EVE General Discussion

For Gallente ships, the key is to not flush right away.

The real beauty of the ships in eve can especially be seen with the bantam and griffin

Just look at it: http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080706165551/eve/images/7/79/Bantam.jpg

and http://www.ravestats.com/public/fen/caldari-griffin-4.jpg

the bantam looks like something from a horror movie, like evil creatures from all kinds of horrors sliced apart and then somewhat reattached together. The griffin looks is another horror. If you look at the image it looks like some demon that lost his right arm and is holding his own head with his remaining left arm, or is it the master chief's head? I don't know, but those two are the best looking ships.

There must have been more than just alcohol involved to come up with their design, I believe most probably some type of mushroom was also used to help, such as the úlfheðnar consumed shortly before combat back in the days of the vikings.

To actually answer the Op.

CCP have themes around which they design each of the races.
There is a basic theme for each race, then some variations.

To take Minmatar for example.
They have a split theme, there is an early design which was meant to reflect their slave background. Ships slapped together with panels where possible. Rust.
Then they have a later design meant to match their rise into a true space power on their own which is smoother, still the panels look but with some shine and smoothness to it. Also reflecting a touch of the Gallente influence on their design.

I don't know the full list of themes they work from, but there are solid themes that they use to tie each race together. They've discussed it in Fanfest art department presentations and things.