2 Different Background Styles

[Tinypeek]

Hi all --

I'm new to the board and am starting my first game.  But the biggest dilemma I have is "what type of art style should I use?"  I am (as you can probably tell) very inexperienced as an artist and have trouble developing an effective and appealing style. 

My game is detective-like but it's not a very dark game.  Which background style looks better and how can I improve etc...

Thanks SO MUCH!!!!







-- Tinypeek

[cobra79]

Welcome Tinypeek.
I prefer the 2nd background. The perspective issues(door frame, table) are a bit more obvious than in the first one, but overall it has a nicer feel to it without the black outlines. I also prefer the color choice in this one. Finally the lowered horizon greatly improves the functionality in comparison to the first picture.

[rock_chick]

The second background is preferable, it has a cleaner design but it might be a bit better if it was a little bigger, still keeping a black outer layer but not as much. The outer layer seems in contrast almost as large as the background itself and that might detract from the background itself.

[James--]

In my opinion your second style is a lot better.  The black outlines in the first one just make the style look a lot more basic (like it was drawn in MS Paint... maybe it was, but with the second style you hide that fact  )

But there seem to be a few perspective problems in both the styles.  You should look up tutorials on perspective, horizon lines, vanishing points etc.  All of the edges of the object that are coming towards you should be able to be traced back to a single horizon point.  It's a simple technique, but it will make the perspective of your images seem much more accurate.

[rock_chick]

But there seem to be a few perspective problems in both the styles.  You should look up tutorials on perspective, horizon lines, vanishing points etc.  All of the edges of the object that are coming towards you should be able to be traced back to a single horizon point.  It's a simple technique, but it will make the perspective of your images seem much more accurate.

Just wondering does this sort of stuff generally come easier to people who are good at drawing by hand than not?

[James--]

Just wondering does this sort of stuff generally come easier to people who are good at drawing by hand than not?

Some people are better at seeing perspective in objects than others so will be able to draw objects pretty accurately, but it will never be as accurate as if you trace all the lines back to the horizon

[Oddysseus]

I personally prefer the first image, especially because of its wonky perspective and sketchy black outlines.  I think it has a lot of style and individuality.

However, my opinions are usually in the minority

I think most players would prefer the second, because the lack of black outlines is more soothing to the eye, the colors are more subtle, and the perspective is better (while still being a little wonky, which I would still argue is a good thing).

In other words it's more realistic, which most non-artists instantly equate with "quality."



By the way, both pictures demonstrate some decent artistic talent, and the fact that you are able to work in more than one style is also encouraging.  Now, just stick around long enough to finish your game, and we'll all be impressed

[Tinypeek]

Thanks a lot for the input!

I think I will go with the 2nd style.  And I will do my best to finish the game. 

But, I definitely have a large task before me!  I think all you game creators are absolute geniuses.  How do you do it??  Scripting... music...  art... dialogue... nothing short of amazing.

Thanks again!   

[InCreator]

I suggest a healthy mix of both.

First: Good -- the lines are clean, colors distinguishable and you can easily say what is what. Bad -- too much contrast and black outlines ain't best choice.
Second: Good -- Nice colors! Bad - Too much blur and anti-aliasing.

So, try to stay simple, but nice colors aren't bad thing. I'd personally prefer first version, but with normal (normal = same color as thing, but darker, and NOT simply black)outlines and third shade color to everything.

[Hueij]

Just wondering does this sort of stuff generally come easier to people who are good at drawing by hand than not?

Some people are better at seeing perspective in objects than others so will be able to draw objects pretty accurately, but it will never be as accurate as if you trace all the lines back to the horizon

Woah, long time since I posted here...

It's a matter of experience. Once you understand the principle you tend to start drawing lines out of hand that are not a 100% accurate but that will make your drawings more lively. At least that is my experience.

But remember, no matter how good you are at drawing, there is no way you can ignore the basic rules.

[Ghost]

How do you do it??  Scripting... music...  art... dialogue... nothing short of amazing.

Caffeine. Lots of caffeine. 

Take your time and take it easy. Your style is easy on the eyes and should get you started graphics-wise, though I'd prefer the second style, as it has nicer shading.
And about all that other stuff, don't make us sound like geniusses. Practise is the key, and you will find the community here friendly and helpful should ever need be.
Good luck on yer!

[ALPHATT]

How do you do it??  Scripting... music...  art... dialogue... nothing short of amazing.

Tinypek prepare yourself for the whole night long "watching-the-monitor" when I have my "developing days" I keep my eyes on that goddam LCD monitor until 3:00 AM next day(and I'm only 14( it is a bit unhealthy innit?)). Even though then I sleep until 12:00 AM
(well I sleep 9 hour so what problem can happen??)

And what do I do until 3:00 AM??

Here is my TOP SECRET Schedule:

12:00 AM Getting up
00:30 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Booting computer
1:05 PM Starting the AGS editor or Starting PS or Word
3:00 PM  10 minute break (eating cookies)
3:10 PM Continueing
5:00 PM Insted of tea time.... Supper
5:30 PM Continueing
9:30 PM Realizeing  that it's 9:30 PM and I only ate and developed this day
11:00 PM Haveing a bath
0:00 AM  Eating somthing
00:15 AM Continueing
3:00 AM Realizeing that it's 3:00 AM next day, shutting down computer, Going to bad

What a day innit and I have plenty of these but don't be afraid you'll get used to it in no time.

Ontopic: I'd also prefer 2nd one but others already told you the reasons.

P.S.: I'm looking forward your game I love detective stories keep up