Pixel Joint Forum: First Time Tile Artist Seeks Advice

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   Hey everyone,

I've wanted to make a computer game ever since I was a kid, but never really had the programming chops for it.  Now in the days of GameMaker and other programs that assist in basic 2d games I figured what the hell, I'll give it a shot.  Just to be realistic about it, I decided to do all the art assets first, because I figure if I get all that done, it'd be a damn crime if I didn't end up going all the way.

That said, I've been reading a lot of tutorials and teaching myself a lot of basics about pixel art.  I have a tileset sheet here, and I'm pretty satisfied with it, except I'm having a hell of a time with the sidewalk tiles - the eighteen gray tiles with cracks in them.

Right now they just look like gray plates, but I'm not sure how to add the right amount of detail to them to make them both aesthetically pleasing, as well as blending in nicely with the rest of the set.  

I'd love any ideas or advice you all could toss my way - I only started doing this two days ago!  Here's the tileset - and thanks!

Edited by DigitalAdhesive - 23 July 2013 at 6:55pm

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DigitalAdhesive Seaman Joined: 23 July 2013 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5	Topic: First Time Tile Artist Seeks Advice Posted: 23 July 2013 at 6:55pm
	Hey everyone, I've wanted to make a computer game ever since I was a kid, but never really had the programming chops for it. Now in the days of GameMaker and other programs that assist in basic 2d games I figured what the hell, I'll give it a shot. Just to be realistic about it, I decided to do all the art assets first, because I figure if I get all that done, it'd be a damn crime if I didn't end up going all the way. That said, I've been reading a lot of tutorials and teaching myself a lot of basics about pixel art. I have a tileset sheet here, and I'm pretty satisfied with it, except I'm having a hell of a time with the sidewalk tiles - the eighteen gray tiles with cracks in them. Right now they just look like gray plates, but I'm not sure how to add the right amount of detail to them to make them both aesthetically pleasing, as well as blending in nicely with the rest of the set. I'd love any ideas or advice you all could toss my way - I only started doing this two days ago! Here's the tileset - and thanks! Edited by DigitalAdhesive - 23 July 2013 at 6:55pm
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Xhukari Commander Joined: 22 June 2013 Online Status: Offline Posts: 106	Posted: 24 July 2013 at 10:02am
	I think your issue may come from the fact you've focused a bit too much on the cracks initially. You should work more on a 'perfect' pavement slab first, then add variant tiles with cracks. You may want to add some uneven slabs too, a bit like you got going on with your planks. You may want to try a different style of sidewalk; the UK just uses tarmac again. For both directions, you may want to add sections where grass and weeds are breaking through inbetween/causing cracks. You may want potholes and uneven tiles for the roads; like where a layer of tarmac has come off from wear.
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Medi Seaman Joined: 18 July 2013 Online Status: Offline Posts: 6	Posted: 26 July 2013 at 3:18pm
	I personally like these
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