Muses and Mentors
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”
- Plutarch
There are lots of people whose works have inspired me. You'll see lots of them here. I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge them, and how I took steps on the same paths they have.
Dungeon Craft
If you don't know Professor Dungeon Master's YouTube channel, you really need to get familiar with it. You owe it to yourself as a Game Master.
I absolutely lifted his idea for Ultimate Dungeon Terrain (UDT, Dungeon Pizza), as have others, all with his blessing.
PDM has published several campaigns that you can find on Quest Givers, has contributed to Kobold Press, and has a Patreon you should join.
Black Magic Craft
If you've ever coated a foam model with Mod Podge mixed with black paint, you've probably been influenced, directly or indirectly, by Jeremy at Black Magic Craft.
He was one of the first crafters I stumbled upon, by accident, when I was researching how to make RPG maps on YouTube. I had no intention of crafting... and well, we can see how that wound up.
On the same day that I am writing this, I have just gotten back from meeting him at Into The Dungeon Fest in Calgary. And I totally didn't squee like a pubescent fanboy, no matter what my wife says (she's lying!). He was cool and it really was a privilege for me to meet him, and let him know how his work inspired me to try too. This, too, is a furtherance of my gratitude. I just wish I'd had room left over in my budget to get a copy of his Idols of Torment game. It looks so sick! Here's hoping I can make it a Christmas present to myself.
WASD20
When I started gaming for realsies, I went to my first-choice of how-to knowledge - YouTube! I wanted to know how to make a decent looking map for my game. I'd always been an illustrator, but I hadn't drawn a map since grade school.
The very first video I ever saw was this one by Nate at WASD20. He also had a lot of videos on how to run a game (which was so helpful), how to be a player (which helped me teach Mrs and Little Borders how), and even more on map making, and making money at map making.
And that was where this ultimately came from. I started out strictly wanting to do maps. I should have known that would never satisfy me. But in a very real way, it's Nate I have to thank for putting the spark in my brain to do this. I'd love to meet him some day, and shake his hand.
Aardnor D&D Miniatures and Ephemera
Sean is the only (so far) person to appear on both this page, and the Beyond Borders page. That entry deals mostly with his business end, but this is where I would like to acknowledge the creative inspiration he's provided.
I absolutely love his work, and strive to reach his level. He has been generous with his input and advice, and even shown me a thing or two - considering we are, in theory only, competitors. I know he has the same grassroots community building spirt that I try to bring to this place. He invited me to be at his local convention, which was an absolute blast, and I will now look forward to being part of every year. He's a lovely person, and a great artistic role model.
RP Archive
Matt at RP Archive is supremely talented. Like mind-blowingly so. I would honestly only be able to lessen the glow of his accomplishments by trying to stick my feeble words to them. You really need to see for yourself why I give this possibly over-the-top praise. Some of his items I have recreated in this shop, which I readily acknowledge.
If this little venture of mine brings in a bit more moolah, I have every intention of supporting his Patreon.
I do, however, have the great fortune to have been one of the random winners of his windows and doors stl file giveaway (but I'm not telling you which winner I am). I only wish I could use them in my builds for sale, as they are fantastic. I guess they get to be for my joy alone - and that's actually really cool now that I think about it.
JP Coovert
You probably won't see a lot of direct influence of JP's work on this website, but the spirit of adventure is there. I have always been held in the firm jaws of imposter syndrome - and it has kept me from doing so many things, as I look at other people's stuff, and decide I'm not good enough.
JP, however, is inspiring in his videos. He gives me a belief in myself to try, and get up when I fall, and try again, and to stop being my own worst critic.
When I'm stuck in the ugly phase of a map or a build, or my ideas suddenly seem to suck, I remind myself that JP wouldn't just stop. He'd keep rolling, and it would turn out awesome.
And he's right. Every single time I've pushed myself through or past the "ugly phase" I have been very happy with the results. Not 100% satisfied, never that, the "queer, divine dissatisfaction" is always there. But happy, and feeling like I succeeded.
I love watching his videos, but even more I love the courage he gives me to make the magic happen. I can't pinpoint which videos or where, because that encouragement is so integral to his approach that you could probably watch any, and it's there. He's another hero I'd like to meet, shake his hand, and say "thank you" to.
Geordie Crafts
Geordie is a fellow Canadian (I am almost positive of that), who does absolutely beautiful work. I am particularly in awe of her trees, and try to make mine look like hers. This one in particular I am absolutely green-eyed jealous of the pure craft skill and execution. It's just... wow! I cannot do it justice. Just watch the video, and understand.