Knuckle Cracker

Creeper World => Custom Map Discussion => Topic started by: Sauffaus on August 15, 2010, 08:47:44 AM

Title: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: Sauffaus on August 15, 2010, 08:47:44 AM
I have been asked to describe how I produce graphics for my maps (http://knucklecracker.com/creeperworld/viewmaps.php?author=Sauffaus (http://knucklecracker.com/creeperworld/viewmaps.php?author=Sauffaus)).

Well... the problem is, that I do hundreds, if not thousands of operations, which makes detailed descriptions almost impossible to write. So, I'll do the next best thing; Upload one of my working PhotoShop-files for inspiration. With this in hand, you might analyze it yourself, and get a feeling for how things are done.

I have chosen to post my "Golden Shores" work-file, plus the final exported image from that, as this probably best demonstrates both basic and advanced techniques alike. In the future, I might add more files, as I make maps... there could be elements you can reuse in your own maps for interesting results.

The only written description I'll offer, is how to start:


TIP: I was asked; What tools in PhotoShop I use the most, and the answer is: "Layer Effects" (actually named "Layer Styles" these days)... I dug up this nice little explanation for how Layers are controlled: http://www.photoshopcafe.com/tutorials/layers/intro.htm (http://www.photoshopcafe.com/tutorials/layers/intro.htm)

A note on saving output-images from my file:
In order to promote preciseness, I added a 10 pixel "system-space" all the way around the image-area's borders (= 20 pixel extra in both width and height of the photoshop-file, as compared to what a final image should be). I use this space for grid-coordinates (look in "Layers Palette > Coordinates-folder"), and for extending all Elevation-pixels beyond the final image size, in order to cut-off some unwanted border-effects, and so forth. This means, that when you are ready to save your image, you should follow this procedure:


I hope this helps someone to produce cool graphics... I can only offer one general advice: Be patient, be anal and be bold!

PS: In this thread, you are welcome to ask questions about the content of the file(s) and the techniques, and I'll try to explain (If I can find the time  :-\).

Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: thepenguin on August 17, 2010, 07:22:38 AM
Is there any way to do this without photoshop?
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: Echo51 on August 17, 2010, 07:36:59 AM
You could use GIMP or Paint.NET, but its rather different procedures kinda
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: Sauffaus on August 17, 2010, 08:27:22 AM
Quote from: thepenguin on August 17, 2010, 07:22:38 AM
Is there any way to do this without photoshop?
... Yea... I know GIMP is able to open .psd-files. I'm just not sure how good a job it does. Especially the dynamics in "Layer Styles" is a big questionmark. On the other hand, I'm very pro open-source, and I know that GIMP is used professionally as well, so it might be a good bet.

You could perhaps try it out, and return here with your findings, so others can get an idea for GIMP's compatibility with my files?

EDIT:
I just installed GIMP, and opened the .psd-file ... I opens, and all layers are there... but the Layer-organization and every "Layer Style" is lost, which effectively renders the .psd-file 70% useless in GIMP. Sorry!
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: SPIFFEN on August 17, 2010, 08:44:15 AM
UpperKEES and MadMag 's ways to make custom maps should also be added to this / or an thread like this ,
so it could be an complete guide for custom map background graphics thread .

Then there is more options of how to make graphic backgrounds , and it's easy to find =)
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: Sqaz on August 17, 2010, 11:19:13 AM
I just tried GIMP for ma map (Which's now waiting to be uploaded), and I found it easy to use, which means a lot cause I've never used any photoshopping thing before.
My map might not even be half as beautiful as Sauffaus his maps, but it's usefull for people that just want every elevation to be a different picture or color, and don't want to use photoshop.
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: UpperKEES on August 17, 2010, 12:07:22 PM
Quote from: SPIFFEN on August 17, 2010, 08:44:15 AM
UpperKEES and MadMag 's ways to make custom maps should also be added to this / or an thread like this ,

My simple way of trying to create a nice looking map can't be compared to the great graphics that Sauffaus and MadMag have made, but I've described here (http://knucklecracker.com/forums/index.php?topic=3642.0) roughly what I do. The only thing my approach has in common with both others is that I isolate the various terrain levels by adjusting the level tint and then make screenshots. I never used a professional program to apply special effects though; I just copied some textures onto parts of it.
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: thepenguin on August 19, 2010, 09:30:01 AM
how does this look?
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: Sauffaus on August 19, 2010, 10:07:28 AM
Quote from: thepenguin on August 19, 2010, 09:30:01 AM
how does this look?

Technically, it looks absolutely correct, as the graphics fits the elevations "to-the-pixel" in the editor, good work.

Now you could add some effects on the edges of your layers if you like. You will be amazed of how a relatively small amount of pixel-work, will lift your map to higher plane of existence :)

HINT: If you are in GIMP, I recommend that you "lock" the transparency of your layers, so you won't, by accident, get to draw outside the actual elevation.
There is also a whole set of tools meant to "keep you inside limits" as well... probably named something like "Selections".
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: thepenguin on August 19, 2010, 11:26:20 AM
actually, that was done in windows paint (yes, start>all programs>accessories>paint), microsoft publisher and microsoft picture manager

Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: Sauffaus on August 20, 2010, 12:37:32 PM
Quote from: MadMag on August 20, 2010, 11:36:24 AM
The easy and short story:
When I make a map I always start in Photoshop (PS CS5 Extended), I open up my custom made .psd grid file. Make 5 layers (1 level dark, 2 level brighter, 3 brighter than 2 and so on til I get to level 5 witch is the brightest. Then I just use the selection tool to erase or the selection tool to select and fill with color to shape the terrain.

Interesting approach. As I understand it, you actually start by drawing a map in PS, and only after that, you make the editor's elevations match your image.

But doesn't that give you problems. I mean, if you realize (after playing your map) that some elevations need to be changed. Or, do you have a whole "circular" way of working, where you draw in PS, export to editor, make elevations, deploy, play map, go back to PS and tweak... ad infinitum?

A second thing. I'm curious as to your .psd-file. It is 1050x720 pixels, while I think the size of CW's game-window is only 700x480 pixels (in optimal size). Is this size-choice of yours deliberate... do you know something about CW's image-handling that I don't?

Anyway, I love your graphics, which in many ways seem more "modern" than mine... I'm kinda "old school" I guess :)
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: UpperKEES on August 20, 2010, 02:04:17 PM
Great to see all this useful info together! Let me add Romkyns quick tutorial (http://knucklecracker.com/forums/index.php?topic=2169.msg18604#msg18604) as well, so it's complete.

Thanks to you as well, MadMag! :)
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: Sauffaus on August 20, 2010, 02:46:44 PM
Quote from: MadMag on August 20, 2010, 01:27:49 PM
.. I assume you use a lower dpi than me

I'm sorry to correct you MadMag, but "dpi" is a print-term, meaning Dots-Per-Inch, which describe a physical printers resolution in "number of ink-dots per inch on a output media"... A computer-screen doesn't spew dots of ink, so the term here is "ppi", meaning Pixels-Per-Inch, which is what a computer-screen uses for displaying images.

Anyway... "ppi" has no consequence for images made on a computer for a computer ... wether you use 72 ppi, 200 ppi or 300 ppi, it only affects PhotoShops internal converting of length-measurements into your preferred measurement-system (cm/inches etc.).

To make a long story short: A pixel is a pixel... no matter how large or how small PhotoShop think it is! And I tell you, that you are missing pixel-precise-control in your graphics, because a pixel in your image is not a pixel in CW... every one of your pixels become down-sampled to 0.66 of a pixel in CW.

So the "zoom-for-greater-detail" idea you describe, is a wet dream, and just plain wrong.

I'm sorry to get all anal about it, but I think you should get your facts straight, before telling other ppl how things are.
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: Sauffaus on August 21, 2010, 04:50:11 AM
Quote from: MadMag on August 20, 2010, 02:54:58 PM
sorry, I mean ppi.. works so much with dpi at work so its easy to mix..
No problem to me... but in a tutorial-thread I think all information has to be spot-on correct. Otherwise you send novices on a wild goose-chase on wikipedia, and foil their efforts to understand the essentials.

Quote from: MadMag on August 20, 2010, 02:54:58 PM
When I'm using 300ppi on 1050x720 and turn the ppi down to 200 ppi I get 700x480 :)  So.. I have a bigger picture with greater detail when im working on the map.
Mmmm... this is still not correct, no matter how you put it.
You can never get "more detailed" than a pixel... and when you try to do so, you actually lose detail in the final output, due to resampling.
I really recommend, that you (and everybody else) work 1:1, as that is the only way to know, that a pixel in your work-file, is a pixel in CW.

The whole upscale/downscale line-of-thought stems from print-work, and has absolutely no merit in screen-graphics.

Quote from: MadMag on August 20, 2010, 02:54:58 PM
btw.. anal is nice.

hehe... yea :D
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: Sauffaus on August 21, 2010, 07:39:42 AM
Sure... everybody can work precisely as they see fit... All I'm saying, is that 1:1 is optimal, and any other scale is suboptimal, in more ways than one.

EDIT:
I just realized, that this whole thing about 1:1 and pixel-sizes, might seem like I'm saying; "never zoom in, but always work at a 100% view". That is, however not what I'm saying. By all means zoom in all you need. I myself happily zoom in at 800-1600% while tweaking individual pixels.

What I'm saying is this:
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: thepenguin on August 21, 2010, 09:06:26 AM
how do these look?

Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: UpperKEES on August 21, 2010, 10:06:37 AM
@ ThePenguin: I've now asked you several times in chat: stop posting bullsh*t in map comments and useful topics. When you still continue I'm sure you do this on purpose.

Quote from: MadMag on August 21, 2010, 07:25:36 AM
working 1:1 is pain in the ass... to small

My solution to this is to temporarily adjust my screen resolution (from 1920x1080 to 1280x720) when I work on a CW map, as the map editor doesn't resize.
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: MadMag on August 21, 2010, 02:33:19 PM
Faster to edit that in PS.
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: UpperKEES on August 21, 2010, 02:41:25 PM
Well, the nice thing about adjusting your screen resolution is that every application on your screen will be larger in a lower resolution. ;) Besides that you can't edit the map itself in PS....
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: UpperKEES on November 24, 2010, 12:50:28 PM
I've been playing around with graphics myself lately and found you can do everything you need with GIMP (http://www.gimp.org/) (free!), so no need for PhotoShop or other expensive programs.

As an example I changed this map:

(http://knucklecracker.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=978.0;attach=845;image)

into this one:

(http://knucklecracker.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=978.0;attach=1936;image)

Use of various terrain textures like Sauffaus and MadMag did is also possible, as I will show in my future maps.

You have to be willing to spend some time reading and learning how to apply the wide variety of possible operations and the order in which you use them though. This will probably take a few days. After that the graphics of your first map will most likely cost a few hours, but you'll be able to work faster with the next ones after gaining some experience.
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: Kamron3 on November 24, 2010, 01:38:12 PM
I see birds... am I supposed to see birds?
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: ontheworld on November 26, 2010, 04:00:06 PM
Quote from: Gaara on November 24, 2010, 01:38:12 PM
I see birds... am I supposed to see birds?

It's based on the painting 'birds' by Escher, so yeah, you are :)
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: UpperKEES on December 01, 2010, 11:26:21 PM
Quote from: MadMag on November 26, 2010, 03:48:44 PM
Not bad! You are begining to get "my" soft edges on the map :)

Oh, sorry MadMag, I completely overlooked your comment previously.

Yeah, there are still a lot of things I like to improve. A few of them are:

1. Blending various textures with each other. I guess I have to use 'soft' selections for that with partially transparent borders?
2. Getting rid of some very dark pixels after applying custom shading / 3D effects, like you can see at the bottom side of the higher terrain levels of the second screenshot above. I probably have to use soft selections for that as well?
3. I have some problems with rounded edges in combination with 3D effects. When I merge the layers you actually want to let the top layers to overlap the lower ones, so the transitions between the different elevations look better. When they don't overlap you would see the edge of i.e. elevation 4 first go down and then suddenly up to elevation 5. My solution is to grow (extend) all non-transparent parts with for instance 3 to 5 pixels. This looks very nice, but leads to problems in one case: narrow passages and tiny details of lower elevations almost disappear. How do you guys solve this?

Any help/advise is kindly appreciated! :)

Edit:

Quote from: Sauffaus on August 15, 2010, 08:47:44 AM
Make 6 separate screendumps from the editor:
One dump from each of the 5 elevations (without borders) + a dump of just the borders.

What do you use the border dump for? I used an outline selection (that I store separately as a channel) for each layer, but I can image that I'm missing something.
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: MapMaster on January 18, 2013, 09:15:51 PM
I used the map template to create custom graphics with GIMP. It workds pretty well, but you have t remember to save them as a .png file, not an .xlf, or it won't work (As far as I know).
Title: Re: Graphics Tutorial by Sauffaus
Post by: Neko187 on May 14, 2013, 10:20:32 PM
Quote from: UpperKEES on August 21, 2010, 10:06:37 AM
@ ThePenguin: I've now asked you several times in chat: stop posting bullsh*t in map comments and useful topics. When you still continue I'm sure you do this on purpose.

Quote from: MadMag on August 21, 2010, 07:25:36 AM
working 1:1 is pain in the ass... to small

My solution to this is to temporarily adjust my screen resolution (from 1920x1080 to 1280x720) when I work on a CW map, as the map editor doesn't resize.

well that escalated quickly.

on another note, I've been able to draft my dad into helping me learn how to do this stuff... he's a landscape architect and as such does a lot of this stuff :)