I have been working with the very talented Carlos Andrés (https://herror.es/) to create some art for Brightknife, and also preparing to start the layout process. To say that I'm excited to work with Carlos on this book would be an understatement! I will be sure to share the wonderful art he's churning out when the time is right.
Anyway, back to layouts. My first game, Boot Black, was really a shot in the dark as far as layouts go; I think I did well as I learned InDesign and did everything from the seat of my pants. For this new game, though, I really want to put my best foot forward in terms of design and put to use the lessons I've learned. A kind Reddit user pointed me to Explorers Design, a fantastic blog where Clayton Notestine talks about his adventures in studying and creating TTRPG book layouts.
This is exactly what I was looking for! His advice is remarkable and I am all in. He is running a Game Jam to create a TTRPG using his layout template, and I am 100% throwing my hat in the ring, even if Brightknife is still rough and I feel a bit under-prepared. But the game's been play tested, a lot! I need to have more confidence in moving toward completion.
Having talked to Charlie of Feral Indie Studio, I have taken a few tiny steps in trying out Affinity Publisher 2 over InDesign. I'm not sure the juice is worth the squeeze for me since I've only just gotten comfortable with InDesign, but I think this game jam will push me to try new things and I may switch back and forth as I go.
Wish me luck!