How difficult would it be to start spriting...

[Melancthon]

...if I know next to nothing about computers?  I'd really like to start contributing to this site, but I have hardly any technological know-how.  Would spriting even be a good place to start?  I'm a decent writer if anyone needs help with dialog.  I just want to be able to do something besides post in Spam and General.  Help me help you!

[philsov]

depends on your level of artistic eye and basic computer input.

The actual process isn't too hard -- there's plenty of copy/pasting that occurs, and then modifications usually on a pixel-by-pixel basis.  the kicker is a) making it look presentable and b)follow-through for all the different directions/stances.  

I myself am absolutely horrid when it comes to shading and depth; everything I do looks like a blocky cardboard cut out.

BUT!  If spriting doesn't tickle your fancy but general graphics does, then I could really use a hand on my patch.  Notably with the chapter names (which, btw, can be swapped with ShiShi

[MiKeMiTchi]

Hard question.

Hmm.. I think you could start downloading GraphicsGale, or use MS Paint.
First step, MASTER the commands and interface. (same as elements in art, this time element in graphic arts = program)

Next thing you wanna do is to practice, and be passionate.
Search some sites that will teach you the basics about SPRITES, spriting and PIXEL ART.
Then, find some various tutorials and try them out. After that if you become more interested, all will follow.

Finally, skill. To be an artist, you must study what art means. Which is hard.
It is not only what you see, but also what you feeel.

Hope that helps.

[Vanya]

I'd recommend also contributing with your writing skills while you learn to sprite.
We don't really have any dedicated writers on the site, so that would be helpful too.

[Raze]

Where would writers be wanted or needed, Vanya? Writing's one of my own strong suits as well and I wouldn't mind being able to contribute something to the site.

[Kokojo]

To thread Hijack, I really need help on COP story and script, especially the talking, so if you ever want to help, il be very glad and you could enter a pacth thats sure to be made,

Im pretty sure Valya is simply saying that there is no one here that can properly make a story - minus Lasting Dawn and perhaps Zozma, even if I admit never playing remix, so any storyteller/fixer/helper would be a great help.

[mav]

As far as writing skills go, some of the the custom-story patches (e.g. Call of Power, FFT Remix) have a topic for suggestions and comments, where you can just blatantly say that you'd be willing to help. Some of them even have "wanted" topics, which show what kind of help they need. If you're okay with taking an editing-type job, you will probably end up saving the other writer(s) some time on their hands while simultaneously easing your workload and getting an introduction into these projects.

As for starting to sprite, it's not as tough as it looks. I'd follow MiKe's suggestions if you know you wanna get really serious about it, but in the mean time you can just take a concept you have in your head and try to make it. Take arms, legs, hair, faces, etc. from existing sprites and post your work in the spriting forum. Once you get some criticism, just work on fixing what needs to be fixed. I know for a fact that many of our current spriters started out posting their own ideas, most of which looked pretty bad. After some time getting to know the basics, dealing with criticisms, and working with others, they became mainstays of the site. I stick to portraits, cause it's so much easier. Heheh.

[Smash]

Simple. If you can draw, you can sprite.

[jimmyjw88]

Ah, Smash. Another awesome mug ^^

[goldenshinywire]

Simple. If you can draw, you can sprite.

*Sigh* You really think it's that easy?? I can draw pretty well, but I've tried to sprite a few times and it didn't go well. Granted, they got better every time I did it, so maybe I just need practice...? Loli

[Smash]

Simple. If you can draw, you can sprite.

*Sigh* You really think it's that easy?? I can draw pretty well, but I've tried to sprite a few times and it didn't go well. Granted, they got better every time I did it, so maybe I just need practice...? Loli

Yep.


Like with everything else, practice.. And get used to Paint. In time, paper and Paint will feel like the same thing.

[goldenshinywire]

Question: Do you use a mouse when you work, or do you have a tablet? I think trying to sprite with a mouse would be really difficult (I've got a tablet).

[Smash]

I use.. the laptop pad.

Feels comfortable enough for me after years of use, because of not having anything else to draw. I've never tried a tablet though, I don't even know how the things work.

[goldenshinywire]

It's similar to drawing with pen and paper, but it's got a learning curve like a motherfucker XD. That's amazing, that you can sprite and do portraits pretty much free-handed. I'm so jealous ^^

[jimmyjw88]

Well, I use mouse though. ^^

[goldenshinywire]

Wow... I can't use a mouse for anything besides the usual point-n-click... *is uber jealous*

Oh, P.S. I like your new icon!!

[Jon]

No one uses Photoshop? I use the CS2 one I got for all my spriting needs, works like magic haha. Give it a try if you can, it certainly beats Paint...

[goldenshinywire]

Ugh, I've never been able to understand how Photoshop works >_> Props to those who can. I downloaded GraphicsGale, it seems to be quite useful for swapping colors pixel by pixel.