Realism!
For this challenge, we're going to try something new and strive for realism! Create a recognizable, present-day object (any inanimate object) and make it as real looking as possible!
1) Show progress! This proves that you have worked on the challenge during the challenge timeframe! Because realism is the goal, modeling, shaders and lighting are all important to achieving the look!
2) Label your thread thusly:
Nov/Dec - Norm or Noob - Your name
Choose to classify yourself as a Normal or Noobie class entry. Whichever class you choose is the class your final submitted entry will compete against! A winner will be chosen from both classes.
3) Mods and Admins can enter, but are inelligible to win. If a mod chooses to participate, choose "Mod" class rather than Norm or Noob.
4) Applicable 3D programs are: Lightwave, Maya, 3DS Max, and Zbrush. Until we get a unified challenge forum, please post in the applicable Simply site.
5) All work must be done by the participant. All work must be done within the confines of the challenge dates and not before.
6) Try not to attach images to the forum that are larger than 640x480. Feel free to host larger images yourself.
7) Only one (1) entry per applicant. You can work on as many as you'd like but keep it all in one thread. Choose the one you want to enter as your final.
8) Final entries must be posted into a Final Entry thread that a mod will create in the last couple weeks of the challenge.
The due date of the challenge is approx. 7am Jan. 1st, USA Central time. Get it in before to make sure!
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Normal Grand Prize - $400 US!
*Because of difficulties shipping the previous grand prizes to certain countries, we've chosen to go for a monetary prize so that the winner can then purchase something cool for himself through his/her own local channels.
Newbie Grand Prize - Two Simply DVDs of his/her choice!
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A couple notes:
If you choose to do something like... a cereal box, and you map your perfectly shaped cube just right... sorry, I don't think that's going to cut it.

An environment is not required, but it can help with things like reflections and so on, so you might consider a simple environment as well. The object itself is the main judging point, though.
Good luck, and I hope everyone learns something!
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Ask any questions here! Make sure you check this thread periodicly for rule updates as we work out the details!