UI / Graphics / Writing / Editing

[Valecene]

Hello!

I've been looking around through your site the last couple days and like the looks of the project. I just put in a donation, but I figured I could also offer up some volunteer time if you think any of my skills would be of use.

As to my background, I have a BFA in graphic design and work as a user interface designer / tester for medical software. I've been drawing since I was very young, but I fell out of the habit in recent years and would like to get back into it. You can see from my DA account (http://valecene.deviantart.com/gallery/) that I'm not an *outstanding* illustrator, but I know my way around the relevant art programs and concepts  (color / composition / typography / Photoshop / Illustrator / etc.).

My secondary degree was in linguistics (granted, not English, but language study all the same). I've devoted a great deal of time and energy to developing my knowledge of English and have performed proof reading and editing tasks in the past. I hope to eventually write a series of books, but I'd like to develop a bit more polish before beginning in earnest. 

I have a very long history of gaming, but Loom is new to me (as of yesterday, actually). The walkthrough I was using had a link to your site, and that's how I found you.

Just let me know if you'd like me to do anything for the project. Otherwise, I'll be keeping an eye on the site and probably donating here and there.

Regards,
~V

[abisso]

You've got a PM.

Anyway, let me thank you publicly for your donation. It still surprises me how donators usually offer their help as well, and it makes me happy of course.

I've taken the time to browse through your deviantart portfolio, and, actually, you're pretty good. From what I can see your colouring skill still needs to be mastered, but on the other hand, your drawing technique is quite impressive. Your rougher sketches show that clearly. I even like most of the subjects drawn: fantasy definitely is my cup of tea and I 'm glad you're planning on being a writer. One of my fantasy short stories has been published just three days ago, but I secretly hope to publish a longer novel one day.

Unfortunately most of the art needed requires another style (pixel-art) but you could probably help with concept art. And if you've written something you can share with me, I'd love to read it. When the demo will be released I'll probably look for someone to help me in game / plot design, and even if I've got other offers as well, I'd like to aim for the best.

May I ask you which is your native language? You could be a translator and proofreader as well, considering your background.

I'd also like to know your age if you don't mind sharing it: it's not curiosity at all, but it might matter in terms of free-time available and experience.

P.S. Edward Elric and Rusty have a lot in common

[Valecene]

Yes, my coloring certainly could be better. It tends to be more a patience issue than anything; I enjoy sketching so much that I typically just go on to another drawing before the last is colored fully / at all. I bought a Wacom tablet a while ago to try to encourage more coloring practice, and it’s helped to some degree.

Huge congrats on being published! What was the story about? If there's an English version available, I'd be interested in having a look.

As to concept art, it’d be my pleasure to assist. I could also do a little bit of looking into adapting my drawings to fit the pixel style. It’s always fun to experiment with different methods. 

My native language is English. I studied Spanish and Japanese for four years each, but my classes are too far in the past to make me a useful translator. Instead, the study of other languages encouraged me to take a closer look at English and its structure / history, so I’m far more useful as a proofreader than anything.
 
I don’t mind admitting that I’m 28. I have a full-time job, so I mostly pursue my hobbies on the weekends. Obviously, the time I can commit is constrained; but I’m happy to do a bit each week / month to help with progress.

-V

P.S.: I could see Ed and Rusty having a fair bit in common! It’s an interesting juxtaposition given the old folkloric belief that blacksmiths worked magic in their metallurgy and crafting. 

[abisso]

Ok, considering how you write, your age and interests, I think you can become a good proofreader.

I've already told you how I like your drawing skill, and I greatly appreciate your will to experiment with pixel-art as well.
As I always did with all potential team-mates, I will send you some stuff in the next days for you to work on.

Don't take it as an exam: it's just a way to see if we can work together, and fine tune your style to the game. I'll probably send you some descriptive text so you can sketch it and commission a small sprite made in pixel art.

At the cost of repeating myself, I'd love to read something you wrote, even an article or a review would be ok.

Thanks for all you did and what you will.

P.S. I should watch Full Metal Alchemist again in order to get some inspiration!

[Valecene]

I've responded to the email you sent, so hopefully that will give you an idea of how well I edit / proofread.

I apologize for making you repeat yourself. I had thought I could offer up the thesis for my Japanese degree, but I've switched computers a couple times and can't find the file. I'll look through what I have and try to send a decent example this week.

~V

PS: I watched both FMA series for the first time last year. The first was okay, but the second was far better realized with regards to plot and character development. I don't know when you first watched it; but if you saw the original, I would certainly suggest seeing the "Brotherhood" version.