Where to get started?

[Zore]

Hey everyone,


I have never done this before and have never tried until now. I would like to contribute to the game, at least graphically, but have absolutely no idea where to start.


I need a quick run down on the following:

• Programs to do this
• Examples of how to do this / Templates (if possible)
• What to do when I create something
• What... is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow

Thanks,
Zore

[Crush]

[*]Programs to do this

The graphic program most of us use is GIMP. It is a free open source graphic editing software with similar features like Adobe Photo Shop. It can be downloaded on http://www.gimp.org/

Some of us also use the vector graphics program Inkscape for prototyping:
http://www.inkscape.org/

Do not use MS Paint. It doesn't support transparency in PNG graphics and is thus unsuitable for editing TMW graphics.

[*]Examples of how to do this / Templates (if possible)
[*]What to do when I create something

Our graphic guidelines can be found on http://wiki.themanaworld.org/index.php/Guidelines
Also note the links to tutorials on the bottom.

[Dark_Mag]

@Crush What are you using more? GIMP or inkscape?

[Crush]

Gimp. As I said Inkscape is only usable for prototyping to get the perspective right.

The usual workflow when creating an object with complex geometry is:
1. Create a wireframe model with Inkscape
2. Save it as an image and import the image in GIMP
3. Create a new layer and draw on the layer using the layer beneath as help lines
4. Remove the layer with the Inkscape image

The finished work should not contain any traces of the original inkscape graphic.