Graphics package for the artistically challenged

[hog]

I had a good chat with wryd re graphics packages and thought I'd ask the forum for some wider feedback.

 

Back in '95 when I wrote my space invader game I used a dos based Neo application to draw the graphics. Being able to zoom in helped me to create a reasonable spaceship, nothing fancey tho:(

 

I hope to move into the realms of wryd's sharpinvader game and as such need a good 3D package and drawing package.

 

NOTE: I'm crap at drawing, so need something that will hold my hand along the learning road:)

 

Wryd said he used Bryce. I have read the views on Bryce 5.0 on amazon.co.uk which is very positive especially for the beginner! There is also a CD training package for it.

 

I have downloaded a number of freeware 3D and drawing packages from the web but although they seem feature rich they lack documentation aimed at a novice.

 

So my fellow dot netters........can you help me with your wealth of wisdom:)

[Nerseus]

If you want cheap and relatively easy, I'd suggest Milkshape or Anim8or. They might seem intimidating at first, but there are tons of tutorials online.

 

For pure 2D graphics, I prefer Paint Shop Pro. I picked up version 8 at Costco (a big store here in the US) for $40 after rebate (normally $120 through Jasc Software).

 

Learning any new application, especially anything complex enough to do 3D graphics, is going to take some time. I'd plan on spending a couple of days (if you have only two hours or so per day) just getting used to the interface of a new app before you try any serious work. This assumes you want to build something specific and not just tweak existing graphics.

 

-ner

[hog]

Thnx...I'll look these up. I have been reading up on PSP 8 funny enough and liked what I read:)

[wyrd]

Yeah I used Bryce for some of my graphics (the ships and startup screen mostly), but it's not very game friendly. It was a pain creating masks, etc, and in the end I did 10% work in Bryce and 90% work in Photoshop.

 

If you're going to a school of sorts, you can get Photoshop at an academic discount. I've found it worth it, but then again I was also a Computer Graphics major at one point. Photoshop has a huge learning curve, but once you do learn it, it's worth every dime.

 

For those without money, Nerseus has good suggestions.

 

I'd like to point out that 2D graphics are mostly done with regular paint/drawing programs, not 3D programs. I've spent some time on the sprite forums (I linked their site in one of the threads in my sig), and if memory serves me correctly, they all used Paint Shop Pro. It might be worth getting an opinion or two from there (as they're all hobbiests like yourself).

 

EDIT:

Here's that link; http://www.flashstand.com/forums/

[hog]

Thanks for your valued input chaps, this is what I have discovered to date:)

 

Anim8or is very good in deed and unbelievably FREE! The author of Anim8or, R. Steven Glanville, is one very helpful dude who has taken the time to reply to my emails to help solve some of the problems I was having, basically cos I'm thick:). There is also a 90 user manual as well as a plug in called Teranim8or that builds landscapes. I would thoroughly recomend this product to newbies and probably to experts to.

 

I have also downloaded an evalution copy of Paint Shop Pro 8 which I have found very good also, basically as it has in built video training which is great for those of us that want to get stuck in fast.

 

I like both thes products as they help you to get good results very quickly thus rewarding you and making you want to explore further into the products.

 

Again thanks guys, you have been really helpful:)