2D Game Art Fundamentals
Learn to create assets for 2D games, from an established game art lectures.
Start this course
Educator
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
Course Introduction
1. Photoshop Workflow Tips & Tricks
Description
Overview of game graphics methods in Photoshop
to speed up workflow and edit images.
Requirements
To test and apply image editing functions to an existing asset.
Outcome
Ability to edit images more efficiently
Pages
Clipping Masks
Adjustment Layers
Recording Actions
Smart Objects
Useful Adjustment Layers For Background Design
Exercises 1
Description
Your first set of assignments
Requirements
Watch all previous videos
Outcome
Pages
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
To sketch and create 2 vector assets a cloud and squirrel.
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
3. Black & White Thumbnail Sketching
Description
To simplify the technique of creating background thumbnails by using a 5 value technique.
Requirements
To practice the 5 value method with 2 sketches
Outcome
ability to simplify the thumbnail process
Pages
Composition Techniques
What Is Value?
Stylised Thumbnails Part 1
Stylised Thumbnails Part 2
Background Checklist
4. Colour Theory In Games
Description
Overview of colour theory and how it can be used and applied to game graphics.
Requirements
Apply the knowledge to the creation of your own graphics for the platformer scene.
Outcome
Ability to use and apply colour theory to game graphics creation.
Pages
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
To take note of the process the artist uses
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
Exercises 2
Description
Apply colour theory to background roughs & develop and sketch a character
Requirements
To create 4 rough colour variations of your background, character design & character thumbnails
Outcome
Pages
6. Using The Unity Template
Description
An overview of the platformer template and how you can implement your graphics inside of Unity
Requirements
To test out 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
Exercises 3
Description
To test and implement early versions of your game assets in Unity
Requirements
To create a minimum of 3 assets to a more finished level (include a tiling section) then test inside of Unity
Outcome
Recognize the importance of testing and implementing graphics inside of Unity during production
Pages
7. Creating Game Assets Part 1
Description
To view the process used by a professional artist to block out final game assets
Requirements
To apply structured and consistent work methods to your own asset creation
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
8. Creating Game Assets Part 2
Description
Continuation and overview of the finished 2d asset production
Requirements
To apply the workflow to your own asset creation
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
9. Creating A Jungle Vine
Description
Creating a more complex tile for the platform level
Requirements
Follow and apply the knowledge to your own project
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
Final Exercises - The Background
Description
Finalizing all the assets for the platform project
Requirements
Complete the platform level assets
Outcome
To produce a mock up level with self made assets
