An Open Letter to Evil Hat Productions: “Please give me a Color Illustration”

To Fred Hicks, or anyone at Evil Hat Games that has any kind of pull,

My name is Landon. You might remember my modeling work in the Fate Core book from 2013. Congrats on ten years of Fate! I’m writing to you to ask that I might be given the opportunity to appear in color in one of your future publications. I’ve spoken with Cynere and Zird, and both have gotten the chance to appear in color, and I would appreciate the same opportunity. Cynere obviously had priority as a cover feature, but Zird told me he was simply asked if it was okay for some of his old shots to be reworked for a Core/Accelerated conversion guide. At the time I told myself that I was fine being the last one of the group left out, but as the tenth anniversary comes around, I can’t help but feel like I owe it to myself, to my children, to have a color illustration of myself featured somewhere in a Fate product.

I don’t think it’s a big surprise that I didn’t get much work after Fate Core. I’ve gotten the chance to do a few OSR supplements, but always with a bulky helmet covering my face as I disembowel a goblin. I want to be able to pull out a book and tell my kids, “That’s daddy! Look at his twinkling blue eyes.” I’ve gotten together with Lucas and Cyborgorilla for drinks a few times over the years, and both agree that even with their limited work afterwards, they’re still proud of being able to point to their color illustrations as part of their legacy. As time goes on, I’ve found myself thinking of my legacy more and more.

I don’t know what kind of plans you have for Fate Core on its 10^th anniversary. I’d love to work with Kurt Komoda again. A reprint, a new introduction, maybe a leatherbound edition, I don’t know. Heck, I’d be willing to be featured in a commemorative blog post. I don’t even have to appear as myself! I’d be more than happy to appear as some sort of barbarian in the new Umdaar book. I can sit in the makeup chair for whatever mutations you want to give me.

I don’t really know how to end this. I guess I’ve still got The Manners of a Goat, am I right? I kid, of course. But do please reach out. I have the same agent, the same rep, and the same can-do attitude I had ten years ago. I hope to hear from you soon.

Landon