One of my first images I've done, how can it be improved?

[rock_chick]

I never intended to use this graphic in a game nor show anyone just yet but I suppose that's what the critics lounge is all about. Let me first say I can not draw anything decent hardly at all, either on paper nor a computer. I managed to perhaps pulls this one off because I was using MS Paint to make it and I was able to mainly use the line tools and the shape tools to make it.


So first what do you think, considering I'm a real newbie at this? Even though it's kinda obvious, it's a small, portable tv.

If anyone has suggestions to improve it and I'm almost sure someone does, please let me know but don't merely use the image to demonstrate how it can look different because I also want to learn to make things better myself, by all means you can but either way I ask that you tell me what program you used to make the changes and go into brief detail of how you were able to accomplish the changes.

[ThreeOhFour]

So glad to see you here .

Can I help you improve your TV drawing? Perhaps. When I want something drawn, and I want it done quick, here's how I do it:



Cartoony .

I've done this all in MSPaint seeing as you've used it too.

First step you've mostly got. Jump into your line tool settings, select the third width setting, select the boxy thing with curvy corners, and draw the TV and it's screen. Then, switch to circle tool, draw one small circle, copy it and paste it 3 times underneath. You might want to use the magnifying glass to zoom in here. Then, hit the sharp cornered box thingo tool, draw a small rectangle. Last step, draw a small circle up top, then grab the line tool and put 2 lines going to it.

This is your basic outline.

Second step: Double click on any colour and change it to a mid saturation purple. Fill. Grab another and change to mid saturation brown. Fill. Repeat for rest of image.

Third step: Double click all your custom colours and adjust the brightness to make highlight or shadow. Then use a circle tool for the screen, knobs and antenna bobble and a line tool for the case and button. I like to break the lines on the case up a bit.

There you go - a television set, quick, easy, and in MSPaint.

If you're looking to use the Gimp to make something a bit flashier, let me know .

EDIT: Just for notes, this took me less than 10 minutes. Not the flashest looking machine, but it's quick and easy.

[thebaddie]

first of all it seems what it is: a television... maybe a portable one?

but screen seems heighter than width, or same size, and you know it's an error

than it's not a bad idea to add details to the buttons and works a bit on shadows (one could be enough, just to understand they are "solid") and on screen "roundness"

[Tuomas]

yeah, a tv of that kind has usally 4:3 screen size

[rock_chick]

Thanks for the advice, I'll take it on board and eventually try and improve the image but it might not be for a week.

Next challenge, drawing a sprite, now that is going to be really hard!

[Oliwerko]

I would suggest drawing backgrounds first and only when you are comfortable with drawing BGs then move on to sprites. They are LOT harder stuff.

[rock_chick]

I would suggest drawing backgrounds first and only when you are comfortable with drawing BGs then move on to sprites. They are LOT harder stuff.

Good point even though you did say my game story concept was a cliché(hey that's ancient history).

Now I'm going to use GIMPShop I should be able to follow those many tutorials that use Photoshop, but like I said before I wont rely on them only. And if I eventually get a at least decent at drawing backgrounds, maybe one day I'll have the confidence to a enter a Background Blitz competition.

[Tuomas]

I would suggest drawing backgrounds first and only when you are comfortable with drawing BGs then move on to sprites. They are LOT harder stuff.

I find drawing BGs a lot harder myself.

[rock_chick]

I find drawing BGs a lot harder myself.

Okay, now you're just confusing me, one more person should tip the balance here for me, so can someone please say whether they find backgrounds or sprites harder to draw? Whatever there answer is means I'll practise on the other one.

[TwinMoon]

Okay, now you're just confusing me, one more person should tip the balance here for me, so can someone please say whether they find backgrounds or sprites harder to draw? Whatever there answer is means I'll practise on the other one.

What do YOU find harder to draw?
Who cares what other people think is most difficult.

[rock_chick]

Well I think sprites for me, so I'm going with backgrounds for now and maybe also some sprite practise.

[Ryan Timothy B]

All I have to say, is drawing sprites first is stupid (like room objects and what-not).

You really don't know what your backgrounds will look like until you make them.  Well you may have ideas, but you don't know exactly the colors, angles, etc.

I draw my backgrounds first, always planning ahead, thinking about my storyline, where objects/puzzles/characters/etc will be placed.  Then once the background is complete, you can get an idea on what colors and lighting will look good on your object sprites.  Is the light coming from the right/left/front/back, what angle is the room at; you don't want to draw a box on the floor with only a front view (looking paper thin), if your perspective suggests the camera is higher off the ground.  This way you can match perspectives when you draw the 'box' or whatever sprite afterwards.

[rock_chick]

All I have to say, is drawing sprites first is stupid (like room objects and what-not).

You really don't know what your backgrounds will look like until you make them.  Well you may have ideas, but you don't know exactly the colors, angles, etc.

I draw my backgrounds first, always planning ahead, thinking about my storyline, where objects/puzzles/characters/etc will be placed.  Then once the background is complete, you can get an idea on what colors and lighting will look good on your object sprites.  Is the light coming from the right/left/front/back, what angle is the room at; you don't want to draw a box on the floor with only a front view (looking paper thin), if your perspective suggests the camera is higher off the ground.  This way you can match perspectives when you draw the 'box' or whatever sprite afterwards.

If I were making graphics for a game I would agree with you but I am just learning and practising how to draw both so it doesn't matter, they wont both be used in a game together.

[Oliwerko]

I say try it. No one can give you perfect advice. When you try it, you will see.

For me personally, I find drawing natural shapes and people harder than static backgrounds. I dont know why, I just feel it. But go on and try if you are after practice! You cannot lose anything, you know. Also choose a program that is comfortable for you. I kind of sucked in PS and then I discovered GraphicsGale and everything looked better.

[veryweirdguy]

VWG's top tip of the day: use references by the bucketload!

If you want a TV, google image search for "TV" and take note of what is there. Then draw it as closely as you can.

If you decide to do a sprite, google for a human and follow the basic anatomy as best you can. Obviously you can exaggerate and change things, but to start it may be best to follow them closely. Once you have the basics of what your object "is" then you can expand and make it your own.

But you know, walk before you can run and all that.

[TwinMoon]

VWG's top tip of the day: use references by the bucketload!

If you want a TV, google image search for "TV" and take note of what is there. Then draw it as closely as you can.

That's a very good tip. Before you can draw, you have to look.

What helped me a lot, is a book about drawing cartoons I picked up cheap at a second-hand bookstore. You can improve your pictures a lot if you know the tricks of the trade.

[Nagania]

hope you found all this helpfull....

i find background drawing easier for some reason

[Stupot]

I find sprites and backgrounds (in fact, art in general) equally difficult... but it's fun and I'm constantly learning.  That's the beauty of it.