March 2017 Challenge: A Sailor's Journal

[Hustle]

I contemplated doing this for my own fun, but I figured the only way to better my abilities would be to actually submit something, if not for serious judging then at least for critique and feedback.

"A Sailor's Journal" is meant to be an excerpt from the private journal of a sailor in "The Queen's Navy". But this particular sailor is an ant. Also, the Queen is an ant. It's all ants.

This journal page will be entitled "Crossing the Chasm", and if I manage to draw it properly using GIMP, B&W colors only, and a mouse (yikes), I'll also include some writeups from the perspective of the sailor-ant.

DISCLAIMER: I can't draw for beans! Please throw out some GIMP tips or tricks if it looks like I'm heading down a slippery slope of frustration.

- hustle

March 2017 Challenge A Sailor's Journal.png

[Diamond]

Neat idea! I hope you're gr-anted enough time to finish.

[ChickPea]

Welcome to the challenge, Hustle. I forgot to warn you about the puns....

[Hustle]

Ha! Thanks! I almost missed it.

I may start over on this with pen and paper, or try again in GIMP. It seems a bit too "Far Side" cartoon-y to me.

EDIT: Started from scratch and changed things a bit. I think bump mapping the grass area helped a little, but it still doesn't look like the "endless forest of jagged grass" that I'd like it to. Work on the fence and puddle is rudimentary so far. This is difficult and frustrating at times, but I'm sure it's part of the learning curve.

March 2017 Challenge A Sailor's Journal WiP.png

[Hustle]

I humbly submit another WiP. Getting happier with some of the textures, but much more frustrated with others!

### Latest WIP ###

March 2017 Challenge A Sailor's Journal WiP.png

[Diamond]

I'm not a GIMP user, but I know it's very similar to photoshop and yeah, the learning curve can be steep. If you have specific questions be sure to ask and I know some of our GIMPies can help you out.

I like the Evil Hornet Nest of Doom on the left! And I'll feel really dumb if that's not what it is...

[Hustle]

That's exactly what it is! And thanks for the info. I'll have to start jotting down specific questions when I get confused and throw them all at the GIMP powers that be in the Guild.

A few more tutorials won't hurt either, I'm sure.

[Greg]

Great to see you entering the challenge Hustle. I've only tried GIMP a handful of times and yeah it certainly throws you in at the deep end, but I found so does Photoshop. It's so satisfying as you slowly learn tricks and tips, but just from seeing your WIPs, it seems you're already making good progress!

Nice perspective and I look forwards to the next update. Keep up the good work!

[Hustle]

More progress today.

I found a better method for grass than a simple bump map. I also managed to run a half decent shadow across the hornets' nest and ant hills, as well as do some work on the border and bottom text. I still feel that there is a ways to go, but I'm not sure of my next steps or direction to take. All in all, it's a step forward.

### Latest WIP ###

March 2017 Challenge A Sailor's Journal WiP.png

[Mouse]

Oh man! you are making me feel so guilty about those poor little ants