Am I good enough to be paid?

[Cluly]

I keep toying with the idea of offering up my services as a parallax mapper/environment artist. However, I'm a brutal critic with my own work and could use some feedback. I'd like to map or work fully with a mature team (I'm 32.) on a project with commercial intent. Is this viable considering the following? thanks for any feedback.

- I have 205 hours down in RPG Maker VX Ace

- I understand all aspects of the development process and the workings of scripts (However I'm no scripter, I can muddle my way through if needed however.)

- My deviantart page it : http://cluly.deviantart.com/

- I'm a terrible Character artist.

- A mapping example:

 

[Espon]

You definitely have talent.  I really like the art on your DeviantArt, and the mapping is pretty good too.

 

[EternalShadow]

If this isn't good enough, I don't know what is.

 

[Ms Littlefish]

I think your mapping here is fantastic that you could get customers. But, I think for my own curiosity and for the success of a classified ad, it would be fantastic to see some more examples that show how you would make towns and large interiors and other tile sets as well, especially the Default RTP as many people use it.

 

[Susan]

I agree. Your artwork and mapping skills are great.

 

[Cluly]

Thanks guys! Really appreciate the feedback, it'll keep me motivated. I think that's a great idea Ms Littlefish.

 

[Zurea]

I will say this as an artist to a fellow artist. We are our own, worst critic, the project to us will never be 'good enough', we will always see the flaws and what we could have done differently. I'm exactly the same way, every artist is regardless of the art; be it written, drawn, or musical. Ask any artist what they think of their own work and you'll be hard pressed to find another answer. This said and in mind, It is excellent work, remember to NEVER critic yourself, You'll always think the best is rubbish and the rubbish is talent-less, always ask others, strangers give the most honest opinion.

 

[Andar]

The small maps you provided here are very good and I don't see any problems if you offer your services based on them.


It might be helpfull if you can provide examples of other map types however, for example exterior maps or woods or such things

 

[nio kasgami]

like other people said...this value a good look! for sure your map are awesome and you make me feel to hire you xD just don't have the money for the moment >> 

but like other said! 

furnish more example will help people to know your ability and make them more disposable to hire you! 

cheer man this really awesome work you got here!

 

[Cluly]

Thanks Andar! Concepting up some more varied map types now. I think I avoided done them because they felt a bit clique, but I see a need for it now.

 

[Andar]

I hinted about more and varied examples because the examples above are good, but to get hired for a game you need to proof that you can do all types of maps.


And two things are not displayed by the current examples:


1) the ability to do larger maps


2) the ability to do non-geometric maps


Both types of maps are needed if you want to be hired for an entire game, and all maps in a game should be in the same style.

 

[Adellie]

Yes.

Spoiler

Cluly, your rtp styled interiors are above average. I definitely see people wanting you to create maps for them. (I'd have confidence in your ability to make a wide range of maps even without more samples, judging by your dA gallery. That's just me though.)

    Do your samples scream "Hire me!"? No. I'm stingy and incredibly picky.

    Are you "good enough" to be paid? Yes. Don't sell yourself short.

Pessimistic considerations: I suspect that even with experienced mappers, it might take a while to find a customer. How many people frequent these forums and check the classifieds section? Also, I feel like mapping is one of those things that everyone wants to try when they first start using rpgmaker. When people realize certain artists can map better than them, are they willing to fork out the money? And is their vision complete, will the game even get finished, let alone get sold? These are just thoughts that have crossed my mind... not that i have any experience.

    I'd encourage you to offer your services. There's really no harm in letting people know you're available, and if someone just happens to be looking for a mapper, awesome!

 

[monkeyintartan]

Maps need to be functional, Look good, and keep a player interested. You maps look great and are functional but the examples are only small maps that a  player would spend little time in.

I think an example of a larger map or smaller maps that translate to a larger overall region, that don't just show that you can put a map together beautifully, but also your actual skills in mapping out a playable, functional and explorable area would really highlight your abilities and show that you are indeed hireable.

 

[Shaz]

Can't add anything to what's already been said. Good maps. Need bigger variety of examples.


It is SO nice to see someone use carpets correctly. The number of people (including some people offering commissions) who overlook the carpet edges and have the borders going around corners is depressing.


Are you ONLY interested in parallax mapping? If you can map well in the editor too, there'd be more people interested in hiring you.

 

[Cluly]

@Shaz Yes, I can map too, I tend to use the editor as a concept/sketching area then flesh out the map in parallax after some play testing. Rarely does the the original map remain afterwards, just the basic layout.

Hehe, yeah I know what you mean about the carpets

 

[Kes]

I think it is crucial that you have examples of maps made in the editor.  A lot of people are chary about using only parallax maps because of the huge increase in file size that they cause.  Even a short game can become a massive download because of it.  It would also mean that if there is someone who thinks they can handle one sort of map, but are simply no good at another sort of terrain, (or doesn't have the funds to have all maps done) they can consider using your services because there won't be such a clash of styles.

 

[Cluly]

Working stricktly RTP only is a fun challenge! Here's something more Organic then, 28 x 23 and about an hour to complete.

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

Never had I thought of putting holes on the tree walls. I'd say the map looks nice too, I still prefer your parallaxed maps though.


I just find it rare to see stone paths in forests.

 

[Bob el Magician]

Nice mapping skills, i have nothing to add to the other comments. Parallax most of the times looks nicer than just editor, but both are beautiful. Keep practicing and improving. Wish you good luck.

 

[Zurea]

Working stricktly RTP only is a fun challenge! Here's something more Organic then, 28 x 23 and about an hour to complete.

I'm fairly rarely impressed by outdoor scenes, I look for lots of small details in them such as weird things often overlooked like a possible history/background, and realism. That said I like the holes in the tree line, it adds a bit more realism in my opinion. The stone path and the roof makes it feel like it used to be a village at one point. And that column between that main path and the hole showing the 'roof' makes it seem as some form of temple was there, this adds something a lot of people leave out from what I'm seen in past RPGs and that's History. Sure NPCs can talk about a past to fill in the blanks and flesh it out, but to show an environment has a probably history that doesn't look thrown together or rush does take quite a lot of work, adding in NPCs to add or shape that history is what gives the game life and character to the world. Just how you have the holes laid out gives me some inspiration to test around with later, I'd love to see how you map a village, large city, or world map, would be very interesting. I have to say in short, this is what I expect when I look at a forest in a game with what we're limited to in RPG Maker VX Ace. I'll have to step up my own mapping abilities to be satisfied with my own project.

To add to how this seems more realistic. I can tell thought went into detail, forests have lots of open area's through the trees, even in very dense forests (take a walk in the woods and look up, you'll see what I mean.) I'd critic that the path does look too maintained, though this can be played a few ways, such as it's a logging road, still widely traveled or is like part of a pilgrimage; if not I'd recommend something like a fallen tree or the suggestion that it's happened (darkening grass/dirt is a good way to show where a tree rotted away.) The map is a larger size, you've made excellent use of this space and the lighting takes and works well to show how open to the sky the path is in relation. If I could afford it I'd hire you for my project, I'd be interested to see how you handle other maps as I've said, but maybe at a later date.