The shapes are there, but the proportions are off. The lines are stiff and unsure. It looks like there is a basic understanding that hasn’t been put to use. That’s how I would describe my current drawing skill.
I can’t play around with stick figures in the game forever; it needs art. I figure while I’m working on the game prototype I can get better at drawing. Games still need storyboards, character drawings, promo art, etc., so to solve this problem I decided to make a sketch or drawing everyday for a year(? Probably more.) I’ll be switching subjects between people and objects, organic and inorganic shapes, hatching and singles line techniques, whatever it takes to test different skills. Drawing time will take between 5-30 minutes and not limited to just pencil and paper.
Take a look at the self portrait mirror drawing for day 1. The eyes are drooping, there’s one bat ear, the nose took a left hook, the lips look like they’re holding in spittle. Unfortunately, I’m not nearly as angular and orcish looking in real life. There’s a lot of work to be done.
Maybe AI generated art could enhance my sketches in the future. Gasp! Yes, I’m ok with making a sketch and using AI to complete the image or color it in. AI is a tool that people will need to learn to use or it will be used against you. Imagine making a really cool drawing in 30 minutes, but you don’t have the time to add shading and coloring that could take hours, so you can plug yours into an AI to complete. Is there such a tool out there now and is it any good? I will be researching AI tools, but a solid drawing foundation can only help here.
Ideally, people get super excited about the game and it’s easy to bring at least one artist aboard who will do the game justice and I won’t have to do all the art myself. Maybe hiring an artist for contract work is a future option. However, without jinxing myself, it’s looking like another path I must tread alone.
– Ryan