As the talented art people of my project are all taking a break, I guess I'm back in charge for the art. Unfortunately I'm stuck with this pub. It should be a filthy place where only cheesy bands get the chance to play. Do you have any ideas how this place could come to life?
(http://shatten.sonores.de/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/stage1.png)
It looks a bit better with people on it, the guy on right is the owner.
(http://shatten.sonores.de/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/stage_people.png)
Thanks in advance!
It shouldn't be too tricky to add fliers scattered on the floor and patches of spilled drink. A couple of cans and bottles on the front of the stage would be good and posters peeling away from the walls will help, as well as patches of damp.
I guess my only suggestion, apart from Ali's, is to finish the rest of the BG first and then add in the clutter. A good pointer is to start from the stage area that is finished and work your way outwards. Once the coloring is done, then worry about the clutter. The little details that bring backgrounds to life come in last. You may hate it until you start putting in the details, but when you do, it should start clicking together.
Also, some chairs and tables in the foreground will add depth.
Empty bottles and cans, food and stains on the floor, torn posters, broken floor boards, cracks in walls, ripped stage curtain, etc. But like Snake said, finishing the background first will make it easier to messy up. Even things like knocked over chairs and tables can really make a place look trashed.
Thanks guys! That will hopefully do the trick.
It's not, that I've never been to a pub before... maybe I'm just not a good observer. But reading it now... it is sooo obvious :)
One of the stage lights could be blown out, and put some tears in the curtain ;)
Okay, here's a new version. I still think, the mess on the table looks a bit strange. I'm also having a bit trouble with the guy in the foreground, sleeping on the table. Yes, that's what this dark something should be ;)
(http://shatten.sonores.de/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/stage_v2.png)
(http://shatten.sonores.de/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/stage_v2_people.png)
Any ideas?
Showing more of his face will make it obvious that he is a person and not a blob. Adding a bit of highlight to his face, like a normal skin tone color vs. a blue/grey one, will also make it more apparent, but don't over do it or it will be distracting.
The messes on the tables look great, but the size of the ashtray in the foreground is too similar to the table "next" to it. I'd either move it to the black space in the bottom right or remove it all together.
I think the room looks quite good, but to be honest I don't think the perspective you've set up works properly with the foreground table. Look at how the table just above it slants downward; it's almost like the foreground table is up some stairs or something. Personally, I would remove the whole thing and, if you really need some kind of foreground obstructions, add in a bouncer or something since that looks like the way out.
Thanks for the replies.
@ProgZ: Hehe, the forground object ought to be a second bar counter which is indeed above the regular seating. Also the exit actually is on the right and that large guy guards it (and act as a bouncer). It seems like my plans of the bar aren't so obvious after all :)
@Evil: I'll give it a try. If I only had a convincing lightsource... maybe a burning cigarette?
edit
(http://shatten.sonores.de/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/stage_v21.png)
I've redone the drunk guy in the corner and apparently he now looks like gilbot :=
(or at least how I would imagine him, being drunk in a bar)
Although there is not lighting yet, do you think I'm on the right track? The background looks somehow lost without foreground objects :-\