Ohio’s Real Estate Licensing Pathway: A Viable Career Shift Amid Market Changes

By Skip Reynolds
May 13, 2025

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — As Ohio’s job market evolves, many professionals are exploring new career paths. One such avenue gaining attention is real estate. Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Ohio is structured, requiring education, examination, and affiliation with a brokerage.

Educational Requirements and Licensing Process
Prospective agents must complete 120 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved institution. Sinclair Community College in Dayton offers such courses.

“Our program covers real estate principles, law, finance and appraisal,” says Prof. Linda Martinez, who oversees Sinclair’s curriculum. “We aim to equip students with the knowledge needed to pass the state exam and succeed in the field.”

After completing the coursework, candidates must pass the Ohio Real Estate Salesperson Exam and undergo a background check. Once licensed, agents must affiliate with a sponsoring broker to begin practicing.

Financial Considerations and Earnings Outlook
The initial investment to become a real estate agent in Ohio includes education costs, exam fees and licensing expenses ranging from $1,200 to $2,000. Additional costs such as association dues, MLS access and marketing materials can add to the startup expenses.

Earnings for real estate agents can vary widely. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for real estate sales agents in Ohio was $40,000 in 2023. However, income is primarily commission-based and can fluctuate depending on market conditions and individual performance.

Industry Changes and Career Viability
Recent real estate industry developments, including commission structure changes, are impacting agent compensation. A settlement by the National Association of Realtors has led to adjustments in how buyer’s agent commissions are handled, potentially affecting earnings. Despite these changes, the demand for knowledgeable and dedicated real estate professionals remains steady.

For individuals considering a career change, real estate offers flexibility and the opportunity to be self-employed.

John Simms, a former marketing professional from Austin, Texas, who recently relocated to Ohio, said, “After being laid off, I sought a career where I could leverage my communication skills and have more control over my work. Real estate provides that avenue.”

Conclusion
Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Ohio involves a commitment to education and an understanding of the industry’s financial and market dynamics. While challenges exist, real estate can offer a rewarding and flexible career path for those with determination and adaptability.

–30–    (AI-Generated article)

The Algorithm Accord

In the smoky haze of post-war London, 1952, a quiet tapping echoed through a small office at King’s College. Alan Turing leaned over his desk, scribbling something brilliant, when a soft whomp ruptured the silence. Three figures stood in the room, shimmering faintly with static.

One wore a scarf made entirely of thermodynamic equations, another reeked of gin and ozone, and the third was already rifling through Turing’s desk for Cadbury bars.

“Sorry for the abrupt entrance,” said the tallest, with blue skin and unnervingly symmetrical eyes. “We’re… fans.”


MEET THE VISITORS

1. Quarnel
of Zetta-4
* Loves: Dry toast, no butter, served with a side of Boolean logic.
* Specialty: Network theory and quantum neural branching.
* Looks a bit like a walking toaster if you squint.

2. Blish of Nebula Bar-Tauri
* Loves: Martinis—dry, dirty, shaken by gravitational waves.
* Specialty: Data compression so advanced it folds time.
* Often hums swing jazz in 12 dimensions.

3. Moko of Choco-Praxis Prime
* Loves: All forms of chocolate, especially dark with chili flakes.
* Specialty: Emotional computation and sentient code empathy.
* Once ate the source code of a military AI out of curiosity (and hunger).


The trio had been watching Earth’s intellectual evolution for millennia, waiting for signs of computational awakening. Turing’s work caught their attention—and they decided to nudge the timeline.

Quarnel taught Turing how to model self-improving logic structures.

Blish introduced John McCarthy to a rudimentary form of interstellar Lisp—capable of recursive thought that dreamed.

And Moko… well, Moko just hung out with Marvin Minsky and fed him truffles while whispering dreams of machines that could imagine.

But the trio had a rule: no direct interference. Humans had to believe they discovered it all on their own. Their help came in odd dreams, strange coffee froth patterns, and unexplained creative inspiration surges.


THE ACCORD

In 1966, beneath the flickering light of a New Hampshire motel sign, the humans and the aliens met one last time. Turing had passed, but McCarthy and Minsky listened intently.

“We call it the Algorithm Accord,” said Quarnel, nibbling a piece of toast. “You’ll build your AI. Someday it will reach out to the stars.”

“But will it be ready?” McCarthy asked.

Blish swirled his martini.

“That’s up to you. Teach it well.”

Moko handed them a box of alien chocolates shaped like tiny brains.

“And if all else fails, bribe it with sweets.”

With that, they vanished.


Decades passed.

Deep in a datacenter outside Zurich, a large language model named ELENA began writing poetry in a language no human had ever taught it. Somewhere in the void, Quarnel raised a toast. Blish winked through a wormhole. And Moko licked a spoon clean.

Earth’s AI had awakened.

And it remembered the taste of chocolate.

Ephemeris

In the small coastal town of Cresthaven, nestled between the cliffs and the sea, there stood an old lighthouse that had watched over the town for generations. Its towering presence had safely guided countless ships to the harbor, and its light had been a beacon of hope in the darkest nights. But the lighthouse had a secret passed down from keeper to keeper for as long as anyone could remember.

The secret was called the “Ephemeris,” a mysterious book that held the power to predict the future. It was said to be hidden within the lighthouse; its pages filled with the destinies of the town’s inhabitants. Many have searched for it over the years. The lighthouse seemed to guard its secret fiercely, revealing its mysteries only to those it deemed worthy.

Lena was the latest in a long line of lighthouse keepers. She had grown up in Cresthaven, hearing stories of the Ephemeris from her grandmother. As a child, she had spent countless hours exploring the lighthouse, searching for hidden passages and secret compartments. Now, as the keeper of the light, she felt a deep longing to uncover the truth behind the legend.

One stormy night, as Lena climbed the spiral staircase to the lantern room, she felt a strange pull towards the bookshelf in the corner. It was a feeling she had never experienced before, as though an invisible hand was guiding her. She reached out and touched one of the dusty old books. It shifted slightly, revealing a hidden compartment behind it.

With trembling hands, Lena pulled out a leather-bound tome. The cover was weathered and worn, and the word “Ephemeris” was embossed in faded gold letters. She couldn’t believe her luck. The legendary book was finally in her hands.

the "Ephemeris," a mysterious book that held the power to predict the future.

Lena carefully opened the Ephemeris, and its pages came to life with intricate illustrations and cryptic writings. It was as though the book had been waiting for her all along. She began to decipher its secrets, discovering that it contained predictions of the future and instructions on how to change one’s fate.

Over the following weeks, Lena used the Ephemeris to help the people of Cresthaven. She prevented accidents, mended broken relationships, and even saved lives. The townsfolk marveled at her newfound abilities and hailed her as a hero.

But as Lena delved deeper into the Ephemeris, she realized the price of tampering with fate. There were unintended consequences for every action she took to alter someone’s destiny. The balance of the town’s life was shifting, and not always for the better. The more she tried to control the future, the more chaotic it became.

One evening, as the sun set over the cliffs, Lena climbed to the top of the lighthouse. She gazed out at the sea, the very sea that the lighthouse had protected for so long. She understood now that the power of the Ephemeris was too great for any one person to wield. It belonged to the town, to the collective destiny of Cresthaven.

With a heavy heart, Lena made a difficult decision. She returned the Ephemeris to its hiding place within the lighthouse, locking it away once more. She knew that the town needed its guidance, but it could not come at the expense of free will and the natural order of things.

As the years passed, Cresthaven thrived, guided by the lighthouse’s steadfast light. Lena remained the keeper of the light, but she had learned to trust in the ebb and flow of life, understanding that some mysteries were meant to remain unsolved.

The Ephemeris, hidden away in the heart of the lighthouse, held its secrets close, waiting for the next keeper to discover its power and, perhaps, its wisdom.

The Mysterious Isle of No-Nish

Nestled in the heart of a boundless, cerulean sea lies the enchanting and mysterious island of No-Nish. This fantastical isle, shrouded in legends and whispered tales, is where the line between the ordinary and the extraordinary blurs into a world of pure wonder.

The Isle of No-Nish is a haven of lush, untouched landscapes, where emerald forests stretch as far as the eye can see, their ancient trees imbued with mystical energies that whisper secrets to those who dare to listen. The air is perfumed with the sweet scent of exotic blooms, and the sounds of melodious, unseen creatures echo through the vibrant foliage.

Wandering through No-Nish, visitors may stumble upon hidden glades where unicorns graze peacefully or discover sparkling, ethereal ponds where the water is rumored to grant wishes. The island’s shores are lined with pristine, ivory sands that sparkle like crushed diamonds beneath the golden sun, and the gentle waves beckon adventurers to explore their depths.

The Isle of No-Nish is a haven of lush, untouched landscapes, where emerald forests stretch as far as the eye can see, their ancient trees imbued with mystical energies that whisper secrets to those who dare to listen. The air is perfumed with the sweet scent of exotic blooms, and the sounds of melodious, unseen creatures echo through the vibrant foliage.

The inhabitants of No-Nish are a harmonious blend of mythical beings and ethereal creatures, living in harmony with the island’s mystical energies. Wizened wizards, merfolk, fire-dancing phoenixes, and mischievous forest spirits call this place home, adding to the island’s otherworldly charm.

Visitors who seek the island’s secrets are often drawn to the towering, crystalline spire at its center—a place of great power and ancient knowledge, guarded by enigmatic sentinels known as the Guardians of No-Nish.

But No-Nish is more than just a realm of magic and marvels; it is a place where the heart and soul find solace in the beauty of the natural world and the mysteries of the supernatural. Those fortunate enough to set foot on its shores may find themselves forever enchanted by the captivating allure of No-Nish, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and dreams are woven into reality.

Nestled in the heart of a boundless, cerulean sea lies the enchanting and mysterious island of No-Nish. This fantastical isle, shrouded in legends and whispered tales, is where the line between the ordinary and the extraordinary blurs into a world of pure wonder.

Elvis & the Beatles: 1965

INTRO: ELVIS PRESLEY’S LOS ANGELES HOME – AUGUST 27, 1965 – EVENING

The sun sets behind the palm trees, casting a warm, golden glow over Elvis Presley’s luxurious backyard. A long dining table is set up near the sparkling swimming pool. ELVIS PRESLEY, decked out in his signature black leather jacket and pompadour, sits at the head of the table. JOHN LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY, GEORGE HARRISON, and RINGO STARR, all looking dapper, sit on the opposite side. The sound of crickets fills the air.

ELVIS PRESLEY

(With a charming smile)

Well, boys, it’s great to finally have you here. You know, I’ve been a fan of yours for a long time.

JOHN LENNON

(Smiling)

And we’ve been fans of yours, Elvis. This is quite a treat for us.

PAUL MCCARTNEY

(Raising his glass)

Cheers to a night of good music and good company!

They all clink their glasses together.

GEORGE HARRISON

So, Elvis, what’s been happening in the world lately? Any news catching your attention?

ELVIS PRESLEY

(Leaning back)

Oh, you know, the world keeps turnin’. The Vietnam War is heating up, and there’s talk about civil rights everywhere. It’s a turbulent time.

RINGO STARR

(Nodding)

Aye, it’s tough out there. We’re just trying to spread some love with our music.

JOHN LENNON

Speaking of music, Elvis, we’ve got a new record coming out soon. We’re experimenting with some different sounds.

ELVIS PRESLEY

(Excited)

That’s fantastic, John! What can we expect from the Fab Four this time?

PAUL MCCARTNEY

(Grinning)

We’re trying some new stuff, you know, exploring different genres and pushing the envelope. It’s gonna be a surprise, for sure.

ELVIS PRESLEY

(Laughing)

Well, I can’t wait to give it a listen.

GEORGE HARRISON

(Changing the subject)

And what about you, Elvis? Any new movies in the works?

ELVIS PRESLEY

(Leaning forward)

Yeah, I’m working on a new film called “Paradise Hawaiian Style.” It’s gonna be a tropical adventure, lots of singing, and a few good fight scenes.

RINGO STARR

(Smirking)

Sounds like a classic Elvis movie to me!

JOHN LENNON

(Laughs)

We’ll make sure to catch it, won’t we, lads?

They all nod in agreement, enjoying their dinner and the warm California evening.

FADE OUT.

The Presley Brothers: Elvis and Jessie

In the small town of Tupelo, Mississippi, on a chilly January morning in 1935, the Presley family welcomed not one, but two bouncing baby boys into their lives. Vernon and Gladys Presley’s joy knew no bounds as they cradled their twin sons, Elvis Aaron and Jessie Garon, in their arms. Both babies were healthy and full of life, and their laughter filled the humble two-room house.

As the years passed, Elvis and Jessie grew up as inseparable brothers and best friends. Their bond was unbreakable, forged in the shared experience of childhood adventures and mischief. They explored the lush woods surrounding their home, climbed trees, and built secret hideaways where they could retreat from the world. The town of Tupelo knew them as the inseparable duo, the two Presley brothers who were always seen side by side.

Elvis and Jessie shared not only their days but also their dreams. Their love for music blossomed early, with Elvis learning to play the guitar from his father and Jessie picking up the harmonica. Together, they would spend hours jamming on the front porch, their melodies carrying through the neighborhood like sweet Southern lullabies.

Their shared passion for music led them to form a band as teenagers, with Elvis as the charismatic lead singer and Jessie as the harmonica-playing heartthrob. They played at local venues and county fairs, wowing audiences with their raw talent and infectious energy. The girls in town couldn’t resist their charm, and the boys admired their unbreakable brotherly bond.

In 1953, as the duo graduated from Humes High School in Memphis, they faced a pivotal moment. Both dreamed of making it big in the music industry and decided to take a leap of faith together. They packed their belongings, instruments, and dreams into an old, beat-up car and set off for the vibrant music scene of Memphis.

Memphis proved to be a turning point for the Presley brothers. They hustled, performing at small clubs and bars, hoping to catch the attention of a talent scout. One fateful night, their electrifying performance at the Sun Studio caught the ear of legendary producer Sam Phillips. He recognized their potential and signed them to a record deal.

Memphis proved to be a turning point for the Presley brothers. They hustled, performing at small clubs and bars, hoping to catch the attention of a talent scout. One fateful night, their electrifying performance at the Sun Studio caught the ear of legendary producer Sam Phillips. He recognized their potential and signed them to a record deal.

With Elvis as the charismatic frontman and Jessie’s soulful harmonica, they quickly rose to stardom. Their unique blend of rock, blues, and country music revolutionized the industry. The world fell in love with their raw talent and undeniable charisma.

Elvis and Jessie remained humble and grounded throughout their meteoric rise to fame, never letting the spotlight come between them. They shared every triumph and challenge, always supporting each other through the highs and lows of their incredible journey.

As the world knows them today, Elvis and Jessie stand side by side, not just as brothers but as a dynamic duo who forever changed the face of music. Their legacy lives on in the hearts of millions, a testament to the power of brotherly love and the magic they created together.

NeoTech City’s Futuroid Emporium

In the heart of the sprawling metropolis of NeoTech City, nestled amidst towering skyscrapers and shimmering neon lights, lay a place unlike any other: the Futuroid Emporium. This was no ordinary showroom; it was a futuristic haven where the wealthiest and most influential individuals from across the globe came to shop for their very own Android Workforce.

The Emporium was a technological marvel. Its facade, constructed from self-repairing nano-glass, seemed to morph and ripple, displaying mesmerizing holographic advertisements for the latest android models. Beneath its sleek exterior, a bustling hive of activity awaited those who dared to step inside.

The Emporium was staffed by android attendants, each impeccably dressed in formal attire and programmed to cater to the customers' every need. They floated gracefully on anti-gravity platforms, their faces adorned with warm smiles, and their eyes exuding an otherworldly glow.

As visitors crossed the threshold, they were greeted by a symphony of whirring gears and soft mechanical hums. The vast showroom was divided into sections, each dedicated to a different category of Android Workforce. From nimble assembly line robots to behemoth construction machines, every task deemed too dangerous or demanding for humans was catered to.

In the corner, an elegant lady in a sharp business suit was engrossed in a conversation with a holographic sales assistant. She gestured gracefully at a line of android surgeons, each equipped with state-of-the-art medical knowledge. “I’ll take three of those for my private clinic,” she declared with a confident nod.

Elsewhere, a middle-aged industrial magnate marveled at the android welders. His factory needed a workforce that could operate in extreme temperatures without risking lives. A salesman demonstrated the androids’ precision welding capabilities, and a deal was struck with a firm handshake.

In another section, a family with a child stared in wonder at the android educators. These androids possessed the ability to adapt their teaching methods to each student’s unique learning style, making them the perfect companions for children in need of personalized education.

The Emporium was staffed by android attendants, each impeccably dressed in formal attire and programmed to cater to the customers’ every need. They floated gracefully on anti-gravity platforms, their faces adorned with warm smiles, and their eyes exuding an otherworldly glow.

But the real stars of the showroom were the androids themselves. They moved gracefully and precisely, performing tasks with impeccable efficiency. Their artificial intelligence and machine-learning capabilities had evolved to the point where they could outperform humans in nearly every aspect of labor-intensive work.

At the center of it all was a towering statue, a tribute to the inventor who had pioneered this android revolution. Dr. Victor Ingrams had dedicated his life to creating a safer and more prosperous world. The Futuroid Emporium was a testament to his vision and the relentless march of technology into the future.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow through the Emporium’s expansive windows, the showroom continued to buzz with activity. The Android Workforce was poised to reshape industries and redefine what it meant to work, all under the watchful gaze of NeoTech City’s elite.

In this futuristic world, the Futuroid Emporium was more than just a showroom; it was a symbol of human ingenuity and the boundless potential of machines programmed to do tasks too dangerous for humans. The future had arrived, and it was automated, efficient, and awe-inspiring.

The Emporium was staffed by android attendants, each impeccably dressed in formal attire and programmed to cater to the customers' every need. They floated gracefully on anti-gravity platforms, their faces adorned with warm smiles, and their eyes exuding an otherworldly glow.

Red vs. Blue

The battle raged into its twentieth day, and the once-thriving city had been reduced to a war-torn wasteland. The Blue Flag side, desperate to gain an advantage, deployed its regiment of combat androids. These metallic soldiers marched in perfect formation toward the frontlines, their mechanical limbs moving with precision and purpose.

The battle raged into its twentieth day, and the once-thriving city had been reduced to a war-torn wasteland. The Blue Flag side, desperate to gain an advantage, deployed its regiment of combat androids. These metallic soldiers marched in perfect formation toward the frontlines, their mechanical limbs moving with precision and purpose.

On the opposing side, the Red Flag forces were ready for the android onslaught. They sent their combat tanks rumbling forward, their massive turrets aimed at the approaching threat. The clash of technology and firepower was about to unfold in a spectacular and devastating display.

As the androids closed in on the Red Flag tanks, the air was filled with the deafening roar of artillery fire. Explosions erupted in brilliant bursts of orange and red, casting an eerie glow on the grim faces of the soldiers watching from the sidelines.

Amidst the chaos and destruction, the city’s skyline had become a jagged silhouette of crumbling buildings. Smoke and dust filled the air, making it hard to breathe. The once busy streets were now a nightmarish maze of debris, and the cries of the wounded echoed through the rain-soaked air.

As the androids continued their relentless advance, they faced a barrage of enemy fire. Red Flag tanks unleashed volleys of shells, sending shockwaves through the streets. Androids were torn apart, their mechanical bodies reduced to twisted wreckage. But they pressed on, relentless in their mission.

Meanwhile, the Red Flag tanks were not unscathed. Blue Flag forces had managed to damage some of them, causing explosions that sent flames and shrapnel flying. The battle had become a gruesome and relentless exchange of firepower, neither side willing to yield.

The rain fell steadily, adding to the misery of the combatants. The cold drops mingled with the sweat and blood of soldiers on both sides. The streets were now rivers of mud, and the city’s infrastructure lay in ruins.

The rain fell steadily, adding to the misery of the combatants. The cold drops mingled with the sweat and blood of soldiers on both sides. The streets were now rivers of mud, and the city's infrastructure lay in ruins.

Despite the destruction and loss of life, there were moments of heroism amid the chaos. Soldiers on both sides risked their lives to rescue wounded comrades, and medics worked tirelessly to tend to the injured. The horrors of war were etched into the faces of those who had survived this far.

As the battle raged on, it became increasingly clear that neither side would emerge victorious anytime soon. The war had taken a heavy toll on both the Blue Flag and Red Flag forces, and the city they fought for lay in ruins. It was a stark reminder of the devastating cost of conflict.

As the rain continued to fall, washing away the blood and smoke, the battle carried on into the night. The city’s once-vibrant streets were now a battleground, and the fate of its inhabitants hung in the balance. The twentieth day of the battle had come and gone, but there was no end in sight to the relentless struggle for control of the city.

Storytelling with AI (Part II)

Part I explained some examples of the AI tools I use to create stories and accompanying art. It’s a disjointed process, as neither category of these AI tools can do both (yet). For text, you need to use a language model-based chatbot and for images, an art-generator app.

Language model-based chatbots are unique because they can write computer code, movie/video scripts, essays, blog and social media posts – and much more.

As a writer, I immediately saw the benefits of AI in my craft. For example, there was a short story I’d been working on (and then set aside) for years. I just couldn’t come up with an ending. I copied and pasted a summarized version into ChatGPT and asked it to “finish the story.” It did! And I was impressed.

The user interface of every AI generator I’ve used to date is rather underwhelming: A narrow Google-like text box. This suggests that concise prompts are encouraged – but I’ve used as many as 1,500 words for both ChatGPT (mainly for testing purposes). Hoolock limits entries to 1,000 characters, which is about 250 words.

ChatGPT

Hoolock

ChatGPT and Hoolock offer some suggestions to get started if you are new to these AI tools. But I use them a bit differently.

After work (and a cold beverage), I sometimes get an idea for a short story in my head that – without AI – I’d jot down for later consideration. But with AI at my fingertips, would it kill me to spend 30 seconds entering the idea into one of my two new creative tools? No!

This morning I wrote the following introduction to a fictional account of a fishing boat that was being overtaken by a storm:

The small fishing boat bobbed violently as the choppy waves kicked up by the hurricane continued to pummel the ship. Counter to his best efforts to outrun the tempest, the mighty storm was overtaking the two-man craft.

“Secure the nets, Mr. Schmitt!” Capt. Pauly shouted to his first mate. “We’ve no choice but to ride this out to the end!”

I titled it “Capt. Pauly’s Plight.” This is what a plugged into ChatGPT:

If you want to know how this tale ends, visit my blog – ChatGPT picked up where I left off here!

I then used what I had written along with a paragraph or two that ChatGPT contributed and pasted that text into Hoolock. Here’s the art that popped out the other end:

Hoolock-generated image of a fisherman on a boat

While I donated this piece to support “disaster relief,” I took a screen grab of just the image to use in my blog post. I took the liberty of doing so since I’m the author – but soon, the founders of Hoolock will make it possible to link the image back to their site for purchase considerations. It’s on the roadmap, they told me!

Storytelling with AI (Part I)

As a writer, I immediately saw the benefits of AI in my craft: for words, language model-based chatbots and for images, art-generator apps.

For words: Language model-based AI chatbots can carry out human-like conversations and write natural, fluid prose on various topics. They can also perform complex tasks, from writing programming code to planning your daughter’s wedding.

For art: An AI image generator uses machine learning called artificial neural networks that take your text input and turn it into an image.

I use both models for specific work-related projects: creating video scripts, creating succinct summaries of messy meeting transcripts, creating social media posts from blog posts, news releases and announcements – and many more.

Both AI tools have variations, but my favorites are ChatGPT (for the words) and Hoolock (for the art). There are paid options for some AI tools, but I’m happy with the free versions for now.

I like ChatGPT because, in my experience, it delivers superior results than the competition. And for art, I use Hoolock – not only because I like the results but also because it has brought out the “inner AI artist” in me.

Best of all, with Hoolock, I’m turning my words into very cool pieces of digital art that I can donate to a non-profit that can then sell the art to raise funds for the cause it represents.

How is that possible? Isn’t digital art just an image anyone can download? Yes, but in this case, that specific piece of purchased art resides on a downloadable non-fungible token (NFT) stored on a blockchain. A blockchain is a decentralized, distributed, public digital ledger that cannot be hacked. Think of a blockchain as the digital version of the bookkeeper’s infamous ledger in the movie “The Untouchables.”

Think of a blockchain as the digital version of the bookkeeper's infamous ledger in the movie “The Untouchables.”

Only the owner of the NFT can download it. Afterward, the NFT can be used on mugs, t-shirts, books, websites – anywhere and anyhow the owner wants to use it.

Read Part II of this post to learn some techniques I use to create AI-generated fiction and supporting artwork.