Answers to common questions:
I won't do free art for you, but if you're looking for art advice/help/whatever you'll find me pretty approachable. I'm on AIM a lot.
If you want to model something I've done for your portfolio, the answer is almost certainly 'yes' but I'd love it if you'd let me know. I might be able to provide you with additional reference.
My rates vary with the size, haste, and appeal of the project. Expect to pay $150-$400 per piece, depending on complexity and turnaround. I do make exceptions but it's rude to assume.
My current employer (Simutronics) has been very generous with the amount of freedom I've been given to pursue side projects. However, as a courtesy to them, I am unable to contribute work to any other MMO products.
I think that the best source of ideas for science fiction vehicles and environments isn't other science fiction work, but rather history and the present day edited and distorted. I find working like that more interesting.