 November 29, 2008 - 9:26am | One of the things that drew me in to Star Frontiers - and probably a
lot of you as well - was Elmore's art (and some others). It made me
want to be a part of that genre, hurling frag grenades at giant slugs,
saving friends from sand creatures, repairing technology while hiding
from very dangerous warbots. We're going to need artwork that looks
and feels as good - and frankly I'm not sure where we can get it. If
none of us can step up and devote such talent, we may need to outsource
it... which would mean spending some money probably none of us have to
spend. Discuss? 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
 November 29, 2008 - 9:53am | ack, this is difficult to get accomplished. Style consistency should be a goal, so any artists should try to collaborate together to find a common ground. Alas, I am artistically-challenged, so my stick figures wont make the cut. <insert witty comment here> |
 November 29, 2008 - 10:03am | Only three people come to mind in terms of artwork...Mark Garlick, Scott Mulder(aka AZ)...and CJ.... Yeah, that last choice is bound to be controversial, given what happened, and the boy's got issues(but, who doesn't?), but one can't argue with the quality of his artwork. Arizona's does some damn good work, and he's creative in other ways, but the question is how much time can he spare from his comic book to help us out. Garlick's SFMan covers are awesome, but his time committments are a complete unknown to me. Maybe Bill and Larry can see what's up on that front. "You're everything that's base in humanity," Cochrane continued. "Drawing up strict, senseless rules for the sole reason of putting you at the top and excluding anyone you say doesn't belong or fit in, for no other reason than just because you say so." —Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stephens, Federation |
 November 29, 2008 - 10:57am | There is GJD as well, who in my opinion captures the look and feel of SF using CGI. Corjay's mind isn't into SF anymore but he may be interested in doing artwork for a new game. Of course $$ talks. Artist are not hard to find - to get consistency you would need to hire one. Also, one of should be the Art Director to maintain consistency across the game. |
November 29, 2008 - 11:03am | Dang, I forgot bout GJD....is he still into the site or what? "You're everything that's base in humanity," Cochrane continued. "Drawing up strict, senseless rules for the sole reason of putting you at the top and excluding anyone you say doesn't belong or fit in, for no other reason than just because you say so." —Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stephens, Federation |
November 29, 2008 - 11:33am | CJ might be willing to work for money, but he'd probably charge a lot out of spite. There are several folks that would do the job for money, that's not a problem. The only problem is coming up with a free solution that is high quality. Mark Garlick is a great artist that captures the flavor of SF quite well. Unfortunately, though, he doesn't have time to paint anymore and gave me permission to simply use a few of the pieces that he already painted years ago. But if we offered him money, maybe he'd step up. Also, there's an artist that does a lot of d20 art (Storn Cook) that I contacted once about doing some art for the webzine, his rates were not too bad. I don't know if he can do the types of scenes we see in our favorite RPG, but he can do figures of varying races. He even did a dralasite once that was dressed up like a pulp detective - it was just brilliant. We could commission him - or others like him - if we could make sure he would allow us to publish his art in a small not-for-profit publication. We can also just move forward with project and interject artwork as placeholders until we commission the real thing. That is done in professional endeavors all the time. I once saw a copy of the first draft of a collectible trading card game where the artwork was temporary - silly clipart that had nothing to do with the card but sometimes had funny results (sonic scream, with a picture of Elvis on the card). 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
November 29, 2008 - 11:37am | That would be best in the end, Bill. "You're everything that's base in humanity," Cochrane continued. "Drawing up strict, senseless rules for the sole reason of putting you at the top and excluding anyone you say doesn't belong or fit in, for no other reason than just because you say so." —Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stephens, Federation |
 November 29, 2008 - 11:39am | I think CCR's suggestion about the art is the way to go. Let's work on the mechanics and collect the art as we go along. I just got contacted by an old friend from high school that I used to play RuneQuest with and who was a fairly decent artist back in the day. Maybe I can lean on him a bit to see if he'd be interested in helping out. We have a long way to go before we NEED art so I'd say this is a low priority at the moment. Ad Astra Per Ardua! My blog - Expanding Frontier Webmaster - The Star Frontiers Network & this site Founding Editor - The Frontier Explorer Magazine Managing Editor - The Star Frontiersman Magazine |
November 29, 2008 - 5:03pm | We should all feel free to solicit in areas we frequent for artists who want to get exposure by being featured in the product we are designing here. I have put out word in a forum that I moderate (very limited user base) but I will continue to ask around. <insert witty comment here> |
November 29, 2008 - 5:35pm | CJ might be willing to work for money, but he'd probably charge a lot out of spite. Ahem. Unless proven I wouldn't assume. I asked and his rates are in line with other artists. We can also just move forward with project and interject artwork as placeholders until we commission the real thing. That is done in professional endeavors all the time. I once saw a copy of the first draft of a collectible trading card game where the artwork was temporary - silly clipart that had nothing to do with the card but sometimes had funny results (sonic scream, with a picture of Elvis on the card). I would agree that artwork is the last part of this project unless you know ver specifically that something will exist. You could also have a contest for artisit or ask them for sketches of x, y and z to see if they fit with the janra your trying to convey. |
November 29, 2008 - 5:37pm | Or have them fight to the death in a Texas cage match...oops. Just kidding. Tho' it would generate some much needed revenue for hiring artists. :D "You're everything that's base in humanity," Cochrane continued. "Drawing up strict, senseless rules for the sole reason of putting you at the top and excluding anyone you say doesn't belong or fit in, for no other reason than just because you say so." —Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stephens, Federation |
 December 1, 2008 - 3:11am | I’ve been reading what has been happening over the last few days and I think that this is a fantastic venture. Looking retrospectively, it has been there in the back of my mind; what happens if WotC pulls the plug on the waiver for SF? That question has been answered in a most positive way, and it’s really good to see everyones creativity fired up again. I’ve not contributed so far to the discussions to date for a good reason; I really can’t visualise this new project on a screen (no working printer currently) – I need to see it in black and white. So I’m going to be slow making any suggestions. My point is, please be patient with the community! I do disagree with the opinion that artwork is the last thing we should be concentrating on. A good drawing/ painting that captures the project can really enthuse people, and it is always there as a reminder to help drive though the doubts, pauses and delays. Just one example; would alien have been a fraction of the film without Giger providing the inspiration? I’m no Giger, but I am putting together a number of prelim sketches. Once I’m happy with them I’ll fire these online and see what you think. If the response is positive, then these can be developed. I really don’t want to go down the route of paying for pictures, especially when everyone else is contributing for free because they believe in the project. |
December 1, 2008 - 12:18pm | I’ve been reading what has been happening over the last few days and I think that this is a fantastic venture. Looking retrospectively, it has been there in the back of my mind; what happens if WotC pulls the plug on the waiver for SF? That question has been answered in a most positive way, and it’s really good to see everyones creativity fired up again. I’ve not contributed so far to the discussions to date for a good reason; I really can’t visualise this new project on a screen (no working printer currently) – I need to see it in black and white. So I’m going to be slow making any suggestions. My point is, please be patient with the community! I do disagree with the opinion that artwork is the last thing we should be concentrating on. A good drawing/ painting that captures the project can really enthuse people, and it is always there as a reminder to help drive though the doubts, pauses and delays. Just one example; would alien have been a fraction of the film without Giger providing the inspiration? I’m no Giger, but I am putting together a number of prelim sketches. Once I’m happy with them I’ll fire these online and see what you think. If the response is positive, then these can be developed. I really don’t want to go down the route of paying for pictures, especially when everyone else is contributing for free because they believe in the project. Here's the embarrassing cover I made to get my creative juices flowing. Click it to see it larger... comment if you'd like. 
3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
 December 1, 2008 - 3:34pm | Cover - nice, i definitely wouldn't call that embarassing by any means, maybe a lil fine tuning for a final draft but by no mean embarrassing. I like it. Only suggestion I have is that the background feels a little busy and takes my attention away from the central picture. |
December 1, 2008 - 3:38pm | By the way I AM ON BOARD  and will be very happy to do work for the project on a recognition basis for free. In the futrue should it be commercially sucessful, sending a lil future business my way or a modest donation are always appreciated. I am happy to help out however I can! |
December 1, 2008 - 3:41pm | Cover - nice, i definitely wouldn't call that embarassing by any means, maybe a lil fine tuning for a final draft but by no mean embarrassing. I like it. Only suggestion I have is that the background feels a little busy and takes my attention away from the central picture. 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
December 1, 2008 - 3:46pm | Cover - nice, i definitely wouldn't call that embarassing by any means, maybe a lil fine tuning for a final draft but by no mean embarrassing. I like it. Only suggestion I have is that the background feels a little busy and takes my attention away from the central picture. I agree with Arizona. Tweak the background, and that puppy will be camera ready. "You're everything that's base in humanity," Cochrane continued. "Drawing up strict, senseless rules for the sole reason of putting you at the top and excluding anyone you say doesn't belong or fit in, for no other reason than just because you say so." —Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stephens, Federation |
December 1, 2008 - 4:38pm | What about the tagline? "Epic Adventure in Space and Beyond" gives you a feel for Star Frontiers... which is a flavor we're trying to capture. And of course, we'll probably end up commissioning someone to do some excellent cover art. But this is an image that I found that made me get a feel for an action packed frontier-like space setting. Maybe try to commission someone (or encourage someone from this community?) to make something inspired by the dynamics of that placeholder image... Also, the name of the RPG may change unless this one grows on us haha..... nothing on this thing is permanent, but it sure looks pretty :P 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
December 1, 2008 - 5:08pm | How's this... click to enlarge 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
December 1, 2008 - 5:59pm | How's this... click to enlarge Whoah, duude! Now, it's camera ready. "You're everything that's base in humanity," Cochrane continued. "Drawing up strict, senseless rules for the sole reason of putting you at the top and excluding anyone you say doesn't belong or fit in, for no other reason than just because you say so." —Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stephens, Federation |
December 1, 2008 - 8:00pm | More than one person has told me they prefer the tagline:  instead of the one I used in the book cover graphic. If there are no objectsions, I'll scratch "Epic Adventure in Space and Beyond" and replace it with "Action and Adventure too big for just one world" 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
December 2, 2008 - 7:51am | More than one person has told me they prefer the tagline: instead of the one I used in the book cover graphic. If there are no objectsions, I'll scratch "Epic Adventure in Space and Beyond" and replace it with "Action and Adventure too big for just one world" Make it so Numba One. |
December 2, 2008 - 9:13am | Ive been away for a while, work has been keeping me busy. But I would like to help in the art if you'll have me. The Webtroll "Living under the Information Super Highway" |
December 2, 2008 - 9:49am | Hey Webtroll - nice to see ya around :-) How about uploading some art or giving some links - maybe design a race or somethign? Maybe it can inspire other people's creativity? 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
December 3, 2008 - 8:27am | So how about one of you artsy types give us a project logo. I love Bill's cover, but the detail is not really visible at the thumbnail size. If we get really desperate, I can use Adobe Illustrator to emulate the style of OotS (almost exactly).  <insert witty comment here> |
December 3, 2008 - 8:35am | hahaha... hey did you see the book cover up close? If you click on the thumbnail it opens big-like :-) For simplicity, I can make the logo just say "FS" or something... hehe kinda reminds me of "SF" eh? 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
December 3, 2008 - 8:38am | Book cover is nice. I like it... just not so much for the project thumbnail. btw, do you have rights to that pic? is it something we get to use? <insert witty comment here> |
December 3, 2008 - 8:39am | Book cover is nice. I like it... just not so much for the project thumbnail. I wish. No, I googled it and everyone should be aware that it's a placeholder only.btw, do you have rights to that pic? is it something we get to use? However, if I can figure out who made it we could try to convince them how cool we are haha 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
December 3, 2008 - 10:38am | Since my workload is pretty thick right now I could use some of the following info to begin on FS artwork. 1. List of types of pictures needed and the scenes you want 2. Email where to send finished work or do you want me to send it to the Frontiersman upload page I've started some random stuff but this info would be helpful. |
December 3, 2008 - 11:35am | AZ, why don't you start with a racial line-up. Gives you a chance to innovate what a variant human might look like, then we could build the race mechanics afterwords. Maybe something along the lines as discussed in the Core Race thread. Some sort of human altered to withstand high-temp and poison atmosphere (Venus style), a low-G variant (lunar or orbital satellite bred), Aquan style... I don't know, just examples. Sometimes the art can guide the development instead of the other way around. Feel free to inspire which direction we go. <insert witty comment here> |
December 3, 2008 - 1:50pm | Since my workload is pretty thick right now I could use some of the following info to begin on FS artwork. Smoot made a good point... we're going to expand on humans some allowing slight deviations and cybernetic augmentation... only slight though. You could start with that. One thing I want to avoid, though, (well some is okay, just in moderation) is the stand-alone image of a race or character posing. Those types of images are nice, especially on character sheets, but those aren't what drew us all in to SFAD.... it was the amazing images of the characters in action, those B&W inked illustrations making me want to play! 1. List of types of pictures needed and the scenes you want 2. Email where to send finished work or do you want me to send it to the Frontiersman upload page I've started some random stuff but this info would be helpful. Anything you want to make would be cool. If you'd rather go tech, then how about vehicles? Those can be stand-alone or can be in an action scene too :-) Anything you do might inspire folks!! 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
