Archive: 29 posts

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I was going to post this in my blog, but I thought I'd post it here for thoughts and suggestions. Over the past few weeks, I've been having an absolute blast. I've been lucky enough to be testing out a few things, and I've been involved with LBPC: The Game, which has been great fun. There are some really talented people involved, and it's going to be great when it appears for you all. Also, this site is great, and I love having fun with everyone here. But over the last few days, I'm on a downer. I can't seem to get going with a new project. I've got plans - as usual - I'm excited about it - as usual - but I've got this 'black cloud' feeling that isn't lifting. I don't know what to do. I've tried playing loads of levels, I've tried playing different games, I've tried reading and watching films. I live in countryside, so I've been walking a lot and taking loads of photographs. But yet, still I can't get started. It's not inspiration for the new level I need, it's a kick up the backside! Sorry to seem negative - maybe I need a break, who knows. I WANT to build because I love doing it. Hmm. Anyone help?

2009-09-04 20:49:00 Author: MrsSpookyBuz Posts: 1492

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Perhaps what you need is to make another level in teh game? That will force you to make it... :kz: ... <_> lol

2009-09-04 20:54:00 Author: RockSauron Posts: 10882

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get stuck into create mode. As soon as you come up with something you like, you'll get that snowball effect that sees you building non-stop for a week.

2009-09-04 20:55:00 Author: Matt 82 Posts: 1096

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If I'm burned out on a level I just hop into a blank level and play for awhile. Or I'll set up a two day deadline and just make a fast build level. It helps me get back into the creative groove without the pressure of doing a specific kind of thing. My Cupid's Temple level was one of these quick builds I did where I just picked the Valentine's stuff and played around with whatever I wanted for two days.

2009-09-04 20:57:00 Author: Morgana25 Posts: 5983

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Go camping for a week.

2009-09-04 20:58:00 Author: hilightnotes Posts: 1230

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I'd say, don't rush. Never rush. Obviously, I would say that But seriously, take breaks while making the level. From the time I started my level to the day I published it, I had made 2 other levels, fixed up an old one, messed around in create mode a lot, spent weeks away from the game to play Burnout, been on 2 holidays, got involved with a podcast, started (well...started to think about planning for) the project that is awesome, broken my PSP's internet browser (still need to fix that) and...uh...yeah. So, don't let making a level become your goal. Just...work on something here and there, fill the gaps with other things...and yeah. While my level isn't quite the best ever, it's a hell of a lot better than it would have been if I'd made it in a week.

2009-09-04 20:59:00 Author: ARD Posts: 4291

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lol I almost wish I had a snowball effect I've been playing lbp so much it feels more like work than fun to make something, but whenever I manage to make something impressive or make a great level I feel great and accomplished Actually, I used to start so many projects and never finish anything that the only thing that motivates me to finish a level is starting a next level lol

2009-09-04 20:59:00 Author: Incinerator22 Posts: 3251

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wish i could, that seems to happen to me a lot too except its like 70% low, 30 high. So i almost never seem to be in the mood for trying to make or expand my levels. I tried recording levels for people to see if that would make me feel better. But then all of a sudden when i was streaming online at the site i use, I get banned for no reason what so ever, I don't swear or do any bad things, and they are supposed to give you warnings if you do such bad things, they never did. and my account is gone, its there but when i try to sign back in it says it doesn't exist. And they won't respond to my emails. Yeah i could just find another software or site to record with, but it leaves me depressed after all the great work i did there, and they throw me out like trash for no reason... Maybe you should just try to find some project outside of LBP to get you in the mood

2009-09-04 21:00:00 Author: JKthree Posts: 1125

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grap your bike and make a little ride so you get insperation and you wil get unstrests

2009-09-04 21:01:00 Author: Unknown User

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First of all, I want to start off by saying that you're not alone. I feel like this possibly every time I try to create something. I doubt this will surprise anyone, but I am very obsessive compulsive and have a hard time creating anything that I don't immediately call "rubbish" and throw out. Crystal Cave took me from December to the end of February to make because I kept getting that depressed feeling. There are several things I do when I'm feeling like that. First and foremost, I take breaks. The community may wonder why you're not turning out a level a week, but let them wonder. It's very important when feeling depressed like that to walk away for a while. I do it all the time. Sometimes I go out bike riding (which is where I got the inspiration for my level I'm currently working on) sometimes I make puppets, sometimes I write comics, but the point is, I do things that aren't lbp. I find that if I've walked away for about a week, I can easily come back and start working again. You're such an established creator that people aren't going to immediately forget you if you walk away, so just remember that, all right? It's okay to feel depressed like that and it's okay to take a break. ^_^

2009-09-04 21:03:00 Author: xkappax Posts: 2569

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First just keep trying to get inspiration by doing what you've been doing now, but if that still doesn't work then I would recommend just forcing yourself into create mode and just do a tiny bit of work on a project, because then you could get hooked into create mode again.

2009-09-04 21:05:00 Author: lk9988 Posts: 1077

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Perhaps what you need is to make another level in teh game? That will force you to make it... :kz: ... <_> lol D'ya know, Rock, that might be what I need! And can I just say publically that you have been a ROCK for everyone working on the project. Thanks Go camping for a week. I'm off to the coast in 2 weeks on my annual pilgrimage to Cornwall (Google it, my US/Canada friends!). Can't wait! First of all, I want to start off by saying that you're not alone. It's okay to feel depressed like that and it's okay to take a break. ^_^ Thanks Sara. I think reading and commenting on your posts over the last week or two has been good and bad for me! Good because I know that I'm not alone, and bad because if you're anything like me (which I suspect you are) I feel sorry for you!

2009-09-04 21:20:00 Author: MrsSpookyBuz Posts: 1492

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Thanks Sara. I think reading and commenting on your posts over the last week or two has been good and bad for me! Good because I know that I'm not alone, and bad because if you're anything like me (which I suspect you are) I feel sorry for you! I'd say you're a lot like each other actually You're both awesome...and helpful...oh and you make amazing levels.

2009-09-04 21:23:00 Author: ARD Posts: 4291

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I think once online create is live, it might alleviate some of the pressure that creators feel when they create alone. I personally want to only create with other people from now on. It's good when you have creator's block to work with others, because you can work off the other person, and it might inspire you. ^_^

2009-09-04 21:31:00 Author: xkappax Posts: 2569

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Ahh yes. The LittleBigPlanet bipolar. I've struggled with it myself a lot. I find a great way to get motivated is to simply play some fantastic levels, go through your hearted list and check out the cool pages for the occasional decent level that pops up there. If that doesn't work, play your own levels. Whenever I play the unpublished level I created in the original beta, I get hit with a wave of nostalgia and become inspired again. Also, watching the intro and playing the tutorial levels can bump morale a bit.

2009-09-04 21:47:00 Author: Killian Posts: 2575

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Ahh yes. The LittleBigPlanet bipolar. I've struggled with it myself a lot. I find a great way to get motivated is to simply play some fantastic levels, go through your hearted list and check out the cool pages for the occasional decent level that pops up there. If that doesn't work, play your own levels. Whenever I play the unpublished level I created in the original beta, I get hit with a wave of nostalgia and become inspired again. Also, watching the intro and playing the tutorial levels can bump morale a bit. Thanks Killian! Maybe I'll try kicking the heck out of a certain boss character from a certain level series based on a certain moderator! It could help me shake off any blues, and get me all fired up again

2009-09-04 22:44:00 Author: MrsSpookyBuz Posts: 1492

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Thanks Killian! Maybe I'll try kicking the heck out of a certain boss character from a certain level series based on a certain moderator! It could help me shake off any blues, and get me all fired up again hm, how enlightning! ... <_> anyway... /cough As said before... I would always be happy for you to work on a level for teh game... in fact, you could work on a mini level if you want, I have a few ideas now... Hm... ;o

2009-09-04 22:49:00 Author: RockSauron Posts: 10882

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hm, how enlightning! ... <_> anyway... /cough As said before... I would always be happy for you to work on a level for teh game... in fact, you could work on a mini level if you want, I have a few ideas now... Hm... ;o Okey dokey, that might be cool - I'll look forward to seeing your ideas in the 'other' place!

2009-09-04 22:58:00 Author: MrsSpookyBuz Posts: 1492

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Yup.... I've actually been a bit uninspired myself lately. Just haven't thought of another "killer idea".

2009-09-04 23:17:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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Take a nap and rest up ya old bats! Maybe you'll be more inspired if you're well rested. . ...at least that's what I'm chalking my lack of inspiration today up to... I hope y'all know I'm joking

2009-09-04 23:22:00 Author: comphermc Posts: 5338

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I'll normally listen to some nice calming music, maybe make a cup of tea, clear my mind, and then look for inspiration in whatever is around me. If I can't find anything at that particular moment, I'll just mess around in Create Mode. I'll throw around shapes and play with emitters. Eventually, a light will turn on somewhere and I'll know what I want to make. Hopefully that will work for you as well.

2009-09-04 23:24:00 Author: BSprague Posts: 2325

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Yup.... I've actually been a bit uninspired myself lately. Just haven't thought of another "killer idea". Well, I'm not sure my ideas are 'killer', but I do have ideas for the level - it's how to put them together that's my problem! And you seem a little bit like me where levels are concerned; in the sense of buses - you wait for ages for one to turn up, and then three turn up at once. But in your case, your levels are always thought through and seem 'finished'.

2009-09-04 23:27:00 Author: MrsSpookyBuz Posts: 1492

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Actually we shouldn't push ourselves too much into creation. I mean, it's just like playing, it's about having fun doing it. When there's stress or that it feels like a chore, its simply the time to take a break. No creator owe anything to anyone. You can totally not create for a while if only for actually helping you being inspired again someday. After 7 levels and a couple ideas that fell through because I was either unsatisfied with them or they couldn't be done fun enough in LBP, I'm creating at a very slow pace right now. And that's fine EDIT: Oh and by the way, I made a thread in the "ideas/project" section about my new levels. There's feedback from you guys/gals I could really use. .

2009-09-04 23:30:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901

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ive been feeling the same way--- my internets been out for a week and i was hoping to make a level in time so i can publish and show everyone when i got back online, but as i tried, nothing really happened normally what i do to get back the inspiration is listen to some music, mainly instrumental electronic calming music thats abstract and can be interpreted in your own way, then you look at an artistic... thing. it could be a picture u drew or a design someone else made, but then u try and re create it. when you finish you should have that confident rush to start creating again hope this helps :]

2009-09-05 07:53:00 Author: Voodeedoo Posts: 724

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Play some Story levels. Made me rethink how I build my levels and gave me some ideas.

2009-09-05 08:56:00 Author: Syroc Posts: 3193

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Play some Story levels. Made me rethink how I build my levels and gave me some ideas. Actually, this is a wonderful idea! I do this constantly! ^_^

2009-09-05 12:27:00 Author: xkappax Posts: 2569

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I feel your pain MrsSpookyBuz... What helped me is simply taking a break...for as long as you need it. Find other creative outlets. I think we creators will always have an urge and desire to create. Sometimes, though, pressure becomes an issue. Either you're trying to create something better than your last work for yourself or trying to please everyone, fans and haters alike. That pressure really takes away from the creative freedom you might have when you're just creating for fun. The key is to have fun when you're creating. Forget about trying to create something 10x better than your last level. Usually if you just aim to create something small and simple, like I have, the ball starts rolling (like others have said) once you're in create mode and it turns into something much bigger. (if it doesn't, well at least you have a lot of thermo to work with.) Start out small. The game is called LittleBigPlanet for a reason.

2009-09-05 13:07:00 Author: antman Posts: 84

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I used to eat and watch CSI whenever my brain shut down on me. Of course, it's highly situational whether or not CSI is even on. Or if you're hungry. I'm hungry all the time.

2009-09-05 13:33:00 Author: SLS10 Posts: 1129

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I have the same problem as I just realised. I have started 5 levels over the last 5 days that are now 5 levels that never will be. /goes for a run Edit: Actually, scratch that. I had an idea literally 5 minutes after I wrote that. ^_^

2009-09-05 15:00:00 Author: Syroc Posts: 3193

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