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Creative Production => Competitions & Activities => Topic started by: Andail on Sat 03/08/2013 13:41:22

Title: Illustration Workshop - Deadline Monday 19th for concept sketches!!!
Post by: Andail on Sat 03/08/2013 13:41:22
Latest update:
Keep posting concepts/sketches until Monday 19th. Everyone who's published something by then will be transferred to the second round, which will get a separate thread with more instructions.

ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP - BOX ART EDITION

Alright, summer's not quite over, so before we're forced back to jobs and schools and shit, let's have another round of Illustration Workshop.

This time, we're going to make box art, as in, the type of paintings meant to trick kids into buying games that they wouldn't buy if the box just showed an actual in-game screenshot. I remember buying Bad Blood solely for its amazing cover art, and while the game wasn't exactly lousy, the graphics inside were... different. During the 80s and 90s, painting cover art for games was probably the most advanced form of fraud still legal. Nowadays, the discrepancy is far less flagrant, which makes me a bit nostalgic. Kids these days just aren't being fooled the way I was!

(http://pics.mobygames.com/images/covers/large/1211543058-00.jpg)
(http://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/22992-bad-blood-dos-screenshot-evening-combat-soda-bottle-is-health.gif)
Seen here: discrepancy

THE PROCESS
* Registration will be open for four days. During that time, all you do is write here that you want in.
* You will then be allotted a random AGS game from the AGS game database.
That's right, you will not be working on your own game, nor a game of your choosing (nor a silly generated name), but a real, already existing game that somebody else has made. This does entail some legal issues - you'll want the author's permission before using the illustration in a portfolio or another "official" context - or if it gets troublesome, you'll just remove the title.
* We'll spend one week making sketches and concepts and discussing ideas. We give our fellow artists some feedback on their ideas.
* We then spend a week developing characters, putting text and pictures together, work on layout and composition. We finish this period by giving everyone a round of c&c.
* The last period is used refining and finishing our pictures. We add details, highlights, textures etc.

ABOUT BOX ART
* Box art is used both to give the buyer an idea of what the game is about, but also to attract them. It has to be interesting, intriguing, impressive, while consistent with the style and genre of the game.
* Box art almost always features the main character, so it's important to get an idea of what that character is all about, and to make a - more - realistic representation of him/her.
* Box art also has a title in a nice, fitting font type, so that's one more element to take into consideration.

ABOUT THE GAME SELECTION
I will generate a random game for every participant, but will first make sure that it
* Is less than 3 years old - it's funnier to work with a fairly new product, and it's also more likely that the author is around (to give their approval/disapproval)
* Is playable - it's probably useful to play at least a minute or two to get a basic grasp of the style, and get to know the protagonist.
* Isn't a commercial title - copyright issues will be less of an issue if it's freeware.
* Hasn't already got a cover illustration - the above clause probably reduces the likelihood of there being one, which is good because it probably feels more "real" if your picture will be the only one.

If I choose to participate, I'll simply let another member select my game.

REMEMBER!
The serious, professional-sounding nature of this competition may deter some people from participating, but remember that most members are complete amateurs when it comes to digital painting. Consider this a really good opportunity to practice your skills, in a very educational and helpful environment, and the competition aspect is just a minor part of it.

MITTENS TIME EXTENSION
People attending Mittens will be given 5 extra days to work on their pieces. We could wait until after mittens, but that would delay the whole activity so much we'd risk other members choosing to prioritize work or studies (I will just have started working myself). I hope the 5 extra days is enough of a compensation.

LINKS
Previous workshop: http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=48175.0
and: http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=48324.0
Some really good - and really bad - boxes: http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/slideshow/278111/video_game_box_art_gallery_best_worst/?image=1

My own illustration gallery (couldn't help the plug, sorry!!) for whatever reason: http://andail.cgsociety.org/gallery/
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: ThreeOhFour on Sat 03/08/2013 13:50:10
1. I want in!
2. Bad Blood was a pretty cool game! :D
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: Ilyich on Sat 03/08/2013 14:11:34
Count me in!
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: cat on Sat 03/08/2013 15:17:18
I'm in! I'll try to do some concepts on paper during Mittens.
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: Igor Hardy on Sat 03/08/2013 15:52:33
I'm in. I'll be doing concepts with cat at Mittens.
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: miguel on Sat 03/08/2013 15:59:01
Count me in please!
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: selmiak on Sat 03/08/2013 16:16:38
I'm very interested, dunno if I can make it, but for now, I'm in!
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: Babar on Sat 03/08/2013 16:49:42
I need to brush up on my skills, and while I'm not sure how far along I'll be able to go, count me in.
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: dactylopus on Sat 03/08/2013 18:52:19
Nuts, I was hoping to participate, but the assignment of random AGS games is going to keep me away.

I'll certainly enjoy watching everyone's progress!  Good luck!
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: Dropped Monocle Games on Sat 03/08/2013 19:23:07
I would like to take part please :)
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: san.daniele on Sat 03/08/2013 22:26:30
I love the idea of this competition.

Not sure if I find the time but I guess there's no harm in signing up.

I'm worthless when it comes to drawing, so you can expect me to find some other way to create a cover art.
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: nihilyst on Sat 03/08/2013 23:01:34
I want to try it, too.
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: Miez on Sat 03/08/2013 23:17:43
Nice concept! I'd like to be with the in-crowd as well :D
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: slapstick on Sun 04/08/2013 21:27:47
I'd like to participate, very sad I missed out on the monsters.
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: oraxon on Mon 05/08/2013 03:58:56
Sign me up! I've always wanted to be better at this.
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: ThreeOhFour on Mon 05/08/2013 11:56:49
On a technical note - is it perhaps a good idea to set a standard canvas size for all entries to conform to? Seeing as we're going to be working on a standard format, it could be an idea?
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: xil on Mon 05/08/2013 12:06:29
Well, I set myself the task of learning to draw, so I guess this is pretty much perfect, so sign me up please and fingers crossed I don't insult someone's game too much :P
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: Layabout on Mon 05/08/2013 15:23:43
Sounds like fun, I'll give it a shot.
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: CitizenParagon on Tue 06/08/2013 03:24:48
Looks like a blast, sign me up please.
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: Dervish on Tue 06/08/2013 04:29:17
I would like to be involved.
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: Andail on Tue 06/08/2013 07:09:59
Seems we have a solid starting field, and if more people want on board you have until 2 pm (London time) before I close registration.
By tonight you will know what game you'll be working with.
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: miguel on Tue 06/08/2013 10:19:54
Oh boy! Can't wait! Please let me have a game with a female protagonist!
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Box art edition
Post by: Andail on Tue 06/08/2013 19:31:27
Alright, this thread isn't too crammed yet so I think we can still use it. I've added a few criteria when it comes to selecting the games for you, namely;
* The game is a complete adventure game (no demos, no experimental crap or platformers)
* The game has at least 3 panel cups (to ensure a modicum of quality)
along with those already listed:
* Less than 3 years old
* Freeware
* No cover art already
* Functional link

If any of you got a title not matching the critera above (through an oversight on my part), just let me know and you'll get another one.

LET THE LUCKY DIPS BEGIN

Ben 304                   
Interestingly enough, you got Escape the Barn, by Cat. I didn't even have to reroll once, so I guess this is destiny.
Exciting for Cat!
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1540/

Illyich
After countless rerolls, you got KTX-1, by DKH
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1540/

Cat
You got 9 months in, by Tzachs.
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1528/
This game kind of has some sort of cover art, albeit underdeveloped. If you want to switch, just say so! But I really think it could gain from a hi-res digital painting. I liked this game, btw.

Ascovel
You got 15 minutes, by Tim Hengevelde.
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1432/
Looks like an interesting art style.

Miguel
Red Flagg - Don't Call me Blue REDUX, by Luke "SpacePirateCaine" Rideout
This should be short and sweet. No female protagonist, sorry!
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1266/

Selmiak
Abduction, by Mode7.
A challenging art style to work with.
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1363/

Babar
Technobabylon II, by Technocrat.
One of the more acclaimed titles of the bunch. Good luck!
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1387/

Soxbrooker
By the Numbers, by AJA
2010 OROW winner, so that's pretty cool.
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1335/

san.daniele
The Visitor, by Nicky Nice.
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1492/

nihilyst
The burger flipper, by elruffo.
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1617/

Miez
You got Ben Jordan case II Deluxe, by Fransisco "Grundislav" Gonzales
This is a remake from 2010 so it fits the age criterion.
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1295/

slapstick
I forgot, by Domithan
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1414/

oraxon
Jonah's Place, by Kasander
A pity Kasander isn't participating in this round, would've been fun.
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1603/

calicoreverie
Escape From The Chaotic City, by Christian Cammilleri
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1290/

Layabout
Dinner for Pigeons, by Pressure Cooker
Another game with very distinct graphics.
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1421/

CitizenParagon
UNGA needs MUMBA, by Knoodn
This character is very known, but also very cartoony, so making a hi-res painting can prove tricky!
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1567/

Dervish
Snakes of Avalon, by Ascovel and Baron
Will Ascovel approve? Excitement! Nominated for basically everything in the 2010 Rogers.
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1357/

Loominous
Robolution, by Tzach Shabtay
Robot protagonism ftw!
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1336/

Waheela
You have The Far Corners of the World: Chapter 1 - The Book, the Box and the Key, by Wesray.
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1472/

Ghost
You have Submerged, by WHAM.
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1404/

NEXT STEP
You now have a week to sketch out the basic layout of your piece. Be rough and bold, and don't worry about the finished result yet. Write a few lines about the style and the characters you wish to depict. What feelings do you want to convey? What style? Consider how the text will go with the art. Google tons of box art pictures!

You have until Monday 19th to post this concept/sketch. Mitteneers will post their sketches when they get back from Mittens.

I want the finished picture to be 700 x 900 pixels, portrait orientation, but the sketches can be any size.

GO!
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Registration closed, go check out your game!!!
Post by: Dropped Monocle Games on Tue 06/08/2013 21:42:23
Can we post more then one sketch/concept? I have one quick one that I would like to share but I have a feeling I will have more then one idea before I settle on the final concept. I have never really done anything like this before I would like to show all my steps so the group can help and advise me.

(http://i.imgur.com/qgEdTHp.png)
The idea behind this:
the guy is a kidnapper in an interview room and the game is based around just that, so it was very hard to come up with anything other then what is already shown in the game (at least for me)
but I tried to let the lighting tell the mood, and maybe show that he is evil but still human?
let me know what you think, I'm going to try to come up with some more ideas :)

P.S I have never tried to paint in photoshop before, so this may not end well!
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Registration closed, go check out your game!!!
Post by: Andail on Wed 07/08/2013 09:38:37
Soxbrooker, of course, you can update your post as many times as you want. I'll just pick the latest one when I compile all the sketches and we move on to the next round.

Note that Loominous and Waheela, both workshop veterans by now, have entered the competition using their "you may enter late" cards, which are now spent.
Title: Re: Illustration Workshop - Registration closed, go check out your game!!!
Post by: cat on Wed 07/08/2013 11:20:06
I loved "9 months in" :) I hope it doesn't matter that I did some voiceacting for it, but I definitely had nothing to do with story or art. Looking forward to designing some nice box art!

I'm also looking forward to see 304's interpretation of "Escape the Barn". If you need any of the original svg files (for example the title text) I can upload it for you :)