Art by Justin Usher

As a writer for Star Trek Adventures, my days are often filled with weaving intricate narratives and devising compelling mechanics to enrich the Star Trek universe. However, there was a recent twist in my usual routine that left me feeling both excited and inspired – the task of crafting an art brief for “The Shape of War,” a mission featured in the Federation Klingon War Tactical Campaign book.

This deviation from my typical responsibilities came at the request of our Project Manager, Jim Johnson. Instead of solely focusing on writing story points and mechanics, I found myself delving into the realm of visual storytelling. The prospect of creating an art concept for the mission ignited my imagination and filled me with anticipation.

And now I want to share the concept brief with you all!

Upon receiving the art brief template from Jim, I embarked on a journey that combined elements of research, imagination, and collaboration. My task was to provide a visual representation that would capture the essence of “The Shape of War,” offering a glimpse into the heart of the mission’s geometric narrative, which I won’t provide a spoiler for here. (Nab that book.)

Drawing from various resources on the web and channeling my creative energy, I began to shape the vision in my mind. I eagerly awaited for my words to be transformed into stunning visuals that would leap off the page.

I found myself amazed by the outcome. Justin Usher managed to capture the essence of “The Shape of War,” bringing my vision to life in ways I could have imagined. The dynamic compositions, the attention to detail, and the sheer sense of scale exceeded my expectations.

In the end, my journey from words to canvas left me not only inspired but profoundly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to something truly special.

---

TM & © 2026 CBS Studios Inc. © 2026 Paramount Pictures Corp. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.