Hello, everyone! We have been having some outstanding progress on the art team for the long-awaited ‘Raven of the Reach’ mod. To celebrate, we wanted to do an art showcase to show off some of the incredible art, models and textures that our team has been working so hard on.
We will also have a mini-interview with Sunsky, our newly-appointed art director for Raven of the Reach. We asked her a few questions about herself and the mod as an opportunity to show you all one of the many great minds behind this project. So, stay tuned because that will be included at the end of this showcase!
To start, we’ll be showcasing the original concept designs that were recently completed. In any project, the artworks provide a map and reference for our 3D modellers to create their designs – an absolutely necessary first step.
We have a stunning gallery of new map markers for the mod done by Kelly.
Next is a celebration outfit, originally designed by Alana and later converted to a front and back reference sheet by Sunsky.
When the concept art has been completed and approved, it’s time to move onto making these concepts real! Our 3D artists take the completed art, and begin sculpting them.
Our best and brightest Jboyd has created these incredible models.
He has created incredible models for this mod, ranging from harvestable flowers to armours and assets.
Harvestable – Briar Flower
Robin’s Bow – NPC weapon
Ram’s horn (Concept by Sunsky) – Loot/weapon
Spear of Bitter Mercy (concept by Asherzen) – Weapon
Sword of Red Eagle (concept by Sunksy) – Weapon
Finally, when the art is done, and the 3D artists have modelled them, our texture artists breath the final breath of life into these assets and makes them real.
RustyNeuron was an absolute stormtrooper with textures. His list of completed assignments really impress!
Harvestable – Briar Flower
Tribal tents (All modelled by Jboyd) -In-game assets
Concepts by Raven
We also had Vindition texture Jboyd’s Sword of Red Eagle and really brought it to life
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As shown previously, The Spear of Bitter Mercy brought to life by ElSopa.
And most unexpectedly of all, Mara herself textured Robin’s Bow. Truly a woman of many talents.
And now, a quick interview to learn more about the leader behind the art team who has made this all possible.
What is your name?
I use the name Sunsky when I am helping out on discord. I am very excited to be able to share my story with you all!
What is your expertise and experience?
My main focus is in the realms of 2D design, making the concepts of our artists work both aesthetically and realistically to give an immersive gaming experience when the player finally gets to see these concepts come to life. I have been illustrating for books and novels for the better part of 5 years, alongside having a full time job as an HR personnel, and have recently jumped into the realm of concept design. It’s amazing the things you learn when your job requires you to turn a concept of the mind, into something you can see and interact with.
How do you plan to apply that to the art team for Raven of the Reach?
When I originally joined the team, it was because I was following its progress on the blogs and on social media. I decided that I wanted to be a part of it and jumped onboard as soon as I had the chance. I barely knew what I was doing when it came to working in an art industry. All I’d ever known were freelance jobs. But the team helped me learn what I needed to know in order to do a good job. From there, I took initiative to learn even more. It was a dream come true! The ideas I had, the designs I made – I saw them come to life in the game. I’d always wanted to work for a gaming studio and now, in a way, I am!
What are your goals for the art team for Raven of the Reach?
Now that I have the responsibility to oversee the art team for Raven of the Reach, my goal is to make quality work that the gamers will enjoy when this project is published. In addition to contributing my own concepts to the mod, I have also helped to organize work flows and organizing boards to track the team progress, and we’re working faster than ever! To be completely honest, I feel that all I really needed to do was to provide a path for the team that was there, and when they got onto it, they did the work marvelously on their own. I am so grateful for them all. They all show a passion and initiative that I really admire.
How do you feel about the progress made under your leadership?
There is still a good amount of work to be done, and we’re working at it with a spring in our step! I couldn’t be happier to be a part of a team full of amazing and hardworking people.
Hopefully, you all enjoyed these concepts and getting to know the art director behind it all a bit better. Progress is going beautifully and we are very proud to show off these breathtaking works. A very big thank you to the team for all of their hard work, and to everyone else for being so supportive. We are still striving to bring you all the mod you all deserve, and to bring all of these ideas to life. Thank you all so much and see you next time, sparrows!
Blogger: Aimee Goldie
Editor: Sunsky
Cover Art: Mara