New Art - Modify Existing or From Scratch

[morton]

I am planning a build, and have a theme of sorts figured out... but am torn on which way to go with art. I see there are plenty of threads, and making something from scratch shouldn't be too tricky to do based on the great instructions online.

The theme is still secret, but its a play on an existing cabinet. Now my options are either:

- Modify existing cabinet artwork (Vector available IIRC) and change the lettering and art to suit my theme.
- Create/Hack together new artwork, playing on the theme, but visually using different colours and fonts etc.

Trying to figure out modifying a piece is easier than making a whole new one up. Part of me has the worry the latter idea may take away from the tribute look of it, and people won't make the connection. Then again, those who know, should know. Any brainstorming help would be appreciated.

[thomas_surles]

Modifying existing art is easier imo.

[morton]

Thanks.

I've worked with jpegs some, but vector is all new to me. Plus, I do not think GIMP is gonna cut it... unless I subscribe to Adobe Illustrator.

[stuzza]

Thanks.

I've worked with jpegs some, but vector is all new to me. Plus, I do not think GIMP is gonna cut it... unless I subscribe to Adobe Illustrator.

Use inkscape for Vector artwork.  Great program and it is completely free!  https://inkscape.org/en/

[thomas_surles]

Thanks.

I've worked with jpegs some, but vector is all new to me. Plus, I do not think GIMP is gonna cut it... unless I subscribe to Adobe Illustrator.

Use inkscape for Vector artwork.  Great program and it is completely free!  https://inkscape.org/en/

Id tak this advice. He does great work. I stole some of it for my ball buster build

[yotsuya]

I'd rather see a single theme tribute with modified artwork than a crappy collage of 50 different games.

[morton]

I'd rather see a single theme tribute with modified artwork than a crappy collage of 50 different games.

Wouldn't we all? I have seen few if any multi-games that looked good. I think I could come up with one in the process of writing this sentence that would look better than 95% of them, and... yep. Got one 

I am going to go with a single theme on this one.

I am heavily considering modifying the existing art, and keeping the theme close to original. I won't have the game playable on the cabinet though, which kind of bugs me. Or I was considering using the layout and theme as an inspiration for something different, but if you knew the art I want to base it off, it'd make sense... if that sentence made sense hah.


The suggestion of Inkscape was good. Grabbed it already, and been watching some videos on how to use it. Like GIMP... but not.

[yotsuya]

I'd rather see a single theme tribute with modified artwork than a crappy collage of 50 different games.

Wouldn't we all? I have seen few if any multi-games that looked good. I think I could come up with one in the process of writing this sentence that would look better than 95% of them, and... yep. Got one 

I am going to go with a single theme on this one.

I am heavily considering modifying the existing art, and keeping the theme close to original. I won't have the game playable on the cabinet though, which kind of bugs me. Or I was considering using the layout and theme as an inspiration for something different, but if you knew the art I want to base it off, it'd make sense... if that sentence made sense hah.


The suggestion of Inkscape was good. Grabbed it already, and been watching some videos on how to use it. Like GIMP... but not.

Good luck to you, brother! Can't wait to see the idea!

[Mike A]

[harveybirdman]

Pay $ for art..... only way unless you can draw.

[morton]

Pay $ for art..... only way unless you can draw.

I am not the best at drawing, but I am damned stubborn and up for a challenge 

Going to bat some ideas around over the weekend, and I shall see what comes up in my brains.