Strategically Designing a 2D Game Level in Illustrator
In this Illustrator tutorial, you'll learn how to set up a system using symbols and artboards so that you can focus on the art instead of the constraints. Software required: Illustrator CC 2014.
What you'll learn
In this Illustrator tutorial, you'll learn how to set up a system using symbols and artboards so that you can focus on the art instead of the constraints. The hardest part of making game-level art is coming up with a strategy that lets you make great art and not get stuck wasting time on the technical side of cutting it up, working within size constraints, and adapting to change requests. Illustrator is a great tool for getting a system in place before you start making art--it will allow you to make vast changes to a level without being bogged down in trying to make it work in the game. Software required: Illustrator CC 2014.
Table of contents
- Reviewing the Level Requirements 10m
- Building the Blue Print Based on Character Proportions 9m
- Planning Interactive Placement 14m
- Creating the Backdrop 10m
- Adding the Cupcake Mountains 9m
- Customizing the Cupcake Mountains 11m
- Completing the Sky Backdrop 13m
- Constructing Candy Toppings 12m
- Sketching the Rock Candy Pillars 10m
- Designing the Candy Pillars 11m
- Building the Candy Pillars 11m
- Adding the Platforms 11m
- Finishing the Platforms 14m
- Utilizing the Ladder as a Symbol 9m
- Reviewing the Project 8m
- Exporting Artwork 12m
- Making the Spritesheet 13m
About the author
Michael Grills Illustration is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The business was established in 2005 and since then Michael has been collaborating with design agencies, editorial, publishers, video directors, and game makers from all over the world, as well as doing art for illustration fans. Michael graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design and went directly to Bioware Corp. in Edmonton, getting hands-on experience making AAA, story-driven RPGs. When he started his family, he dec... more