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World building,

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Treasure island,

here I am going to briefly review Treasure Island and then rate and discuss some of the art used as front covers and film posters for the stories many releases, I will be listening to an audiobook version that's available on YouTube as I don't own a copy. I will link the YouTube video below.

My Review,

I have listened to the first forty minutes of the audio book, right up to the end of chapter three just as "The Captain" dies suddenly after his alcohol induced stroke, and feel as if though I have a good understanding of the story and am able to discuss it confidently.

First of all the narrator of the audiobook is captivating and does their job rather well, their are a few points at which I feel more could've been said or enunciated more specifically there were at least two conversations read where I couldn't quite tell at certain points who was speaking or being spoken too deep into conversation due to the narrator not vocally shifting tone and reading what should've been split up as whole whether this is an issue with his personal reading or with the source materials wording as it could easily be either one, and I have no easy way of verifying which.

from all that I have heard of the story so far I am enthralled it manages to set up the world and the characters their in while leaving still a slight air of mystery surrounding them, with the goal still not clear. The only particular thing I am disappointed with in the first three chapters is the lack of focus on the death of Jim's father though Jim mentions how it is effecting him it doesn't really have a lot of impact in the way it was written he is ill for a while and then he dies, the impact on Jim or his mother hasn't been explored yet and there hasn't been any signs that it will so far.

despite this minor shortcoming the segment I have listened to as a whole has done a very grand job opening the story and setting up the world of the book, a great example of this is all of the mystery surrounding the Captain's sea chest and the people seeking him out, the man with one leg, who outside of what I've heard from the book i am aware that he is long john silver who plays a massive role in the book as the main antagonist. Another personal highlight for me in the segment that i have heard is the description of "Black Dog" and "The Blind Man", Black dog is described as "not sailorly and yet he had a smack of the sea around him too" i love this description because it makes it seem as if though the sea changes people physically over time and for some reason this man has remained unchanged, he is more properly described in his first appearance by Jim as a "pale tallowy creature" which casts a rather haunting image to me of a tall pale almost see through skinned man thing.

Book covers

Film posters

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Exploring Sea of Thieves and Its Captivating Art Style,

Sea of Thieves is a multiplayer action-adventure game developed by Rare, set in a shared open-world environment filled with pirates, treasure, and adventure. Released in 2018, the game invites players to take on the role of pirates, embarking on quests, exploring islands, and engaging in thrilling ship battles against other players and AI-controlled enemies. The essence of Sea of Thieves lies in its emphasis on cooperative gameplay, where crews can work together to solve puzzles, uncover hidden treasures, and face the perils of the sea.

One of the standout features of Sea of Thieves is its unique art style, which blends vibrant colors with a whimsical, painterly aesthetic. The game employs a stylized visual approach that evokes a sense of adventure and nostalgia, reminiscent of classic pirate tales and storybook illustrations. The bright, dynamic colors create a lively atmosphere, while the character designs and environments are both charming and immersive. This artistic choice not only enhances the game’s playful spirit but also makes the vast ocean and diverse islands feel alive and inviting. As players sail through its beautifully crafted world, they are treated to stunning sunsets, lively wildlife, and intricate details that bring the pirate experience to life.

Now I am going to select some pieces of Sea of Thieves concept art and further discuss the overall aesthetic of the game. As already mentioned Sea of Thieves has a painted look to it, with each item and character looking as if it came from a canvas, on top of this each NPC and player character is heavily stylized with what in the real world would be uncanny builds and disproportionate bodies however in the game world the chosen style it creates a great sense of character and gives so much personality to everything.

as you can see in the concept art above each character has a very unique look, in both body and facial qualities you can see the intent and purpose of each expression with them bursting with personality giving you a sense of who they are at just one freeze frame of a test build.

In the image above, there are four face concepts for pirates to assumedly feature in the game or be used as reference for in-game engine character building. Having played the game, I can say no direct copy of these characters appears in the final release. However, they all have a minor resemblance to factions that give you quests, which, by completing, allow you to gain repour with said factions. Each major faction in the game has a unique style related to its lore, aesthetic, and goals.

Above is a great example of a rendered still image in engine, as you can see even in-game they've kept the painted aesthetic although smoothing out a lot of detail that brushstrokes would have brought a different quality to the game but were likely decided against in early development due to technical constraints as so much detail would've been hard to run well in consoles at the time seeing as the console sea of thieves was released for was the Xbox one and was created in Unreal engine 4.

all images presented and discussed here are from the linked website above.

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The Allure of Pirates: What they were and what they've become,

A Historical Overview of Pirates

Pirates have captured the imagination of people for centuries, embodying the spirit of adventure, rebellion, and the allure of the unknown. Historically, piracy emerged during the late Middle Ages, but it gained significant notoriety during the Golden Age of Piracy, roughly spanning the late 17th to early 18th centuries.

Early Pirates: From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean

Piracy has ancient roots, with early examples found in the Mediterranean Sea as far back as the 14th century BC. The Sea Peoples, a group of naval raiders, are one of the earliest known examples. Fast forward to the Roman Empire, and we find pirates disrupting trade routes, leading to military campaigns aimed at eradicating them.

The Caribbean became the hotbed for piracy in the late 1600s, driven by European powers' rivalries and the lucrative trade routes established by colonial empires. Famous historical pirates of this era included:

Bartholomew Roberts: better known as Black Bart, was a prominent Welsh pirate active in the early 18th century, renowned for his daring exploits and impressive capture rate. Operating mainly in the Caribbean and along the North American coast from 1719 to 1722, he became one of the most successful pirates of the Golden Age, capturing over 400 ships during his career. Black Bart was known for his flamboyant style, often donning a distinctive outfit and an extravagant hat, and he maintained a strict code of conduct among his crew. His most famous act was the audacious raid on the port of Whydah in 1721, which yielded a significant treasure. Despite his fearsome reputation, he was also known for his relatively humane treatment of prisoners, often allowing them to go free. Black Bart met his end in 1722 during a naval battle with the Royal Navy, but his legacy endures as one of the era's most iconic pirates, embodying both the thrill and danger of life on the high seas.

Henry Morgan: a Welsh privateer and pirate who became one of the most famous figures of the Caribbean in the late 17th century. Operating primarily during the 1660s and 1670s, Morgan gained notoriety for his daring raids on Spanish settlements, including the successful capture of Panama City in 1671, which significantly boosted his reputation and wealth. Unlike many pirates of his time, Morgan was often viewed favorably by the British government, which granted him a privateering commission to target Spanish ships and colonies. His exploits contributed to the broader conflict between England and Spain, and he was known for his strategic brilliance and charismatic leadership. After a period of successful plundering, Morgan was eventually knighted and appointed the lieutenant governor of Jamaica, marking a unique transition from pirate to respected colonial official. His legacy remains a complex blend of adventure and controversy, reflecting the turbulent era of piracy in the Caribbean.

William Kidd: commonly known as Captain Kidd, was a Scottish sailor turned privateer who gained infamy in the late 17th century. Originally commissioned by the British government to hunt pirates in the Indian Ocean, Kidd's ventures took a notorious turn when he began piracy, capturing several ships, including the Quedagh Merchant in 1698. His actions soon drew the ire of both the authorities and former allies, leading to his capture in 1701. Kidd was tried for piracy and murder, ultimately being found guilty and executed in 1701. His life has inspired countless myths, with many portraying him as a misunderstood figure or even a nobleman forced into piracy. The allure of buried treasure linked to his name continues to captivate the imagination, cementing his legacy as one of history's most famous pirates.

Henry Avery: often dubbed "Long Ben," was a notorious English pirate active in the late 17th century, primarily recognized for his bold hijacking of the Ganj-i-Sawai, a Mughal treasure ship, in 1695. This audacious act not only netted him a vast fortune but also earned him legendary status, with stories depicting him as a Robin Hood figure who distributed his wealth among the poor. In reality, Avery's exploits were far more self-serving, and he fled with his crew to the Bahamas, where they enjoyed their ill-gotten gains. Myths surrounding him include tales of his supposed benevolence and the belief that he vanished without a trace, which fueled speculation about hidden treasures and his potential return. His legacy remains a mix of historical fact and romanticized folklore, reflecting the allure of piracy during that era.

The Decline of the Golden Age

By the early 18th century, increased naval power from European nations, coupled with the establishment of anti-piracy laws, led to the decline of piracy. The British Royal Navy began aggressive campaigns to hunt down and execute pirates, effectively curbing their influence and presence in the Caribbean and beyond.

Pirates in Modern Pop Culture

While the historical reality of piracy may be far removed from the romanticized versions, the legacy of pirates has persisted in modern pop culture. Today, they are often depicted as swashbuckling adventurers or antiheroes, contributing to a vibrant subculture.

Iconic Media Representations:

Pirates of the Caribbean Series: This top-rated film franchise, featuring Johnny Depp as the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow, brought pirates back to the forefront of popular culture. The films blend fantasy with adventure and have redefined the image of pirates for a new generation.

Treasure Island: Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, published in 1883, has had a lasting impact on the portrayal of pirates. The story of Long John Silver and the search for buried treasure set the template for countless adaptations in film, television, and stage. Notably, the Soviet animated adaptation from 1988, titled "Treasure Island," introduced a unique artistic style and a whimsical take on the classic tale, resonating with audiences in Eastern Europe and beyond.

One Piece: This long-running manga and anime series by Eiichiro Oda follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew searching for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece. It has become a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the camaraderie and adventures of pirates in a fantastical world.

Treasure Planet: Disney’s animated film, released in 2002, reimagines the classic "Treasure Island" story in a sci-fi setting. With spaceships and alien worlds, it presents a fresh take on the pirate adventure, emphasizing themes of exploration and friendship while capturing the essence of classic swashbuckling tales.

The Modern Pirate Archetype

In today’s media, pirates often symbolize freedom, adventure, and rebellion against authority. They are portrayed as complex characters, often with tragic backstories or moral ambiguity, inviting audiences to empathize with their plight. This nuanced representation reflects broader societal themes, including individualism and the quest for identity.

Conclusion

From their historical roots as marauding seafarers to their romanticized depictions in modern media, pirates continue to fascinate us. They embody the thrill of adventure, the quest for freedom, and the clash between law and chaos. As we dive into stories of these notorious figures, we find that the allure of piracy is as strong today as it was in the past—inviting us to explore the seas of our own imaginations.

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The Steve Jackson's,

little to my knowledge Steve Jackson is in fact two people both creating media in the same niche with similar subjects of choice, even at one point writing books in the same series of which UK Steve was the Co creator "Fighting Fantasy" no effort was made to differentiate US Steve's three entries into the series.

Both Steve's have produced pieces of media that i greatly enjoy and appreciate, US Steve is the creator of 'Munchkin' a fun and easy not so serious dungeon adventure card game as well as creating The "Generic Universal RolePlaying System" also known as GURPS is a role playing system which is designed to be able to run any genre with its core rules.

UK Steve slightly more impactful to me co founded Games Workshop a miniature and wargaming company based in Nottingham, starting with a heavier focus in fantasy going onto create rogue trader a sci-fi roleplaying wargame which would eventually evolve and morph into Warhammer 40K something which made u a big bit of my young nerd experience from hearing about its early days from relatives, being gifted old Codexes reading up on different bits of "Fluff" and being taken to the local hobby shop to start building my own army I have a massive love for this game and its worlds.

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ODD inspirations,

Album covers

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Propaganda research,

in this post I will display examples of propaganda I have found during my research for my project, I will talk about the methods and techniques behind each example and what it is trying to make you think and feel.

I have not discriminated in my search for quality examples of propaganda, often it is hard times that create a need for such things whether it is to change the opinion of a nation or detract from one's enemies while sending a clear cut message, however, some are merely trying to sell you on an idea such as the poster above which is attempting to drum up support and recruitment rates for the British territorial army, now known as the Army Reserve consists of Reserve soldiers who support the Regular military during times of war and national emergency. This poster does a good job of portraying the territorial army in a warm inviting way like a big family that will invite you in with open arms, the expression on the foremost soldier is a warm one, smiling ear to ear while gesturing behind him to a tent full of territorial army recruits including a small dog with a British flag tied to him along with writing on the side of the tent reading "The Lads of The Village" this subtly or not sends a message that as a man you should join up and defend your country and that you are welcome to join.

This next poster is a Russian poster depicting the fall of Nazi Germany with a massive black wolf with pupilless eyes and a Nazi insignia on its forehead draped over what appears to be a grand building in Berlin, the creature is bleeding all over with blood seeping from its mouth, eyes and claws. It has three large bayonets all plunged into its upper back each one of which has a flag attached to it one having the Communist Union's flag another the United States of America's flag and the final one flying the United Kingdom's flag. This poster has a very clear message being that the Nazis were a foul and viscous beast, here depicted as a massive monstrous wolf, that was felled by the combined power of what at the time were the world's main major powers, this could have been an attempt to emphasize what can be done when these powers unite against evil or and trying to solidify the Nazis and weak dying monsters.

The poster shown above is a rather striking example of pro-Nazi propaganda, specifically, this poster is a recruitment effort for the Wehrmacht with the top section of words directly translation to "Your Father land is in danger" and the bottom text reading simply "Sign Up" being the clearest most forward message yet but also visually shows how the Nazis wanted to portray there ideal soldier and what they thought of as an ideal man whether meant or merely coincidental. the soldier in the center of the poster is completely pale with a hard almost expressionless look on his face and no eyes visible instead being all blacked out just below his helmet line creating a stark almost robotic look.

There's a chance my thought process or interpretation of this poster is wrong however i believe that the words directly translate to " We Don't Pass!" and then the years under neath are 1914 -1918 which is the duration that the French fought for in ww1, i believe that this is referring to ww1 being a war of attrition, "Attrition warfare is a military strategy consisting of belligerent attempts to win a war by wearing down the enemy to the point of collapse through continuous losses in personnel, materiel and morale."- dictionary definition, the words referencing how almost no ground was gained in many battles of ww1 meaning they literally did not pass. other than that theory i believe it could be a mistranslation with the words reading "You shall not pass" referring again to the stalemates of ww1.

Possibly the most striking and in many ways horrifying to look at examples i have found in my research

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Floating Eye-land

today as an exercise in reacclimatising and refreshing out photoshop skills we each drew our own pixel art floating islands, being me i made an eye-land.

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Edward Teach,

The Legendary Life and Final Voyage of Blackbeard the Pirate

Edward Teach, better known by his fearsome moniker "Blackbeard," remains one of the most infamous pirates in history. His name conjures images of terror on the high seas, with tales of plundering, battles, and his striking appearance fueling his legend. But behind the fearsome facade was a man whose life and eventual downfall offer a glimpse into the turbulent world of piracy in the early 18th century.

The Rise of Blackbeard

Edward Teach's early life is shrouded in mystery. Believed to have been born in Bristol, England, around 1680, little is known about his youth or how he first ventured to sea. Teach likely began his maritime career as a privateer during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), a common starting point for many pirates of his era. Privateers were essentially government-sanctioned pirates, permitted to attack enemy ships during wartime, and it was here that Teach likely honed his skills in naval combat and learned the art of piracy.

When the war ended in 1714, many privateers found themselves out of work. Unwilling to give up the lucrative life of plundering, some turned to piracy, and Edward Teach was among them. By 1716, he had joined the crew of the pirate Benjamin Hornigold, who would become his mentor. Hornigold saw potential in Teach and soon gave him command of a sloop. With this newfound authority, Teach began to make a name for himself, and his transformation into Blackbeard began.

The Infamy of Blackbeard

Blackbeard's reputation as a fearsome pirate grew rapidly. He was known for his terrifying appearance—his thick, black beard braided with slow-burning fuses that, when lit, surrounded his face with a menacing halo of smoke. He would also wear a bandolier across his chest, bristling with pistols, creating an image designed to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies.

One of Blackbeard's most notable exploits was the capture of the French slave ship La Concorde in 1717. After seizing the vessel, he refitted it for piracy, renaming it Queen Anne's Revenge. The ship, armed with 40 guns, became Blackbeard's flagship and a symbol of his dominance on the seas. He led a fleet of pirate ships, plundering merchant vessels from the Caribbean to the American colonies.

Blackbeard's most infamous act of piracy occurred in May 1718, when he blockaded the port of Charleston, South Carolina. For over a week, Blackbeard and his crew held the city hostage, demanding a ransom of medical supplies. The blockade caused widespread panic, but the citizens eventually met his demands, and Blackbeard sailed away unscathed. This bold move cemented his status as a pirate who was both cunning and ruthless.

The Fall of Blackbeard

Despite his fearsome reputation, Blackbeard's reign of terror was short-lived. By 1718, the British government had grown increasingly frustrated with the threat posed by pirates along the American coast. The newly appointed Governor of Virginia, Alexander Spotswood, took it upon himself to eliminate the pirate menace. He offered a pardon to any pirate who surrendered, but Blackbeard, having briefly accepted a pardon only to return to piracy, was not among those who heeded the offer.

In November 1718, Spotswood authorized a daring expedition to capture Blackbeard. He dispatched two sloops under the command of Lieutenant Robert Maynard of the Royal Navy. Maynard's ships tracked Blackbeard to his hideout on Ocracoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina. On November 22, 1718, the two sides clashed in a fierce battle that would become legendary.

Blackbeard fought ferociously, but Maynard's forces eventually overwhelmed him. According to accounts, Blackbeard sustained multiple gunshot wounds and over twenty cuts before finally succumbing to his injuries. To ensure that the pirate was truly dead, Maynard decapitated Blackbeard and hung his severed head from the bowsprit of his ship as a grim trophy.

The Legacy of Blackbeard

The death of Blackbeard marked the end of an era of piracy in the Caribbean and the American colonies. His demise sent a strong message to other pirates that the British government was serious about eradicating piracy, and within a few years, the Golden Age of Piracy came to an end.

Yet, the legend of Blackbeard lived on. Stories of his exploits and his fearsome persona continued to be told and retold, growing more elaborate with each telling. Blackbeard has since become a symbol of the wild and dangerous world of piracy, a figure larger than life whose name remains synonymous with the age of pirates.

Black beard's larger-than-life persona has been solidified through various forms of media. In literature, while Robert Louis Stevenson’s "Treasure Island" doesn’t feature Blackbeard himself, it helped establish the archetypal pirate that paved the way for many subsequent pirate stories, including those directly focusing on Blackbeard. Books such as David Hair’s "Blackbeard: The Birth of America" delve into his exploits, contributing to the mythos surrounding him.

The world of film and television has also played a significant role in shaping Blackbeard’s image. Disney’s "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" introduced a fantastical version of Blackbeard, portrayed by Ian McShane. This depiction, with its elements of magic and drama, while not historically accurate, has reinforced Blackbeard’s larger-than-life persona in the popular imagination.

In video games, Blackbeard continues to be a compelling character. The "Assassin’s Creed" series, particularly "Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag," features him as a blend of historical and fictional elements, allowing players to engage with his legend in an interactive way. This portrayal mixes real historical details with creative liberties, enhancing his legendary status.

Edward Teach, or Blackbeard, was not just a pirate; he was a master of psychological warfare, using his terrifying image and bold tactics to strike fear into his enemies. His life, though marked by violence and lawlessness, continues to fascinate and inspire, a testament to the enduring allure of the pirate mythos. Blackbeard's final battle may have ended in his death, but his legacy on the high seas remains immortal.

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John Blanche,

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Larry Elmore,

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Jim Roslof,

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Practicing poses and experimenting with art style

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Uni Research,

as a part of my return to college i have been researching universities i could attend, unlike many of my peers i do not plan on attending university next year and as of right now my plan is to start an access course however i do wish to do a degree course after its completion so this research is still vital.

University of Essex,

this is a university local to me that i wouldn't necessarily have to relocate for or at the least i wouldn't be isolated and far from family and friends. The University of Essex offers a wide variety of courses i would consider taking including; Biological sciences, History, BSc marine Biology and literature.

University of Suffolk,

slightly further but still local, based in Ipswich on the waterfront, I would still be able to commute to this university campus from my current residence or relocate to student accommodation due to a personal dislike of the local area and the city of Ipswich I see this as an unlikely option however but if the necessary one i would take.

University of London,

University of Arts London,

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Surprising inspiration

Magdalena Minko's Artstation portfolio,

upon first looking at Magdalena's portfolio on Artstation, I was enamored by their art style and subject, having a collection of pieces called Monster, which I instantly gravitated towards. I see a lot of my own interests and own arts subjects in their work with much of their art in their portfolio being fantasy or sci-fi, other than this I find a lot of inspiration from their extensive experimentation with different styles.

one of my favorite art pieces from their portfolio "Demon of a Hanged Man", pictured above, shows the twisted bloated remains of a hanged corpse traipsed in a rope that due to decay and what I can only assume is some sort of demonic transformation have melded into its flesh, their art melds real-life phenomena with fantastical elements something I strive to emulate in my own art.

Another thing of note is their feature of concept art alterations and character sheets in the upload of their art. This is something I need to work on and develop myself in my own work, these are important processes as they allow ideas to change and advance in different ways and show different perspectives and angles of the subject. Magdalena even goes so far as to include alternate poses, color variations and even detail variation in a few cases.

Before experimenting with color it is important to define a silhouette and get a tangible idea of what or who a character is. You can tell an awful lot about a creature from its silhouette, from its stature, the way its arms fall and hands rest, and the way a creature holds itself. For example a silhouette

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A Collection of interesting works

Harold halibut,

I had seen a trailer for this game a few years ago and written it off as just another story puzzle game with a gimmicky style, however upon watching this gameplay presentation which showed more than enough in engine footage to prove the games style as successful. Though not true stop motion it being a mix of real life modelling, motion capture and digital animation all together it creates this beautiful world which feels mechanical yet organic.

Lumino city,

this is an amazing example of a good natural creative process, showing how they first put there ideas onto paper and develop them using character sheets having detailed annotations around each design. These are all great practices to develop and use in your own work. They go on to show how they test and further develop there ideas in 3D space with help from 3D software to understand how the environment would actually look and work in action.

Alex Pieniazek’s portfolio,

all of the work on this persons page consists of the same piece of art, being a white piece of paper with AI with a circle around it and a line through it with the words below it reading no to Ai and above #supporthumanartists. However it doesn't appear there account always solely consisted of this as most of the individual uploads have a brief description of what the art should be, while in broken English from what I can tell these were at the least interesting in idea

The Stopmotion work behind the end scene of Kubo,

The above clip shows parts of the painstaking work put into the final crescendo scene of Kubo, showing how they filmed Raiden's (the giant blue monster, aka raider the moon king) movements while he was in monster form, having him and Kubo each on their own respective rigs holding them in place and position allowing them to both be positioned carefully and slowly moved to create the sequence we see in the actual film.