Backgrounds and Sprites

[ViperDream]

How do most people go about getting there backgrounds and sprites?

I can not draw at all, so would need help, but to have every sprite and background drawn would surly cost a fortune.  What methods have you lot used?

TY

[TerranRich]

Um... most of us just use Photoshop or even MS Paint and just... hand-draw them, either by mouse or (most likely) a graphics tablet, allowing you to use a stylus (pen) to draw backgrounds.

It just takes time, patience, and a little talent. I have none, so I use 3D graphics (mostly pre-made by others, and then altered by me). Just try your hand at it and post in the Critics Lounge to get feedback and advice. I've done this a few times, and I have zero talent in hand-drawing backgrounds.

Just give it a shot.

[nihilyst]

When I started, I couldn't draw, either. Okay, I still can't draw, but at least I know how to make simple backgrounds that work for a game. The main problem I had, when I started, was the resolution. I thought: Hey, 640*480 looks nice, let's do this! It ended up miserably. I switched to 320*240(200) and found it a lot easier to start with, if you want to go for a pixelated style. I suggest using a simple paint program like ArtGem, which is easy to use and can handle layers.

If you don't want pixelated backgrounds, you could go on to a higher resolution and work with photos, manipulations, collages or something like that. Depends on what style you want to have in your game.

Sprites ... holy shit, I hate them. Maybe someone else can give you a hint.

[Ryan Timothy B]

Sometimes you don't necessarily need to draw well to make a great game.  Look at Ben There, Dan That.  That's a game with the most childish looking graphics you could ever produce; But it works and it works well.  There are hundreds of games with mediocre, or even poor, graphics that still manage to capture huge audiences.

Although that really isn't answering your question now is it.

Everything in life needs practice (something I need a lot more of).  You can't just grab a pencil and start drawing perfect images.  You need to draw from references to gain experience.  Unless you've got photographic memory, your best bet is to search google for the images you need.  I'd probably avoid tracing, unless you're really really bad at drawing.  You've got to start somewhere I guess.  A child can't learn how to hit a baseball until it learns how to swing the bat.

There really isn't an answer to this question.  It's just experience and patience like everything.

Oh and of course, my buddy Photoshop and those wicked Layers that I'm so fond of.  The tablet doesn't hurt either.

[TerranRich]

Layers are your friend. Most definitely.

[Darth Mandarb]

ViperDream - hello and welcome!

This is a question that pops-up every so often.  If you try searching the forums you'll come up with several threads about this very subject!