Graphics

[Buster's Uncle]

This is the place to discuss the creative end of modding AC, especially the visual art, with experienced artists who know a few tricks.

I've done this extensively at other places, and I have a lot of how-to posts to copy over when I can stomach going back to get them.  In the meanwhile, I want to encourage newbs interested in modding to ask questions, and even show me your work, if you think it's not worth it's own thread.  I will treat you with respect, and do my best to help.

As far as specific instructions for how to do what on your graphics program, I know Photoshop 5, GIMP, and am learning Photoshop CS, which is not that different.

Let's talk graphics!

[Kilkakon]

What sort of tutorials do you think that we should provide people? I'm pretty confident in my package (PhotoImpact 6) and don't feel the need for tutorage, although I'm sure that others are willing to learn various things.

[Buster's Uncle]

Pretty much, I want to copy over what I already had, and be ready to answer questions.  Of course, if someone has PhotoImpact 6, I'd expect you to jump in - any thime you see a question first that you know the answer to, really.

[Kilkakon]

Sure of course. It's quite an old package (current version is 13, and it's very different!) but I got it for free from a computer mag CD, and I use it for everything. Really was just generating activity.

[Buster's Uncle]

Well, please keep doing that - I hate it when I make a few comments and end up with all the last posts.  Have a good day.

[Buster's Uncle]

A gift to faction artists everywhere...  Click on the titles to go to the Downloads pages.

...

Bases
15 structures adapted from Deadlock II, laid out to copy/paste into the .pcx of your next custom faction.  These were a lot of work to cut out of screenshots and put together, so please be sure to credit me in the empty space of the .pcx.



...

Bases2
18 structures adapted from Age of Mythology, laid out to copy/paste into the .pcx of your next custom faction.  These were a lot of work to cut out of screenshots and put together, so please be sure to credit me in the empty space of the .pcx.



...

Bases3
18 structures adapted from Deadlock II, laid out to copy/paste into the .pcx of your next custom faction.  These were a lot of work to cut out of screenshots and put together, so please be sure to credit me in the empty space of the .pcx.



...

Bases4
16 structures adapted from Startopia, laid out to copy/paste into the .pcx of your next custom faction.  These were a lot of work to cut out of screenshots and put together, so please be sure to credit me in the empty space of the .pcx.



...

Bases5
10 structures adapted from Startopia, laid out to copy/paste into the .pcx of your next custom faction.  These were a lot of work to cut out of screenshots and put together, so please be sure to credit me in the empty space of the .pcx.

 

...

Bases6
10 structures adapted from Galactic Civilizations 2, laid out to copy/paste into the .pcx of your next custom faction.  These are a lot of work to put together, so please be sure to credit me in the empty space of the .pcx.

Thanks to I Have No Name for the CG2 files I worked with.



...

Bases7
9 structures adapted from Galactic Civilizations 2, laid out to copy/paste into the .pcx of your next custom faction.  These are a lot of work to put together, so please be sure to credit me in the empty space of the .pcx.

Thanks to I Have No Name for the GC2 files I worked with.

[Buster's Uncle]

SMAC(X) Palette



The SMAC(X) palette, in .pal form, useful for loading to make sure the colors are still right while art modding in Photoshop -it doesn't work in GIMP, alas, and yrs. truly can't speak to anything else.

[Buster's Uncle]

Bare Shields



All the links to such things I ever saw on the innerwebs seemed to be dead, so I made my own set of bare shields for ease of custom faction making - I only had to do it once that way, and now you don't at all.  I also threw in a few types I invented myself, and visual suggestions for making a few more - and a wooden raft sea platform for no reason. 

Good hunting, mod-san.

[Buster's Uncle]

Blank faction .pcx



This is a slightly cleaned-up version of something Maniac posted long ago.  It saves you a few minutes deleting Yang yourself each time you begin a new custom faction.

[Kilkakon]

Keep up the good work!

[Buster's Uncle]

I am, sir.  Bases8 is halfway done while I wait on advice from a good friend on my main project of the moment. 

I am all about the help, and spreading the big knowlege.

[Buster's Uncle]

In celebration of my 500th post here, another treat, exclusive to AC2:

Bases8



18 structures adapted from Galactic Civilizations 2, laid out to copy/paste into the .pcx of your next custom faction.  These are a lot of work to put together, so please be sure to credit me in the empty space of the .pcx.

Thanks to I Have No Name for the GC2 files I worked with.

This is the best-looking collection of bases I've put together since Bases3, I think, and my first-ever AC2 exclusive art modder goodie file - but not my last...  IMAO, there's a few duds here, but a number of strong keepers.  I'm especially fond of the ones on the third and last rows on the left, and on the right, the first, second, sixth and last.  Clearly, I have a taste for domed structures.  The very last set doesn't jump out at you, but the design is nicely futurey, and looks very real - it ought to fit in the game wonderfully.  And the brown and teal thing on the right, and the raised disk and yellow and red glass pyramid on the left are just beautiful, and look like habitats.

These GCII bases add a lot of variety for those of us who are not so great at drawing bases.

[Kilkakon]

500! Well done BUncle.

Looking again, I see even more use for these things. You have done well, really. *high five*

[Buster's Uncle]

I've added to my to-do list to put together .zips of portraits suitable for leaderheads -I have a fair number of paintings I've saved, but never used- landscapes and logos, just to have complete set of all the elements that go into a custom faction for graphics newbs to play with.

[Kilkakon]

Sounds great. Don't go overboard of course, but yeah, definitely a nice way to get people started.