Sorry if this is the wrong section, and I've searched and not found anyone asking this exact question... I'm looking to start doing some artwork for games, first I want to practice in the correct programs before I do anything "proper" but I wondered what software is considered best for making background art?
I've got a trial version of ArtRage, which is beautiful, but I'm not sure if it will be best to make something compatible for an AGS game? I played around making sprites in ProMotion, but really I'd rather make higher quality, less pixelated artwork, more MI2 and SQ4 era graphics. On the whole I don't like Adobe programs as they seem to bloat up my computer with junk, but if Photoshop or Illustrator is best, I'll make sacrifices.
Oh, in case it's not obvious, I'm not a 3D artist, I'm old school paint (with a tablet, so a bit new school!) so I'm not looking for a rendering program.
Any guides, advice or tips I've missed anywhere, are greatly appreciated, and huge apologies if I sound like a total tool. :kiss:
SORRY I NOW SEE I BROKE A RULE- PLEASE REMOVE AND DON'T KILL ME!!! I'll make you cake! I make good cake!!
I think they have a thread for this: http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=32234.0
:)
EDIT: erm, sorry, it's not for discussion, just a list of programs...
Any program that can save a png will work for AGS. MI2 and SQ4 are both pixel art games, if I recall, so you want something that will allow you to work in that format. You may want to check out this tutorial, which uses Photoshop: http://2dwillneverdie.com/tutorial/pixel-a-capcom-background/
It's a little confusing that you talk about MI2 and SQ4 as "less pixelated" games, since these are low-resolution games with pixel-art sprites. Do you mean that the backgrounds are scanned paintings rather than having been drawn on the computer (like in Eric's linked tutorial)?
To get a "painted" low-res look with computer art, you can either paint with digital brushes in high resolution and scale it down (which is how I do it (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=50391)), paint with brushes in your target resolution (though in my experience this tends to look blurry), or "fake it" by adding texture to a pixel art painting, like in these tutorials (http://www.zrodfects.com/Indiana%20Jones%20Style%20Backgrounds%20Tutorial.pdf).
Different people have different program preferences, and there isn't necessarily a "right" choice, as long as it has layers, drawing tablet support (the pressure sensitivity is the most important thing that not all apps may support), and for pixel art backgrounds, precise pixel tools (pencil, line, bezier curve, circle/ellipsis, flood fill). For more "painterly" backgrounds you're more likely to work with brushes, and may want to use effects like filters and color adjustment layers (found in Photoshop and most similar tools).
Personally I use Photoshop, which is very powerful and has decent all-round support. The pixel tools are not great, and it lacks the paint physics simulation of more specialized apps, but overall there is very little you can't do with it.
Benefits: Useful to know in general, easy to get help/find tutorials for almost any task, can do nearly anything
Drawbacks: big, complicated/long learning curve (I've been using it for more than 15 years, and there are still tons of things I don't know), expensive if you have to pay, licensing model of new versions stinks
Point 4. of the forum rules stickie.
Quote from: Khris on Wed 09/07/2014 12:06:14
Point 4. of the forum rules stickie.
DAMN! Epic fail on my part! Yes, please remove! Didn't mean to break rules *flagellates self* :-[ :-[
I should learn not to post late at night when I'm tired... I made no sense and broke a rule! *headdesk*
Yes sorry that was confusing about what I meant about painting, the games I mentioned I knew were made by hand painting and scanning in. I think I confused myself with my question, as I don't think I'll go that exact route, though it's a possible one, I do want to use my tablet and "paint" that way I suppose. I've truly confused myself now. Need more tea for brain to function
Snarky, your response was wonderful, thank you. I know personal preference is a big thing, and I learnt Photoshop waaaay back when, but don't have a current version, so I was feeling out all options as I have to buy
something for my new rig. I will invest if it's something I will use, but I don't want to buy 17 different programs iyswim? Graphics tablet sensitivity in input is VITAL to me. I've tried a few bits of software and felt so disappointed when it had no pressure sensitivity, I know Potatoshop does.
Quote from: faerieevenstar on Wed 09/07/2014 15:06:05
[...] I know Potatoshop does.
Potatoshop? I didn't know that existed too! :grin:
Haha! Sorry, in joke. I always called it Potatoshop. I totally didn't notice I used it there :X Heee! Oh dear now my insanity is leaking out everywhere. I need some sort of insanity cork or plug. Perhaps I can fashion one out of the objects in my pocket.
*cough*
Doesn't PotatoShop sound BETTER than Photoshop? You know you'll be saying it too now.
Quote from: faerieevenstar on Wed 09/07/2014 15:57:04
Doesn't PotatoShop sound BETTER than Photoshop? You know you'll be saying it too now.
Absolutely. (laugh)
Quote from: Khris on Wed 09/07/2014 12:06:14
Point 4. of the forum rules stickie.
Actually I've read this thread, but I decided not to (re)move it as this is the Beginners' Forum and I don't like being so strict and mean on people, as long as the thread isn't
that off-course from the purpose of the forum. Anyway, this-
Quote...but I'm not sure if it will be best to make something compatible for an AGS game?
-from the original post is good enough for me to let it stay. And yes, jokes aside, don't make the discussion drift away from the topic so much.
I've been recommended GraphicGale (there's a free edition), loads very fast and has some very nice features. I suggest you give it a try and decide for your self. :)
Quote from: faerieevenstar on Wed 09/07/2014 15:06:05
... I will invest if it's something I will use, but I don't want to buy 17 different programs iyswim? Graphics tablet sensitivity in input is VITAL to me. I've tried a few bits of software and felt so disappointed when it had no pressure sensitivity,...
Are there really so much programs without pressure sensitivity?
Even GIMP has it - and that program is free! (nod)
I tried Gimp but I didn't get the hype really. I'll give it another go. And GraphicGale? I'll look into it. Thanks guys. And thanks for being lenient with me :-[ CAKE FOR EVERYONE.
Since you specifically mention being used to a tablet, ArtRage Studio may be worth a try. It has good tools, pressure sensitivity is good, and if you can live with using the old 2.6 version (current is 4) you can even get that one for free. It does NOT allow you to make "classic pixel art" though but depending on your preferences, it's a nice piece of software.
__
I love cake! Gimme!
I have a trial of ArtRage and I am LOVING it. I wasn't sure it had enough filters and funky fancy stuff (r I haven't discovered it anyway) But it feels very close to using real media.
If we're going farther afield of pixel art, I recommend Manga Studio 5. My personal favorite non-vector, tablet friendly program.