STUDIO MODULE 1: PROJECT 2 - CHARACTER ASSETS IN PHOTOSHOP

 

STUDIO PROJECT 2 - CHARACTER ASSETS in Photoshop

Be sure to review the Project 2 Description in Canvas BEFORE starting these tutorial videos. The Canvas description contains all of the instructions and requirements, while this page contains video tutorials that cover each of the project-processes in more detail.

Setting up Files + Tools

Open photoshop and set the pencil tool and eraser tool to the appropriate settings (un-check anti-aliasing, 1 pixel, etc)

Create a 32x32 pixel Photoshop document, and copy, paste and resize the more horizontal character (the creature) sketch into the document. If your creature is more vertical, such as a giraffe or a jellyfish, then the starting document size should be 32x64. This step will be covered below.

Working with a base image

Select a relatively neutral (standing or walking) pose for each character to use as the base image for your character design.

Building Out Character Assets

Build out the first character asset, starting with an outline layer, and then work in color and details as demonstrated below. Repeat with the second character asset.

Canvas adjustments for second character

Once you have completed each of your character assets, zoom in enough to see the individual pixels (between 1600% and 3200%) and screenshot each completed character design by itself. The screenshot can just be the general area of the canvas, and does not need to include the entire workspace. You will submit these screenshots as part of this assignment, along with the “actual size” exported JPG files.

Level up - Optional tutorial: Inventory Item / Object assets

The video below is optional, and goes over creating item / object assets in a similar 8-bit style. This step - creating an Item Asset - is not required for this project, but it could be useful for future projects including the final project.

Export File

The instructions below are for the previous project, but the process is the same. Just be sure to export 2 images (1 of each character, by itself) and to check your dimensions - the exported image is supposed to be very small. You will submit this AND the screenshots of both finished Character Assets.

Also, a few reminders of your options with this video format:

  1. Pop out of Canvas and watch in a new tab if any of the features aren't working

  2. There are fullscreen and CC (Sub-title) options available in the right hand corner. For being YouTube auto-captions, these are pretty clear. I think they must have improved their algorithm. Please email me with any accessibility needs.

  3. If you are feeling pressed for time, but don't want to miss anything, you can watch with audio in 1.5 speed by hitting that little gear icon.