EI Studio – Q2 Update
I always have a plan – until things don’t go according to plan.
It’s April here in the desert. So that means summer is pretty much starting now. Life things that are on my mind at this moment: taking more walks while I can, swimming during the summer for exercise, and making sure the AC is working well before the AZ sun gets really angry.
There’s lots on my mind with the studio too. I’ve been consulting with a university, serving as a SME as they prepare an upcoming game design degree. There are have also been some contract opportunities I’ve been working on and preparations for upcoming events.
I’ve had to pivot from my Q1 plans for 2025 too. Some economies are struggling right now, such as the game design field which has been deeply impacted by new US regulations / tariffs. Initially I planned to spend lots of time seeking out work in that area as a contract creative, as illustration and design for board games is right up my alley. However, I’m not sure about that now. Many US companies are being forced to close, retool, and even let go staff. So, we’ll see.
Regarding studio-initiated projects, here’s an update on what’s in the works:
Upcoming In-Person Events
Phoenix Fan Fusion – June 6—8 – Catch me in Artist Alley sharing new art, games, and even some fun stuff for creative folks.
CritHit 7 – July 5 & 6 – There’s no fee to visit all the indie pop-up shops at this board game themed event. I’ll have all the merch from Phx Fan Fusion as well as some other goodies.
Game Night at Gamers Guild, North Phoenix (Dates Vary) – If you’d like to meet up, catch a game with me, and chat about stuff watch for updates on my social channels: Insta or Bluesky = @ericimagines.
Escape Station – Vector Transmission
My first Kickstarter Make 100 project was a success! Super-thankful to all who supported Vector Transmission. (Late pledges are available until end of business on Friday, April 25th.)
As of April 22, this project is being prepared for print. The “plan” is to ship Kickstarter backers their copies before I share the project at Phoenix Fan Fusion in June. All is on track for this, barring any vendor snags or delays.
Vector Transmission was cookin’ behind-the-scenes for a while. When Q1 started I didn’t think it I’d get to it early in the year. However, another project fell through and I saw an opportunity to get something created that I could share at upcoming in-person events throughout 2025. So I decided to prioritize its release.
So what is Escape Station? Only in recent years have I had clarity around what it actually “is.” It’s a figurative place of escape for folks who find comfort and purpose in things such as music, zines, games, art, etc. For instance, some of us share gaming experiences with others to escape the nonsense of reality. Some of us create things as a form of escape and entertainment. And some enjoy both. Whatever the case, Escape Station is a state-of-mind. People like us get the world is in turmoil, but rather than withdraw completely, we’re gonna come together to share our love of indie art and games.
Prototype Vector Interplay cards. I’ve been driving around town play-testing and showing off a preview of the first 20 cards. A total of 41 are planned for the first release.
Vector Transmission is a project that includes a two-player card game and a companion art-zine. Both are filled with illustrations and writings from across several different projects I’ve initiated. It’s an “extraverse” of sorts, with its own fictions and mysteries. It’s truly a convergence of my vector art styles and otherworldly stories.
I’ve learned over the years how one project can make all the difference and I’m really excited to see where this one leads!
Bugruckus – Sprout + Charm
The short-form status update is: still cookin’! The rules of the card game are finalized and once work on Vector Transmission’s retail release is done (June), I’ll shift gears back to this one.
Latest efforts on this project have been about capturing small vignettes of writing for cards, editing some card images, and preparing my workflow to colorize all the artwork. The world of Bugchums, where Bugruckus is set, is also becoming more cohesive with additional images, notes, and world-building elements coming together.
Bugchums – Mini-Mart Merchant
This is a game also set within the world of Bugchums, which you can download from my shop, print on your home printer, and play with friends.
The first Bugchums – Mini-Mart game sheet features just hatched bugs from the Charm swarm. I currently have another game sheet in the works featuring “mini” bugs of the Sprout group ,which will be available on my site soon. More to come!
Here’s an updated release schedule as we head towards Q3. Things to know: I’m available for illustration commissions, game design projects, and in-person events. Contact me to discuss options!
A quick note regarding “Hyperlight Slice” – this is a coloring book project that’s on pause as I evaluate some options for its production. I have about 30 pages complete in terms of art and lots more sketches to finalize as well. I’ll likely pick up progress on this one again starting in Fall 2025.
As always, if you read this – that was really cool of you! Thank you for your support!
–E
