Grand Space Opera 3D Entry: Jesse Mead

#4

Since I joined both the 3D and 2D challenges, I suppose the best way to do this is to work out my two favorite concepts first, then decide afterwards which medium would be best for each image.

I shouldn’t have waited so long to get started, but here are my first ideas. Obviously I need to come up with a few more, expound on them, and decide which ones to proceed with.

The inhabitants of this planet had no idea what the incredibly ancient structure around their world was for … that is until the long dormant colossus was awaked and it’s true nature was revealed: the greatest transportation device of all, it transformed what was once a backwater world into a planet-sized starship capable of traversing the entire galaxy within days, and allowed the creation of an empire.

An entire civilization of spacefaring nomads travels into the unknown.

The beings on the world of Saarhai developed in the shadow of an unimaginably colossal hulk. It had always been there, just seven lightyears away. In ancient times, people thought the structures were the bodies of their gods. After developing the technology for space travel, the first thing the people of Saarhai did was man an expedition to the ruins, hoping to learn the secrets of whatever ancient race had constructed the enormous vessel.

Hopefully I can come up with a few more alternatives, then really get started.

#5

Very good idea, but i´d like to ask you just if you´d thinking about using some if this images you already posted as the final image, your history is good, but did you already posted the final image you´ll produce?
I liked the color: something purple…very interesting. And the first image i liked much as the others. Good Luck!

#6

I really like the concept paintings. All of them would work well, and you’ve kept the theme simple but direct. Great.

I’m leaning towards the first idea as the end result could be a well considered image. The idea of evolution conquering ignorance is excellent. Maybe you could explore each of them in more depth and try different colour combinations and compositions.

You’re probably going through lots more variations so I’ll keep checking back for more.

Best of Luck.

#7

I see a lot of potential in the bottom image there, I think it would look great with the more arty feel you’ll get painting it in 2D

#8

azhhael: I have two more ideas I want to consider, then I’m going to commit, so none of these yet are final.

I do currently like the third image best for the 2D entry, but it perhaps needs a little more going on, or a different composition of the fleet. The first sketch would be my current choice for 3D, but perhaps viewed out of a dramatically lit hangar bay with a lone pilot holding his flight helmet silhouetted against the backdrop.

I have 2 days off work now, so maybe I can think of something better or more dynamic. Thanks for the input, guys.

#9

the last two both have a very unique colour scheme and feel to them.
alltho the second one is a bit more threatening imo, while the third one is more peaceful atm.
probably a matter of which theme you want to express.

a lot of potential in all of them, so I guess you can’t go wrong:)

best of luck to you :thumbsup:

#10

It was a pleasure looking at your concepts. Good use of color. When we consider the story impact of each one, I would like to suggest that you do your final on the “space nomad” scene.
It has the most impact of the three. Looking forward to seeing which one you decide.

-DM

#11

Going to go with the nomads at Colossus idea. A couple of different ways I could work this though…

#12

This one is a little less detached, but also less epic feeling.

#13

I agree, last one is less epic. If you try to combine last two posted pix, maybe it fits together to display epic and personal angle of scene at the same time. I mean these two characters and ground and branches to foreground and ships with ring and space backround. Maybe it’s worth to try.
But my personal choice is first and third pictures, especially third has EPIC feelings, these structures behind planet are great.
Anyway, good luck.

#14

I like the idea, the concept sketches are great - I prefer the one with figures, though it is true it is less epic. I think seeing through and seeing what’s beyond the gate works really well - to make more epic could try different positions for figures (eg bottom right) with nomad ships from top left (large) to centre (small) :slight_smile:

#15

Beautiful sketches. The last one is the more emotive, intimistic. I loved it.

Stefano

#16

Your sketches are fantastic. Looking forward to more from you. I like the color schemes as well. good luck

#17

Very good Concepts

#18

Trying something different. I want to stay away from vast space armadas. I want to be able to tell a story, but remain sort of vague so the viewer’s imagination can do the rest.

I like this, but it could use something going on in the foreground. Two kids playing indictaes a sense of ease about the caravan’s destination, a pregnant woman indicates hope, etc. Still seems a bit shallow…

Feedback is much appreciated.

#19

Since most of the characters will only be visible from the back, I can simply use this multiple times with slight variations.

It’s a start…

#20

> I like this, but it could use something going on in the foreground. Two kids playing indictaes a sense of ease about the caravan’s destination, a pregnant woman indicates hope, etc. Still seems a bit shallow…

Maybe some very faint alien ruins or the bones of a wrecked spaceship?

I’m glad to see something other than a Space Armada, but possibly you need more flashiness to get that Space Opera feel. Perhaps some nonhumans along as native guides? First contact with the locals?

What are the blue cones on the horizon going to end up as? Cloud formations? Distant orbital cities - they might serve to provide contrast with the foreground elements.

#21

The idea is that there are huge motherships on the horizon, extending into the atmosphere, and various caravans visible from this hilltop making their way towards the ships.

#22

> The idea is that there are huge motherships on the horizon, extending into the atmosphere, and various caravans visible from this hilltop making their way towards the ships.

Excellent - I’d hoped it’d be something like that. Makes a good contrast with the realtively low tech caravan.

#23

I need to stop obsessing about the concept. Regardless, I like this most of all. It has somewhat of a fantasy aspect. The translucent bubbles would actually be mostly clear, and sort of iridescent.