[Jago]

Hello.

I have already been doing game level design for over a year and have even done it as a "professional" for a company, but nowadays game development houses are looking for multitalented people, so I've decided I have to learn more.

I've already started on 3D modelling (using 3D Studio Max), but 2D Art is more important to me as it will allow me to create my own texture sets for my levels as well as textures and skins for 3D models. The question is: WHERE and HOW do I start ?

Should I get myself one of these "tablets" and if yes, how do they work and how much do they cost (I can't afford very expensive hardware) ? What programs should I master (except Photoshop that I am learning already) ? And finally, please, post a few links to some 2D art sites that will teach me how to start, how to use all these applications and how to do textures, etc, etc...

I really appreciate your help. If you would like to check out my level design work, visit http://jago.terrafusion.com Thank you.

Dan "Jago" Naumov

P.S: Kickass art Dhabih, good luck at Valve !

[Tabun]

First of all, i'm not an expert :]

For skins/textures a tablet is cool, but you can do without, if you have a steady mouse-hand. If you are a good railer in Quake3 for example.

I would say, start by looking.
Take a look at what the professional/experienced artists make,
there are lot's of links to good skin/texture artists on my links page. Also look at, well, everything you see for reference.

If you know your way around in photoshop (for example), working with layers and tools, then you can start right away, if not, check the links for ps tutorials.
A thing you might like is starting out in grayscale, adding colour later... i like to work like this, but everyone has his/her own way, find yours. :]

For skins, wire meshes (which can be found on rorshach's site) and 3d viewers come in handy.

Good luck man

(edit: forgot tabun in the links link )

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Ciao, Tab

[This message has been edited by Tabun (edited February 08, 2000).]

[Oscar Alexander]

I'm no expert either (especially not at 3D modelling), nevertheless, here are some general tips:

Buy books
Hop over to amazon.com and buy some books on the programs you're using or are planning to use in the future. Books on human anatomy might come in handy too... look for some stuff by Giovanni Civardi, he rules!

Get a tablet
For me, the best way to get my ideas on screen is through a tablet. I've been using a Wacom Intuos 6x8 for about two months now and I'm praising it to heaven and beyond. Everybody should have one. They don't come cheap ($360,- back here in Holland), but they're worth it

Practice till you drop
The only way to get good at something, is to practice. Study the work of the masters and try figuring out how it was created. You can't learn how to draw by reading alone. Get yourself a sketchbook and draw everything you see.

I hope these tips were of any use to you. Cheers,

Oscar Alexander

[This message has been edited by Oscar Alexander (edited February 09, 2000).]

[CyberArtist]

Damnit Jago! Stop fallowing me!

Seriously, the best way to learn how to draw is to just start drawing. Sketch like mad. Sketch everything. If what you draw turns out like shit, get angry if you want, but draw another. Keep drawing till you get things how you think they should be. If that doesn't work, see if you can't take some art classes someplace. They're more about teaching you how to look than how to draw. The skill to draw something comes from a lot of practice and a pation for art. If you want, get a tablet. Get a Wacom Intuos if you do. They're expensive, but worth every penny.

As far as modelling goes, the ability to look that drawing by hand teaches you will help your 3d work. Also, I'd spend more time trying to get good at 2d stuff vs. 3d. Modelling is a learned art even more so than drawing is; until you know the program you're using, 3d modeling can be a bitch and a half, where as paper and pencil is as intuitive as you get.


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-CyberA(rtist) aka Ben Golus

Cyber...

[Jago]

Hey guys 8=)

Well, I haven't actually been following you CyberA, I became familiar with Dhabih Eng's artwork long time ago, that's how I know about this webpage. The quality of his works is simply amazing.

Thanks for the tips, I will do as you said, however I might have to wait with the tablet for a while, it costs over 300 USD and I am out of cash right now

Post more ideas and suggestions, I will really appreciate it. Thank you.

Dan "Jago" Naumov
http://jago.terrafusion.com

[This message has been edited by Jago (edited February 12, 2000).]