When it comes to video games, art is arguably almost as important as functionality. Up until this point, I have been using 3D primitives to work out basic gameplay, but now it’s time to get the drawing board out!
When it comes to art, be it 2D or 3D, traditional or digital, there are some basic rules to follow for an effective workflow. I love detail as much as the next person…but jumping into details too soon can jeopardize the integrity of the piece. It’s recommended to start with simple large masses focusing on size, position, and proportion. Working on bulk areas first will provide a solid foundation for placing details on later.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Don’t be afraid to use references! All of the pros and even the former masters all use references. You can even make a mood board with all of your references, then grab a pencil and start drawing!
Just like in many books that teach kids how to draw, using basic shapes like an oval for the body and a circle for the head, can go a long way towards fleshing out your bulk areas. After about 5–10 minutes I have a cute little Narwhal concept ready for refinement. Behold, the player in my game!
