Introducing a not new initiative for Between: A complete revamp of the portrait art in Between.To be clear. This is not done. For those who saw my last update, I've been fighting some kindling of burnout lately, and one of the ways I've decided to do that is to share more of what I'm working on. Too much of it has been behind a curtain because I wanted to build up to a big surprise or something else, and it contributes to a feeling of guilt that I'm not getting much done even if I am.So, onto the... actual initiative here. Where to start?Yes, Kiera. That is also true. Everyone please dance like a fairy before we continue....Done? Good. I knew I could trust you all.This initiative started in the middle of last year - notably over a year ago - after the art for the TF Reactions were completed for the rest of the game. Eagle eyed viewers of Transparency Updates may already be aware that this was being worked on.
After one very, very generous donation to the art fund, I was motivated to match that donation myself and take the plunge into an art project that I always said I'd never do because of the scale of it. One I felt was so... momentous as change that I devised the idea as something I'd announce at its completion with fanfare and all.
Well, we didn't technically get there. How far along are we? I'd guess... maybe halfway? Very importantly, for all the art I'm showing off here, we've yet to actually get to Bennett, the 200+ portrait variations goliath of a task. I make no promises on when it'll be complete.
The process has largely involved me doing one batch of these with the artist and then moving to another commission I want to get from them for a variety of efforts. All so they also can take on these efforts without it being draining to work on just the same project from me for over a year.
Oh, I guess that's a good thing to talk about, too. The artist I've worked with on this has been Pianofairie. The same artist that has done the TF reaction art for the entire game. I think she's done a wonderful job, and has even grown as an artist across this initiative.If you want to show her some love too... if just some support for her or even commission her, here are some ways to do so. She's a lovely person and been one constant stream of being a delight to work with since I met her.https://bsky.app/profile/pianofairie.bsky.socialhttps://pianofairy.carrd.co/
Shut up, Mia.And what else? Oh, most of the designs will stay the same, but there will be some refinements and opportunities taken to get the art in line with the vision for the characters. And in some cases, a few characters will have bigger redesigns. Nothing making like entirely new characters, but definitely some who will feel like fresh takes on those character designs. This is really jut for designs I don't quite like myself in the original design after these years.
And I think that covers it?I'm doing half stream of consciousness at this point, so I'll wrap it up here.I hope this feels exciting, even if not done. You can expect me to share more from it as time goes on and the later stages of it build up to a Between release that'll include all the changes when they're all done.
And that's it from me for now. This is the first of a tbd number of updates from the stuff I have had cooking in the background, and... yeah, it'll probably be one of the bigger ones. But! Let's have some fun as I impulsively share new stuff for the next month.
Have a good one, everyone!