Author: Storn (---.speakeasy.net)
Date: 01-05-2004 12:47
I hear you on the problems of getting good art. I'm from the other side of the fence... I am an artist in search of good patrons.
But as a professional art, I suggest taking a much harder look at what you have posted. It is adequate, and only that. There are anatomy problems, lack of storytelling, lack of good design. So when you are disparaging the other publishers art... well, from my POV, you are in the same boat.
Now, that sounds harsh. I know. I don't really mean to be, simply honest. It is really meant to be constructive criticism.
My suggestions? Offer money. Even if it is barebones. Do not offer JUST publication credit. Other publishers rarely care what I've been published in. They care if my art is good and fits the product or not.
Make your young artists come up to the level of what is expected from a professional. That means, til they are professional quality consistently, insist on sketches and redos. Oh, its a pain in the ass on both sides of the equation. But expecting professionalism helps both artist and publisher down the line.
Let me show what I mean:
Colonial Governor is the best pic on the site. But the figures right shoulder is awkward and needs to be fixed. There is no tackling of lightsource, in either varying line weight or in shading. The design is too centered. I would crop half of the bookshelf, moving the variation/design elements of being primarily, figure, chair and round window (which I love! btw).
On Explorer: Head is too big. Arms are wrong and shapeless. There is no idea of what to do about clothing folds. The musket was not well drawn or researched. However, the clothing and accoutrement is very strong. Love the detail.
None of the art says: "space" to me.... just "buckler", as in age of Reformation to rougly Civil war (1400-1860). Where is the Space? Where is the sci-fi element that really sets your product apart from, say Dragonstar (the melding of Age of Exploration with Spelljammer implcit in the title. Starbourne looks like a ship stuck on a hilltop...not sure what is going on there.
Teh last suggestion, there is an entire passel of very professional, very approachable artists right here on RPGnet under the Freelance/Freelancers section. Just don't ask them to work for free. And I would post your artists work there for very, very constructive critiques... which will make your artists grow and your product better.
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