Creating Game Assets

I want to create game assets for children games. How do I go about creating custom game assets? Also, are there existing game assets on FF? We are creating platform and top-down games in many environments, such as: desert, jungle, underwater, moon, forest, medieval times, prehistoric, etc. Artwork would be in 2D and for computer, iPhone/iPad/iTouch, Android and console games. Where to begin?

Thanks
Alex

Yes, I recognize your work. I've downloaded some of your work previously. Very good. Thanks. Would I be able to use your work in commercial games? Do we need a release form signed?

Alex

actually, i'll amend totte's last statement just a bit: Everything done with FilterForge Filters that you download from the filter library is free to use.... the filters posted on the forums are NOT covered by the upload agreement and thus remain under the control of the respective author.

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. If I were to start creating some game assets, how would I start? Would I create a graphic in illustrator or photoshop and then apply some filters to them?

Alex

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Alex the Super-Genius Dude wrote: Thanks everyone for the great feedback. If I were to start creating some game assets, how would I start? Would I create a graphic in illustrator or photoshop and then apply some filters to them?

It really depends on what you're trying to make; the game engine you're using, the style you're going for and the tools you have available.

I'd encourage you to figure out the style before start making the assets. Put together imagery which you think is right for the project and then add or remove stuff until you get a coherent look. Then document it: how things should look, color pallete, etc. That keeps everyone on the same page, and avoids things looking like they've been arbitrarily slapped together.

Almost everyone uses Pshop to some degree. Illustrator is great for a slick cartoony look. (I use Illustrator for maps alot.) People also use Inkscape, I hear.

If you're doing flash games but want a 3d animated look, there are tools out there like Swift3d which allow you to directly convert your animated 3d thing into animated flash vectors. http://www.erain.com/

(Personally, I like using zbrush in illustration mode, and then taking the output into pshop and tweaking it.)

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rovviers wrote: What does that mean, “top down”?

That everything is viewed from above (much like my stairways to heaven filter, or about everything I do on my site), like this: