Hello all,
I'm going to playtest Final Stand like a dog, spruce it up, clean it off, and then I was thinking of selling it. I'll have some proposed rules changes and new drafts and so on later (gimme a couple of weeks, at least), but for now:
Illustrations. I've sketched a few myself, but I don't know. As consumers, what do you think of these? Should I use 'em (and do lots more) or lose 'em (and get a proper illustrator)?
Good-at-heart rogue, way of Street Fist (http://www.homepages.paradise.net.nz/timdenee/fist.jpg)
Towering ox, way of Lethal Panda (http://www.homepages.paradise.net.nz/timdenee/panda.jpg)
Reformed villain, way of Iron Crane (http://www.homepages.paradise.net.nz/timdenee/crane.jpg)
Grizzled soldier, way of Burning Leopard (http://www.homepages.paradise.net.nz/timdenee/soldier.jpg)
(P.S: new character sheet (http://www.homepages.paradise.net.nz/timdenee/charsheet.jpg)!)
Well, I'll say this:
Your illustrations do a good job of expressing a mood, style, genre, etc. Very flavorful and evocative. You obviously know what look you're going for. However, your drawings lack the polish that a more practiced artist can provide. I would recommend seeking an alternative source for artwork. In a way, artwork is a form of marketing, and you want to put as pretty a face as possible on your creation.
The character sheet, on the other hand, is pretty doggone snazzy. I like it!
Cheers. I figured as much, but you know, it was worth a try.
Now, I need to find an artist who can do good manga-style martial artist drawings. Which is harder than it sounds; I've searched extensively. Anyone have any good links to communities and such like I could look for free-lancers in? I gave Elfwood a look, but it's far too fantasy-y.
There was a guy selling his drawings on the street here in Wellington, some of which were really cool martial artist stuff. Maybe if I find him again I can get him to do some freelance stuff...
The only other possibility I've found is this Crizl (http://www.tekkenzaibatsu.com/gallery/crizl_1.php) person.
Help much appreciated.