Talk With The Developers : The Artist!

I talk with corestudios!, an extremely talented artist.

Sean: Hey corestudios!, Can you tell me what you do to make flash games happen?

corestudios: Hi Sean. I do pixels! I love them, and I love to use them in games. I know people usually see flash games using vector art 9.9 out of 10 times, but I think pixels just are more fun to work with, more shadings, more options etc.

Corestudios place of work, and much needed play!

When did you start making art and what should people do to start?

Hmm, I think I started when I was a kid, everyone wanted me to draw robots for them at school.
Later on I did some art for some Amiga games, but unfortunately the games never saw the light of day, too big plans and all that. I've also done a lot of art for a living for about 12 years at a advertising agency.
If people want to start making art, I'd say the best way to do it just to fool around and have fun, that's what I did. Best way to start is to go to some inspirational site like deviantart.com, then when you're feeling inspired just set a theme that you want to create and work towards it. Practise makes perfect and all that jazz.

Can you give us any tips on drawing?, programs to use?, Style?

Corestudios art is sharp and great looking!

I think style is something that is very personal and I think each artist will find their own style sooner or later. If you're into pixels, like I am, I recommend using photoshop.
If you're new to it it might be a bit confusing with the layers, but once you get around how they work - layers are invaluable. Actually, I'm a bit of a layer-whore. I tend to have too many of them, usually about 3-400 per design :-)
As for tips, the best I can say is to just practice, there's also tons of tutorials on deviantart, which is a great place for study I think. Also, don't compare yourself to the bigwigs at the art sites, I think those guys are from outer space or something, insane how they can make masterpieces in a few hours compared to what would take me weeks to make, and I wouldn't even come close.

 And finally, What is your favourite flash game art wise?

Hmm, It's a big question as there are a lot of great games out there. I know there was one game that had super wicked awesome graphics, but I just can't remember the title. I love the games that Berzerk do. I think I love the stuff Photonstorm does most. Especially the latest game Cat Astro Phi, love the retro art feel to the game!

Thanks corestudios!, Good talk.

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 And that's the interview!, For the final of Talk With The Developers I'll be talking with a musician!

Sean Parnell