Creating graphics for your game or app

Discussion in 'Public Game Developers Forum' started by fairlady, Jan 5, 2009.

  1. fairlady

    fairlady Well-Known Member

    Dec 31, 2008
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    Owner: Fairlady Media
    Raleigh, NC
    I wrote an article that contains tips for creating graphics for games and apps on the iPhone / iPod touch. I hope some of you find it useful. See:

    http://fairladymedia.com/node/10

    Thanks,
    fairlady
     
  2. Altrez

    Altrez Well-Known Member

    Jan 3, 2009
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    IT
    Kentucky
    Thank you fairlady! some great tips in that article.

    -Altrez
     
  3. henr1kk

    henr1kk Well-Known Member

    Nov 4, 2008
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    Independent Game Designer and Developer
    Porto, Portugal
    Great tips!
    Thank you very much :)
     
  4. Zandog

    Zandog Well-Known Member

    Jan 1, 2009
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    Public Relations/Graphic Designer - Spiffcode Inc.
    Seattle, Wa
    Thanks lady!
     
  5. BulletDev

    BulletDev Well-Known Member

    Sep 20, 2008
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    produce applications under "Bullet Development"
    Vancouver, BC
    Awesome article! You've just gotta love this sort of stuff :)
     
  6. nickels

    nickels Well-Known Member

    Oct 15, 2008
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    16
    Male
    Product Designer/Mobile Game Developer
    PA, USA
  7. Oma

    Oma Well-Known Member

    Hi, I'm a designer with Illustrator and Photoshop too,
    how did you get people asking you to make art for their game? :)
    Maybe you can promote me a little? (A)
     
  8. nickels

    nickels Well-Known Member

    Oct 15, 2008
    744
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    Product Designer/Mobile Game Developer
    PA, USA
    Aren't we all ;)
     
  9. Oma

    Oma Well-Known Member

    what do you mean?
     
  10. nickels

    nickels Well-Known Member

    Oct 15, 2008
    744
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    Product Designer/Mobile Game Developer
    PA, USA
    I am guessing "our" talents aren't that rare here.
     
  11. fairlady

    fairlady Well-Known Member

    Dec 31, 2008
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    Owner: Fairlady Media
    Raleigh, NC
    I pick up work through word of mouth and my website and illustration portfolios at stock agencies (e.g. istockphoto and shutterstock).

    Here's another strategy: I haven't done this before, but I know of other graphic designers who contact iPhone developers when they see a new app posted in the App Store. Something like "Hi, I noticed you posted a game recently. If you need a graphic designer for future projects, I charge X and here is a link to my portfolio."

    Good luck! :)
     
  12. Zandog

    Zandog Well-Known Member

    Jan 1, 2009
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    Public Relations/Graphic Designer - Spiffcode Inc.
    Seattle, Wa
    That's exactly how I got onto the project I work for.
     
  13. fairlady

    fairlady Well-Known Member

    Dec 31, 2008
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    Owner: Fairlady Media
    Raleigh, NC
  14. Frand

    Frand Well-Known Member

    Having a convincing online portfolio helps tremendously. What makes a convincing portfolio?

    That depends entirely on the size of the studio you're applying for and their particular needs. Larger studios can afford to look for specialized people, smaller studios appreciate more general skill sets.

    Personally, I can speak from the viewpoint of a small indie studio regarding the skills we'd look for (if we were recruiting... right now we're not):

    1) Personality - indie games tend to rely on distinctive visual styles and character designs to stand out. We're much more likely to attempt something like Loco Roco or Castle Crashers as opposed to Gears of War. Having a signature style is good. (Look at Dan Paladin's stuff, he's so hot right now.)

    2) Related to the above, cost efficiency. We don't need artists who show us portfolios full of detail-obsessed realism, since we could never afford to develop that kind of stuff (not that we'd even want to). If you're able to make simple look great, all the better. Samurai Jack is one of my all-time favourite references of how to stage massive events with minimum effort.

    3) Again related to the above, forget about detail, but make sure your lighting is good! If you have a good eye for highlights, contrast and moods, we love you.

    4) Show us dynamic and appealing characters: facial expressions, humorous poses. A normal-mapped character from Z-brush in an X-pose has zero value unless you can show him or her laughing reservedly from a bad joke or feeling ill from yesterday's chili burrito. (Yeah, if you do characters, be prepared to animate them in a small studio...)

    5) An eye for palettes, framing and composition. (John K's blog is good stuff.)

    6) Leave the scantily-clad, big-boobied elven sorceresses and the 3D dragons at the door. Instant disqualification :)

    Hope this helps. As said, this is only the viewpoint of one small studio.
     
  15. fairlady

    fairlady Well-Known Member

    Dec 31, 2008
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    Owner: Fairlady Media
    Raleigh, NC
    Great tips, Frand. I especially like number 6. ;)
     
  16. Zandog

    Zandog Well-Known Member

    Jan 1, 2009
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    Public Relations/Graphic Designer - Spiffcode Inc.
    Seattle, Wa
    John K. owns all who walk the graphic design and animation earth.
     
  17. Sainter

    Sainter Well-Known Member

    Dec 8, 2008
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    So you did the graphics for WarFare Inc.? They are pretty awesome!
     
  18. fairlady

    fairlady Well-Known Member

    Dec 31, 2008
    336
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    Owner: Fairlady Media
    Raleigh, NC
  19. Zandog

    Zandog Well-Known Member

    Jan 1, 2009
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    Public Relations/Graphic Designer - Spiffcode Inc.
    Seattle, Wa
    I do concept and content art for Warfare Inc. The graphics for the game itself were designed in 2003 and was a port over to the Apple devices. We're not satisfied with stopping there. Expect all new game graphics in the future. Thanks for the comment, Sainter!

    I have the entire Ren & Stimpy DVD set. Plus a lot of extra content involving John K. Gotta love his perspective.
     
  20. nickels

    nickels Well-Known Member

    Oct 15, 2008
    744
    8
    16
    Male
    Product Designer/Mobile Game Developer
    PA, USA
    I guess when I start doing 3d and animation I'll have to use my first initial and full last name, since I am also John K. That's cool though, as my last name is more memorable anyway. Still, it is weird seeing that while wishing I was the John K you are all talking about. Someday... hopefully
     

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