The most recent step for art has been to create a system that randomizes the arrangement of my drawings.
Basically, instead of drawing a whole room, I draw a door, a table, a window, etc. Then, I write code to swap them around in different spots or different colors.
This way, the breweries will look a little different each time.
I expect to be done with this soon, and then will be back to drawing actual assets again.
I spent all last week drawing, and expect to be doing the same this week, and probably a few more after that
Originally I had sort of dreaded or been worried about this phase of development. In the past, I have done some of my games' art, but mostly I contracted out professional artists to do the work for me.
For various reasons, this time around, I decided I was doing to create the actual art assets myself.
The problem is, my art skills are not nearly developed as my programming or design skills.
I enjoy doing crafty or artistic types of hobbies in my free time, but that's very different compared to doing it for work. There is much more pressure with my work, because it has a direct impact on the potential success of my games.
So, at the suggestion of a professional artist I know, I purchased a Wacom Cintiq. It's one of those monitors that you can directly draw onto. So your eyes are able to look at the same spot you are drawing. This is something we totally take for granted when we pick up a pencil and start drawing on paper, and in the digital world it's not normally possible.
This Cintiq product absolutely changed my world. I can create so much easier and the results are better as well. It was a game changer for sure
I spent the last week working on actual art for my game. I locked in an art style. I created notes and a process to follow so that the assets all look cohesive.
And I am really happy with the outcome. I think it turned out far better then I had expected to be able to achieve on my own.
It was a nice boost of confidence that I can actually make this thing work. I spent my career developing code and design skills, but never art. I really was starting with the basics. So to have something that I think is shippable is a real win.
Audio is a whole different matter. I will be hiring a human to create the music and sound effects. There is a zero percent chance I will try to do that myself, lol
