In this image I have started off my research by creating a mindmap focused around the Western theme, the reason why I have created a mindmap instead of any performing any other brainstorming activity is because of its straight forward process. In this mindmap I have branched off of multiple features that you would find in a western theme and greatly expanded what they could include, this was done to present to me the scope and extensive amount of content available in this theme, it is also handy to hang onto as this mindmap could be used as a reference for any ideas I have for future projects revolving around the western theme. Whilst good for future reference this mindmap also provides me with immediate assistance as the amount of information contained within this brainstorming activity inspires my ideas for what I can base my following moodboards around with features such as fire arms, transportation and establishments all being branched off into individual constructs that I can get individual images of.
Weapons of the Wild West
In this moodboard I have collected a number of images that each showcase a specific weapon that is commonly used within the Western genre, some of these weapons include lever action rifles, flintlock handguns alongside revolvers and double barreled shotguns. The reason why I have chosen these specific weapons to include on my moodboard is due to the fact of each of these weapons being iconic to the genre being included in almost every production that centers around a western theme with one of the most recent being Red Dead Redemption 2 which utilizes every single one of these weapons to great detail and experience. This moodboard can be used to help me on my future work as if I am ever working on designing a weapon from the western genre that I want to be different such as an entirely different firearm I can then use these images as references which will allow me to merge pieces of different weapons together such as using features from a lever action rifle on a revolver. What i like about each of these images is how they all showcase the weapon in full detail allowing you to see exactly what mechanics it utilises as well as being able to easily determine what type of firearm it is that you are looking at.
Landscape of the Wild West
For this moodboard I have managed to collect multiple images showcasing the many and most iconic landscape environments featured within the wild west genre such as forests, desert and mountainous regions. All of these landscapes are used widely throughout western productions with the desert most likely holding the most iconic status out of all them due to its constant portrayal in almost every Western production in media. what I like about these images is how they capture the vast distance of the landscape which emits an aura of freedom when you view it as it seems to stretch on forever allowing you limitless exploration. These images also immerse you in that environment as the visuals allow you to imagine what it must feel like to be there temperature wise. This moodboard will be helpful to me in the future when I move on to designing my own landscapes in a wilderness setting as each of these images contains an atmosphere of freedom and exploration which I can attempt to replicate in my work through using these images as references.
Towns of the Wild West
This next moodboard focuses on the townships centered in the wild west featuring images showcasing the architecture of the buildings as well as the layout of the town itself whilst also presenting the environment that it has been founded within. Each image is set in an old iconic western town featuring wooden buildings all tightly packed together with some holding a fence and welcome sign at the front end of town. Each image maintains a slightly eerie aura many of the structures within the villages seem to be almost abandoned or have aged with time. With this moodboard completed I can use it to inspire my creative thought when working towards designing a township especially if I were to set it within the Western genre. Despite the eerie aura I do like the design of each town as although it is simple it does hold that comfortable and fun atmosphere that makes you feel welcomed into the environment.
Vehicles of the Wild West
In my next moodboard I have focused on gathering a series of images that present the variety of vehicles present in the Wild West universe, whilst not too numerous there are a select number that do stand out which includes the steam boat, train and the iconic horse and carriage which is utilised in every Western production. Although there is a lack of vehicle variety in this universe the images I have collected can still be of use to me as each horse and carriage features a different visual style with some being simple and others being more complex with luggage being stored on top or even art work engraved into the wood that makes up the carriage which I can use to help me when designing my own variants as there is a wide range of cosmetic features I could implement into a design such as this. The steam boat and train images I have included in this moodboard are there to give me a perspective on how the most complex forms of transportation looked at the time so that I am able to get suitable and realistic results for when I start producing my own 2D designs.
Saloons of the Wild West
In this moodboard I have collected a number of images each presenting a saloon. The reason why I have chosen this specific establishment is due to its iconic presence in the Western genre as a saloon is seen as the main social area of the time period and is usually the most prominent and active hub in the vicinity mainly due to the presence of alcohol. Each saloon presents its own distinct internal designs that immediately catch your eye and inform you straight away of whether it is a high class or low class establishment which can tell you what to expect from them. The assistance I can gain from this moodboard is if I were to once again utilise these images as references as designing the interior of a saloon is a complex feat due to the fact that the designer has to be able to make the establishment feel comfortable, active, and vibrant with the place easily marked as social hub.
General Stores of the Wild West
For my final moodboard I have chosen to collect images of old western general stores, the reason why I have chosen this variant of establishment specifically is because of its iconic presence within the genre as every game produced in the Western universe always includes a general store which is a necessity in an open world rpg as this store is where all your basic needs are stocked at such as food, healthcare, and clothing with a number of ingredients also for sale. The assistance this moodboard provides is that it shows how a general stores exterior design can vary between each store giving an artist absolute freedom in designing the exterior aesthetic look of the general store whilst the images provide them with the dimensions and suitable colours for such a project. These images will also serve as a reference for when I move onto any future projects in this genre due to their iconic presence within this theme. General stores can be found in many popular games such as Red Dead Redemption 2 where all the basic nutritional needs are provided at which reinforces the critical implementation of such buildings in this theme.
Level 3 Games Development Spencer Lee 