Fisrt, I create a 200 x 290px picture in gimp, then add a guide at the middle (50%).
I've made the basic shape using rectangle and oval tools and also another selecting tool, the lasso, for more complexe sharp shapes. The process is to create the selection then fill it with color.
I used a path to create the front shape as it has curves, and turned it into a selection to fill it. Paths are a little difficult to deal with for a beginner, but it's worth trying.
Each time, I make basic shapes that I add or substract.
To cut a circular shape on a rectangle, select and fill the rectangle first, then make an oval selection on one edge, move it and resize it and use the suppr key to remove it (for example the back of the space-ship).
I show on the right below how to make an oval and suppress parts of it with rectangular selections. I did that on a new layer. Then, I move this part on my drawing with the moving tool. That's how the left part of wings is made here.
On the front, I used the rectangle then the oval shape to cut the shape (that was made with the paths tool, then turned into a selection, then filled with color).
I made all the parts on differents layers so I'm able to move them or cut them if needed. Of course, you can paint all the shapes in grey !
When I have finished, I save my xcf file. It allows me to keep all the layers.
To get the final image and be able to use it for the rest of the tutorial, you can export it as a png or a jpg file. png can keep transparency while jpg cannot.
When you mirror your drawing, the proportions may be wrong as beneath left. Undo the mirror opération. Select the part that is too large, cut it and paste it as a new layer. Move it a bit torwards the right side with the moving tool. Cut what is beneath the center line. If necessary, make the space-ship longer by moving the back of the ship torwards the bottom of the picture (select the good layer). Add a rectangle to fill the blank space. Mirror again.
Now I must try to make the same as Skorpio for shadows, hard work I think ! The easier seems to prepare the aerograph to the right size and pressure then choose the right grey. Instead of drawing directly with this tool, I make a path with the paths tool and, instead of turning it to a selection, draw it (with the aerograph). Guides help me to draw a straight line when needed.
For soft shadows, the aerograph must be very light, with not too much pressure. If the shadows are made on a new layer, you can correct them easily. Dont'forget to suppress what is outside the space-ship. A mask may help you but it's rather difficult to use it when you're a beginner.
I like them and put them on Blog Oursement Vôtre . Kit, Wilber and Gnu are my favorites as they are very cute and dynamic. Pacman and Droid are a bit stiffer but I suppose you did it on purpose !
Except the lack of the helmet and the length of the "skirt", the shape of the armour is exactly based on a photo of a real armour found on internet.
The sword and boldness are total fancy.
Of course the decorations do not match the historical style but they are in the spirit wanted by my husband for his character in the role game Anima. He saw my first attempts and wanted more "fire" decorations. It's not fire at all in the picture I choose as a base but lights and metal ! It actually gives a chinese style, you're right and I'm happy because I love chinese culture.
I precise I didn't see any pictures of the game when I draw this character as my goal was to practice my drawing skills, but not by imitating another drawing.
I follow your job to learn from your experience. At this time, I try to animate a girl called Lila, using a video of my niece for reference. But I prefer use inkscape to make that because I'm not very patient with pixel art.
You did give a good style to Ultimate Smash Friends'characters, I hope you'll keep making a few characters for it, or may be give us ideas to develop.
It would be quite useful if you publish tutorials for pixel art and animations. Have you already done that ?
As I'm a non player, I do not need a platform for fangames (except for a bit of inspiration may be), but one of my 17th year old niece write fanfiction about Sonic, she's mad about this game, so I think young people will love this idea.
Is there already an open game to use these space ships in ? How is it called ?
I would like to use the tutorial with teenagers at my job, so they draw them and then they play with their spaceships.
Hello everybody,
Very nice tutorial !
Here is mine for beginners:
Fisrt, I create a 200 x 290px picture in gimp, then add a guide at the middle (50%).
I've made the basic shape using rectangle and oval tools and also another selecting tool, the lasso, for more complexe sharp shapes. The process is to create the selection then fill it with color.
I used a path to create the front shape as it has curves, and turned it into a selection to fill it. Paths are a little difficult to deal with for a beginner, but it's worth trying.
Each time, I make basic shapes that I add or substract.
To cut a circular shape on a rectangle, select and fill the rectangle first, then make an oval selection on one edge, move it and resize it and use the suppr key to remove it (for example the back of the space-ship).
I show on the right below how to make an oval and suppress parts of it with rectangular selections. I did that on a new layer. Then, I move this part on my drawing with the moving tool. That's how the left part of wings is made here.
On the front, I used the rectangle then the oval shape to cut the shape (that was made with the paths tool, then turned into a selection, then filled with color).
I made all the parts on differents layers so I'm able to move them or cut them if needed. Of course, you can paint all the shapes in grey !
When I have finished, I save my xcf file. It allows me to keep all the layers.
To get the final image and be able to use it for the rest of the tutorial, you can export it as a png or a jpg file. png can keep transparency while jpg cannot.
When you mirror your drawing, the proportions may be wrong as beneath left. Undo the mirror opération. Select the part that is too large, cut it and paste it as a new layer. Move it a bit torwards the right side with the moving tool. Cut what is beneath the center line. If necessary, make the space-ship longer by moving the back of the ship torwards the bottom of the picture (select the good layer). Add a rectangle to fill the blank space. Mirror again.
Now I must try to make the same as Skorpio for shadows, hard work I think ! The easier seems to prepare the aerograph to the right size and pressure then choose the right grey. Instead of drawing directly with this tool, I make a path with the paths tool and, instead of turning it to a selection, draw it (with the aerograph). Guides help me to draw a straight line when needed.
For soft shadows, the aerograph must be very light, with not too much pressure. If the shadows are made on a new layer, you can correct them easily. Dont'forget to suppress what is outside the space-ship. A mask may help you but it's rather difficult to use it when you're a beginner.
Your videos are very funny, and may be useful too. I'm happy you used Sorlo for them. Thanks for writing to me.
I'm not musicians but I have many friends that are. I'll give them the link.
I like them and put them on Blog Oursement Vôtre . Kit, Wilber and Gnu are my favorites as they are very cute and dynamic. Pacman and Droid are a bit stiffer but I suppose you did it on purpose !
Very interesting, drawings are very good !
Except the lack of the helmet and the length of the "skirt", the shape of the armour is exactly based on a photo of a real armour found on internet.
The sword and boldness are total fancy.
Of course the decorations do not match the historical style but they are in the spirit wanted by my husband for his character in the role game Anima. He saw my first attempts and wanted more "fire" decorations. It's not fire at all in the picture I choose as a base but lights and metal ! It actually gives a chinese style, you're right and I'm happy because I love chinese culture.
I precise I didn't see any pictures of the game when I draw this character as my goal was to practice my drawing skills, but not by imitating another drawing.
I like the new proportions and the scarf too !
I follow your job to learn from your experience. At this time, I try to animate a girl called Lila, using a video of my niece for reference. But I prefer use inkscape to make that because I'm not very patient with pixel art.
You did give a good style to Ultimate Smash Friends'characters, I hope you'll keep making a few characters for it, or may be give us ideas to develop.
It would be quite useful if you publish tutorials for pixel art and animations. Have you already done that ?
As I'm a non player, I do not need a platform for fangames (except for a bit of inspiration may be), but one of my 17th year old niece write fanfiction about Sonic, she's mad about this game, so I think young people will love this idea.
I like your style very much. Do you wish to use this style in a game or is it just for inspiration ?
Thank you very much for your explanations. I hope to improve myself in animating characters thanks to your example and help !
Would you be kind enough to explain how you work ? Do you use sketches on paper ? Which software ? Do you use layers ?
I try to improve myself in pixel art so any help would be welcome.
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