This is the main bridge from a Trek-based flash series I've been working on. I'm satisfied with my characters but I think my backdrops need work. I checked out one of the
ENT Season 5 threads and was quite impressed with the scenes I saw there, but couldn't quite put my finger on what makes my scenes feel so plain in comparison.
My backdrops are drawn in Photoshop using the Brush and Gradient tools. I've considered using AnimeStudio to draw the backdrops to get cleaner lines, but I feel more comfortable in Photoshop. (I use AS for the characters, see avatar for example.) I just wish the lines in my backdrops were smoother. If anyone could give me any tips on what I could do to improve the look of my backdrops, I would be most appreciative.
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What you have is a good start though, you just need to build on it.
@miss dee: I searched for Dark Mirror and found this thread. Is that what you're referring to? If so, I'm afraid I can't pick out what gives his images more depth than mine. Could it simply be the use of varied colors? I was hoping he may have images of interiors as well, but I could only find accessories and ships. Granted, I did not actually check every single page of the 96.
If anyone else has feedback, or perhaps knows of some similar images, please let me know. I'm new to this and appreciate any knowledge that can be shared.
Here is an example of a couple of bridge designs from my thread.
I like the start that you have here. Keep up the good work.
Aa said, it needs depth and colour. And I suggest also more variety.
@Aresius: I was never a fan of the Intrepid bridge's guard rails. I figured it was time for an adjustment.
Thanks to everyone for the feedback! I'll post the revised version once I modify it.
:eek:
The CO relies on advice from the XO and/or Councellor, and we've seen them sit together for this reason in TNG+VOY. Miss Dee suggested the Counsellor sit on the XO's lap, but in Mariner the Counsellor and the XO are the same person so we don't need to resort to lap sharing.
I don't recall seeing a CMO stationed on the bridge; the CMO is only a supporting character in this series anyway.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I did go with the sunken Conn station and I'm pushing things closer together so I can fit all the main characters in a single 16:9 shot. I'm nearing completion of my second version and I think you'll all notice the improvement in my coloring technique! I hope to have the next image done soon so I can get some additional feedback.
I'm planning to place some sort of LCARS consoles in between the two command chairs. I'm sure there is still plenty of room for improvement so let me know what you think. Thanks so much for your comments thus far; this second version is far better than my first! Once I'm finished, I'll blank out the MSD area per Hellgate's suggestion so anyone can use this bridge for any vessel they wish.
But I suggest to change the console look of the two side consoles. They look to similar to the front one.
BTW: have you seen this pic of the Ent E bridge? might be good refrence
Lately I've just been rigging characters, and I threw this in as the background to test my work (blinking eyes, lip sync, etc). Here is a sample of what I've got right now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvpq2pkoyxQ
I used Photoshop to draw the bridge. Having objects on different layers is a good idea for moving characters behind them, but when I zoom in the background gets pretty blurry. The characters are all vector images, so they don't blur. I will redraw the whole bridge as vector (which will be a pain), unless I find a way to convert the PSD with some sort of vector tracing app. I don't have any Adobe products, so I don't know if Illustrator has this ability.
I'll also remember to link to a high resolution image with a blank rear wall as previously suggested.
I've completed the new holographic displays. I combined elements of the displays from JJ Trek with the displays in STO. There are still traditional consoles in front of the characters, which we cannot see from this angle. I created a Red Alert version which makes the environment feel a bit darker. The "Red Alert" graphics are similar to those from the Shatner movies.
Per request I've also attached a 2x1080p super high resolution version with no displays.
It should be slightly higher so they have a better overview and, in cas of intruders, have a clear field-of-fire.
How do you like everything else?