Archive: 6 posts

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I consider myself as a decent creator when it comes to platforming (out-of-the-box) and logic, but my visual side is... uhm I often get great ideas for levels, create a segment of them and then my interest on them goes dooooown - often times because I can't make it look good enough for myself to approve it :tophat: Is there anything I can do about it? Tips? Tricks? Teaching? (I'd liek that ) ...or is it just so that some people make things look better, and there's nothing to do about it?

2010-10-03 19:17:00 Author: Unknown User

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In a perfect world, we'd all be able to make levels that both look good as well as play great. Alas... this is a rare combination to find in the majority of creators out there. I'm more on the visual side, and wish I could easily come up with new, exciting, and fun game mechanics. My only solution for myself is to try and figure out exactly what it is that I like about other peoples' levels when it comes to play factors and what made it enjoyiable, then try to implement those elements into my own thought process and levels. I pose to you then, that you could do the same thing. Go through your "hearted" list and start trying to figure out if there is a specific look or style you are subconciously attracted to. Once you find some of those qualities, try to emulate that style while maintaining your own personal touch. I'm not saying you should copy other peoples designs or style, but to find those elements you find pleasing in other peoples work and try to incorporate those traits into your own work. For example, you might like levels with bright colours and simple shapes, or sleek sci-fi levels that are reminiscent of specific sci-fi films, or maybe you like darker levels with moody lighting.... it could even come down to the types of shapes used in levels that you are attracted to (ie. blocky shapes, rounded smooth edge shapes and objects, angular shapes). Where artistic style and visuals are concerned, there is more going on in the brain than you could possibly know. Trying to understand your own personal likes and dislikes is a good first step becoming a good creator. The truth is, some of us are better than others where visual style and art are concerned, and it simply comes naturally to us (for the most part). But that doesn't mean people can't improve their skills as an artist, artists are constantly striving to improve their own skills and are often not always satisfied with the results... contrary to what other people tell them about how much they love their work. As for creative tips specifically. Pick a theme and stick with it. I don't mean a story theme... I mean a visual theme. Try and stick to similar colours, shapes, patterns etc. Try repeating certain patterns you like in one object or set piece you've made, throughout the rest of your objects and level to create your theme and in order to maintain a good visual flow and keep things consistent. You might also want to do some research on the internet and get ideas from there. Try Googling things like Interior Design, Props, Set Decoration, or my personal favourite... Industrial Design. The artists in these jobs have one purpose and one purpose only... to make things both funcional as well as visually appealing (which is ultimately what we are trying to do with our own levels). In fact, part of the course in Industrial Design school is psychology... because these people need to know how we think and what makes us attracted or turned off of certain visual styles and designs and why? It's really hard to nail down into a few sentences... because we are such visual animals. Looks like I'm babbling again, so I'll just leave you with this. Create what YOU find visually stimulating, because although you are a unique person and there is no one else exactly like you out there.... the same does not apply to what you find attractive. If you like the style, I can guarantee that other people out there will too. Not everyone... but some. Hope this helps a bit.

2010-10-03 20:45:00 Author: Rustbukkit Posts: 1737

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Is there anything I can do about it? Tips? Tricks? Teaching? If you're having difficulty replicating complex shapes, one common trick is to use a PS Eye to capture something, then corner edit 'round it.

2010-10-05 19:14:00 Author: Aya042 Posts: 2870

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I'm not going to add much more since those guys have already said esentially all there is to know But I will add this. I find making levels with a partner is both fun, and rewarding when the level is finished. This works best if one of the pair specialises in visuals, abnd the other, gameplay and logic. Hope this is helpful, you can find people to create with in the 'Find Other Happy Gadders' section of the forum. Good luck! plasmavore/xplasmax OH! And the Coner Editor is your best friend

2010-10-05 20:09:00 Author: Plasmavore Posts: 1913

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I'm your exact opposite. I'm OK with logic, but excellent with visual effects. here are some tips: Try to use stickers for details, for example, if you were to make a modern building or something, I would try to put maybe graffiti on the side, or if it was an old windmill, I would use a sticker that has cracks or breaks in it. Also, try to add more detail in the environment. You could maybe add flower decorations to grass, or perhaps use gradient stickers mixed with other stickers to give objects "texture". Try to be as realistic as possible, even to the smallest detail. This will not only improve the level's visual appeal, but also admire your level and the work that was put into it. Hope this helps!

2010-10-06 22:52:00 Author: dragonember Posts: 607

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Thanks everybody. I love a visual level! I think it's just the creative side of visualising; I think I could do well replicating a theme... thanks everybody again!

2010-10-07 18:21:00 Author: Unknown User

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