How good of an artist do you have to be?

[Simon D. Aelsi]

I hope I'm putting this in the right forum....

Anyway, I'm trying to do as many things custom-madeby me as possible.... and that includes art.  Now, I'm not the world's greatest artist--actually, I'm just starting out... D: 

But I've seen what some of you can do, and frankly, it scares me. Bad! I think "That's what I'm up against?!" Holy junk!

Aaaanyway, just how good do you have to be? Just so people won't point and laugh at my work or... say... refuse to play my game(s) JUST because the art isn't up to their par.

I know of the rules of "You can't please everyone" and "No matter what you make or do, SOMEONE'S bound to complain".

I also know that shiny graphics alone won't make for a great game, but... they help, amirite?

Perhaps I'm being paranoid... I don't know.

Would someone be so kind as to shed some light on this for me?

 

[??????]

Graphics always help things look good.

I myself am TERRIBLE with pixel art (or any graphical art really) however, I have found that as long as things look 'clean' then it is pleasing to the eye.

rough edges etc are things that annoy me, but im sure there are others where things like 'slight discoloring of the characters left shoe' could be annoying...

 

[OM3GA-Z3RO]

We aren't horrible people so we wouldn't laugh at your art skills if you decide to present them, we would love to give you advise if you ever want to receive them so don't stress when you look at other peoples pro skills, everyone starts off bad at first but more practice brings out more of your potential.

I am not fond of things that look like they were drawn on a piece of paper and then scanned (Seen one or two bust portraits like this) but other than that I am okay with any style.

Good luck on your art

 

[Bonkers]

Have confidence.  I'm not much of an artist myself, but people love custom graphics.  So much so that when they see a new style or a new portrait it catches their eye.  If you are willing to spend the time on something people will definitely take notice.  The community isn't expecting perfection, but it definitely wants non standard resources.  Just be willing to chance criticism for what you produce, and be willing to refine it.

I've seen my share of artwork, and so far no one has pointed and laughed.  At least not directly.  Mods frown upon it.

 

[Milennin]

You shouldn't have to worry, custom artwork is always appreciated. I prefer seeing custom artwork for facesets and titlescreens over the standard RTP, well unless all you can draw are stickmen (lol).

 

[AsceticMonk2035]

Hey man sup? Now and days art is always being viewed with "comparison" which is good and which is bad. Art being viewed from it's true perspective is dying out now and days.

Along time ago, art used to be viewed with "interpretation" were the viewer found value in people's artwork. That's were all the money used to come in. You're always gonna have those people who love to make comparsions and then make criticism. Then there are your artists "the professionals" as they call themselves. They will let you know if your lighting, glow, shadows, and color will fit right in your work.

So you gotta be prepared for the criticism because it's gonna be needed to make improvements. Don't worry, here at the forums the Administrators and the Moderators will take care of the trolls who give "destructive criticism." Always remember "don't feed the trolls."

 

[Simon D. Aelsi]

You shouldn't have to worry, custom artwork is always appreciated. I prefer seeing custom artwork for facesets and titlescreens over the standard RTP, well unless all you can draw are stickmen (lol).

I can do more than stickmen, but seeing all the support already gives me confidence!

 

[supercow]

1.first you gotta love what you do (art/drawing).

2. start drawing small to gain experience then you can challange the more difficult one.

3.custom work is great but not a must, you can use rtp or resources thats available if you find difficulty at some part.

4. no i wont laugh at your work , just as i hope you or anyone wont laugh at my work \

5. [how good do you have to be?] just as good as you love doing it, what matter is you love doing it.

6. prepare to accept criticism when you put forth your art , other people might be able to see which part need fix that you missed. its not final , but you can get what other people think, and usually its constructive.

good luck BD

 

[Sharm]

I think originality and consistency are more important than quality.  I've seen games where the art really was stick figures drawn on lined paper and it was awesome.  If your art is consistent through the game and if your game's story matches the art style then you'll do great.  If you want to do even better, we're a helpful bunch, we can help with critique and tutorials and get you headed in the right direction.

 

[Kes]

There is also more than one road to the destination.  You could start off frankenspriting.  That will start to give you an idea of how different elements combine, and having to do the necessary touching up starts teaching you how the palette works.  Similarly with editing; all those small alterations that do or do not work - a great way of learning and then moving on to the heavy edits that so change the resource that sometimes people wonder if it's an edit at all.  It means that your resources start looking more custom-like from the get go.

 

[Mr. Detective]

Here is one thing I'll have to disagree: Regardless of how much time and effort you spent of your custom graphics, I would still judge it with a standard.

Don't create your own graphics just for the sake of having something custom, if you don't have a clue what you're doing. I have seen a few games with so-called custom graphics, which look completely rubbish, but because they are "custom", I am not allowed to say that they suck. I understand that someone who just started will need feedback and constructive criticism, but you should also know that other people will dislike your work.

Good luck.

 

[Simon D. Aelsi]

Here is one thing I'll have to disagree: Regardless of how much time and effort you spent of your custom graphics, I would still judge it with a standard.

Don't create your own graphics just for the sake of having something custom, if you don't have a clue what you're doing. I have seen a few games with so-called custom graphics, which look completely rubbish, but because they are "custom", I am not allowed to say that they suck. I understand that someone who just started will need feedback and constructive criticism, but you should also know that other people will dislike your work.

Good luck.

I understand.  Obviously I wouldn't be at the same calliber of.... say... <insert your personal favorite RPGM Game here> but I'll do my best, and in THAT I'll have no regrets.

 

[AsceticMonk2035]

Please as a fellow artist, I DO encourage you to draw your own "original custom" graphics straight from scratch. Having to use Enterbrain's rtp's is Copyright Infringment no matter how you look at it without their permission, and using other people's art is infringing in some sort of manner depending on their consent even if they don't have anykind of Copyrights. As a recommendation, I would highly avoid editing someone else's work if you're going to sell your game. 

If it's just for hobby to have fun with and to show off for critique then go for it! No harm done.

 

[Diretooth]

Regarding doing art stuff, I suggest giving this a read: http://www.yarrninja.com/pixeltutorial/

After that, take a very close look at some of the basic tiles in the set.

Basically, do what you feel is best and go with it.

 

[Kes]

Having to use Enterbrain's rtp's is Copyright Infringment no matter how you look at it without their permission, 

This is completely wrong.  By buying Ace you have also bought full rights to use the RTP, including the right to edit it how you like.  It is not copyright infringement in any shape, manner or form.  You can use the RTP, including your edits, in both commercial and non-commercial games.

 

[Sharm]

AsceticMonk34, you should read the EULA a little more closely.  Anyone who owns the software has rights to use the RTP even in commercial games.  Edits are allowed and can be distributed as long as the edits also follow the EULA.

 

[AsceticMonk2035]

This is completely wrong.  By buying Ace you have also bought full rights to use the RTP, including the right to edit it how you like.  It is not copyright infringement in any shape, manner or form.  You can use the RTP, including your edits, in both commercial and non-commercial games.

That's not what I meant. You're right about the license part BUT what I meant is if you are selling them alone as in claiming them as yours.

Here's a sales support ticket the last time I spoke to them. Sorry about the copy and paste here. This is from a few years ago. I always keep record of things to be helpful.

[#6752] 20110318 : RPG Sales Support - License limitations/extensions‏       3/29/11

Dear Adrian Cunningham, Thank you for contacting RPG Maker Sales Support.Please accept our apology for the delay. You can edit graphic materials with Photoshop or other graphic editor to customize images, as long as edited artwork is used with RPG Maker XP, VX, and/or IG Maker. Please note that you are not allowed to distribute (or sell) edited graphic materials alone or use them with other game creation software. If any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. Best Regards, RPG MAKER Sales Supporthttp://www.rpgmakerweb.comsupport@rpgmakerweb.com RE: [#6752] 20110318 : RPG Sales Support - License limitations/extensions‏

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3/29/11

Question 1: So if I draw my own graphics, I can sell my own game?

Question 2: When you said I am not allowed to sell my game with "edited graphic material alone." How do I go about attaining permission from your company to sell

"edited graphic material alone?" Do I just simply ask permission with a form to fill out or do I get Copyright Permission by paying you? If I pay, how much does the Permission cost?

Thank you, Adrian Cunningham

RE: [#6752] 20110318 : RPG Sales Support - License limitations/extensions‏

3/29/11

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Dear Adrian Cunningham,

Thank you for contacting RPG Maker Sales Support.

 Please accept our apology for the delay.

You can edit graphic materials with Photoshop or other graphic editor to customize images, as long as edited artwork is used with RPG Maker XP, VX, and/or IG Maker. Please note that you are not allowed to distribute (or sell) edited graphic materials alone or use them with other game creation software.

Best Regards,

 RPG MAKER Sales Support

 http://www.rpgmakerweb.com

 support@rpgmakerweb.com

Yes I've noticed there's a bit of repeat in their response but I was asking in detail to avoid running into trouble.

I have 20 more conversations if you all would like for me to provide?

 

[Blindga]

I learned art for the sole purpose of game creation and have since fallen in love with it. At the very least, I can say it has been a rewarding adventure, and it definitely adds that special touch to see something hand made come to life.

Take that for what you will I suppose.

 

[Archeia]

Please as a fellow artist, I DO encourage you to draw your own "original custom" graphics straight from scratch. Having to use Enterbrain's rtp's is Copyright Infringment no matter how you look at it without their permission, and using other people's art is infringing in some sort of manner depending on their consent even if they don't have anykind of Copyrights. As a recommendation, I would highly avoid editing someone else's work if you're going to sell your game. 

If it's just for hobby to have fun with and to show off for critique then go for it! No harm done.

You can edit graphic materials with Photoshop or other graphic editor to customize images, as long as edited artwork is used with RPG Maker XP, VX, and/or IG Maker. Please note that you are not allowed to distribute (or sell) edited graphic materials alone or use them with other game creation software.

As long as you credit Enterbrain for using the RTP as a base (and if you read the README/EULAs in the store packs or the public resources provided). You're free to use it as you wish as long as it's in RPG Maker, unless you bought a non-RM license. It's not copyright infringement if they give you the RIGHT to edit the artwork for your RM games.

You can't sell the art as is or use it in another game engine e.g. Unity. But if you sold it with RPG Maker as a game, then yes, you're free to do so.

Unless you can highly mimic the RTP without using it as a base, then you can sell them as a graphics pack alone in the web store.

 

[SLEEP]

even what's conventionally considered "bad" artwork can have an aesthetic worth appriciating and using. of course, harnessing an aesthetic is a skill in itself, one which you might not have. The RTP also has meanings and assosiations, the two most common are; when used badly it evokes lots of noob games, when used well it evokes retro jRPG look as it's meant too. Similar to original graphics iguess, I mean when badly used original graphics also evoke uber noobers, but when used well they can be used to evoke most anything you want!