Where to get started when creating game art?
Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - 06:21
Hello everyone, appogies if this has already been addressed. I would like to start creating game art, particulary those found on ipad and smartphone style games that utilize a top down isometric view as I really enjoy the look of that type of art. Trouble is I have no idea what kind of things I need to be knowlegable about. What kind of things should I have a solid understanding of other then the fundementals of art? I typically dont enjoy programming or 3d, are those crucial elements to creating game art?
I do have experieance as an illustrator for book covers and maps etc but would like to broaden my artistic horizons so any advice on where to get started would be immensly appreciated. Thanks :)
my art btw:
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First you'll have to define genre, setting, art direction and technical requirements.
3d isn't cruicial, but it may help a lot, even when doing 2d or pixel-art - tracing over prerendered model is order of magnitude easier than drawing from scratch. Programming is mostly used with 3d packages, although a few macros can make it easier to create pixelart. It is totally not mandatory for an artist - just a helpful tool, used to creates stuff like sprite sheets.
This site actually hosts a bunch of good tutorials for pixel art:
http://opengameart.org/forums/tutorials
http://opengameart.org/content/les-forges-pixel-art-course
Is a particularly good starting point.
I would also recommend just looking around this site, there are a lot of great examples of isometric stuff on here. Take a few things and modify them or add a few new pieces to someone's existing isometric set. That's a good way to get started if you are a 'learn by doing' type.
Your portfolio is pretty awesome btw, I love the Night Unicorn, glowing eyes are on it are a nice touch!
https://withthelove.itch.io/
thanks capbros, sorry for the late reply. Thanks everyone else for the tips as well :)
no worries, looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
as a final note, if you ever want any feedback on a work these forums can be a great place to post it. They're frequented by some very good artists who can also be very generous with their time, especially when it comes to helping out new comers to the medium.
https://withthelove.itch.io/