After working with MotT's artists time and again, I'm reminded just how fascinating the whole process is.

As the writer and director, I have a great deal of control over how the game turns out. How should this character sound? What if he were slouching versus having his arms crossed? What if this scene is too heavy after the last?

So many questions I can answer and often do, but creative control is not the same as dictating every part of the process.

Working with various artists has been an amazing experience. Often, I will come up with a scene, provide references, and find myself repeatedly blown away by the directions the artists take when they add their own personal touch. Collaboration has made this story what it is and continues to be. Whether that is in the art, music, voice work, or general presentation, everyone breathes a new level of life into the piece.

Perhaps I am a bit greedy. I love including artists in the process, because I love introducing more humanity into my story, which was once merely text on a page. I would have many more artists and composers, if I could, just to see how different it might turn out. Though, there is only so much one person can manage, and I still need time to write!

Part of management that has been especially unique has been working with artists long distance. While the voice work was done close to home, the vast majority of the visual effort has been with people I have never and possibly will never meet in person. It's an odd thought.

The biggest advantage may just be that there is only so much direction I can give. After my instructions, every decision made is outside of my view, literally.

Now you could just hammer away and call for revisions until the end product is exactly what you originally thought of, or you could look at what has been made and realize that the combined visions of people can reveal a new, more interesting path.

-A recent CG by Hanstella

In this case, I struggled to find a good reference based on how the scene was written. In my head Wes, the character in the back, originally had his head down on the table. He was sleeping like a tired student, but this version helps convey what he is doing without taking the attention from Alyssa (left) and George, (right).

It's something my creative partner envisioned, presented, and then made. Something made possible by their unique perspective.

That's not to say revisions aren't needed or communication should be sparse. Both facets in this kind of work are vital. There is simply a balance point between the initial thought and the lived-in medium.

Starting a project with collaborators you've never seen is quite unnerving at first. It's very difficult to choose who to work with in the freelance world. There will be creatives that don't match the puzzle that is your vision and who you are. That has cost me in small ways, but I learned from those moments.
If you have a reliable artist that fits your vision, keep them close. Communication is a must from all sides and if you get along well with those you work with, then the experience will never stop surprising you.

It's a rocky road and that was before recent events in the industry, but as a wise man once said, "Journey before Destination."

Thank you for stopping by,
-Rowan.