HappyDaedalus

From Concept to Final

Added 2022-08-08 19:00:05 +0000 UTC

Giving shape to the world of TSSR isn't just a matter of writing, but it's also about slowly chiseling a vague idea down into a concrete piece of art.

The concept of the grand library for Xan's house (or now Sarah's, I suppose) was not in itself terrible unique. The concept of ancient or magical libraries is a staple of many fantasy series and worlds.

Inspiration for this particular variation on the trope came primarily from one very distinct impressions; the library in "Beauty and the Beast". Not only a visually stunning reveal in Disney classic, but also an important turning point in the story itself, where the two main characters begin to form the beginnings of a genuine bond.

Now from there there were a few different variations on how to visualize the concept. The first four raw sketches show the differing approaches that were considered. Same scene, very different perspectives.

In the end, the overwhelming sense of awe and scope were the most important elements for the design, and so we build off that by going with a design in which the characters (Sarah and Samayra, depending on choices made) are relatively small.

The characters are kept from sinking into the background by being highlighted by a beam of light, and the vastness of the library is brought into focus by an endlessly downward reaching library that seems to (and might even) go on forever.

In the end I think it's a great piece that both works very well technically, as well as fitting in quite well with the particular chapter.