Under The Table #1

Hello patrons! This is the start of a 'behind the scenes' series available only to patrons above tier 1. Here I'll be sharing test renders, alternative shots, and other similar material that won't be posted anywhere else. I may also share spicier content on this tier as well! <3

To kick things off for Under The Table - these are the four initial outfits that I was considering for Maisie's attire in Not A Toy! As well as a silly 'sexy schoolgirl' render that I included just for fun.

When I was creating Maisie, I knew she would be the one of the youngest characters in the story and I wanted her outfit to showcase that youth. However, since she was arriving for a job interview, the outfit couldn't be too scandalous or feel too out of place in that setting. That said, I imagined the appointment to be somewhat casual, so I didn't feel she needed a pantsuit or anything too 'business like'.

As well, one of the core details was making the outfit feel like something actor Maisie Williams would wear - she is the physical reference for the 3D Maisie model and I thought it would add an additional layer of fun if the attire felt appropriate for the real-world Maisie.

The last consideration was that I didn't want the outfit to present too many complexities in regards to its movement and eventual 'cloth sim'. In 3D software, for fabric to appear natural you have to run 'simulations' in order to create the believable visual of fabric falling and moving as it should (you can see more complex examples of this once Jenna appeared in the series.) However, as I was just getting started with Not A Toy and Maisie would be the lone character for some time, I didn't want to pressure myself too much with an outfit that had lots of flowing pieces of fabric. This meant I didn't want any dresses or long jackets for our central character.

As you can see, the outfits I was deciding between definitely had hit that 'youthful' note and didn't present too much of a challenge on the cloth sim side. 

Option A was very cute, however the tiny top just felt like it was a little too scandalous even for a casual affair. As well, the jacket was fun but I felt like that could present some troubles on the cloth sim front. That said, I did like the shorts and belt from Option A!

Option B brought in a new outfit altogether. The shirt was really nice, and the jeans and shoes are very cute, but I felt like the entire look was almost too casual - as well, it gave Maisie a somewhat more youthful look than I was going for.

Option C is the one that should be familiar to you all! It was simple, but felt somewhat dressy enough that you could wear it to an interview, plus it had the shoes and shorts I liked from Option A. Here I did try a more flashy belt, but eventually went against this as it felt a little too 'bold' for the kind of character I imagined Maisie to be.

Finally there was Option D which was really me pushing that youthful appearance, however, Maisie ended up looking almost like a teenager and I knew I wanted her to appear more as a young adult. The colorful sneakers really aged her down in my eyes. Can confirm I would totally wear that top though. Do want.

One of the things I like to consider gives my work a point of difference among other artists and writers out there, is that I try to make my characters somewhat 'believable' in their actions and responses, and I feel a good portion of that can come through in the outfit. I didn't want to dress Maisie in something absurdly sexualized or gratuitous as I felt like that would break the sense of 'believability' I try to bring with my writing and characterization!

Anyway, that brings us to the end of this instalment of Under The Table. Let me know if you enjoy this kind of peek behind the curtain, or under the table as it were. This is one way of my saying thank you to all my upper tier supporters! <3

Also! Which outfit would you have chosen for Maisie? Or would you have mixed and matched a bit? I'd love to hear!