I find the topic very helpful. Here are 2 sprites that I found on my hard drive. I think you can find the rank up effect on the first sprite in the bottom left corner.

Made for a german contest.

I don't want to make you even more sad. So, goodbye Semyon Kirov. Good Luck!

And here is my entry for the paint designer contest in german forum:

I tried several times creating a detailed rig of a tanki hull but not finished yet. shadewartt's artworks are just awesome.

Nice low poly art. That inspirates me.

Tja so ist das Leben XD