WASC 2019 - Akashic Records: Moodboards and Design Inspirations

HOMEWORK PROMPT FOR WEEK 3
Keeping inspired is a great way to help avoid burning out. We want you to make an inspiration board on World Anvil. Image Galleries, Roll Tables, Sound Tracks, anything that helps keep you going and sets the tone for your world!

Barron

Research and inspiration is never a perfect science.
As for the process of Manarchy, here are core elements of the process:
Documentaries: As I often try to use Manarchy as a learning process to expand cultural understanding, I often like watching those on occasion as i can get both visual inspiration and learn through narration. Both are creative and technical learning combined in one. Did you knew there's is a hybrid of poison and spider living in Galapagos caves ? Nasty ! Example here

Music:

This venue can be used in many goals. Most of the time, I like to dwelve into instrumental videogame soundtrack to get in a mood i want. If the music includes exotic sounds, i often try to get info regarding the instruments, knowing they can help me to reach a particular ambiance.

Some inspiration can also stir from music including real life inspiration; a good example could be Sabaton, as they "metallise" war feats.

Dream Archiving: Sometimes, dreams can offer a ton of out of the loop ideas. Shame that we forget about them fast. Same can also apply for inspiration striking during intoxication (beer or other substances). At first, i used a notepad to remember talks when i drank a couple drinks to be tipsy enough. I kept that process for creative sparks. Always have a phone or notebook nearby and keep track of spontaneous ideas. You can then tailor them later. What your brain thinks when the barriers are out can be incredible. However, use it as a casual factor. Toxicomany can be detrimental and must be taken seriously.
Art Groups on social medias: A nice way to get a great amounts of varieds topics and ideas is by joining some art groups for myself. Not using Facebook for other means, i get a timeline of various art which helps getting inspired. And by finding some artists sharing a style you share, it can help to build contacts and commissions.
Some examples:

• Level Up
• Pixologic Zbrush
• Character Design Challenge
• Character Design References

Creation description: Taken as reference from a book i forgot the name. I use a base of 21 categories to help describe a character. They don't need to be all included, but it helps to flesh out the character.
The list being :

1. Physical Attributes
2. Age
3. Physical Appearance
4. Health
5. Hygiene
6. Handicaps
7. Diet
8. Culture
9. Intelligence/Education
10. Religion
11. Revenues
12. Profession
13. Family
14. Friends
15. History
16. Relationships with characters in the story
17. Sexual orientation
18. Inner Rythm/Personnality
19. Psychology
20. Objectives
21. Fears

During Summer camp, i plan to make a more detailled version to expand my creative process.
Trope analysis: When a concept is tought out, aside from classical wikipedia diving, i also enjoy going on TV TROPES as it is a superb way to get ideas and out-of-your media inspiration to see how different creators uses them. Subverting is also a fun task.
Finding inspiration - Image gathering - References When either inspiration and a core idea is in mind, Most of the time is passed:

• Research of core design decisions: what are the character's unique traits ? Clothing ? Species? Special equipment ?
• Symbolism, references and inspiration: What culture or common lore would it refer or ressemble to? What real life or fantasy element would it relate; like animal, reproduction system, clothing, nomadic life... This part is used for myself to expand my knowledge and try to get out of my comfort zone, by trying to learn more.
• Proof of concept and media presence: A main research through tv tropes and image researches. Are the choices too much ressembling a known character ? What twist can be made? The concept are also shown to a group of people to verify if it relates to other media sources too much. This is a crucial part and why showing sketches and early draft matters, as you can get feedback during the process and avoid settings things in stone too late.
• Color palette and silhouette: Can the character be reckognised by it's shape ? Does the color fits his environment?

Moodboard
When a core idea of a character or environment is selected, it's time for getting an art direction. To simplify the communication with the artist, a moodboard of reference is used to help on what's aimed. However, a part of my personnal way to do the moodboard is adding a written part, to explain which images refers to what could be useful for equipment, and clothing. 4 Keys words are also added to give an idea of the character's personnality.

Mana - Moodboard Art Direction by William Belley

As a additional helper, I myself make a base sketch to give an idea of silhouette and main design.

Mana - Early Concept Sketch by William Belley

During the official art process, some sketches and changes may come to reach a final art. 2 Key Design Images are needed: one for Turnaround to facilitate 3D creation, and the other with action poses to give an idea of the character through body language.

Mana - T Pose Turnaround by Rafchan

Mana- Action Pose by Rafchan

As i like to say regarding videogame industry, and worldbuilding being the same: you are an eternal student. There is always news ways to discover, improve and learn through it. Only by staying in a learning mind can our skills be develop. Maybe after time you'll discover better processes, inspirations. Avoid routine when possible. There is always something new to discover or to dig further. Find new friends, challenge and try to understand different point of views and ideas.
For this week:
Book of the week: Dead Men Walking by Steve Lyons
Music: Shylmagoghnar - I am the Abyss