Drawing Basics and Video Game Art: Classic to Cutting-Edge Art Techniques for Winning Video Game Design

Level Up Your Video Game Design! Video games are not a revolution in art history, but an evolution. Whether the medium is paper or canvas-or a computer screen-the artist's challenge is to make something without depth seem like a window into a living, breathing world. Video game art is no different. Drawing Basics and Video Game Artilluminates the connections between classical art and iconic video games, like Botticelli's Venusand Nintendo's Mario. Game designer Chris Solarski demonstrates how video games allow players to experience visual art in a new way. Solarski gives readers an introduction to basic drawing skills-light, value, color-as well as detailed instruction for using these methods to design complex characters and worlds. Games like BioShock,the Mass Effectseries, Fable,and Portal 2were created using the same theories of depth, composition, movement, and artistic anatomy as the masters of classical art. Drawing Basics and Video Game Artgives any game designer the right foundation in classical art techniques to create meaningful emotional experiences for gamers. Also available as an eBook "This book supports my own 30-year crusade to demonstrate that games are an art form that undeniably rivals traditional arts. It gives detailed explanations of game art techniques and their importance, while also highlighting their dependence on artistic aspects of game design and programming." - John Romero, co-founder of id Software and CEO of Loot Drop, Inc.

CHRIS SOLARSKI received a BA in computer animation and began working as a 3D character and environment artist for Sony Computer Entertainment in London. Eventually, Solarski enrolled in art classes at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts. During that time, he discovered the exciting connection between classical art techniques and video game design. He currently develops his own video games under Solarski Studio. He also works as creative director of the Swiss-based social gaming startup Gbanga, and lectures at SAE Institute in Zurich.

Foreword by Tristan Donovan  
Preface        
 
Introduction                       
 
Level 01/ Fundamentals  
Materials      
Basic Pencil Techniques  
Basic Perspective  
Basic Volumes        
Basic Lighting and Values          
Visual Measuring Tools    
Drawing Process   
 
Level 02/ Advanced Drawing Concepts       
Advanced Perspectives and Volumes           
Advanced Lighting and Values           
Atmospheric Perspective           
Landscape Drawing        
 
Level 03/ The Human Figure      
Gravity and Movement  
Proportions 
Skeletal Landmarks           
 
Level 04/ Anatomy           
Six Stages for Rendering Anatomy      
The Foot       
The Leg        
The Pelvis     
The Spine and Ribcage  
The Shoulder Girdle          
The Arm       
The Hand     
The Head and Neck         
Facial Expressions 
 
Level 05/ Elements of Design     
Frame           
Camera Angle      
Scale
Grouping    
Lighting        
Line    
Shapes         
Subverting Conventions 
 
Level 06/ Character Design       
Good Studio Practice     
Brainstorming and Character Concept         
Visual Metaphors              
Mind-Map, Research, and Mood Board       
Thumbnail Development            
Final Character Drawing and Model Sheet              
 
Level 07/ Environment Design   
Character/Environment Shapes          
Building Construction      
Character-Centric Environment Design         
Top-Down Environment Design            
Gameplay Map    
 
Level 08/ Color and Digital Tools          
Color                        
Adding Color with Digital Tools            
 
Professional Portfolio and Getting Work        
Bibliography                       
Index