How to Make 2D Game Art?
The term “2D game art” might be taken lightly by anyone because it sounds alarmingly simple. But it’s not as easy as it seems to create two-dimensional game art. To be sure, it’s more time efficient and money efficient than 3D art. Because Flappy Bird, regarded as a sleeper hit, cost a mere $300 whereas Candy Crush consumed $100K. But these efficiency factors can’t be seen as limitations to dream big or 2D games being unappealing or less attractive to players. In fact, many studios with art and design services find making 2D game art challenging. High-end development tools which are high-end, specific talents, and a skilled team are all necessary to make a 2D title memorable.
What is 2D Game Art?
For creating characters, objects, and environments, this video game art style simply utilizes two dimensions: length and width. Some of the best-known examples of 2D art, such as The Super Sonic or Badland, are still popular choices when designing a game’s visuals. It is not as time-consuming or complicated as 3D game art. You may take an idea for a character or a planet and turn it into a tangible game component by sketching it out on paper. Because it doesn’t focus on graphics, users aren’t distracted by the scenery or character appearances and also can focus on the gameplay.
Styles and Variations Utilized to Create Games in 2D
Your 2D game can be developed in several different ways. There are many different kinds of art. But you may mix and match them to create something entirely new.
The 2D game art tutorial covers a wide range of 2D game art styles that you may use in your work.
1. DOODLE
Doodles are sketches created for pure fun drawn even while being distracted by a conversation on the phone or jotting down lecture notes. Doodle-style 2D game art has many advantages. This includes the fact that you can rapidly create a few attractive drawings and then easily transform them into digital assets.
For idlers and mobile arcade games, doodle art is a typical style choice. Doodle Jump is a great example of this kind of art.
2. MONOCHROME
This is one of the most endearing and enigmatic two-dimensional game art types. It is based on a limited color palette, usually consisting of just two or three primary hues. To create the perfect atmosphere for a wide range of genres, black is the most popular hue. Limbo, for example, features monochromatic game imagery.
3. PIXELS
All the world’s characters, objects, and scenery are made up of pixels. They are small digital squares that form the overall picture when joined together correctly. It’s easy to make pixel art. You only need a pixel grid and software for art development. In addition to making the characters look like they’re made out of cartoons, you can also build more complicated structures within your game. 2D pixel graphics are used frequently in quests, puzzles, and fighting games. Think about Pac-Man or The Sandbox as examples.
4. FLAT ART
This type of game art produces a sense of depth using several layers and various objects. Make an adventure or horror game or a platformer with this template.
You can utilize multiple hues as per your requirements and can overlay these layers as much as you like. Because it adds depth & attention to the outer environment, it is more complex than monochromatic painting. As a result, players become more immersed and engaged.
How to make 2D Game Art: Best 2D Art software
In light of the various artistic styles surrounding 2D games you’ve learned about, you might be confused as to where to begin. Many design & concept art programs are available. Let’s take a look at the best of the best right now.
1. GRAVIT MAKER
You can use this if you want to gather as much info as possible in your own artwork. Not only that, in addition, you can use it on any of these platforms: Windows, Mac OS X (including Yosemite), Linux (including Debian), and ChromeOS.
It lets you apply mixing effects to your artwork by allowing you to add gradients, layers, textures and borders. It’s possible to work with RGB, HSB, or SMYK using this program, so you can make any alterations or effects you like. Flat graphics or monochrome games with dimension and flair can be created using this tool.
2. KRITA
This free software aids in the creation of stunning two-dimensional artwork. You’ll be able to create as many unique characters, settings, and items as you’d like using the large choice of brushes, textures, and enhancements available here.
In a short while one gets accustomed to the user interface since it’s simple and easy to understand. Moreover, with the addition of vector tools, brush adjusters, and even sketching assistance, your art is guaranteed to catch the eye of potential players. Use it on Windows Linux, or Mac without charge.
3. VECTR
Vectr, a free tool for creating 2D game art, has a slew of unique capabilities that aren’t available anywhere else. For Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and ChromeOS, it’s a basic yet powerful design service.
It’s a two-dimensional artist’s dream come true. Pathfinders, gradients and aligned pieces are just some of the capabilities available in this application. Shapes, corners, & colors can all be altered with Vectr. It’s also great for creating vector art, as the name suggests. You may effortlessly export your work to any system or device that supports one of the many supported formats.
Step-by-Step Instructions on Making Art for Games in 2D
What is the origin of 2D game art? What are the initial steps you take while developing your ideas and characters? In this section, you’ll learn more about the entire process of creating 2D art, right from the conception of an idea through its public release.
1. Plan your Game Style
At this point, you have complete control over your players’ appearance and the game’s setting. When it comes to horror games, flat or monochrome art may be the greatest choice. If you wish to create a puzzle game, you can use cutouts or doodle art. A quest or a fighter can do well with pixel art.
2. Concept Art Development
You can let your creativity run wild when creating 2D game art. The game’s final version will look very different from the concept art. Here, you experiment with various methods and styles to find the greatest possible strategy for your upcoming hit.
3. Character Creation
You’ll be able to work on your game’s most important characters here. Now that you have an idea of what they would look like, describe their looks, clothing, and personality in greater depth. This applies to humans, animals, automatons, and any other creatures you may wish to include in the game. This is not just a human issue. Create a variety of looks for your characters based on their place in the story and the game world, and make sure they all look great.
4. Designing the Environment
Make a world where your character lives and accomplishes his or her goals. Again, the depth and fine detail of the surroundings can alter based on the style you selected. Make your setting more interesting by including more details and unique characteristics.
5. Installation of Images and Items
Your game’s status bars & icons are the final things you’ll have to worry about. They should not look out of place or unrelated to the rest of the game’s visual design. If they don’t, they could ruin the whole user experience and leave your game with zero joy.
Nuances that could hamper the creation of good 2D Game Art?
You, of course, want to make a great 2D game with immaculate aesthetics and gameplay. It’s important to remember, though, that things don’t always go as planned, and the project could ultimately fail. Given below are the things to remember when designing a two-dimensional game:
1. Employees who aren’t qualified or an outsourced company
Regardless of whether you’re using in-house artists or outsourcing services, no one is safe from fraud or shoddy work. When looking for a game artist, keep these things in mind:
Ø A large number of successful cases in the portfolio;
Ø Worked for or currently working for a well-known company
Ø Have released projects with a proven track record
Ø Recommendations from former coworkers or business partners.
2. Failed Deadlines
Even if you don’t plan on making the game popular, developing it is time-consuming. If you’re going to work with a game artist or an outsourcing company, be sure to ask about their attitude toward deadlines.
In the case of a scheduled release or publisher testing, this is a vital consideration to keep in mind. Working with a major company on 2D game art can be difficult when deadlines are missed. Make sure you’re involved and available for your project at all times.
Conclusion
Creating great 2D art for exciting games is a complex yet exhilarating venture. A popular 2D game cannot become a reality with poorly thought out characters, a mundane world, and complex rules. This is a rule even for an uncomplicated 2D game. Picking out a vendor who is an ace when it comes to 2D game art specifications and nuances is the ideal way to proceed. This will spare money, energy, time, and resources with minimal or no cost overruns.
The process of creating 2D art for video games is both challenging and rewarding. If you’re seeking a 2D game art team with experience in art direction, game development innovation and commitment contact Juego Studios. Go through the Game Art Profile of Juego Studios to understand better.
