In 2001, while deployed aboard the USS Enterprise, I had the opportunity to return to some serious sketching. This variable geometry ekranoplan was one clever idea that made it to paper. When I returned from deployment, I imported it into Photoshop to add color and detail. This was many years before I dove into 3D modeling, but it was a glimpse into how drastically my creative process would change in the future. With traditional media, where you start with a rapid hero pencil sketch, then refine to something more specific, then proceed to a production-quality version - you have to fight every step of the way to sustain the spirit and energy of that first sketch. Color and contrast can help in the end, but all along the way you have to fight to make good decisions and carry that spirit forward. But digital media, it's almost the opposite problem. Whether 'painting' with Photoshop or 3D modeling, you are constantly bombarded with a million choices for amplifying that original spirit - or pivoting in an entirely different direction in mid-stream. So although you need to be vigilant and responsive for improvements that emerge, you have to fight to tone down the sensory overload and sustain the simplicity of the original 'sketch'. So in addition to the wicked clever forced exhaust variable geometry wing, that realization of how different the digital creative process was going to be - is an awesome memory every time I revisit this design and render. Btw, it would be very cool if someone is interested in 'completing' this model in 3D or animation. there is still much to be figured out, designed and reconciled into a 'game ready' asset. Even if you are relatively new to the industry, let me know if you would like to add a little 'Pan Spatial' to your portfolio and let's see what we can work out.