The Image Collective is responsible for creating images for characters and ships through photo manipulation. . Today we meet with an Image Collective Member Alix Harford, so we can learn more about this important part of our community!
DeVeau: Thank you for joining us. Can you please start by giving us a short overview of the Image Collective and how it supports our StarBase 118 community?
Harford: The Image Collective is one of the coolest jobs in the Fleet; we help bring life to the multitude of characters that make up every ship and every station in SB118. When a new character is dreamt up, whether by a joining graduate or an established writer, they give us their concept through a face claim image and a few details, and an artist uses their skills with image manipulation to bring that concept to life. There are some wildly talented artists on the taskforce, and I count myself lucky, as one of the newer members, to be able to learn from them and continue developing my own skills.
What is your favorite thing about working on this taskforce?
There are two things I love about working with the Image Collective. First, doing image edits is so relaxing. It’s my happy place. When my brain won’t be quiet or focused enough for writing, I sneak off into the image editing software I use and work until I can hear myself think again. The second is helping create the depictions players have dreamed up for their characters. There is something about being able to visualize your character that really helps you to solidify who they are as you write, and I love knowing that I can help with that even a little bit. It is the best moment of my day when I deliver a completed image and someone says, “They are exactly how I envisioned them.”
Who can join this taskforce?
Anyone who has achieved the rank of Lieutenant JG, has developed the necessary skills, cleared it with their Captain, and applies, though there is a simple audition process for making it onto the team, can join the Image Collective. And if you’ve not got a lot of experience, don’t count yourself out. I hadn’t ever done this kind of art before joining SB 118, but an amazing fleet member patiently taught me the basics, and I took it from there until, about six months later, I was able to make some pretty cool-looking aliens!
How would a new member join this taskforce?
First, talk to your mentor and/or Captain. It’s important to have guidance from them as you take on more responsibilities within the Fleet. They want to support you and make sure that you are not setting yourself up for burnout. Next, gather a collection of images that you have done, for your own character or for practice, and then email your request and those images to Jim, who writes for Captain Serala on the USS Chin’toka. He leads the Image Collective Taskforce.
What is the most fun thing about working on this taskforce?
This is going to be different for every artist, but for me personally, it’s the details. I really like going back and forth with a writer until I get their image to look exactly the way they envisioned it. I’m always happy to change out a combadge, tweak a collar, or fix a strand of hair… Seriously, if I’m doing your image, be as particular as you’d like. I never want someone to settle for an image they aren’t really in love with. However, please be sure you talk to your artist if you want that kind of working relationship, and be patient with us. Many of us have so much on our plates!
Thank you so much for your insights on the Image Collective!
You can read more about the Image Collective on the wiki.
