Baka's Influence Map

1. Ghost in a Shell - I can't really remember how long ago I saw the movie. But it has always stuck in my mind, and inspired my love for AI and computer themed anime. It was also what kick started The Chronicles of Rogues, so its been a very important influence on my work.
2. Baldur's Gate 2 - Ahh, the nostalgia! My all time favourite game, despite the 2D graphics and over a decade old. It was a brilliantly engaging, dark plot with so many fantastic characters (most of whom are modded in mind you ) that its kept me going back for years.
3. Mountains/Moorland - Sounds kinda weird, but this has to be my favourite landscape. I lived on a farm in a similar place and on rainy days there was nothing better than to sketch the clouds and hills. I guess it stuck!
4. Shinedown - Awesome band, really motivates me to draw. Kind of rock/metal...I don't know, but their brilliant and a lot of art (and writing) gets done when their playing. Weak reason, but meh...I them
5. Fushigi Yuugi (Watase Yuu) - This was the first manga I ever read so I blame Watase-sensei for getting me hooked ! The story is as lovable as its characters, and dominates my bookshelf at home.
6. Scotland - I love my country; our heritage, history, culture and most of all: food! But its mostly the history and culture that inspire the art, though a good plate of haggis, neaps and tatties does go a long way
7. Storms - Ever since storm chasers came out when I was little, I've been hooked on them. Anytime there's a thunderstorm I'm at the window watching, like a cat watching the fish-bowl. I'm hoping to make a career out of my strange obsession one day (more likely geology though).
8. Hobbit/LOTRs (Tolkien) - Kind of speaks for itself, no? A fab set of epic classics that got my head spinning with ideas when I was little, and hey, they've never stopped since !
9,10 & 11. Owls, Cats & Dragons - Just inspirational creatures, fictional and fact. I relate most to owls, adore cats with a passion (cough**cough) and dragons kick-ass!
12. Saiyuki (Kazuya Minekura) - The style of her work is amazing, especially the faces. And the hands, oh how I love them! Its was also one of the first mangas I read, and definately still one of my favourites.
13. Zephyrs (S.M.) - One of many amazing paintings by my mum. She is an obvious source of inspiration, and has been a huge influence in the progression of my art.
14. David Eddings - My all-time favourite author, sadly now deceased. His work has greatly helped me out of the worst artist/writer's block. Particularly the Tamuli saga, !
15. Van Gogh - His emotional use of colour and style in landscapes is incredible. I loved studying him in Higher art, and still love his work Best ever!
16. Seth Lakeman - Beautiful folk music, and a great one to listen to if sketching more solemn or dramatic stuff. Plus he's a looker, always helps
17. Black & White (Lionhead Studios) - Second fav+ game. The whole God playing and yin/yang concept is too epic. And the break-dancing creature? What more could you ask for!
18. Alanis Morissette - She is an incredible person, and her songs are brilliant. Gritty, down to earth and ironic! Heh, get it? Ironi-....I'll shut up now
19. Kiki's Delivery Service (Hayao Miyazaki) - Out of all his films, Kiki is my favourite. It is adorable, both the animation and the way the buildings are drawn is fab. The simple styled eyes is one i've tried to adopt myself, much easier to do again and again.
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Original Blank Map ~ [link] (c)