Steampunkette

Great News! Danny Ashby (Vincent Dantes) the CEO of Outland Armor is planning on putting up links to our site (when it's complete) and our banner on http://outlandarmour.com/ !

-Rachel-

[ QUOTE ]
I read your other thread, and the one post about the "odd" reception here, and I think I'll explain what I think has happened and why your request has the artists here running in terror.

You wouldn't believe how many times artists get requests for free art for projects. Or the promise of future payment. Or even worse "you'll get famous for it and/or practice". Yes, I enjoy artwork or I wouldn't be working towards a degree in Illustration. But my time is also worth something to me, as it is to any artist with enough skill to give you good concept sketches. I'M putting a lot of money into my skill between studies and even just the SUPPLIES (you get what you pay for in art supplies, and it adds up), so I do expect compensation if someone wants my work.

This isn't to say I'll never do work for free, or that you won't find an artist who will. Right now, 2 out of 5 of the pieces in my queue are free. The strings are... I don't always have time to do free pieces and the person getting them doesn't always get the same level of input as a paid commission.

80% of artists (especially in the game/comic world) have sunk a lot of time and effort into little pet projects that ended up just being a big source of frustration and a money drain. Your OP sounded exactly like another one of those. So maybe others see it as an odd reception here, but its because you're talking to people who actually do make money from their work and are gun-shy of this situation.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree and understand fully, Now. This is more or less the message behind a Private Message I received and I -do- apologize if that's what this seems like. I recognize that artists in many cases make art for a living rather than a hobby. And that the rigors of working on a project that may fail months later can take a toll.

And for that; I'm sorry. I'd like to apologize for leaping out at everyone like I did, hopping into the foreground and calling out for aid when it seems like aid is pointless to give. I won't be troubling anyone here any longer. Though, if you'd like, I'll be updating the Steampunk and You thread, for certain.

Feel free to follow along our progress. Perhaps, when the project seems more stable or funding becomes less of an issue, I'll be able to draw several of the artists of this forum into the project.

Thank you, Wassy. For your patient explanation. =-3

-Rachel-

Making fun of yourself is a great quality to have, in moderation. A Person who can see humor in himself and account for his own flaws is a wise man. Someone who attempts to remove those flaws...

As for your artistic ability!

WE're actually hoping to set the game in San Francisco circa the late 1800s (1870-1890, not sure yet) Could I impress upon you to re-draw an old map, for me?

This is the map we're hoping to use... Would you be able to reproduce it in pencil (minus the colored areas) and scan it? I haven't been able to locate the unmodified original online, so having a new copy of it would be -extremely- helpful! =-3

Your expertise or presumed lack thereof aside, I might have som actual photographs that I'd ask you to duplicate and alter. For example taking an old Victorian era building and turning back the clock to envision what it looked like before the paint started peeling, or bricks became cracked and broken. Would you be interested in that sort of thing?

-Rachel-

Well. Today should be an interesting day, I should think.

This morning I shall go to Superior to attempt a rather -large- sale of Insurance. And upon returning home I should be thoroughly inundated with the Steampunk Development team's concepts and ideas, from which we'll be creating our design document and choosing our game engine.

It should be -lovely-!

-Rachel-

To clarify the paying statement, Snowglobe... I'm willing to pay for art. But I'd prefer to pay for art from people who are interested in the game itself. Who have an interest in the genre.

I obviously failed to make myself clear and have made a real jerk of myself in the process.

After reading Mephis Bill's comments and statements (particularly a well worded Private Message about running it as a business rather than a dream) I'm starting to truly understand how I'm going to need to handle this.

And while I have no money for college I'm currently working through a pile of books Ghost Falcon linked me to.

At this particular point we're putting together our design document. I'm having each member of the team put together a list of things they think a Steampunk MMO -must have- and what they think it -should- have.

Meanwhile I've got several Web Site designers who've volunteered their time and energy. Of this I'm both pleased and flattered. Hopefully between them, the band who'll be working with us, and design document we can start on our engine decisions and hype the game up with concept art, music, and linking around the Steampunk Community and the Mod community as well....

Should be interesting!

-Rachel-

Grk! I'm sorry, Laxx! >_<

I have no excuse for missing your post whatsoever. =-(

I would -glad- to have you on hand as a concept artist, if you'd be willing?

-Rachel-

Concept art on paper can be scanned and uploaded to a computer format, Vanguard. Your skills would be of great use yo us. =-3

I'll send you a PM with some information and a short request?

-Rachel-

[ QUOTE ]
Hi, I've read through a number of your threads. Seems like an intriguing idea, post-Victorian steampunk is my second favorite genere. I might be interested in getting involved.

I saw the odd reception in the art forum. I know as someone whose spent thirty years learning game development related skills I've been a member of a few too many fan projects that have bellied up. The main reason has been they've lacked a producer. Someone to keep all the pieces together and manage timelines and keep folks motivated.

From the activity I've seen you pursue here, you may be a natural producer. Have to have:[*]Motivation[*]Passion[*]Organization[*]Perseverence

Obviously knowledge in the field is good, but at heart they are very personal talents. Don't need a degree, don't need to learn software development, 3D modelling, sound effects, etc. Just have to make it happen.

If you get your website up and a forum running, PM me and I'll check it out. About the only skills I don't have are music and system development (meaning 3D engine development and networking.) By day I manage a team of software engineers.

As you are researching and learning your way through, I'd suggest taking a look at Multiverse this answers the most costly aspects of developing an MMORPG, interesting business model.

Mission Architect has refired my interest in game development. Gotta strike while the iron's hot.

[/ QUOTE ]

This was possibly the most inspiring post I've recieved on the subject.

Between this post and Bill's post in the Fan Art forum I've got a whole new angle I plan to take on this.

I've got a major appointment tomorrow morning with a potential client which -could- net me a pile of money. that I would immediately turn around and put towards bills.. >.> And then this concept.

Thanks, Corsaire! =-3

-Rachel-

You're right... And I'm sorry for offending anyone if I have.

Though now it looks like we might have a -little- financial backing. Which is Yay!
-Rachel-

Just the core concept, communication, direction, and dedication. I'll get a late night job for artwork money if need be, but right now what I'm looking for is people even interested in the idea.

If you're willing to put down commissioned artwork for a Steampunk game then by all means post about it in this thread. But I don't want to pay money to people who don't have an interest in the game itself, and are only doing the pieces for money.

-Rachel-

I'm sure they won't take offense! And I'll get you a PM immediately, Ash!

-Rachel-

Most of them are Free To Play Steamwork Veneers over another generic fantasy MMO complete with the adorable short race with fur.

I'm referring to creating a true to Genre Steampunk MO.

Not NeoSteam's magical cuteness, or Deadlands Weird West Only feel. But a full game with Gaslight Romance, Dashing Adventurers, and Dirty Sheriffs on the borderlands.

-Rachel-

[ QUOTE ]
For concept artists, you should be looking at Conceptart.org or CGtalk.com.
I would also suggest getting a subscription to gamedeveloper magazine and possibly attending the Game Developer's Conference if you can afford to.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you kindly! I'll definitely be following this advice!

-Rachel-

If you would prefer for me to type in a manner appropriate to a professional I can easily do that.

However, I find that by addressing people with my own foibles and human errors (I.E. colloquial spelling of words or inappropriate conjunctions such as Kinda as opposed to Kind Of or Sort of) I can more readily offer a personality to which people can apply positive qualities. Something quite difficult to do using a text based medium, otherwise. As all text reads identically without inflection or emotion.

At least that's how I've always looked at it.

But by all means. Take a look at the work we've got online in
this conversation.

-Rachel-

I hope so, too, Agent!

But that's kinda exactly what I was saying >.>

That I want to get all the people together and point them in the right direction. That I'd find someone with the appopriate credentials and hand them the idea to run with. All I'm doing right now is trying to get people together on the idea to get it started. Included the one who'll be the head of the Dev team. 'Cause it won't be me unless this thing goes on long enough for me to get some degrees. =-P

Just 'cause I'm not the lead Dev doesn't mean I can't have my dream fulfilled. =-3

-Rachel-

Of course I like your talents, Fedor! =-3

Unfortunately they don't help us much... Unless you'd like to work inside the game as a test dummy for ragdoll physics? =-3

-Rachel-

Any amount of either would be extremely helpful for getting this game design concept off the ground.

Whether it's $20 to open up a domain name for a forum for a year or the ability to draw multiple straight lines. =-3

Any kind of help is -extremely- appreciated.

-Rachel-

Well! I've got my first naysayers on the Steampunk MMO idea. That's good news! Means my idea has enough merit that people are worried I won't be able to make it due to my lack of degrees and funds.

Anyone know anyone with talent or cash? =-3

-Rachel-

I'd like to apologize for becoming so defensive and frustrated so quickly.

I realize what I'm up against. I know the challenges and walls. I know the hoops I'm going to have to jump through. It's not a question of whether I'll have to but -when-.

And I'm up for the challenge.

But I'm already taking your advice on the forums. And already looking at other places to link to and from. I'm gearing up to call the Edison in the hopes of contacting Abney Park and getting word to them whiile also asking the permission of the owner to use his Steampunk Club as a possible location in the game.

Who knows where this will take me. Even if I fail miserably at getting the game produced I'll have tried, and had a heck of a wild ride in the doing. =-3

-Rachel-

http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showflat....=0#Post13519443 >.>

Three there. One who contacted me solely by PM.

And these people responded during work and school hours on a weekday. How many people frequent these forums at these hours?

So of that population slice at least 4 believe inmy concept if not my ability. And I'm currently attempting to organize and gain more. Meanwhile I'm currently reading Game Development Essentials: Online Game Development by Rick Hall and Jeannie Novak. I'll continue reading it until I'm ready for the next book on my list.

The Funding I can't change. The Know How I can change (and am trying, thanks to Ghost Falcon's suggested reading!) The credentials... Nope. Can't do anything about that without years of work, which I don't have to spare.

So I'll work with others who have the credentials. And struggle to learn while I organize and prioritize. Feedback will be my number 1 source of information on game structure itself.

And hopefully we will find an investor or twelve. =-3

Everyone's got to start somewhere. And not everyone has to start at the same place to reach their goals.
-Rachel-

*Edit* I picked that book first 'cause of the Cover Art. =-3

You're definitely right in that, Lightslinger.

But I can't afford college. So I'll have to make do with careful study of various books Ghost Falcon has already suggested for me.

If all else fails I'll just be an organizer and creative writer for the game itself. Working on system balance and the world. All the talent is floating out here on the internet. Sometimes all it needs is a lens to shine brightly.

Hopefully I'll at least be able to be the lens, channeling other people's talent into focus.

-Rachel-

I'm well aware of what it can cost to produce an MMO. I'm also well aware that my complete lack of Degrees puts me into a bad place when it comes to the financials of the whole deal.

However I'm also aware that I'm not going to be the one putting the game together, or making the artwork fantastic. I might not even be in the board meeting pitching the game to the Production company.

But I'm willing to work with others and turn my dream into a reality. That's why I'm looking for Coders and artists and investors. People who have the expertise that I -lack- to help turn the images and concepts in my mind into a truly fantastic MMO.

-Rachel-

I actually have no business experience. No diploma or degree on my wall. Nothing.

But I'm dedicated to seing this game become a reality.

There's a lot to be said for interent presence, as the last election should clearly show. If I can get the game's core engine in working order I can hype it from a website. Heck, even really good artwork from some of the fine members of this comunity as 'Concept Art' can get it noticed by millions of people.

By touting the main city as a copy of San Fransisco I virtually guarantee that the Steampunk Scene located there (which is the largest in the US by the way) will support the idea almost unanimously.

It's a massive undertaking I'm willing to dedicate myself to. And I'm willing to walk into a board meeting without a degree to tell a development company why they should invest in my game which, maintaining true to the Steampunk aesthetic, will draw in an almost completely untapped market on top of stealing closet Steampunk fans from other games as well.

=-3

-Rachel-

Any Help is good to have. I can't stress that enough! =-3

Web Design skill is AWESOME to have, since we're planing on having a website at some point. And 3d modeling is total Win! =-3

Would you do me a big favor and PM Spacenut? I've asked him to start on a very basic page layout... If you two oculd set up Forums on the site that would be sheer awesome. =-3

-Rachel-

Again: Any help people are willing to offer is fantastic.

Bear in mind I'll also need Beta testers at SOME point. *wink wink*

-Rachel-