Here is a quick tutorial on how I come up with and create items for Illutia. I am not going to push any specific program, but I did use graphics gale for this particular image. I normally use Paint shop Pro.

Firstly I come up with a concept using a method called the "Creativity Matrix". I cross two basic ideas to stimulate my brain to come up with a new concept.

Then I lay out the flat shape, I try not to get too crazy with the details as i am just trying to make something that fits the character body and will work in game.

Next I flesh out (scuse the pun) some more of the details with a lighter shade..You can go darker at this point too if you found you made the base shade too light. I try to vary the hue slightly when shading to avoid a flat gradient look and give everything a nice warm feel to it.

Then I add highlights to further shape things. In the case of Illutia the light source comes from the top right.

Next I strengthen the outline. Variation in the outline (also known as selective outlining) helps to give further shape and definition to your item. I tend to use a fairly strong outline however to make the items "pop" in game. Try to figure the light source into the outline as well.

Next I add the finer details. I was hoping to add stitches to this Zombie boa as well but they did not turn out how I hoped. I opted for some bones instead, as well as strengthening the outline further with a brownish colour.

Well, I hope you enjoy my short tutorial. For items that are less organic, I tend to start with an outline instead of fleshing out the basic shape first. It helps to capture the harder edge (weapons, metal armors etc)

Feel free to request more tutorials, I am not sure when/if I will have time for them all but I am happy to help out aspiring pixel artists.


Illutia and respective characters are copyright to myself (Jennifer Dawe) and Crazed Monkeys LLC