2D Game Art Fundamentals

Learn to create assets for 2D games, from an established game art lectures.

Start this course
Level

Beginner

Location

Online.
Study when it suites you.

Hours and Credits

One month of studies.

Certificate

Certificate upon completion.
Subject for review.

Description

The course guides you through the core skills needed to complete your first 2D game project. We cover the whole process from research, concept, design and the implementation of graphics inside of Unity.

Requirements

Basic Knowledge of Photoshop & Unity

Outcome

Recognise how to create depth to a 2d background and create a consistent style of graphics from research, colour and design to implementation inside of Unity.

Modules

Module

Course Introduction

Description

Overview of the course structure

Requirements

Overview of the course structure

Outcome

Pages

Welcome & Course Overview

Module

1. Photoshop Workflow Tips & Tricks

Description

Overview of game graphics methods in Photoshop
to speed up workflow and edit images.

Requirements

Overview of game graphics methods in Photoshop
to speed up workflow and edit images.

Outcome

Ability to edit images more efficiently

Pages

Clipping Masks
Adjustment Layers
Recording Actions
Smart Objects
Useful Adjustment Layers For Background Design

Module

Exercises 1

Description

Your first set of assignments

Requirements

Your first set of assignments

Outcome

Pages

Exercises 1 

Module

2. Photoshop Vector Introduction

Description

Using control points to construct vector shape. Starting with a simple half circle and ending with a character silhouette.

Requirements

Using control points to construct vector shape. Starting with a simple half circle and ending with a character silhouette.

Outcome

Ability to use vector points and bezier curves
to make shape efficiently.

Pages

Tracing With Vectors
Tracing A Cartoon Cloud
Tracing A Squirrel
Vector Tool Summary
Vector Game Link

Module

3. Black & White Thumbnail Sketching

Description

To simplify the technique of creating background thumbnails by using a 5 value technique.

Requirements

To simplify the technique of creating background thumbnails by using a 5 value technique.

Outcome

ability to simplify the thumbnail process

Pages

Composition Techniques
What Is Value?
Stylised Thumbnails Part 1
Stylised Thumbnails Part 2
Background Checklist

Module

4. Colour Theory In Games

Description

Overview of colour theory and how it can be used and applied to game graphics.

Requirements

Overview of colour theory and how it can be used and applied to game graphics.

Outcome

Ability to use and apply colour theory to game graphics creation.

Pages

Colour Theory Part 1
Colour Theory Part 2

Module

5. Project Workflow: The Golden Antelope Part 1

Description

Artists process of research and thumbnail creation. Also shown are quick methods for adding colour to assets.

Requirements

Artists process of research and thumbnail creation. Also shown are quick methods for adding colour to assets.

Outcome

Ability to apply better workflow methods to future projects.

Pages

Project Intro & Pinterest
Workflow
Thumbnails Part 1
Thumbnails Part 2
Thumbnails Part 3
Thumbnails Part 4 Adding Colour

Module

Exercises 2

Description

Apply colour theory to background roughs & develop and sketch a character

Requirements

Apply colour theory to background roughs & develop and sketch a character

Outcome

Pages

Exercises 2

Module

6. Using The Unity Template

Description

An overview of the platformer template and how you can implement your graphics inside of Unity

Requirements

An overview of the platformer template and how you can implement your graphics inside of Unity

Outcome

To insert and modify graphics inside of Unity

Pages

Part 1: Using The Platformer Template In Unity
Part 2: Replacing Existing Sprites
Part 3: Adding A Psd To Unity
Part 4: Adding Sprites & Prefabs
Part 5: Modifying Sprite Polygon Colliders (in Detail)
Part 6: Changing Scroll Speed

Module

Exercises 3

Description

To test and implement early versions of your game assets in Unity

Requirements

To test and implement early versions of your game assets in Unity

Outcome

Recognize the importance of testing and implementing graphics inside of Unity during production

Pages

Exercises 3 

Module

7. Creating Game Assets Part 1

Description

To view the process used by a professional artist to block out final game assets

Requirements

To view the process used by a professional artist to block out final game assets

Outcome

Ability to use structured methods to produce finished game assets

Pages

Creating A Placeholder Character
Creating A Background Tile
Creating Rough Clouds
Adding Mountains & Waterfalls
Blocking Out The Foreground Trees
Blocking Out The Foreground Trees Part 2
Foreground Tree Part3 Leaves
Statue Part 1
Creating A Jungle Flower Part 1
Foreground Statue Round Part 1
Foreground Ground Foliage
Creating A Red Flower
Making Mid Ground Trees
Making Mid Ground Trees Leaves
Creating The Moon

Module

8. Creating Game Assets Part 2

Description

Continuation and overview of the finished 2d asset production

Requirements

Continuation and overview of the finished 2d asset production

Outcome

Ability to use structured methods to produce finished game assets

Pages

Refining The Character
Creating The Waterfall Texture
Main Statue Part2
Main Statue Part3
Round Statue Detailing
Blocking Out A Cloud
Creating A Bird
Creating A Bat Creature

Module

9. Creating A Jungle Vine

Description

Creating a more complex tile for the platform level

Requirements

Creating a more complex tile for the platform level

Outcome

Ability to construct more complex tiling pieces for a platform level

Pages

Breakdown Creating A Vine Asset
Creating The Vine Template
Vine Creation Part 1
Vine Creation Part 2
Vine Creation Part 3
Vine Creation Part 4
Vine Creation Part 5 Detailing
Vine Part6 Final Detailing
Course Wrap Up

Module

Final Exercises - The Background

Description

Finalizing all the assets for the platform project

Requirements

Finalizing all the assets for the platform project

Outcome

To produce a mock up level with self made assets

Pages

Final Exercises: The Background

Preview to the course

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