Artists FAQ, and quick start guide (Updated 22/08/05)
Posted: 21 Dec 2004 04:20
Ok guys here is a list of things that you will find helpfull if wishing to contribute to the creation of new graphics. links to tutorials, links to downloads, and links to places that you can get help from.
Because we are creating the graphics in Blender which is an Open Source 3d package. i have written this post around the assumption that you will be using it also (although other software is not discouraged).
However if you already use another software package then you can feel free to continue to use that.
the downfall of using 3d for much of it is there is a higher "learning curve" than using a pixel painting program. but it is not unachievable, and 3d skills are usefull in every day situations.
-------step one: Learning to model--------
you will need to learn how to model in 3d, (texturing is not such a deal as, You, I, or Others can deal with that after somthing is modeled)
blender is available from:
http://blender3d.org/cms/Blender.31.0.html
and is 100% free, and open source. it is what i used to create all graphcis so-far.
http://blender3d.org/cms/Video_Tutorials.396.0.html
regular tutorials are here
http://blender3d.org/cms/Tutorials.243.0.html
those will certainly help you with some things. but sometimes you have a specific question. the answers can be found from
IRC: (freenode) #blenderchat or #blender
Forums: http://www.elysiun.com
Blender homepage (full of links) http://www.blender3d.org
-----Step two: Applying this to OTTD------
if its specifially about OTTD graphics (i.e. i have modelled somthing how do i make it a sprite)
the forums: here
Me on MSN: your_mums_hot hotmail.com (say that your from OTTD when you talk to me at first, i have had crazy psychos add me recently LOL so if i know you're from OTTD then i am cool with it)
The files and tutorials specific to OTTD are available at the wiki
http://wiki.openttd.org/index.php/GFXDev:Main_Page
As people add to the pool of 3d objects created for OTTD (like trees, roads...) then the future graphics additions will be easy to make. don't hesitate to contact me for more help, and don't feel that you need to be an expert in 2 days, 4 weeks or even 2 months. you will get there, and will be able to produce fantastic objects for OTTD and help create a new graphics engine.
thanks for listening people. and good luck with yout additions to this awsome game.
p.s. this thread is not really a discussion topic. but somthing i'd like to keep clean. if you want to ask any questions then please do-so in the other thread, this one will the be updated with the answers to some of the FAQ. thanks again.
Alltaken
Because we are creating the graphics in Blender which is an Open Source 3d package. i have written this post around the assumption that you will be using it also (although other software is not discouraged).
However if you already use another software package then you can feel free to continue to use that.
the downfall of using 3d for much of it is there is a higher "learning curve" than using a pixel painting program. but it is not unachievable, and 3d skills are usefull in every day situations.
-------step one: Learning to model--------
you will need to learn how to model in 3d, (texturing is not such a deal as, You, I, or Others can deal with that after somthing is modeled)
blender is available from:
http://blender3d.org/cms/Blender.31.0.html
and is 100% free, and open source. it is what i used to create all graphcis so-far.
video tutorials are here.-quick personal tutorial from Alltaken.
1)Ignore anything on the screen you don't understand. its not important. however if you want to learn really fast then F with everything you don't understand and you will eventually work out what it does
2)Moving around in 3d space is done with your MMB (middle mouse button) hold it down and drag it around your 3d screen. how easy was that.
then add the Shift key to the MMB to drag yourself sideways and up/down on the screen.
3) selecting an object can be done by Right Clicking on it. it will then go pink in colour.
4) there are two main modes in Blender, one is called the "object mode" the other is called "edit mode" object mode lets you select objects, edit mode lets you select point (vertex's) on an object. select an object and change between these modes with the Tab key.
that is enough info for you to get into Blender and start to make some mess. you will learn other things as you get to them, and telling you everything (which i almost could do) would confuse you
http://blender3d.org/cms/Video_Tutorials.396.0.html
regular tutorials are here
http://blender3d.org/cms/Tutorials.243.0.html
those will certainly help you with some things. but sometimes you have a specific question. the answers can be found from
IRC: (freenode) #blenderchat or #blender
Forums: http://www.elysiun.com
Blender homepage (full of links) http://www.blender3d.org
-----Step two: Applying this to OTTD------
if its specifially about OTTD graphics (i.e. i have modelled somthing how do i make it a sprite)
the forums: here
Me on MSN: your_mums_hot hotmail.com (say that your from OTTD when you talk to me at first, i have had crazy psychos add me recently LOL so if i know you're from OTTD then i am cool with it)
The files and tutorials specific to OTTD are available at the wiki
http://wiki.openttd.org/index.php/GFXDev:Main_Page
As people add to the pool of 3d objects created for OTTD (like trees, roads...) then the future graphics additions will be easy to make. don't hesitate to contact me for more help, and don't feel that you need to be an expert in 2 days, 4 weeks or even 2 months. you will get there, and will be able to produce fantastic objects for OTTD and help create a new graphics engine.
thanks for listening people. and good luck with yout additions to this awsome game.
p.s. this thread is not really a discussion topic. but somthing i'd like to keep clean. if you want to ask any questions then please do-so in the other thread, this one will the be updated with the answers to some of the FAQ. thanks again.
Alltaken