Advice: Process for designing (or hiring someone) for this sort of 2D Graphic:
Hi everyone,
I'm a programmer, and I'm at the point where I need to start getting some graphics done. I'm considering doing them myself, and on that note, I'd like to ask what the process is for designing a simple (isometric/top-down) 2D character which I want to give a basic walk animation. One such as this: http://vaevictisgame.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/orc-warrior-store-512.png
I'm a programmer, and I'm at the point where I need to start getting some graphics done. I'm considering doing them myself, and on that note, I'd like to ask what the process is for designing a simple (isometric/top-down) 2D character which I want to give a basic walk animation. One such as this: http://vaevictisgame.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/orc-warrior-store-512.png
I'm looking at tutorials, and courses, and want to ask what the best program to use is in my case? I have Adobe CC, so I have Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash, Aftereffects, etc.
Do I draw them in Illustrator and move them to flash, for example? Do they need to be drawn in parts? What sort of tutorials should I be looking at for the animation?
The other question I have is about hiring someone to do that level of graphic. It only needs to be cartoony and quite simple, with a forward walk animation, from a top-down isometric view.
How much should I be looking to pay for said graphic? Is it a time consuming thing on their part, or would what I want be a relatively small task? (I would provide example assets which I like the look of.) I'd need them at a resolution of about 512x512 (or maybe 1024x1024)
I would really appreciate any input on this matter!
Do I draw them in Illustrator and move them to flash, for example? Do they need to be drawn in parts? What sort of tutorials should I be looking at for the animation?
The other question I have is about hiring someone to do that level of graphic. It only needs to be cartoony and quite simple, with a forward walk animation, from a top-down isometric view.
How much should I be looking to pay for said graphic? Is it a time consuming thing on their part, or would what I want be a relatively small task? (I would provide example assets which I like the look of.) I'd need them at a resolution of about 512x512 (or maybe 1024x1024)
I would really appreciate any input on this matter!
Replies
For animation tutorials, look at technical ones that explain how hierarchical animation works in Flash. https://www.google.com/search?q=flash+hierarchy+animation
For the fundamentals of creating quality animation look at resources like these: http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Animation
Cost will vary wildly from animator to animator. We have some basic info here, http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Freelance#Freelance_Rates
Best bet is to write up a brief and shop around.
http://polycount.com/categories/freelance-job-postings
Are you making a bitmap sprite sheet, with 512x512 frames? Or are you using vector files? How many frames per animation? This kind of info will help freelancers provide quotes. More info that might be needed: http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Freelance#Questions_for_the_Client
Is Adobe After Works a possibility as well? Or perhaps it's more complicated for animation?
Is it also possible to do the parts in another program like Illustrator and then put them into flash for just the animation? Or is it better to design the entire thing in flash for some reason?
I just want individual 512x512 frames as pngs... probably just 6-8 for a simple walk animation.
In your opinion, what's the minimum number of frames I need for a simple walk animation? Is 6 enough or should I be going with 8 or 12? I don't want it to look cheap.
Appreciate the input a lot!