Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 68524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
“I can imagine.” After a pause, Collie said, “In that game you’re designing, what if the apocalypse happened on a version of Earth that was still in that time period? All that sleek, mid-century modern stuff might look really awesome in a post-apocalyptic hellscape.”
“That’s called retro-futurism. There are a few games out there with that aesthetic.”
“Aw. I thought I came up with a unique idea.”
“We could make it unique. All I’d have to do is draw a highly stylized version that didn’t look like any of the other games on the market.”
“Show me.”
Collie moved back to his chair so I’d have room to work, and I picked up my drawing pad and pencil and quickly sketched out the scene in my head. When I showed it to him, he stared at it in awe and said, “You’re incredibly talented. I wish I was even half as good at literally anything.”
“Is this what you had in mind?”
“It’s better. It’s like Palm Springs meets the apocalypse by way of a modern art museum.”
“That’s exactly what I was going for.” I fidgeted with my pencil as I murmured, “I wonder if my team and my art director would be into it...”
“They will be if you sell it. Go into your next meeting with confidence and make them believe in this as much as I do.”
I started drawing quickly, as scene after scene played through my mind’s eye. This was an aesthetic I loved, and it was easy to let my imagination run wild.
After a few minutes, I’d filled several pages with rough sketches. I turned a full page interior sketch to Collie and asked, “What do you think?”
“It’s amazing! Seriously Miller, it’s so good.”
“I’m going for it. I love this idea, and I’m excited about it. That tells me I’m on to something here. The more I can show my art director, the better, so I’ve got my work cut out for me between now and Friday.” It was already Monday afternoon, so I really needed to get busy.
“I’ll be your pit crew while you work on this. You’re going to need someone to bring you coffee, and snacks, and provide moral support.”
“I don’t want you to wear yourself out.”
He shot me a look. “I’m pretty sure I won’t totally exhaust myself if I make you a cup of coffee.”
“Okay. As long as you don’t overdo it.”
“I won’t. I promise.” After a moment, he asked, “Do you think your quirky little Collie character might fit into this mid-century world?”
“I’m going to make him fit. I’ll draw him in the same style, and I’ll put him in a retro bowling shirt instead of a baseball jersey to give it a bit of a through line. He doesn’t have to totally match his surroundings, though. In fact, it’ll be more interesting if he’s a traveler who’s new to this world. That’ll also explain why he’s exploring and collecting things.”
A huge smile spread across his face. “This is so cool,” he said. “I’ve never been anyone’s muse before.”
Now it was doubly important to get my team and art director to sign off on this. I wasn’t just doing it for myself and my career. I was doing it for Collie too, and I’d never forgive myself if I let him down.
I spent the next three days producing intricate digital drawings of this new world—the environment, building exteriors and interiors, some of the ephemera. Then, because I really wanted to sell it to my art director and the rest of the team, I had my drawings printed as large posters and mounted to display boards, along with my renderings of the character inspired by Collie. I thought that would show off everything in its best light.
On Thursday evening, Collie and I stood at the new table in the den, while one of my records played softly in the background. I was packing my artwork into a large, zippered portfolio case, so it would be ready to go the next day. “You did an amazing job,” Collie said, picking up each print and studying it before handing it to me. “If they don’t see the brilliance in your work, there’s something wrong with them.”
“I feel good about it, and I couldn’t have done it without you.”
He ducked his head shyly and mumbled, “I didn’t do anything.”
“Yes, you did. You brought me coffee, and kept me company, and helped me brainstorm. But more than anything, you inspired me.” I gently tilted his chin up with a fingertip, and when he looked at me I told him, “You really are my muse. I want you to know that.” I felt better when I was around him. I was happier than I’d been in a very long time—maybe happier than I’d ever been—and that did wonderful things for my creativity.
Collie’s face lit up with a gorgeous smile. His hair was gathered into a stubby ponytail, but a lot of it had escaped. When I brushed a lock out of his eyes, he leaned into my touch.