Diary of a Dustpaw

HelixStalwa · 10-30-2007, 06:15 PM

At long last, I's have started work on the Journal of my life - "Diary of a Dustpaw". I's am now pleased to be able to show yus the first few pages. This will be an on-going work as I's struggle to document and illustrate my thoughts, so I's would appreciate yus patience as I's organise this. As pages come back from Brushwuttle & Brushwuttle Printers, I's will of course share them with yus. I's hope yus will enjoy this sneaky peak into the life of a sneaky Ratonga.

Steal the cheese!

====================

OOC : I will be putting all the pages in this thread as they appear. Feel free to comment in this thread on the Diary as it progresses or ask any questions but please try to stay reasonably on-topic.

Time between updates may be erratic as pages can take from a few days up to a week or so to complete (plus I may decide to take the odd break from time to time).While not essential, you may find it helpful to have read the four stories I posted in the Traveler's Tales forum. In order, they were (opens in new window) Dustpaw : One who crawls in the dust, Dustpaw : The Gate of Fear, Dustpaw : Gaining a Family and Dustpaw : Making a Man out of a Mouse

THE TECHNICAL STUFF

In this thread I will show a low-quality thumbnail of each page. These will usually be around 25Kb in size, but may be a little larger if the image is not particularly compressable. These thumbnails will show the general layout of the page but almost none of the fine details.

For Modem users, I will then display a LINK to a MEDIUM sized version of the page. It will display a 750x750 pixel jpeg of medium quality and around 130-160Kb in size.

For Broadband users (or the patient), I will display a LINK to a LARGE version of the page. It will display a 1200x1200 pixel jpeg of medium quality and around 320-620Kb in size.

For the terminally curious who are desperate to see every wart and wrinkle, I can produce a full-size image of the original on request.Please let me know how are you finding these. Loading times alright? Any comments or questions on the content? As I said earlier, feel free to chat about it in this thread - I don't mind. I won't throw cheese at you just cos you ask a question or say something. In fact, opinions and feedback would actually help me with the design of future pages.

I hope you enjoy these...

HelixStalwa · 10-30-2007, 06:27 PM

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

HelixStalwa · 10-30-2007, 06:28 PM

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

HelixStalwa · 10-30-2007, 06:30 PM

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

HelixStalwa · 10-30-2007, 06:30 PM

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

HelixStalwa · 10-30-2007, 06:31 PM

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Wyrmypops · 10-31-2007, 04:01 AM

That looks damned cool. A proper norrathian journal. Hey, you weren't the one stole them from all the Qeynosian vendors were ya?

HelixStalwa · 10-31-2007, 04:23 AM

The Ledgers... *looks shifty* ... um, I's mean the journals? Noooo... I's... *thinks fast* got this one from a man who I's... met in a tavern, yis.

Grothargh · 10-31-2007, 05:36 AM

I think i snagged thems... great journal... who took your pictures?you gots som cheese?

HelixStalwa · 10-31-2007, 06:30 AM

I's glad yus likes the pictures. Most of thems were taken by either myself or Mister Helixson who, despite being from the Qeynos-nest is a very helpful person. And yis, of course I's have cheese! I's will do my best to put some pictures of cheeses in the journal later.

===

OOC : Any of the in-game pictures I have taken using the .tga screenshot option then *heavily* edited using Photoshop Elements 5.0 (the home version of Photoshop). Any non-game backgrounds are from royalty-free images on the web. Most of the objects on the pages will be constructed from scratch. For example the Biter-of-Tails talisman is a rock texture cut to shape, bevelled and nibbled and then given the carving. Many of the other decorative items and page backgrounds are items I purchased from ScrapGirls.com - an American digital scrapbook resource.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. You know, the "How did you...?" "Where did you get..." or "Where the heck is that?" sort.

Steal the cheese!

HelixStalwa · 11-05-2007, 03:47 PM

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Mos · 11-05-2007, 11:38 PM

This is excellent, sir! Can't wait for more!

Salox · 11-07-2007, 05:24 AM

These are fantastic. Might even try to make my own.

HelixStalwa · 11-07-2007, 07:17 AM

I's glad yus like to see them. I's created these at 3000x3000 pixels because if yus ever decide to get them printed, that is equivalent to 10" square which many online printers will do as a book format. As I's mentioned a few replies above, there are online scrap-booking communities on the web - the one I's looked at was scrapgirls.com. They have an online shop where yus can download wonderful brushes, frames and backgrounds for a few shineys. I's am more than happy to explain how I's got a particular effect. Oh, and if yus do not have a suitable art program, please avoid the places like *bay and similar where non-retail individuals are offering stuff like Photoshop CS3 for much less than retail. While it is likely that they will install, the licence keys are usually invalid so you cannot get product support or even sometimes use them beyond the 30-day trial. Buy retail, please.

Mos · 12-02-2007, 08:13 PM

Less exploring new content! More updates!

HelixStalwa · 12-03-2007, 05:14 AM

Heh - I'm not exploring the new continent as it happens... I'm exploring a new application. In fact I've only spent about an hour getting my butt kicked in Kunark compared with an enormous amount of time doing the Photoshop CS3 training at lynda.com (Deke MacClelland is the trainer there and he has provided an enormous amount of CS3 training, of which about seventy hours is relevant to my use of CS3 as a non-photographer). It is this training that is taking up my time at the moment... plus I am having some personal challenges at the moment that are taking up a lot of my creative juices... lack of sleep and the stress of looking after a partner who is "under the docter" (ooh, there's an old expression!) will do it for an artist every time.

Anyway, don't worry - pretty soon I hope to have the next page worked out. I have not stopped working on the Diary - in fact this is the reason I have upgraded to CS3 - I just need to find the energy and time to do the next page.

Verios-EQ2 · 12-03-2007, 06:36 AM

This is quite cool, however I don't think there are Polaroids (referring to the pictures in the journal heh) in this time frame

HelixStalwa · 12-03-2007, 07:08 AM

Ooh, I think you'd be surprised... Gnomish Tinkerers invented the Iconograph a good while ago (see your loading screens - you see something like it on one of them) and have been refining the design ever since re-discovering long lost blueprints in KlackAnon. Of course, being *Gnomish* tinkerers, they first redesigned it as part of a weapon system then converted it to domestic use when it failed to fulfil its intended purpose... or is it the other way round? Hmm... I wonder if Iconographs *do* steal part of your soul...

Essay Title : The Use of Iconographs in Necromancy. Discuss.

Hazelle · 12-03-2007, 10:46 AM

Can't wait to see the next page...

I am sure it will be fantastic!

hmmm necromancy sounds a bit too evil for this Fae to discuss...

HelixStalwa · 12-11-2007, 03:30 PM

I have moved all my Diary of a Dustpaw images to my new gallery at deviantART - you'll need to update your bookmarks to this... http://danielcoffey.deviantart.com/gallery At the moment, all the images are visible in the main page, but they have also been stored in a sub-folder on the left of the screen titled "Diary of a Dustpaw". Once the ones in the main page get buried, you will always be able to find them in that sub-folder. The images will, by default, display as a small thumbnail. Click on it to view a larger version (900x900) or choose the "Download" option to see at the full 1200x1200 size.Another feature of deviantART is that you can leave comments on anything you see there, although you do need to register in order to post. Registration is free but you'll see some ads. Paying a tiny fee will remove the ads and allow you access to useful features. Enjoy!

Oh, I almost forgot to mention - I will still be posting in this thread each time I UPDATE the Diary with a new page. In fact I am about to do so any time now, so watch this space...

HelixStalwa · 12-11-2007, 05:03 PM

Dustpaw Diary at deviantART UPDATED 11 December 2007 - CLICK HERE TO VIEW

HelixStalwa · 12-14-2007, 04:59 PM

Yay! Another page already. I hope yus likes this... I's certainly had fun forging a Freeport Gold Piece out of a bar of soap and some spray paint!

Dustpaw Diary at deviantART UPDATED 14 December 2007 - CLICK HERE TO VIEW

HelixStalwa · 01-11-2008, 03:56 PM

I's hope yus are enjoying these. Feel free to say so - yus won't get a rock heaved at yus or get yus wings pulled off... probably.

Dustpaw Diary at deviantART UPDATED 11 January 2008 - CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Mos · 01-14-2008, 12:04 PM

Very much so! ..and that coin from the previous one looks amazing, nice job!

HelixStalwa · 01-14-2008, 01:02 PM

Thank yus! I's must credit Steve Caplin and his wonderful book "How to Cheat in Photoshop CS3" for the tip on how to make the coin, although getting Lucan to look mean was easy - heck, he is the KING of mean!!!

Mos · 01-14-2008, 08:15 PM

aww, he's just misunderstood!

Mos · 09-14-2008, 10:06 PM

Your updates have been missed, sir..

10-30-2007, 06:15 PM	#1
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	At long last, I's have started work on the Journal of my life - "Diary of a Dustpaw". I's am now pleased to be able to show yus the first few pages. This will be an on-going work as I's struggle to document and illustrate my thoughts, so I's would appreciate yus patience as I's organise this. As pages come back from Brushwuttle & Brushwuttle Printers, I's will of course share them with yus. I's hope yus will enjoy this sneaky peak into the life of a sneaky Ratonga. Steal the cheese! ==================== OOC : I will be putting all the pages in this thread as they appear. Feel free to comment in this thread on the Diary as it progresses or ask any questions but please try to stay reasonably on-topic. Time between updates may be erratic as pages can take from a few days up to a week or so to complete (plus I may decide to take the odd break from time to time).While not essential, you may find it helpful to have read the four stories I posted in the Traveler's Tales forum. In order, they were (opens in new window) Dustpaw : One who crawls in the dust, Dustpaw : The Gate of Fear, Dustpaw : Gaining a Family and Dustpaw : Making a Man out of a Mouse THE TECHNICAL STUFF In this thread I will show a low-quality thumbnail of each page. These will usually be around 25Kb in size, but may be a little larger if the image is not particularly compressable. These thumbnails will show the general layout of the page but almost none of the fine details. For Modem users, I will then display a LINK to a MEDIUM sized version of the page. It will display a 750x750 pixel jpeg of medium quality and around 130-160Kb in size. For Broadband users (or the patient), I will display a LINK to a LARGE version of the page. It will display a 1200x1200 pixel jpeg of medium quality and around 320-620Kb in size. For the terminally curious who are desperate to see every wart and wrinkle, I can produce a full-size image of the original on request.Please let me know how are you finding these. Loading times alright? Any comments or questions on the content? As I said earlier, feel free to chat about it in this thread - I don't mind. I won't throw cheese at you just cos you ask a question or say something. In fact, opinions and feedback would actually help me with the design of future pages. I hope you enjoy these... __________________

10-30-2007, 06:27 PM	#2
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	CLICK HERE TO VIEW __________________

10-30-2007, 06:28 PM	#3
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	CLICK HERE TO VIEW __________________

10-30-2007, 06:30 PM	#4
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	CLICK HERE TO VIEW __________________

10-30-2007, 06:30 PM	#5
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	CLICK HERE TO VIEW __________________

10-30-2007, 06:31 PM	#6
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	CLICK HERE TO VIEW __________________

10-31-2007, 04:01 AM	#7
Wyrmypops Loremaster Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 799	That looks damned cool. A proper norrathian journal. Hey, you weren't the one stole them from all the Qeynosian vendors were ya? __________________

10-31-2007, 04:23 AM	#8
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	The Ledgers... looks shifty ... um, I's mean the journals? Noooo... I's... thinks fast got this one from a man who I's... met in a tavern, yis. __________________

10-31-2007, 05:36 AM	#9
Grothargh Loremaster Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 26	I think i snagged thems... great journal... who took your pictures?you gots som cheese?

10-31-2007, 06:30 AM	#10
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	I's glad yus likes the pictures. Most of thems were taken by either myself or Mister Helixson who, despite being from the Qeynos-nest is a very helpful person. And yis, of course I's have cheese! I's will do my best to put some pictures of cheeses in the journal later. === OOC : Any of the in-game pictures I have taken using the .tga screenshot option then heavily edited using Photoshop Elements 5.0 (the home version of Photoshop). Any non-game backgrounds are from royalty-free images on the web. Most of the objects on the pages will be constructed from scratch. For example the Biter-of-Tails talisman is a rock texture cut to shape, bevelled and nibbled and then given the carving. Many of the other decorative items and page backgrounds are items I purchased from ScrapGirls.com - an American digital scrapbook resource. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. You know, the "How did you...?" "Where did you get..." or "Where the heck is that?" sort. Steal the cheese! __________________

11-05-2007, 03:47 PM	#11
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	CLICK HERE TO VIEW __________________

11-05-2007, 11:38 PM	#12
Mos Loremaster Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: 1 Justice Road, South Freeport Posts: 74	This is excellent, sir! Can't wait for more! __________________

11-07-2007, 05:24 AM	#13
Salox Server: The Bazaar Lord Join Date: May 2007 Location: Lakewood, Colorado Posts: 71	These are fantastic. Might even try to make my own.

11-07-2007, 07:17 AM	#14
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	I's glad yus like to see them. I's created these at 3000x3000 pixels because if yus ever decide to get them printed, that is equivalent to 10" square which many online printers will do as a book format. As I's mentioned a few replies above, there are online scrap-booking communities on the web - the one I's looked at was scrapgirls.com. They have an online shop where yus can download wonderful brushes, frames and backgrounds for a few shineys. I's am more than happy to explain how I's got a particular effect. Oh, and if yus do not have a suitable art program, please avoid the places like *bay and similar where non-retail individuals are offering stuff like Photoshop CS3 for much less than retail. While it is likely that they will install, the licence keys are usually invalid so you cannot get product support or even sometimes use them beyond the 30-day trial. Buy retail, please. __________________

12-02-2007, 08:13 PM	#15
Mos Loremaster Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: 1 Justice Road, South Freeport Posts: 74	Less exploring new content! More updates! __________________

12-03-2007, 05:14 AM	#16
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	Heh - I'm not exploring the new continent as it happens... I'm exploring a new application. In fact I've only spent about an hour getting my butt kicked in Kunark compared with an enormous amount of time doing the Photoshop CS3 training at lynda.com (Deke MacClelland is the trainer there and he has provided an enormous amount of CS3 training, of which about seventy hours is relevant to my use of CS3 as a non-photographer). It is this training that is taking up my time at the moment... plus I am having some personal challenges at the moment that are taking up a lot of my creative juices... lack of sleep and the stress of looking after a partner who is "under the docter" (ooh, there's an old expression!) will do it for an artist every time. Anyway, don't worry - pretty soon I hope to have the next page worked out. I have not stopped working on the Diary - in fact this is the reason I have upgraded to CS3 - I just need to find the energy and time to do the next page. __________________

12-03-2007, 06:36 AM	#17
Verios-EQ2 Loremaster Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 71	This is quite cool, however I don't think there are Polaroids (referring to the pictures in the journal heh) in this time frame __________________

12-03-2007, 07:08 AM	#18
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	Ooh, I think you'd be surprised... Gnomish Tinkerers invented the Iconograph a good while ago (see your loading screens - you see something like it on one of them) and have been refining the design ever since re-discovering long lost blueprints in KlackAnon. Of course, being Gnomish tinkerers, they first redesigned it as part of a weapon system then converted it to domestic use when it failed to fulfil its intended purpose... or is it the other way round? Hmm... I wonder if Iconographs do steal part of your soul... Essay Title : The Use of Iconographs in Necromancy. Discuss. __________________

12-03-2007, 10:46 AM	#19
Hazelle Server: Oasis Guild: Fabled Rank: Junior Member Elder Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 119	Can't wait to see the next page... I am sure it will be fantastic! hmmm necromancy sounds a bit too evil for this Fae to discuss... __________________

12-11-2007, 03:30 PM	#20
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	I have moved all my Diary of a Dustpaw images to my new gallery at deviantART - you'll need to update your bookmarks to this... http://danielcoffey.deviantart.com/gallery At the moment, all the images are visible in the main page, but they have also been stored in a sub-folder on the left of the screen titled "Diary of a Dustpaw". Once the ones in the main page get buried, you will always be able to find them in that sub-folder. The images will, by default, display as a small thumbnail. Click on it to view a larger version (900x900) or choose the "Download" option to see at the full 1200x1200 size.Another feature of deviantART is that you can leave comments on anything you see there, although you do need to register in order to post. Registration is free but you'll see some ads. Paying a tiny fee will remove the ads and allow you access to useful features. Enjoy! Oh, I almost forgot to mention - I will still be posting in this thread each time I UPDATE the Diary with a new page. In fact I am about to do so any time now, so watch this space... __________________

12-11-2007, 05:03 PM	#21
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	UPDATED 11 December 2007 - CLICK HERE TO VIEW __________________

12-14-2007, 04:59 PM	#22
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	Yay! Another page already. I hope yus likes this... I's certainly had fun forging a Freeport Gold Piece out of a bar of soap and some spray paint! UPDATED 14 December 2007 - CLICK HERE TO VIEW __________________

01-11-2008, 03:56 PM	#23
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	I's hope yus are enjoying these. Feel free to say so - yus won't get a rock heaved at yus or get yus wings pulled off... probably. UPDATED 11 January 2008 - CLICK HERE TO VIEW __________________

01-14-2008, 12:04 PM	#24
Mos Loremaster Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: 1 Justice Road, South Freeport Posts: 74	Very much so! ..and that coin from the previous one looks amazing, nice job! __________________

01-14-2008, 01:02 PM	#25
HelixStalwa General Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh, UK Posts: 85	Thank yus! I's must credit Steve Caplin and his wonderful book "How to Cheat in Photoshop CS3" for the tip on how to make the coin, although getting Lucan to look mean was easy - heck, he is the KING of mean!!! __________________

01-14-2008, 08:15 PM	#26
Mos Loremaster Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: 1 Justice Road, South Freeport Posts: 74	aww, he's just misunderstood! __________________

09-14-2008, 10:06 PM	#27
Mos Loremaster Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: 1 Justice Road, South Freeport Posts: 74	Your updates have been missed, sir.. __________________