Critical Role has long been known for supporting and sharing the creative abilities of their fans. Before each weekly episode, they show a montage of fan art. They have released two art books and have had an art gallery for these works as well. Their weekly talk show that recaps each episode, Talks Machina, for the last couple of years has hosted two contests for fans.
The first has been GIF of the week, rewarding fans who create especially fun GIFs. They also host a weekly fan art contest. Winners for these get prizes ranging from t-shirts, merchandise, or Wyrmwood crafts for tabletop RPGs.
But it was just announced that going forward they will no longer have GIF of the week. Instead, they will use that slot for Cosplay of the week. Giving creative fans a chance to submit and display all of their hard work. Fans are able to submit their work via the Critical Role website for consideration each week.
The first award will be given away this coming Tuesday, May 21st. Fans at conventions and online have been showing off their love for Critical Role for many years now. From painting themselves blue for Jester, donning black cloaks for Vax’ildan, or completing the complex and multi-colored outfit of Mollymauk.
This marks another change in the show since the cast of Critical Role took full creative control during the summer of 2018. Since then, they have added supplemental shows to their Twitch and YouTube channel and discontinued the “After Dark” portion of Talk Machina. Although, there have been hints that “After Dark” will be replaced by a fun new segment soon.
Fan art has gotten much attention from the cast of Critical Role, so it is fun and interesting to see another form of art get center stage. Fans of the show are intensively creative and supportive, and it will be nice each week to see this talent displayed for millions of viewers.
