The walking dead

The walking dead is a series of graphic novels created by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore based around a zombie filled world. The interesting thing about the graphic novels is that they take a different view on the idea of zombies taking over. It is based around a group of individuals trying to survive but over a long period of time. I found the series shows a sense of realism in the way that the characters deal with the situation. Their have been 82 issues created for the series which can also be bought as 6 larger books.

The artwork is extremely inpressive although can become quite confusing at times which I think is due to the illustrations being in black and white.

One thing I noticed about this graphic novel compared to others is that it is a preasure to read. I think it is common with graphic novels to find weaknesses in the narrative or the writing style because all the focus is on the drawings. This however had a good narrative that kept me entertained throughout.

If you havent read them I would strongly recommend you to do so. 

Design: Ship landing

After creating the dock I thought of it landing on mainland. I started to create a concept using Alchemy but in a cold colour palette rather than the browns and reds that I have used so far.

Design; dock

A logical conceot to create would be the ship docking because it creates a natural narrative.

Ship design

I wanted to design a ship for the painting that I have already created of space in Alchemy. I thought I would design it in Maya and then try to copy it in alchemy. I started with a square and created a ruff model in a couple of minutes that I could then position in the painting.

I thought this looked ok for a ruff design so I positioned it in the way that I wanted for the painting and used it as a reference in my Alchemy piece.

When I was finished I realised it looked like a boat in space, which I thought was a nice idea. I dont know if I wish to keep the idea because it may not fit in with the rest of the designs for the graphic novel.

Graphic Novel: Joker

I thought it would be a good idea to look at some graphic novels with similar art styles to what I wish to achieve for inspiration. I bought the graphic novel 'Joker' created by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo mainly because I am a batman fan.

As the name suggests the graphic novel follows the character joker as he tries to regain his business after leaving a mental institution. I think it was n interesting and fresh concept to focus on the villain rather than the known hero.

The artistic direction is gritty to say the least. Within the first ten pages a man has his skin ripped off. The art style represents the characteristics of the joker perfectly and the narrative isn't bad either.

The concept

My concept for this project will be science fiction based. I thought futuristic spaceships and docking stations wont restrict my imagination, however I want ot create something that is original rather than the typical science fiction imagery. The images for this project will be environment based that is where i wish to take my career. I started to create some quick sketches using alchemy of basic layouts/buildings.

I find alchemy to be a rewarding program to use mainly because you cant control what happens when using it. I sometimes have an issue with not being able to undo but stops me getting caught up on little details. I have found this program is perfect for creating early concepts.

Cause and correlation

For this project I have to create an interactive graphic novel. I have decided to create a new concept rather than carry on with my game concept fate. I feel I will be free to create dramatic art pieces if I create a new concept.

I have been talking to my tutor about how a graphic novel or comic can become interactive and how it would affect my work. After consideration I have decided to allow for the viewer to create the narrative based on the art work that I create considering cause and correlation. I will try to create imagery that influences the viewer to think of a narrative but still be ambiguos enough to not push them towards my own ideas.

I thought of creating several different variations that the images could be shown depending on what the viewer chooses. For example the viewer can have a choice where the narrative goes for example, explore the ship or make the ship dock. Each choice would have an image that the viewer would be taken to.

This concept is in its early stages and I will need to create a storyboard to show the different variations of the graphic novel.

I also thought of adding animations throughout the graphic novel that can be started or stopped by the reader.

The Brief

Course: BA / FdA Games Art and Design
Year: Two
Unit: BA6: Contexts: Collaboration, audience and employability
Project Title Production
Project 1 of 3 within this unit
Start Date: 14/03/11
Study Hours: 165
Submission Date: 16/05/11
Tutor(s): TBC

Description
This project builds and explores the difficult task of transposing game assets, design and narrative into an interactive format using both high-end computing and restricted resolutions (Apple handheld devices).

You will need to consider varying technical requirements of two platforms and conflicts that may arise from possible limitations and disparity, ultimately choosing which direction you will continue in; high-end computing, or more restrictive hardware, or examples of both.

You should now be completely focused on using either two or three dimensions within your studio practice, concentrating on a sole specialism from here on in. If you have worked predominantly in 2D, you will create an interactive graphic novel / narrative for your chosen platform(s). If you predominantly use digital 3D, you should be focused on adapting a character, environment or vehicle for use in the available game engine(s).

You will gain experience assessing multiple platforms and game engines competing to ensure design is not lost in translation.

This project addresses the key areas of study as follows:
Studio Practice: You will initially research the available game engine(s) and alternate methods of interactivity, choosing to focus on a PC/Console or iPhone/iPod Touch platform.
All options require a completed learning agreement and approval from course staff. There will be a series of focused lectures, seminars and workshops to guide your technical and creative practice in this project. We will cover 2D and 3D fundamentals in relation to game engines, interactivity and possible alternatives where narrative is the favoured goal. You will each end the project with examples of interactivity and a greater understanding of practical limitations of hardware. A relevant drawing programme will run concurrently with this project.

Business and Professional Skills: Business and Professional Skills are integrated with Project 3 (Advanced Games Studies & Research). All topics covered are relevant to studio practice and inform your creative and practical decision-making.

Contextual Studies: Contextual studies runs as a separate project (Advanced Games Studies & Research). throughout this unit. All topics covered are relevant to studio practice and inform your creative and practical decision-making.

Personal Development and Planning: You will keep an independent reflective journal or blog recording your own personal learning experience throughout this brief.

Welcome

Hello, this is my new blog for games art and design BA6. This will take me to the end of my second year where I will be completing three briefs. This blog will be for the first two projects. There will be another blog running along side this one consisting of my contextual studies work.