So... After some consideration here are the covers for this month! Yes, that's covers with an "s" so there's more than one of them! Right now I'll be posting these as a teaser for the upcoming articles so you'll know what to expect! Here's a hint: The issue ties into the "Where's Bella?" special I had last month. How exactly? Well you'll just have to wait for the articles to find out!
Here's Esperanza (she's Veronica's mother):
Then Bill:
And William:
The reason why I did multiple covers is that I'm trying to emulate a magazine issue that has variant covers. Also, B-B-B-B-BONUS IMAGE!
Yes, that's the tiny image on the bottom-right of Bill's cover. I made one from scratch. So, what do you guys think of the covers?
I had to make a separate post for this because it'll be long. See the text on Esperanza's cover? That's actually a coherent section of a story. Here it is unobstructed:
As I was trying to sleep on an old couch which was the only piece of furniture that didn’t collapse under my weight in the abandoned manor I decided to stay in while I was looked for a proper place to set up I couldn’t help but notice that the place was decrepit – it looked like hasn’t seen any human life for decades but it still showed shades of its former glory with all the old finery and furniture showing the previous owner didn’t spare expenses making sure everyone knew who was the richest clan in town.
It was strange that the place was never ransacked after the occupants left and I was sure they left in a hurry – there was still a lot of objects here of value. Some silverware here, a piece of jewelry there, I thought of maybe selling some of these so I could get some pocket money but it didn’t feel right.
“Are you doing this for us or for you?”
Aside from the uncomfortable couch and the cold barely being held back by the fireplace that phrase kept playing over and over in my head preventing me from sleeping. I’ve heard a lot of awful things aimed at me but that was particularly thought-provoking. Not only did it come from Paige but it got me thinking:
“Was I really doing it for us? Or was I obsessed in getting some of my old glory back?”
It’s been years since I started this seemingly-impossible case and I’m still no closer to knowing a concrete answer than I was when Paige and I had that argument that lead to her leaving. As an investigator my thoughts shouldn’t be this scattered but I guess seeing Bella on my first day on this town then finding out she’s with another man was a bit of a curveball so I guess I could cut myself some slack.
It was past 4AM when the exhaustion from the trip finally took matters into its own hands and made me fall asleep regardless of how I felt about the decaying couch and the cold weather. It was almost noon when I woke up and sleeping on a rickety piece of furniture took a slight toll on me with my back hurting or at least I hope it was the chair and not my age and bad habits catching up to me.
I wanted to immediately start investigating Stella and her husband in the blue coat so after I took a shower at a small local gym I set out to ask some questions. I didn’t want to look suspicious so in accordance to my cover as a scout for a travel magazine I rounded up a small group of volunteers who were fine with me asking about their town. At first I asked the basics and worked my way up asking about “Notable people” in town.
“I think the Lakes should be on there!” one of the volunteers said.
“The Lakes? You mean officer Lake?” I asked.
“Yeah! Their family has been living on the town for ages now.” Another volunteer said, “I think they might be oldest family here.” She added.
I thought it was interesting that officer Lake and his family has occupied the town the longest and I guess it explains why he was so hostile towards me when I got here. He probably took a look at the strange guy asking around town and thought he was bad news to his family’s home. While I was thinking to myself another one of the volunteers spoke up.
“I think there’s a family older than them though.” He said as his expression turns slightly grim, “But they left decade-“ Before he could continue one of the volunteers – an elderly man wearing a sweater lightly hits him with his cane on the shin.
“I thought the town agreed to never talk about that cursed family Rick!” He said while looking visibly upset, “I’m sorry mister Clarke but we can’t talk about that particular family.”
He looked serious and by the look of the others he wasn’t alone on the sentiment. I thought I already had the perfect setup to ask about Stella and his husband and prying about an old family isn’t just inefficient – it risks me losing the trust of the few people in town willing to talk to me.
@Wasting_Night (Picture me screaming excitedly) I AM SO HAPPY YOU DID A TEASER! Your work is SO incredible! I actually leaned in and tried to read the tiny words on Esperanza's cover. I love everything about all three! Great job! *applauds wildly*
Thanks so much for the input everyone! If my schedule agrees I might be able to post the interviews in a few days! I hope everything falls into place because it's gonna a lot of work to put together three articles. lol
@DavidMCSessy Thanks! Also, I'm sorry I couldn't quite take your advice -- if I kept the covers around I would never have been able to finish them since I'll just keep fiddling with the images on Photoshop. lol
@BBQPenguinWings Always awesome to see a fellow Simmer happy with my work! I hope you'll like the articles I'll be posting in the future.
@Rorygilmore34 I'm glad you like the teasers for the issue! I bet you weren't counting on there being multiple covers. lol
@CathyTea If you're lucky to have seen the earlier versions then I was lucky to have you there to provide input. I doubt the covers would have turned out as well as they did if I hadn't run them by you.
Guys, here's the full version of the July issue of Simsacious! Enjoy!
*There's a big chance you might see typos or formatting hiccups on the images I worked on these images for ten straight hours so there's bound to be some mistakes that slip through. I'm sorry for that. I'll fix it up as once I see the flaws.
COVERS:
Esperanza:
William:
Bill:
ARTICLES:
Main:
Esperanza Interview:
William Interview:
Bill Interview:
So basically this issue is supposed to be about the people who made "Where's Bella?". I actually planned another version of this to be on the June issue with the actors but I just didn't have enough time and I thought it didn't fit well enough with the issue. This particular issue was tough. Especially the covers and main article. I like how this turned out though. I hope you guys agree. lol
Jsndjouxuuhshajkijnsns. Ok. Calm down. I'm sooooo excited that there's a new issue out my brain can't keep up with my excited fingers to type!! I love your newest issue! Every month I think, "there is no way to top the awesome-ness of this!" Then you do with another issue!! Thank you for your hard work and all of your writing! I love the new issue!
Jsndjouxuuhshajkijnsns. Ok. Calm down. I'm sooooo excited that there's a new issue out my brain can't keep up with my excited fingers to type!! I love your newest issue! Every month I think, "there is no way to top the awesome-ness of this!" Then you do with another issue!! Thank you for your hard work and all of your writing! I love the new issue!
I'm glad you like it @Rorygilmore34! It's a relief that someone thinks I surpassed my "Where's Bella?" issue - that was a tough act to follow. XD Also, I know it's a bit of a long read but tell me what you think of the stories if you have time! Input would be great for the future issues.
PS: Sorry for the typos on the images. I already saw a bunch and I'll get to fixing it once I have time again.
Can I just say that Esperanza is stunningly beautiful!
@DavidMCSessy I think you and @CathyTea share the exact same sentiment on Esperanza's looks. That's one of the first things she commented on when I showed her an early draft of the cover. XD
And to be fair, Esperanza gave birth to Veronica:
Those "pretty" genes had to have come from somewhere. lol
I'm making my way through all the stories on the Writers Lounge threath.
Wow! Simply amazing. I love how you capture The Sims and turn them into a stunning magazine. Your layout is very slik and your new covers look very pro.
Bravo!
I'm making my way through all the stories on the Writers Lounge threath.
Wow! Simply amazing. I love how you capture The Sims and turn them into a stunning magazine. Your layout is very slik and your new covers look very pro.
Bravo!
@plastiekzakske I'm glad you enjoy my work! Be sure to bring snacks when you read some of my stuff - I know they're a bit of a long read. lol
Also, I've uploaded the July issue on my tumblr account! Check it out if you have time - it's got some small refinements that I made once I went through the images again on my off-days from work.
@Wasting_Night After looking at your beautiful layout work I took the time to read them. I was a bit intimidated by the long reads in it, but I'm glad I did!
I started with the David Ashfield case on finding Bella. When I was reading your story it felt like a Film Noir. And that's a compliment 'cause I really like Film Noir movies! It was cool to read the story from Ashfields perspective and the story got me. It's a totally believable storyline on what happend with the famous Bella Goth and I'm glad you stayed away from the "Abducted by Aliens" theory. You really made it YOUR story. The journal entries where a good idea! Maybe just watch out with the font you used. I had sometimes trouble reading it.
The magazine interviews are also fun and you made me giggle a few times. Specially when you use references like "Sleepless in Sunset Valley". I love real movie titles with a Sims twist But, I'm more a fan of your actual story like Where's Bella. I really would like to read more stuff like that because you really have the talent to write good stories!
@Wasting_Night After looking at your beautiful layout work I took the time to read them. I was a bit intimidated by the long reads in it, but I'm glad I did!
I started with the David Ashfield case on finding Bella. When I was reading your story it felt like a Film Noir. And that's a compliment 'cause I really like Film Noir movies! It was cool to read the story from Ashfields perspective and the story got me. It's a totally believable storyline on what happend with the famous Bella Goth and I'm glad you stayed away from the "Abducted by Aliens" theory. You really made it YOUR story. The journal entries where a good idea! Maybe just watch out with the font you used. I had sometimes trouble reading it.
The magazine interviews are also fun and you made me giggle a few times. Specially when you use references like "Sleepless in Sunset Valley". I love real movie titles with a Sims twist But, I'm more a fan of your actual story like Where's Bella. I really would like to read more stuff like that because you really have the talent to write good stories!
I'm looking out for more work! Very well done.
@plastiekzakske thanks for taking time to give me feedback! I'm glad you noticed the noir stylings of the story because that's what I was going for. lol I always viewed David as a noir-themed Sim when I first made him back in TS3 and I really want to expand on that in the future. Also, I did notice that about the font I used but that was the only one I had that looked nice as handwriting - the others looked to fancy or feminine.
Anyway, the funny thing about the whole "Bella was abducted by aliens" theory is that I was supposed to originally go with that but as I wrote the story I thought it became too over-the-top for the magazine. I wanted it to be a bit more grounded and realistic so I ended up with the story you read.
Looking at your Tumblr for your latest update and...
ARE YOU FREAKING SERIOUS RIGHT NOW?!!!! WHOA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love it!! The CD cover with the Sim walking in the snow!!
I mashed that "heart" button SO hard.
(can you tell how thrilled I am?!)
Just...Wow...
I so deeply love your work.
@Rorygilmore34 Thanks for all the hearts! I'm happy to see some activity on my Tumblr account. lol I'm glad you like the "concept" image I put up on the blog. I plan on doing that on more issues in the future if I go through multiple versions of the same image.
Also, check your messages, I sent you something that you might find interesting. lol
The version there has typo fixes, slightly longer answers, and a bonus image! But if you want to see how I originally posted the issue just scroll on down. XD
Cover:
Story:
Interview:
So a bit of background on this issue: The reason why it's a bit late is that I originally wanted to do two things with it: One is to use a completely different program to make it which was InDesign and the second is to shake up the usual image format. As you can see I only achieved one of them. lol
Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this new issue and please excuse any typos you may find. XD
Ooh! I really like it. The interview is so much fun. My boyfriend is currently reading a biography of Steve Jobs, so I'm enjoying the whole save-tech-company-from-bankruptcy angle!
Ooh! I really like it. The interview is so much fun. My boyfriend is currently reading a biography of Steve Jobs, so I'm enjoying the whole save-tech-company-from-bankruptcy angle!
Thanks @CathyTea! What do you think of the slightly-new image format?
Comments
Here's Esperanza (she's Veronica's mother):
Then Bill:
And William:
The reason why I did multiple covers is that I'm trying to emulate a magazine issue that has variant covers. Also, B-B-B-B-BONUS IMAGE!
Yes, that's the tiny image on the bottom-right of Bill's cover. I made one from scratch. So, what do you guys think of the covers?
As I was trying to sleep on an old couch which was the only piece of furniture that didn’t collapse under my weight in the abandoned manor I decided to stay in while I was looked for a proper place to set up I couldn’t help but notice that the place was decrepit – it looked like hasn’t seen any human life for decades but it still showed shades of its former glory with all the old finery and furniture showing the previous owner didn’t spare expenses making sure everyone knew who was the richest clan in town.
It was strange that the place was never ransacked after the occupants left and I was sure they left in a hurry – there was still a lot of objects here of value. Some silverware here, a piece of jewelry there, I thought of maybe selling some of these so I could get some pocket money but it didn’t feel right.
“Are you doing this for us or for you?”
Aside from the uncomfortable couch and the cold barely being held back by the fireplace that phrase kept playing over and over in my head preventing me from sleeping. I’ve heard a lot of awful things aimed at me but that was particularly thought-provoking. Not only did it come from Paige but it got me thinking:
“Was I really doing it for us? Or was I obsessed in getting some of my old glory back?”
It’s been years since I started this seemingly-impossible case and I’m still no closer to knowing a concrete answer than I was when Paige and I had that argument that lead to her leaving. As an investigator my thoughts shouldn’t be this scattered but I guess seeing Bella on my first day on this town then finding out she’s with another man was a bit of a curveball so I guess I could cut myself some slack.
It was past 4AM when the exhaustion from the trip finally took matters into its own hands and made me fall asleep regardless of how I felt about the decaying couch and the cold weather. It was almost noon when I woke up and sleeping on a rickety piece of furniture took a slight toll on me with my back hurting or at least I hope it was the chair and not my age and bad habits catching up to me.
I wanted to immediately start investigating Stella and her husband in the blue coat so after I took a shower at a small local gym I set out to ask some questions. I didn’t want to look suspicious so in accordance to my cover as a scout for a travel magazine I rounded up a small group of volunteers who were fine with me asking about their town. At first I asked the basics and worked my way up asking about “Notable people” in town.
“I think the Lakes should be on there!” one of the volunteers said.
“The Lakes? You mean officer Lake?” I asked.
“Yeah! Their family has been living on the town for ages now.” Another volunteer said, “I think they might be oldest family here.” She added.
I thought it was interesting that officer Lake and his family has occupied the town the longest and I guess it explains why he was so hostile towards me when I got here. He probably took a look at the strange guy asking around town and thought he was bad news to his family’s home. While I was thinking to myself another one of the volunteers spoke up.
“I think there’s a family older than them though.” He said as his expression turns slightly grim, “But they left decade-“ Before he could continue one of the volunteers – an elderly man wearing a sweater lightly hits him with his cane on the shin.
“I thought the town agreed to never talk about that cursed family Rick!” He said while looking visibly upset, “I’m sorry mister Clarke but we can’t talk about that particular family.”
He looked serious and by the look of the others he wasn’t alone on the sentiment. I thought I already had the perfect setup to ask about Stella and his husband and prying about an old family isn’t just inefficient – it risks me losing the trust of the few people in town willing to talk to me.
♦ My Tumblr ♦ My Twitter ♦
Follow Me
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I was lucky to see earlier versions of these--also amazing--and to see these final ones. Wow. Just amazing.
Do you also play The Elder Scrolls Online? You can find me there as CathyTea, too!
@DavidMCSessy Thanks! Also, I'm sorry I couldn't quite take your advice -- if I kept the covers around I would never have been able to finish them since I'll just keep fiddling with the images on Photoshop. lol
@BBQPenguinWings Always awesome to see a fellow Simmer happy with my work! I hope you'll like the articles I'll be posting in the future.
@Rorygilmore34 I'm glad you like the teasers for the issue! I bet you weren't counting on there being multiple covers. lol
@CathyTea If you're lucky to have seen the earlier versions then I was lucky to have you there to provide input. I doubt the covers would have turned out as well as they did if I hadn't run them by you.
Good luck with finishing the magazine! I know how exciting it can be.
♦ My Tumblr ♦ My Twitter ♦
*There's a big chance you might see typos or formatting hiccups on the images I worked on these images for ten straight hours so there's bound to be some mistakes that slip through. I'm sorry for that. I'll fix it up as once I see the flaws.
COVERS:
Esperanza:
William:
Bill:
ARTICLES:
Main:
Esperanza Interview:
William Interview:
Bill Interview:
So basically this issue is supposed to be about the people who made "Where's Bella?". I actually planned another version of this to be on the June issue with the actors but I just didn't have enough time and I thought it didn't fit well enough with the issue. This particular issue was tough. Especially the covers and main article. I like how this turned out though. I hope you guys agree. lol
Do you also play The Elder Scrolls Online? You can find me there as CathyTea, too!
Follow Me
Twitter
Youtube
Twitch
I'm glad you like it @Rorygilmore34! It's a relief that someone thinks I surpassed my "Where's Bella?" issue - that was a tough act to follow. XD Also, I know it's a bit of a long read but tell me what you think of the stories if you have time! Input would be great for the future issues.
PS: Sorry for the typos on the images. I already saw a bunch and I'll get to fixing it once I have time again.
Follow Me
Twitter
Youtube
Twitch
♦ My Tumblr ♦ My Twitter ♦
@Rorygilmore34 I'm glad you love it despite the typos I made. lol I promise I'll get those things straightened out!
@DavidMCSessy I think you and @CathyTea share the exact same sentiment on Esperanza's looks. That's one of the first things she commented on when I showed her an early draft of the cover. XD
And to be fair, Esperanza gave birth to Veronica:
Those "pretty" genes had to have come from somewhere. lol
Wow! Simply amazing. I love how you capture The Sims and turn them into a stunning magazine. Your layout is very slik and your new covers look very pro.
Bravo!
@plastiekzakske I'm glad you enjoy my work! Be sure to bring snacks when you read some of my stuff - I know they're a bit of a long read. lol
Also, I've uploaded the July issue on my tumblr account! Check it out if you have time - it's got some small refinements that I made once I went through the images again on my off-days from work.
Simsacious Magazine Tumblr
I started with the David Ashfield case on finding Bella. When I was reading your story it felt like a Film Noir. And that's a compliment 'cause I really like Film Noir movies! It was cool to read the story from Ashfields perspective and the story got me. It's a totally believable storyline on what happend with the famous Bella Goth and I'm glad you stayed away from the "Abducted by Aliens" theory. You really made it YOUR story. The journal entries where a good idea! Maybe just watch out with the font you used. I had sometimes trouble reading it.
The magazine interviews are also fun and you made me giggle a few times. Specially when you use references like "Sleepless in Sunset Valley". I love real movie titles with a Sims twist
I'm looking out for more work! Very well done.
Looking at your Tumblr for your latest update and...
ARE YOU FREAKING SERIOUS RIGHT NOW?!!!! WHOA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love it!! The CD cover with the Sim walking in the snow!!
I mashed that "heart" button SO hard.
(can you tell how thrilled I am?!)
Just...Wow...
I so deeply love your work.
Follow Me
Twitter
Youtube
Twitch
@plastiekzakske thanks for taking time to give me feedback! I'm glad you noticed the noir stylings of the story because that's what I was going for. lol I always viewed David as a noir-themed Sim when I first made him back in TS3 and I really want to expand on that in the future. Also, I did notice that about the font I used but that was the only one I had that looked nice as handwriting - the others looked to fancy or feminine.
Anyway, the funny thing about the whole "Bella was abducted by aliens" theory is that I was supposed to originally go with that but as I wrote the story I thought it became too over-the-top for the magazine. I wanted it to be a bit more grounded and realistic so I ended up with the story you read.
@Rorygilmore34 Thanks for all the hearts! I'm happy to see some activity on my Tumblr account. lol I'm glad you like the "concept" image I put up on the blog. I plan on doing that on more issues in the future if I go through multiple versions of the same image.
Also, check your messages, I sent you something that you might find interesting. lol
Ok so before you continue the refined version of it is on my Tumblr account:
Simsacious Magazine Tumblr
The version there has typo fixes, slightly longer answers, and a bonus image! But if you want to see how I originally posted the issue just scroll on down. XD
Cover:
Story:
Interview:
So a bit of background on this issue: The reason why it's a bit late is that I originally wanted to do two things with it: One is to use a completely different program to make it which was InDesign and the second is to shake up the usual image format. As you can see I only achieved one of them. lol
Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this new issue and please excuse any typos you may find. XD
Do you also play The Elder Scrolls Online? You can find me there as CathyTea, too!
Thanks @CathyTea! What do you think of the slightly-new image format?
Oh--the cover image is broken for me.
Do you also play The Elder Scrolls Online? You can find me there as CathyTea, too!
That's really weird - the image is fine for me. Try this link instead:
postimg.org/image/6tpz2jzt1/