Illustrating Destiny’s Books of Sorrow with community artist Francine Bridge
One of the most impressive Destiny fan-projects we’ve seen to date has been Francine Bridge’s incredible illustrated rendering of Destiny’s Books of Sorrow. Francine, otherwise known as Witnesstheabsurd, otherwise known as Unknownkadath, agreed to take some time to answer a few of our questions about her work, its impetus, and what the project means to her.
Written by Seth Dickinson, the Books of Sorrow tell the story of the Hive - and by extension Oryx and his siblings - and give deep, rich background to one of the game’s largest and most important conflicts. Lyric and evocative, the books offer insight into both the Hive themselves and the universe they inhabit, and remain Destiny’s most impressive and most in-depth piece of lore-building. For those who may have joined the community in Destiny 2, or never had the chance to read the original books, they can be read in their entirety here. Francine’s project shows the same impressive attention to detail, and most importantly, the same level of empathy as the works that inspired it. We’re ecstatic to be able to share this conversation with the Destiny community, and we hope you’ll take the time to admire the full project.
Written in Light: To get things started, tell us a bit about yourself. What you’re studying, what field you work in, what you like to do for fun - give us a brief summary of who you are and what’s important to you!
Francine Bridge: HI! I’m Francine, although I’m better known online as Witnesstheabsurd. I work as a freelance illustrator and concept artist in the UK - you might have seen some of my work in the game Hiveswap or at labels like Killstar. I do album covers, shirt designs, character/monster etc design work for games, comics, private clients. I’m currently in my 4th and final (I took an extra sandwich year to do a supplemental diploma in professional studies) year of my Illustration and Visual Media BA degree in London, after which I’m probably going to look for more permanent studio/contract work rather than the one-off freelance stuff I’ve been pursuing while I’ve been in school.
-quietly slides towards friends and whispers- I’m so sorry for being a terrible friend n not talking to you for a loonngg time. I drew you this picture to show that I still care ;3;
Ahhhhh friend don’t feel bad ;o;
I love it and I’ve missed your art and you but I’m sure you’ve been busy ;3; *much hugs*
CherryMango has some really cute OCs, this one being one of my favorite.
I decided to forgo resting for a bit to draw this cutie and I’m glad I did; I was getting stir crazy not doing anything at all. I’m sure it’ll get colored at some point.
Ahhh gosh I love it ;o; I only drew her one time and I mean heck she still doesnt have a name, I didnt think anyone still remembered her I wish I knew what to say other than that but thanku so so much ;;3;;
Updated reference character sheet for Tix! Please click for better quality :>
Tix are comfortable with not wearing clothes as she has enough fur to keep her warm. But she normally do wear t-shirts, tank-tops, light cardigans, shawls, tight shorts, skirts, finger rings, toe rings, fur accessories, tail accessories, band shirts and other band accessories.
