https://www.youtube.com/embed/bB2BSBapxGU?feature=oembedI have two pieces I want to share. Each one highlights, at least for me, the inherent value of being involved in the Just About community. And the power that the reward system has when you actively participate with it. All year I've been thinking about building my YouTube channel and providing more content, but while I always put a lot of time and effort into my videos - I'm also challenged to make more regular content.
And then a reward popped up asking us for a "Documentary in the style of Carl Sagan" and inspiration struck. Not only do I have a tremendous amount of respect for Carl, but I obviously have a great deal of passion for Eve Online. The first video to emerge from that reward was the one above about the Old Man Star system and its unique history. The video was extremely well received and resulted in about 200 new subscribers to my channel.
Since then I've followed it up with a doc on the "Zombies of Yulai"
https://www.youtube.com/embed/LxyyOaTLPec?feature=oembedAnd, just this week, the legendary battle of Vak'Atioth.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/TzEBeQwn_rM?feature=oembedWith more already in the planning stages. The cool part is that the series has also become more collaborative over time and I started working with a friend of mine (Rushlock) to provide the narration and an old friend of mine (Roc Wieler) to provide the music.
https://twitter.com/RixxJavix/status/1839645103889039633The second piece is this tribute illustration I created of Roberto Clemente. Not only do I live in Pittsburgh, PA but I have somewhat of an interesting history with the legacy of Roberto. A photographer I've known and worked with in the city runs the Roberto Clemente Museum here in town and I once worked with Roberto Clemente Jr on a project back when I ran my own advertising agency.
But, more importantly, this piece was inspired by another reward in the Sport category here on JA. While people know me for my work in Eve Online, I haven't often had an opportunity recently to step outside of that genre and showcase my work in other areas. This piece was a great opportunity to show that I am more than just an Eve Online artist. And it garnered a lot of attention, including a very nice note from an old friend - Burton Morris.
I'm not sure either of these paths would have happened without Just About. But 2024 was an extremely creative year and I'm looking forward to what 2025 has up its sleeve for me.
Keep the courage.
