Category Archives: Graphics

Paper graphics

I’d wanted to have some simple illustrations for the paper edition of Komenagen: Slog, but for some reason it’s hard to actually convince an artist that when you want to see what they can do with a 5-minute sketch to convey an impression of a scene, I mean a literal 5-minute piece of art based on a one-line description. Man of the Atom delivered these examples, and I think he’s spot on. Continue reading Paper graphics

Cover art

Working on getting cover art for the next book, “Komenagen: Slog” done. Initial sketches look good, and have been accepted. Moving forward on it. The art will include enough “generic” background on the left that it will make for good wrap-around art for the paper-printed book, giving the spine and back a distinctive appearance, too. Should be done and published before the end of October. Once final copy is done, I’ll post an example here.

Movie deal in progress…

Currently starting to work out the details on a movie deal. Not the whole thing, at least not at first. Currently exploring the idea of pitching a scene with two or three different budget funding levels depending on how much can be raised for it, with various “extras” depending on interest, etc. If only a shoe-string budget gets raised, we aim for more “proof of concept” and a short version of the scene. With more money we get more length, better location, better costumes, better actors, and especially the special effects improve. With enough money, perhaps enough of a Tajemnica set and F/X modeling can be built to allow for shooting a number of additional scenes at minimal extra cost.

Still early in the negotiations, but the fact that it’s being seriously considered by someone in the industry is exciting. Once something like a formal agreement has been made, pitch and production budgets outlined, and proper right option signed, I can post more, along with links to product demo reels from the people involved, where to go for fund-raising donations, etc.

Of fonts and numbers

I got around to making a font / number system for the Planet Mover text in the book. The original was deliberately low-res, specifically because I don’t have great artistic talents, and I wanted to give no more than a general impression of what they were. For print, I really need something higher resolution. So, after experimenting a bunch with pen and calligraphy pen, I stumbled upon a basic theme that seemed to work, and did the drawing for them in PowerPoint, not so much because it has great drawing tools, but because they are adequate and I know how to use them.

The PM message is in a constructed language (or at least the script and basic structures are), so it’s more regular and less flowing that something like Elvish.

Just the numbers and basic arithmetic symbols so far. Possibly more later. Continue reading Of fonts and numbers

Loopholes….

Now this is hysterical. Some days you just can help but admire the creativity of people who are tired of getting denigrated. Agree of disagree on the meaning or use of the confederate flag, such displays of independent thought are impressive.

Shamelessly stolen from Michael Z Williamson, we have “Some fights you’ll never win“, which as a result of the kerfuffle over the confederate flag brings us pictures like this:

A lot more at the link, starting with this and gradually getting much, much more entertaining.

Modeling an Armadillo

How many people out there have an interest in doing 3D modeling of an Armadillo-class ship? Specifically, if I posted the Python script that could be used in FreeCad to create models of the ship, how many people out there would be interested in playing with it to make graphics, videos, add details, create interior images (either for posting here or possible inclusion in future editions), game mods etc?

The way the current graphics (cover-art aside) were made was with this method.