FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Questions are kind of the point.

Alter Aspect covers a lot of ground, so a few questions are inevitable. Here you'll find answers about the studio, our work, the store, orders, content and anything else that might need explaining.

ABOUT ALTER ASPECT

What is Alter Aspect?

Alter Aspect is an independent creative studio exploring ideas through writing, design, software, games and physical artefacts.

We follow subjects that interest us, build things around problems and ideas we encounter, and let the form of a project develop from what makes sense for it.

If you want the longer version, our About page tells the story behind the studio.

Why does Alter Aspect make so many different things?

Because we're not built around a single medium.

An idea might work best as an article, design, tool, game or physical object. Rather than deciding what something has to become before we begin, we try to use the form that makes sense for the idea.

That's why apparently different projects can sit under the same studio.

What does “Alter Aspect” mean?

An aspect is a way something can be seen, understood or experienced.

The name reflects the idea at the heart of the studio: change the angle and you may find something you couldn't see before.

Alter your perspective. Alter your reality.

Where is Alter Aspect based?

Alter Aspect is an independent UK studio based on the south coast of England.

What is Alternate Perspectives?

Alternate Perspectives is our editorial side: articles exploring culture, philosophy, games, technology, creativity, history and whatever else catches our attention.

Some are quick reads. Others go considerably deeper. The common thread is curiosity and looking at familiar subjects from another angle.

OUR WORK

What does Alter Aspect make?

Potentially quite a few things.

Our work spans writing, visual design, physical products, software, tools and game development. Some projects are finished and publicly available; others are experiments or works in progress.

We'd rather show things when there's something worth showing than pretend every experiment is already a product.

Where can I find your projects?

Published work and available products will appear across the Alter Aspect website and the relevant external stores or platforms linked from it.

As more of our software and games become publicly available, we'll make them easier to find from the site.

Can I suggest an idea or project?

You're welcome to get in touch through our Contact page.

We can't promise that we'll develop, publish or respond in detail to unsolicited ideas, and you shouldn't send confidential or commercially sensitive information unless we've agreed to receive it.

That final sentence is worth having. It avoids creating an awkward situation later where somebody sends you their complete game concept and believes you've accepted it in confidence.

Do you work with other people or companies?

We're open to relevant conversations around collaborations, creative projects, development, events and other opportunities.

If you think there's a good fit, tell us about it through our Contact page.

STORE & PRODUCTS

Where are Alter Aspect products sold?

Alter Aspect products may be available through a number of external stores and platforms.

The Store on our website acts as a place to discover our work and directs you to the appropriate provider when something is sold elsewhere.

Always check the product page and retailer before purchasing so you know who is handling the transaction.

Does Alter Aspect make and ship everything itself?

Not necessarily.

Some physical products may be manufactured, printed or fulfilled by external production partners and marketplaces. Other projects may be distributed through specialist digital platforms.

The relevant store or product page should identify where you're purchasing from.

What if there's a problem with my order?

Start with the retailer or platform through which you made the purchase. Where they processed or fulfilled the order, they'll usually have the quickest access to your payment, delivery and order information.

If you're not sure who to contact, use our Contact page and we'll help point you in the right direction.

You can also read our Returns & Refunds page for more information.

Can I return something?

Return and cancellation rights depend on the product, retailer and circumstances of the purchase.

Please check the returns policy of the store through which you purchased the item. Your applicable statutory consumer rights are not affected.

Our Returns & Refunds page explains this in more detail.

How much is shipping?

Shipping prices and options depend on the store or fulfilment provider, product and delivery destination.

Where an external provider handles your purchase, you'll see the applicable shipping costs during their checkout process.

When will my order arrive?

Delivery and production times vary between providers, products and destinations.

Check the estimated delivery information supplied by the retailer when ordering and any tracking or dispatch information they send afterwards.

If an external platform handled the order, its customer-support service will normally have the most up-to-date delivery information.

How should I look after Alter Aspect clothing?

Different garments and printing methods need different treatment, so always follow the care label supplied with the item first.

We've also put together a Garment Care guide with general advice for helping clothing and printed artwork last as long as possible.

CONTENT & COPYRIGHT

I think this is an especially valuable category for your site because of Alternate Perspectives.

Can I share an Alter Aspect article?

Absolutely. Sharing links to publicly available Alter Aspect articles and pages is welcome.

If you're quoting or referencing our work elsewhere, please provide appropriate attribution and a link to the original where practical.

Reproducing substantial amounts of our original writing, artwork or other content is a different matter; see our Terms of Use or contact us if you're unsure.

Can I use Alter Aspect artwork or designs?

Our original artwork, designs, branding and other creative material are protected by intellectual-property rights and shouldn't be reproduced, sold or commercially used without permission unless applicable law allows it.

If you'd like to discuss using something for a particular project, contact us.

Why do some articles contain images or references to other people's work?

Alternate Perspectives covers culture, games, anime, technology and other creative subjects, so discussing third-party works is sometimes necessary.

Third-party trademarks, images and other material remain the property of their respective owners. Where we use third-party material, we aim to do so appropriately in the context of commentary, criticism, review, reporting or other applicable purposes and to provide attribution where appropriate.

This FAQ answer doesn't itself give you legal protection for every image, of course—the actual use still needs to be lawful—but it helps readers understand the distinction between Alter Aspect's work and material discussed editorially.

KEEPING UP WITH ALTER ASPECT

How can I keep up with new releases and articles?

The website is the main hub for Alter Aspect.

You can subscribe for occasional updates and follow the external channels linked around the site for new articles, projects, releases and whatever we're currently exploring.

How often do you publish or release things?

We don't work to a fixed public release schedule.

Articles, projects and products are published when they're ready, so the frequency will naturally vary depending on what we're working on.

I have a question that isn't here. What should I do?

That's what the Contact page is for.

Send us a message, choose the subject that best matches your question, and we'll help where we can.