Graphics Art wanted for new AGS Website

Started by tampie85, Sat 26/03/2022 20:41:17

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tampie85

Hello!

As you might have read, AGA and I are working on a brand new AGS website. I'm very enthusiastic about what we have accomplished so far and can't wait to show it to you (it still might take a while; it's a lot of work!).

I'm currently using a few stock photos and I think it'd be the cherry on the cake if we could replace them with art made by the amazing artists in this community.
I don't really have any requirements, besides that it should look nice on both the dark and the light theme and that it'd be nice if it features a blue cup in some way.
Some of them are desktop only, but at the moment more than 85% of the visits are desktop only, so most visitors will see your art!

You don't have to commit to all of them, if you can do one that already would be great!
Of course your forum name - or whatever credit - you prefer will be shown below your contribution.

Please let me know if you need more detail than below; I listed the current dimensions but anything with the same aspect ratio would be fine!

--- FEATURES (#1) ---
The first image on the AGS (application) page, next to the overview of the features.
Dimensions 726x790, desktop only.

Light Theme: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/ags.php
Dark Theme: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/ags.php?theme=dark

Graphic Artist: Miez

--- REQUIREMENTS (#2) ---
The second image on the AGS (application) page, next to the system requirements.
Dimensions 1043x663, desktop only.

Light Theme: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/ags.php
Dark Theme: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/ags.php?theme=dark

Graphic Artist: Miez

--- AGS AWARD WINNER (#3) ---
If a game has won one or more AGS awards, it will be shown on the 'Game' page. The image is generic for all games and not related to the award(s) won.
Dimensions 440x360, desktop only.

[imgzoom]https://www.rwdb.info/screenshots/award_winner.png[/imgzoom]

Light: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/game-details.php
Dark: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/game-details.php?theme=dark

--- AGS AWARD NOMINEE (#4) ---
If a game has been nominated for one or more AGS awards, it will be shown on the 'Game' page. The image is generic for all games and not related to the nominations.
Dimensions 440x360, desktop only.

[imgzoom]https://www.rwdb.info/screenshots/award_nominee.png[/imgzoom]

Light: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/game-details.php
Dark: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/game-details.php?theme=dark

--- SPLASH IMAGE (#5) ---
The background image on the homepage, behind the 'create', 'play' and 'join'. This one might be a bit more challenging, because it has to look good on all resolutions.
Currently I'm using one image of 1920x1080, but that might not be sustainable.

[imgzoom]https://www.rwdb.info/screenshots/splash_page.png[/imgzoom]

Light: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/
Dark: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/?theme=dark

--- IMAGE PLACEHOLDER (#6) ---
When an image isn't available, this placeholder will be shown. Sometimes this is the result of a broken link, but it also can occur that there are no visuals because it's a mod or a plugin.
The image will be shown on these screens:

[imgzoom]https://www.rwdb.info/screenshots/broken_1.png[/imgzoom][imgzoom]https://www.rwdb.info/screenshots/broken_2.png[/imgzoom][imgzoom]https://www.rwdb.info/screenshots/broken_3.png[/imgzoom]

Light:
Game tiles: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/play.php
Game details: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/game-details.php
Search: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/search.php (desktop only)

Dark:
Game tiles: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/play.php?theme=dark
Game details: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/game-details.php?theme=dark
Search: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/search.php?theme=dark (desktop only)

--- SITE LOGO (#7) ---
I'm happy to keep the AGS logo as is, but at the moment it doesn't look very nice on dark mode, so it'd be nice if someone could give it a bit of a refresh. It's shown on all pages in the header and footer.
Dimensions: 560x73

[imgzoom]https://www.rwdb.info/screenshots/logo.png[/imgzoom]

Light: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/
Dark: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/?theme=dark

--- 404 NOT FOUND (#8) ---
Years ago, 2ma2 has done an amazing job on the 404 page. I have permission to use this one and adjust it if necessary. I tried to make the background transparent to make it look nice on dark mode, but it's not looking great at the moment. It'd be great if someone could do a better job on the dark mode version, or create something new that looks good on both themes.
Dimensions: 540x356

[imgzoom]https://www.rwdb.info/screenshots/404.png[/imgzoom]

Light: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/404.php
Dark: https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/404.php?theme=dark

EDIT: Added screenshots for clarification

eri0o

The AGS award related image, I don't understand which it is. Any chance of adding screenshot image with a big red arrow directly in the post?

tampie85

Apologies, I now have added a screenshot to represent each image. Does this help?

eri0o

Thanks! It clarified for me! I also was reading the forum on my phone at the time and I didn't understood what the Desktop only note meant, I just wasn't seeing the images because of this!!

tampie85

Ah that makes sense! I could have been clearer on that.

cat

It probably makes sense to wait for Miez to finish his work so a common graphic style is established and other pictures match that style.

tampie85

Sorry, totally missed this reply!

That's a good call, I hope it's achievable to match the same style. I don't want to put too much requirements on it; I'm already happy when the website has art made by the community! It might take a while before Miez gets to it though.

lorenzo

Since cat suggested here to use the character for the 404 page, I made a bunch of quick sketches with her for the missing images. I don't if they'll fit, but anyway here they're.

404


Award winner


Award nominee


(obviously these are just rough sketches, to give an idea)

eri0o

I like her overall. On the nominee, she could use a vest or stripe and have the nominee tag attached to it, similar to scouts badges. :)

cat

❤️

For the nominees, she could also be dreaming (thought bubble) of the trophy, while as a winner she holds it in hands.

lorenzo

Something like this, for the nominees?



I've tried to add both eri0o's and cat's suggestions.

Does an "official" AGS win cup design exist somewhere? Like the one used in the ceremony.

eri0o

This looks really good Lorenzo!!!

QuoteDoes an "official" AGS win cup design exist somewhere? Like the one used in the ceremony.

I am not sure it's official, but the one from the latest award ceremony probably Duals or Snarky or Cat have the file. I found this video, where at  2:06:24 time here there's the latest best game trophy used.

AGA

While I appreciate the artistry that's gone into it, the anime styling of these makes me feel a bit uncomfortable...  Anime isn't to everyone's tastes, so it feels like it could be a bit divisive to have it so visible on the site.  Something more mainstream might be better?

Sinitrena

Quote from: AGA on Sat 25/06/2022 20:44:31
While I appreciate the artistry that's gone into it, the anime styling of these makes me feel a bit uncomfortable...  Anime isn't to everyone's tastes, so it feels like it could be a bit divisive to have it so visible on the site.  Something more mainstream might be better?

+1
Also, the girl seems a bit random. This character doesn't have any connection with AGS (unless she's from a game I'm not familiar with). It's just some girl.

cat

I like her. What does the previous 404 girl have to do with AGS?

Sinitrena

Nothing, probably. Never said I liked her any better.

eri0o

She has a blue cup head, I thought it was genius, I really like her!  :-D

cat

Of course, she would also look great in a less anime and more European comic style (like Clotilde) - would this make you feel less uncomfortable, AGA?

AGA

Quote from: cat on Sat 25/06/2022 21:50:34
Of course, she would also look great in a less anime and more European comic style (like Clotilde) - would this make you feel less uncomfortable, AGA?

In theory, sure!

I do like the blue cup hair idea though, it's a nice touch!

Gilbert

#19
Quote from: Sinitrena on Sat 25/06/2022 21:03:40
Also, the girl seems a bit random. This character doesn't have any connection with AGS (unless she's from a game I'm not familiar with). It's just some girl.

She's actually called Blue Cup, a character I designed to troll the forums many years ago (obvious from the original banner) and I had decided to have her cameos in my AGS games (which haven't materialised yet).

Also, the anime style was intentional, for trolling purpose. (Though the real reason was that anime style was the norm here as oppose to western designs, which made me uncomfortable!)

lorenzo

As I wrote in the New AGS Logo thread, I initially made the girl logo as a joke, as a high-resolution version of Gilbert's original image, because I thought it was funny and the whole cup-head thing was really clever. It's in an anime style because the original was.

The images here were mostly a way to spark some interest in this thread, because I see no proposal for the missing graphics since the thread was made.

Also, I don't see what's so "uncomfortable" about anime, it seems a bit like an exaggeration to me, but whatever. Myself, for example, I never liked the guy who is at the centre of the current main page (and is the first thing newcomers see), but I would never say that it makes me feel uncomfortable despite not liking the style. What does, however, make me feel uncomfortable is the image of the editor on the left, which looks really fake :P

AGA

#21
Quote from: lorenzo on Sun 26/06/2022 09:07:23
Also, I don't see what's so "uncomfortable" about anime, it seems a bit like an exaggeration to me, but whatever. Myself, for example, I never liked the guy who is at the centre of the current main page (and is the first thing newcomers see), but I would never say that it makes me feel uncomfortable despite not liking the style. What does, however, make me feel uncomfortable is the image of the editor on the left, which looks really fake :P

Just to clarify, it isn't the artwork, or anime, itself that makes me feel uncomfortable, it's having it front and centre on the AGS site.  The vast majority of our users are likely to be more used to western media, and will have to have found AGS when they were looking to either play or make games similar to those from the 'golden age' of Sierra, LucasArts, Revolution etc.  (For reference, not one of the top ten countries from which our site is accessed is in Asia).  We don't want to risk making AGS look even more niche than it already is, and to turn off (or at least avoid attracting) new users.

And for info, "the guy" in the logo is Chris Jones, the creator of AGS.  That's just a little nod to the community though, by no means something we'd necessarily need in the new design!

eri0o

#22
I don't agree with you, the biggest visual novel engine is Ren'Py currently, and a lot of good creators are using and producing games with it. I would consider narrative games a market that would be interesting to cater, hopefully snatching developers from it could result in features on dialog and story writing.

But anyway, I mostly grew up with Manga and Anime so I don't have bad opinions on it when looking. But overall this whole interaction just made me a bit sad.  :(

If you want a middle ground art style, look up the Brazilian artist Maurício de Sousa.

lorenzo

Quote from: AGA on Sun 26/06/2022 15:01:15
Just to clarify, it isn't the artwork, or anime, itself that makes me feel uncomfortable, it's having it front and centre on the AGS site.  The vast majority of our users are likely to be more used to western media, and will have to have found AGS when they were looking to either play or make games similar to those from the 'golden age' of Sierra, LucasArts, Revolution etc.  (For reference, not one of the top ten countries from which our site is accessed is in Asia).  We don't want to risk making AGS look even more niche than it already is, and to turn off (or at least avoid attracting) new users.

And for info, "the guy" in the logo is Chris Jones, the creator of AGS.  That's just a little nod to the community though, by no means something we'd necessarily need in the new design!
I was quite obviously referring to the style of the character, which I'm not too fond of, not the person who is representing. I don't know why you have to chide me about the fact that he's Chris Jones, so far as putting "the guy" in quote-marks. If it's some sort of retort for me quoting your feeling uncomfortable, that was just to avoid adding a direct quote, Jesus...

The whole thing about people being more used to western media seems weird to me, as if a lot of western countries didn't air Japanese cartoons or sell manga for decades. There was even a thread about suggesting anime to watch on this very western-centric site, some time ago...

But, hey. You don't like Japanese-style characters? Fine, don't use the images. I'm sure someone else on the site will make something better for it.

I certainly won't waste more time pointlessly discussing these things.

tampie85

Would you mind trying to make her face a bit more western, just to see what it looks like? I like the concept of what you've done so far. Or do you prefer to only draw manga style?

AGA

#25
Quote from: lorenzo on Sun 26/06/2022 17:11:55
I was quite obviously referring to the style of the character, which I'm not too fond of, not the person who is representing. I don't know why you have to chide me about the fact that he's Chris Jones, so far as putting "the guy" in quote-marks. If it's some sort of retort for me quoting your feeling uncomfortable, that was just to avoid adding a direct quote, Jesus...

The whole thing about people being more used to western media seems weird to me, as if a lot of western countries didn't air Japanese cartoons or sell manga for decades. There was even a thread about suggesting anime to watch on this very western-centric site, some time ago...

But, hey. You don't like Japanese-style characters? Fine, don't use the images. I'm sure someone else on the site will make something better for it.

I certainly won't waste more time pointlessly discussing these things.

Okay, I think there's been a misunderstanding here, and if so I apologise unreservedly.  It feels like I've managed to offend you personally, and that definitely wasn't my intention.

I honestly only put "that guy" in quotes because I was quoting what you said.  There was really no sarcasm intended.  Everything I said was intended as just an infomative aside, no hidden message intended!

The only point I'm trying to make is, as the administrator of this site, and someone who's been here almost 21 years now, I am trying to take our user base into account.  Nothing I've said is meant as a criticism of the art you actually drew, or of anime / manga in general.

EDIT: and I've just realised the character in the banner is actually Larry Vales anyway, so...  I think the CJ in the navbar on the home page confused my brain!

cat

#26
I want to chime in since I somehow triggered the issue. I think I understand both sides. Let me explain:

I think most agree that the idea of a girl being a blue cup is awesome.

Manga is indeed the main artistic style for visual novels, so this could mislead people surfing the site to think AGS is an engine for VN, when it actually is so much more (of course you could also make a VN with AGS, but this is not the intended purpose.

What if we keep the girl, but show her in different styles, to demonstrate the flexibility of AGS? i.e. Award winners in pixel style, nominees as Manga, 404 as hip super lo-res, maybe even a 3D render for another topic?


Btw, I never really understood the thing with Larry Vales. I think he is from a game, but who of the current regulars knows that? Why is such an obscure character in the logo?

lorenzo

AGA: Don't worry, I wasn't offended. As you said, just a misunderstanding, which unfortunately can happen with written messages.

Quote from: AGA on Sun 26/06/2022 17:54:19
EDIT: and I've just realised the character in the banner is actually Larry Vales anyway, so...  I think the CJ in the navbar on the home page confused my brain!
By the way, I was referring to this character here (not the one in the logo), that while I recognize is well done, it's not the style I prefer, but someone else might love it. Just a random example of different tastes.

Anyway, I just tried to give some visibility to this page so that maybe more people can propose something else the same way they do with the logo, since it didn't have a lot of activity unfortunately.

LimpingFish

Quote from: cat on Sun 26/06/2022 19:30:20
Btw, I never really understood the thing with Larry Vales. I think he is from a game, but who of the current regulars knows that? Why is such an obscure character in the logo?

Wasn't Larry, at some point, the unofficial AGS mascot? Regardless, he is a very old reference indeed.

As to the anime girl...I'm not feeling it, to be honest. Nothing wrong with the idea or the execution, though. Like AGA said, anime, or an anime "style", just isn't something I would associate with AGS.

If there was to be a mascot in the logo, the obvious choice would be an anthropomorphic blue cup, would it not? And now I'm getting a flashback to a long ago thread...¬¬
Steam: LimpingFish
PSN: LFishRoller
XB: TheActualLimpingFish
Spotify: LimpingFish

Snarky

#29
We had a pretty heated discussion about putting Larry Vales in the banner back in 2010, with lots of people against. The main person arguing for it was m0ds. Given that AGA couldn't even identify him at first (and also for me, I was about to correct him that it wasn't CJ, but then I couldn't remember the name of the character), I think it would be a good time to retire him.

I like the sketches, but I personally don't see the need to invent yet another AGS mascot when we have bluecup (wtf), and if we are doing character graphics I would rather see a selection of characters from classic AGS games, but that's just me. In any case I don't think it should be a prominent part of the site.

Laura Hunt

My few cents:

- I've never known who that "Larry" was or what it was referencing, and I guess it's the case too for relative newcomers. It gave me the impression of being some sort of inside joke that I was not in on and as such, it felt like a weird choice for a "mascot".

- Not feeling the manga/anime look of the girl either. That kind of aesthetic is more commonly associated with RPGs or visual novels, rather than with point and click adventures.

- The logos with a single cup look much cleaner and elegant than the one with three cups.

Quote from: LimpingFish on Tue 28/06/2022 00:16:04If there was to be a mascot in the logo, the obvious choice would be an anthropomorphic blue cup, would it not?

Or... hear me out... a CUPYBARA. I'll show myself out.

Danvzare

Let's face it, Larry Vales has pretty much been forgotten. It's sad, but true.
We've had a few prominent AGS characters over the years, Davy Jones, Oceanspirit Dennis, and Ben Jordan, all come to mind. But the main mascots have always been Roger and the Big Blue Cup, and between those two the Big Blue Cup clearly won out since Roger was redesigned not so long ago.

The anime look though is a big no-no.  (wrong)
I personally like manga/anime and that whole homogenized style, but having that style represent AGS would be a huge tonal clash in my opinion. It'd be like Call of Duty using Pixel Art for their boxart, or Nintendo having HR Giger draw all of the artwork on their websites.  :-X

I've always associated the Chuck Jones style with adventure games, probably as a result of Day of the Tentacle. So take that for what it's worth.

abstauber

Just as a silly sidenote - ProgZmax once did a really nice CJ / Roger / Mascot

https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=35775.msg469129#msg469129

But apart from that I agree: the blue cup is more than sufficient as a mascot.

4KbShort

I wanted to try my hand at offering up some art for the website.
Here's my take on Number 4 and Number 3 respectively for the Nominee and Winners of the AGS award:





I have the SVG files these came from and would gladly pass them along to be edited/resized if there's any interest in them.
I have a website: https://www.fordabble.com/
I've made some games: https://4kbshort.itch.io/
I've made some videos: https://www.youtube.com/@encouragingthings
And some game videos: https://www.youtube.com/@4Kbshort

AGA

Quote from: 4KbShort on Sun 23/07/2023 17:48:12I wanted to try my hand at offering up some art for the website.
Here's my take on Number 4 and Number 3 respectively for the Nominee and Winners of the AGS award:





I have the SVG files these came from and would gladly pass them along to be edited/resized if there's any interest in them.

Looks good, thanks!  https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/game-details.php?user=signed-out&vote=no&comment=no&theme=light (light theme) and https://new-site.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/game-details.php?user=signed-out&vote=no&comment=no&theme=dark (dark theme).  It would be useful to have the SVG, yes, please.

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