Any artists want to collaborate with a programmer?

ORBZORBZ Member Posts: 1,304
Hey everyone...

I've been coding for about 20 years. I've got the logic side of development down solid. I can solve most any logic puzzle.

However, I neglected my artistic side and can't draw worth a crap.

If there are any great artists that would like to team up with a great programmer to make some kick ass games let me know :)
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Comments

  • guru-at-zidwareguru-at-zidware Member Posts: 369
    hi.....do you have any apps now on itunes? How do you like game salad? John
  • eboyeboy Member Posts: 239
    I can send you my samples. What's your email.
  • ChaserChaser Member Posts: 1,453
    What do you have in mind?????
  • synthesissynthesis Member Posts: 1,693
    @ Orbz.
    Have you looked into sketchup? Its a great way to "draw" sprite and visual elements. Its an easy to use and quite intuitive 3D vector based software that can build elements very quickly...then you can export 2D images and do some Photoshop magic on them. NO ART SKILLS REQUIRED!

    www.sketchup.com
  • ORBZORBZ Member Posts: 1,304
    Hmm.. thanks synthesis. I've looked at Sketchup before. I've never considered it for 2D though. Interesting.

    Thanks. :)
  • synthesissynthesis Member Posts: 1,693
    You can draw 2D in it also if you desire...
    But I think its cool to build 3D objects then set up a perspective view that looks good and then color it with their fill textures and colors...then export an image of it...bring it into Photoshop and trim it, touch it up, and size it. Plus the 3D warehouse as gazillions of already made user model.

    Its quick, easy and fun to use. Took me a weekend to learn it inside and out (about 5 years ago). I recommend getting the pro version if you decide you like the free version.

    Plus a really cool thing in it is 3D text...you type a word or sentence...enter some extrusion settings and BOOM...3D text!!! Great for game title logos!

    There are TONS of really helpful video tutorials on their website to help you get started.
  • ChaserChaser Member Posts: 1,453
    Design and art is not for everyone. And tackling both aspects of apps can definitly be taxing at times. I try to do most of the art first then go back and tweak things that need it
  • synthesissynthesis Member Posts: 1,693
    What do you "code" in Orbz?
  • butterbeanbutterbean Member Posts: 4,315
    I'd be interested to know too Orbz what you code in? Having over 20 years experience under your belt could be very valuable :)
  • adadoadado Member Posts: 219
    I'm basically in the same boat as Orbz. Trying to ping an old friend who used to do game artwork for Accolade and I think Activision. If that doesn't pan out, I'll be posting a similar thread! :-) Or spending money on graphics I guess.
  • synthesissynthesis Member Posts: 1,693
    Quality graphics are important but not essential. You can still make a great game with simple 2D graphics. Creativity is your best resource...USE IT!!! There are tons of resources/software out there to help you build a nice look (iStock, sketchup, clipart resources, sound, etc.). Work on making a nice rich game first with a simpler graphic design...then once you have an AWESOME game...then maybe spend a little tiny amount of $$$ on key graphics embellishments and release it as a "DELUXE" version and charge an extra buck for it.

    Graphics Rule #1...Keep it simple and keep it clean!
    Graphics Rule #2...FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION!
    Graphics Rule #3...Be Inventive/Creative...and be UNIQUE (think outside the box)!
    Graphics Rule #4...The best path is usually the shortest path!
    Graphics Rule #5...Rely on yourself...PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!
    Graphics Rule #6...Don't be afraid to start over if you need to. NOTHING IS SACRED!!!

    Just some food for thought.

    I went to design school for 6 years in college and have 2 bachelors degrees in it.
    This is the best advice I can offer you.

    Guru...care to add anything?
  • butterbeanbutterbean Member Posts: 4,315
    Synthesis, I was going to ask you, is there a good place to purchase graphics specifically for games that have animated frames or animated characters?

    iStock has some wonderful images, but I wish they had a section of animated characters, and art, so thought I would ask you!
  • synthesissynthesis Member Posts: 1,693
    @butterbean
    I found this in about 5 minutes of searching which could be used with Sketchup to achieve sprite animation.
    http://www.torquepowered.com/community/forums/viewthread/86317

    www.spriteworks.com
    www.d-graphix.com

    You also might check out www.turbosquid.com for 3D content. There might be some textures or animations there...or at least people to contract if you want such a thing...or you can buy a cool model and then export your own sprites images with 3D software (if you have it).

    Stuff is out there...just need to search it down. The need for graphics is not a new idea...been around for awhile...and there are lots of different solutions out there. GS is one half of the equation...you will have to dig around the internet to find what works for the other half in your specific case. My point above is...unless you are already independently wealthy or have $1M in the bank or have a game title in the top 100...then purchasing graphics should be your last resort.

    Otherwise...find a solution that you can work with...and build your game around the tools you have available and the skills you have available exploiting the advantages you have and maximizing the impact of those skills and resources. Its about doing the ABSOLUTE BEST with what you have.

    By the way...good graphics take time too. I have spent probably 1 hour for every 2 hours of programming doing graphics for my next game. It takes a lot of time, patience and energy to do an ENTIRE game from start to finish.
  • butterbeanbutterbean Member Posts: 4,315
    Thanks Synthesis, I'll have to check those sites out! :) Appreciate all the info, extremely helpful :)
  • synthesissynthesis Member Posts: 1,693
    The 3D warehouse (within sketchup) has thousands of shared/free user made models. You just download them...place them in sketchup and paint/texture the model (if necessary)...then save your perspective 2D views or export the 3DS wireframe to use in another program...such as spriteForge.

    its not hard...but does take time.
  • butterbeanbutterbean Member Posts: 4,315
    It's amazing how many resources are out there for graphics, really nice!

    Looking forward to seeing what games you have lined up Synthesis
  • synthesissynthesis Member Posts: 1,693
    Still working on our first...Bumper Derby.
    You can follow it here and link over to the Beta test online.
    http://gamesalad.com/forums/topic.php?id=4376

    also here:
    www.furiousapps.com

    Still trying to optimize it though for the 3G...UGH! Getting close though.
  • rebumprebump Member Posts: 1,058
    @syn: In another thread, that I can't find, you mention you have some traditionally developed SDK iPhone apps (i.e. "XCode" app) soon to be released. Any teaser web pages for them? I found your and James' teaser pages very interesting (and a bit envy inducing on both your guys' graphics quality).
  • butterbeanbutterbean Member Posts: 4,315
    Wow! Looks amazing Synthesis, can't wait to see this on the iphone, really awesome graphics too!

    Like the way your website is coming along, looks fabulous :)
  • FlogFlog Member Posts: 13
    Hey ya'll,

    I can 3d model for games and I have some artistic work I can show. I want to make a game and started working on the graphics. I really need a programmer!

    I'd love to make a game with you. What ideas do you have?

    I have a MOCAP system and 3d modelling skills. We can definately do a cel-shade style game or 3d rendered sprites and realistic motion using mocap.
  • xactoxacto Member Posts: 146
    Way back in my "RealBasic" days, there use to be a community that created games as a group. What was cool was all the art and code was shared in one app. Each person had a specific week to add new stuff, fix code ect.... it was kind of fun to see what people added out of the blue and was a great way to learn code. We creating some very cool games. Open source it!

    -----------------------------------------------------
    StarFire
    http://gamesalad.com/game/play/8901
  • HugeGraphicsHugeGraphics Member Posts: 81
    Orbz, we are looking to find a serious programming partner. Would you mind emailing us at the address I posted on your wall so we can discuss?
  • spaceneedlespaceneedle PRO Posts: 93
    Are there any pixel artists for hire?
  • DhondonDhondon Member Posts: 717
    Lots of great freelancers on indiegamer.com. But graphics cost. To get an rough estimate on how much an project will cost you: 1pixel=1$. But you can find amateurs that does it for less.
  • spaceneedlespaceneedle PRO Posts: 93
    I don't mean to insult you, but seriously, $1 per pixel? So a 320x240 sprite will cost me $64,000? I could hire a team of ex-nintendo contractors at that rate.
  • firemaplegamesfiremaplegames Member Posts: 3,211
    you did the math wrong, it's actually $76,800

    ;^)
  • spaceneedlespaceneedle PRO Posts: 93
    Nah, its just my business negotiation tactics trying to get 40 pixel lines for free.
  • DhondonDhondon Member Posts: 717
    lol, more like 32x32= 32$. Was an great thread on indiegamer some months back, discussing what to expect when hiring freelancers.
  • RubiyoooRubiyooo Member Posts: 163
    Hi!!
    I am Spanish and i have this website with my works ;) www.rubiworks.com
  • mrfunkleberrymrfunkleberry Member Posts: 424
    If you're still looking, i'll be your pixel whore. (for the right game idea)

    www.diddlydoo.com
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