Morrowind Mod:Lutemoth mod interview

Article originally written by Gstaff, and hosted on the Bethblog.
Original post date: Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Introduction

This week's Elder Scrolls mod interview is with William DeJeu, otherwise known as Lutemoth. Since joining the Elder Scrolls community, he's become known for his conceptual drawings working with the Tamriel Rebuilt mod team. William, who lives in the Vancouver area, is a Scorpio, enjoys long walks on the beach, and his favorite color is transparent.

Let's get to know Lutemoth a little better....

Interview

Gstaff: How did you get started as a modder?

Lutemoth: I got started in the modding community long after my mild-mannered fanaticism with The Elder Scrolls ("prepare to experience your new obsession," it read off the side of the box, hehe). At that point, however, I was just drawing for myself.

A few years back (December of 2005, I believe), I was just a lurker around the usual forums. Eventually I caught wind of a project by the name of Tamriel-Rebuilt, but I didn't plan to join until I saw the concept art portion of the website. I didn't know what I was to draw for a mod.. or any project, for that matter...but damned green hell I wanted to help contribute!

Gstaff: What do you enjoy most about the Elder Scrolls modding community?

Lutemoth: The fact that it's purely alive, without rest! There are so many folks here with the dedication in mind to expand the gameworld.. It gives me the warm internet fuzzies that something is in progress or just itching to be released every freakin' minute.

Gstaff: You currently head the Concept Art forum for the Tamriel Rebuilt mod team. What kind of responsibilities does that entail?

Lutemoth: As much as I'd like to detail important aspects of keeping a fit team of on-alert conceptual designers.. I'm just one of the kids with a pen and pad. Most of the time, you're either taking off with an idea from Tamriel's literary world, or filling a niche for a requested design. People have attributed me to TR's basic cultural designs for Satakalaam (The heritage religion of ancestral Redguards), but interpretation from our resident artists have really made it more.

Gstaff: Working with designs and concepts, do you feel like you're less "hands on" with the actual modding?

Lutemoth: Undeniably, if one is purely for conceptual art, they're the first link in a long chain. It's the least physical part of a modelling/modding process. However, it's quite useful to garner help when you have a few pieces of lovely painted art and designs, in terms of online projects. I know it's easy to get excited about an upcoming mod when you see drawings of planned modding. A friend of mine called it "visualization scouting," or something to that effect. It was a lot more eloquent when they said it.

Gstaff: What concept or design are you most proud of?

Lutemoth: I have a few I'm quite find of, but a piece that's gotten a lot of popularity is my "Fall of Ald'Ruhn" (image shown above). Reproduced from a heavily inspiring sketch Michael Kirkbride had done based off those famous rumors people whisper in Oblivion. A big slurry of Morrowind screenshots, textures and heavy editing is what I call it.

Gstaff: So you're a pretty good artist. How do you apply your artistic skill outside of modding?

Lutemoth: I've been applying it to trading doodles for sour candies since 2nd grade, hehe. Other than the usual (a few commission works here and there, a tattoo on some guy from high school I never see, ect.), I've been busying myself with scrub-level costuming and props for a few costumes lately. But honestly, I wish I had a smaller list, as it's too easy to be everywhere at once.

Gstaff: Have you looked into working at a game studio?

Lutemoth: Definitely, definitely, definitely. If anything, drawing for mods has really given me focus as to what I want in a career. Like several million guys and girls my age, I'm always looking to achieve that dream job *nudge nudge*.

Gstaff: How come you haven't contributed anything to the fan art section of our blog?

Lutemoth: I have! I believe I sent something at the start of September, but it must not have gone through! No harm in trying again?

Gstaff: Hmm, I'll look into that. Anyhow, what current projects are you working on? Anything you'd like to share with us?

Lutemoth: As always, I've got a special reserve for Tamriel Rebuilt, but involving personal projects, I'm always open for requests (yes, that's a hint for all those modders out there reading this)

Gstaff: What would be your dream project?

Lutemoth: The one that never ends, pure and simple. It's paradoxical, but it seems the best answer.

Comments

(as of 14:07, 05 November 2014 UTC)

Jo said on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 7:31 pm:
Nice feature – and Lutemoth's art is incredible. Great to find out more. :)

Lady Nerevar said on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 7:38 pm:
i less then three you lute! too bad you reproduce through budding... :(

Mike said on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 11:42 pm:
REMEMBER HOUSE REDORAN NEVER FORGET

err... sorry, but we've been brainwashed by that picture and need to intone that whenever we see it.

Z. Daniel Phoenix said on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 1:30 am:
Lutemoth is a talented concept artist. I'd love to see an open gallery of their work to perhaps inspire others outside TR's forum to create more Tamrielic Visions.

Tamriel Rebuilt is such an amazing idea. And one day may actually become a reality. It's been one of those whispers in the back of my head, since I first got into PC Morrowind (I started playing TES III on XBox). I just don't see something SO massive getting fully and functionally released to the public.

If it did... Morrowind and Oblivion would gain 100 times the replay value.

Rosario said on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 10:50 am:
Nice art work man good luck on your dream job

Hellbishop said on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 11:53 am:
Fantastic artwork with epic appeal like a devastating avanlanche of snowy ice in..JULY!

Best wishes on your career and thanks for all the excellent work with TAMRIEL REBUILDT.

Feek said on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 2:53 pm:
Respect! your concept art is really amazing, Lutemoth.

Peter said on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 9:51 am:
I've always been a fan of Lutemoth's concept art. Most of his published drawings are simply incredible.

I wish you the best of luck regarding the future.

Sirwootalot said on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 2:05 pm:
I don't care if he reproduces through budding, lady N; I want to have sex with him anyway. :P Seriously though, HUGE congrats for everything. Your concept art almost makes me want to get back into modding...