The offer of artistic help was intriguing, to say the least, and I’m afraid I went into shameless hustle mode in response.
Mon, Feb 8, 2021 at 3:49 PM
Ignatz,
Regarding BPP, I thoroughly understand not having the time or energy to commit to a large project. That's no problem at all. It's something that will see the light of day whenever it does. I wrote it about seventeen years ago, so I'm obviously not in a rush.
Regarding Stardrifter, I'd love to see what you have in mind! 3D art might be quite interesting. Space vessels, star systems, equipment, people in vacsuits, etc. Do you have a copy of the current game rules? I can send that on to you, if you'd like.
Honestly, anything you'd care to take a crack at would be fine. I really appreciate your kindness and enthusiasm.
If there's anything you need from me, don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks so much!
-David
His reply was wholly welcome, and inquisitive, setting the stage for the work to come.
Wed, Feb 10, 2021 at 10:00 AM
David,
I’m thinking that starting with some space vessels would probably be the best. Having said that, I definitely need input from you, the author. This is your universe, these are your stories and I’m sure that you have your own unique ‘picture’ of these things in your head as you write.
Whether or not you consider yourself a graphic artist in any way, shape or form, some initial sketches concerning the space vessel(s) would be very helpful. This doesn’t have to be so very much, even chicken scratch doodling is better than nothing.
So what do I need?
Rough shapes and dimensions would be very useful. What are the types and sizes of the vessels? How large are they in relation to, say, a man? And then to each other?
Are these vessels at all streamlined? Is it important? This would probably be important for a shuttle, but do space-going vessels need to have any atmospheric potentials?
How do you see the layout of the engines, battery banks, power reactors, thrusters, jump units and so forth? Do you see much of this being exterior to the vessels?
What are the (rough) layouts of the weapons units?
Then we have the layout of the bridge vs other units on the craft? Where is it located? Front? Center? Top? Middle? What about ports or (armour) glass? What about sizes and layout of crew quarters? It sounds like you already have some idea of this from the stories I've heard, but precise details are somewhat sketchy.
Entry and exit ports? Hatches?
And then we have the question of color, texture, identification marks and so forth.
Well, the list goes on and on.
Once you have given me a start point I can throw together some initial form ‘ideas’. If these meet with your approval I can then work to refine both shape and detail. Of necessity this process involves a bit of back-and-forth between us until you are pleased with what you see. Once we have achieved an acceptable result we can then decide how to employ that as a graphic to suit your purpose(s).
Does this sound OK?
Regards,
- Ignatz
PS You can send me the gaming manual if you like. Admittedly, I’m no gamer at heart, but it will provide an idea of the kinds of resources that you may wish to have ‘imaged’.
These questions got me to thinking. Just what form would a ship in this universe — any ship — take? We were focused on the roleplaying game, but the question of the look of Stardrifter was the real consideration. It would be something we’d wrestle with for months to come.