Abstract
Solas is a sci-fi fantasy world where 'Indiana Jones' meets 'Dawn of the Dead' and Lovecraft. Explore the bipolar wastelands of the planet Solas! Join a mostly queer cast of characters, as they uncover the mysteries of Solas' past and find themselves tangled up in a plot to destroy reality itself.
On Solas, death attracts unwanted visitors, and a cult seeks to harness the power of black holes. Harsh weather and hungry critters prove a challenge for any wannabe adventurers. Ancient ruins crop out of the terrain and dot the sky, as they twist and contort and beckon. Treasure hunting groups try their luck at navigating the ruins in hopes of finding valuable loot, or powerful knowledge. Preferably both. Most are...less than successful.
This thesis aims to document the creative process and expand the viewer's understanding of Solas, acting as a jumping off point . Some inspirations of mine are Star Wars, SuperGiant Games, Magic the Gathering, DnD, Destiny, and League of Legends. All of these IP’s pay careful attention to the worlds they've made and boy, oh boy, do they have plenty of material to read up on. I also am just a huge fan of their specific sci-fi/fantasy content and vibes.
Along with general vibes, I have a few other inspirations for content and themes. I’m a queer trans woman. Up until a little while ago, people like me had very little in the way of representation. Even now, representation for queer folk has been pretty sparse. My hope in including plenty of queer characters in my story is that it will help normalize queer people in the media I hope to some day enjoy. Ya know, be the change you want to see in the world or whatever. Some media that inspired me in this regard was Steven Universe, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Hades, and Apex Legends, amongst others.
Artist Statement
Hazel Carnahan is a freelance artist working out of Portland, Oregon. She focuses on color, values, and characters, while also dabbling in environments and more abstract styles. Hazel incorporates queer themes and identities in her work.
