Minor Project: Completely Stumped for ideas

The title says it all really. Ever since I've had a talk with Alan, my mind has been (almost) completely barren of ideas that aren't already fleshed out starting points like my previous ideas.

However. a few points that I -could- potentially start out with are Astronomy, Cosmology, Science Fiction, or Extra-terrestrial life, since those are the subjects that I'm most fond of and that I know will motivate me in this project. I'm also fond of 3D modelling, environment and character design, though that may also sound like it's all ready limiting the spectrum of ideas that I could come up with in the future.

In any case, here are a few images that have inspired me so far.