Ii got a few questions

[bigcitynerd]

Hi,

I have 2 questions. Are there any good ways to make a background because paint sucks! And how do you create characters?

[Privateer Puddin']

i believe the operator sucks if you cant make good stuff in paint

[ravenfusion]

A program doesn't really make something good, you have to do that. There are a few tutorials on the AGS main site.

Edit: sorry got confused.

[Scummbuddy]

raven, here people can get tutuorials and paint program recommendations as well

[TheYak]

I thought the object of this particular forum was to be helpful.  Perhaps I'm mistaken.  Anyway, bigcitynerd, I do agree.  Paint sucks.  It's too limited in scope and is too much of a hassle when trying to make subtle detail.  There are alternatives, however.  You could go to a computer show, e-bay or the like and buy a cheapy OEM version of some mainstream software.  Or, you can check around for decent freeware/shareware alternatives.  Paint Shop Pro is quite good and is available as a time-limited demo (unless they've changed that recently).  I've heard GIMP is also excellent and there are others out there if you check around.   The best advice I can give is to post a pic or two done with paint or whatever you manage to find, and someone here might be able to offer some helpful pointers.  

[ravenfusion]

Soz about that comment, i'm just too tired and I got confused by the moved topic in the technical forums.

Anyway, i'll see if I can help you get the most out of paint:

This is a decentish room.

1. Draw the room frame, You can have the simple /---\ layout or you can go more deep into it (the room I have as an example is actually kinda like my own room).

2. Use pretty bright colours. The only time I don't is when it is supposed to be dark (Like cells, basements, etc...)

3. Shading is good, but gradients aren't as good. You may think "oooooo...super cool gradient, sooooo detailed!" but it isn't really. I tend to stick to minor shadings.

4. When drawing inside the room, it's always nice to keep to perspective although mine doesn't really show that as it is supposed to be a wacky type room.

5. The more the better. If your room is empty, it'll look pretty boring. Add tons of different things to interact with, just don't go over the top.

Now...

Drawing software: Adobe Photoshop 6.0 (I'm not into 7.0...it seems really slow, atleast for me that is) and paint shop pro. Of course, you have your MSPaint alternatives (there are tons that have slightly more advanced tools).

Modelling Software: Poser 4, 3D Studio Max, GMax (a free toned down version of 3d Studio Max, not really any difference), 3D canvas, Milkshape (I think that's the name...).

Poser 4 is great for characters as it's easy to use and comes with animations such as walking which you can then import into AGS.

[Ishmael]

That one could make for some kind of beginner tutorial into the manual. Someone was a while ago wondering about the sci-fi bg in the manual's tutorial, so that added to it... hmm..... dunno....

[fidodido]

It's true that Paint lacks basic features (such as layers), but I think Paint is a terrific way to start drawing your background, because it is S-I-M-P-L-E, period. It lets you do whatever you like, and quickly (too bad Paint has only 3 UNDOs).

But, drawing with Paint is not enogh. I like to open the drawing in PSP, and draw over the lines using the tools of PSP (my favorite is the Vector Tool).

Then, I give it some effects (but not too much, or the BG would look flat).

I made 90% of the backgrounds of my curent project using that method.

[ravenfusion]

I might write a detailed tutorial later. For now, I work on my game.

I think paint is cool. it's runs fast and in time you can make whatever you want. I mostly use it for small pixel drawings but sometimes i'll do sketches in it...

[Beldin]

GMax (a free toned down version of 3d Studio Max, not really any difference)

I'd say, Gmax is pretty useless unless you're making models for a 3D engine, because it lacks the renderer (and a lot more).

[ravenfusion]

Heh, well I aint tried it yet, i've only been told about it.