to be considered unless I THINK a specific artist will be the one to handle it. but even then, there are no guarantees.

luv • 1 Feb 2024, 10:43 AM

@redflipflap I can understand that too, and I'm not trying to throw support necessarily in one way or another - I know this is hard for everyone to figure out how to navigate. I just think the phrasing of that response could be a bit kinder in regards to the fact that (1/2)

luv • 1 Feb 2024, 10:44 AM

(2/2) the people who contributed to these creatures do so for free on their own time, and are likely paying, contributing members of the Eggcave economy. Their concerns don't need to be dismissed so sharply as just "not paying", when in reality, most active players do.

redflipflap • 1 Feb 2024, 10:46 AM

@luv no I get that, I really do. I was disappointed that the Sunniflat wasn’t super similar to my concept art, but unfortunately that’s just the name of the game. All concept art has the risk of being tweaked/adjusted. Even my candyfin art is way different but it’s so good!!

prairie • 1 Feb 2024, 10:47 AM

@luv Sorry. But. "ALL of us are 'actually paying for the art' in the long run." - we have the option to pay EC for creatures. It is a privilege, not a necessity. Ian pays for the art to make it a possibility. WE as USERS are not able tell the artists how to do their job.

prairie • 1 Feb 2024, 10:48 AM

If we were going to tell artists how to do their job; we would be the ones sending them emails with the art request, the theme, and what the deadline is.

senkou • 1 Feb 2024, 10:48 AM

I get what you mean by giving artists their creative freedom but some of you are just mad that i'm not in love with the final?? my suggestion clearly had sentimental value and i tried to make it clear in the topic that i wanted this particular design to look like the

senkou • 1 Feb 2024, 10:49 AM

concept. Usually I wouldn't get this worked up over art but as I made very clear, this had sentimental value. If this was bound to be an issue then why decide on my suggestion, knowing that it would be sensitive if changed?? Obviously won't be suggesting anything again following

senkou • 1 Feb 2024, 10:50 AM

this but you can't have expected me to predict this outcome. All I wanted was a creature that resembled my cat, and I thought I made it clear enough. If these wishes were not able to be fulfilled/respected then there was bound to be disappointment so honestly just don't select it

senkou • 1 Feb 2024, 10:50 AM

in the first place. It was clearly not suitable and a misjudgement on both our ends.

mischu • 1 Feb 2024, 10:54 AM

The Bunvun looks like my kitten ❤️ hope i can grab one from the cave. Absolutely love it.

luv • 1 Feb 2024, 10:56 AM

@prairie And I understand that perspective too! It's one of the reasons that, despite having plenty of ideas, I haven't made a creature suggestion in likely about 12 years. I don't like the idea of losing that creative control over my vision, so I either create art myself (1/3)

luv • 1 Feb 2024, 10:58 AM

@prairie (2/2) or commission. However, I don't think paying for this site is necessarily a "privilege" beyond that not everyone is privileged enough to do so. EC is a business and we are allowed to criticize as its customers. I just dont think that should be dismissed so quickly.

prairie • 1 Feb 2024, 10:59 AM

@senkou I'm in no way mad at you for not liking it. It has a ton of emotional value to you; I'd be the same way if I made one on Prairie. But also; I think you stated the sentimental value in the Topic, not the Art. Artists are not given the topic, only the image.

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