How exciting! Thank you Eriq for creating the newest behind the scenes feature
And thank you to everyone for your kind words regarding my work. I think creating art has two purposes for me; one, is I have the need to create. And two, I want to give to and bring joy to the viewer. Hearing your positive feedback makes me happy, because it allows me to believe I've met my goals in creating the artwork!
I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse, but I was born a Virgo. Virgo sun sign. Virgo moon sign. Virgo venus sign. Maybe even a Virgo rising sign--I never could figure that one out. But basically, I take a very typical Virgo approach when creating artwork for games. I am a workaholic and perfectionist, creating ridiculous amounts of artwork, and pixel editing the hell out of it, until it meets my standards. I was born on the Leo cusp, which fortunately allows me to be a bit creative, too.
What I've always wished, is that there were more hours in the day to create artwork. I've found that due to the massive quantities of artwork I've needed to create for the games, that I can't focus as much as I'd like to on any one picture. But, considering the sheer number of pieces I've had to create, I'm generally pleased with how it all turned out; although, I of course, always want everything to be better, better, better. Luckily, practice makes perfect, and I've found that the more games we work on, the more skills I develop and the better my work becomes. I'll always consider my talent a work in progress though!
As for backgrounds, thanks for posting the pictures and description of the process I used in "Al Emmo", Chris. I'd say the major problem for me, is when I realize I have to create literally HUNDREDS of backgrounds, I get so nervous at the monumental task, that I want to SPRINT to the finish line to decrease that anxiety. But in reality, the job is truly a marathon of sorts, and I need to pace myself to make it to the end. I sometimes will rush a picture just to finish it, and then afterwards, will not be satisfied with the results, and will go back again and again to perfect it.
With Al Emmo, I painted most background images by hand using acrylic paints. I would then scan that image into the computer, and add ample numbers of details in Photoshop using either a mouse, or later as I evolved, a digital pen tablet. Even after the image was resized, I would sometimes add fine details, trying to perfect the image--again, my Virgo nature! I always want everything to be better and better, and have a hard time calling any piece "finished".
After a while, I realized I could draw a pencil sketch, scan that into the computer, and just colorize the background entirely in Photoshop. I still find it neat though to have an actual acrylic painting in my hands--it makes the whole process seem more artistic and Sierra like:)
As for consistency, I found that to be an issue as well, and it just took tons of practice and messing up before I started developing a feel for how to make background images consistent. I guess it's like increasing stats in a Quest for Glory game. You just have to keep practicing before you become a pro! I remember in the early days, I made SO MANY MISTAKES, making background images that just weren't the right perspective or scale; after making enough timely mistakes, you start to learn your lesson
I guess that I've just been really fortunate to be able to work on so many projects that have required so much work from me. Without being part of the team, I wouldn't have felt obligated to fulfill my duties as an artist, and I wouldn't have forced myself to create such massive quantities of work. The work itself was really the best learning experience I could have ever hoped for, and the constructive criticism I got from teammates allowed me to go back, refine my work, and learn even more skills in the process.
Here's to a continued future of creating artwork, continually learning, and bringing at least a little bit of viewing pleasure and artistic enjoyment to the fans!
Thanks again, everybody
Britney, (aka Milan Easton/Anonymous Game Developer #1)
PS. As Stijn mentioned (thank you, Stijn!), I am going on a real life "Hero's Quest" starting in November. I'm going to be riding my bicycle across the wilds of Central America, and perhaps continue on through South America or even elsewhere in the world. I'll be meeting new people, sleeping under the stars, facing danger, practicing a new language, trying new foods and immersing myself in different cultures. I've got a journal online where you adventurers can enjoy the experience vicariously:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/HQ8
I've also got a website, which Stijn mentioned, where you can learn more:
http://www.herosquest2008.com
I've planned the adventure as a means of raising awareness and funds for a charity I support called the 100 Club. Basically, I'm raising money for the families of fallen police officers and fire fighters, as well as those who are seriously injured in the line of duty. If you're interested in donating to the cause, you can do so online here:
http://www.firstgiving.com/herosquest2008