Artwork FAQ

[Felsir]

This thread is to provide answers to some frequently asked questions. This thread is not to ASK questions but as an easy lookup for common answers. If want to ask a question that is not answered in the FAQ, please start a new topic. If the outcome of the discussion is interesting, relevant and valuable it will be added here.

Feel free to add relevant links to this topic.

Restoration

- General restoration tips (if you are trying to restore artwork - look here first)
Arcade and Pinball restoration guide

- Where can I buy artwork prints? 
http://www.phoenixarcade.com/
http://www.gatorcade.com/
http://www.mikesarcade.com/
http://www.mamemarquees.com/
http://www.emdkay.net/
www.thisoldgame.com
www.arcadeshop.com
www.tntamusements.com
www.quarterarcade.com
www.arcaderenovations.com


- Where can I buy artwork stencils?

www.gamestencils.com
www.thisoldgame.com


- What kind of paint to use for touch ups?

topic 1

- How to apply paint to MDF based cabinets (high glossy finish)?

topic 1

- I have a cab with missing artwork, where can I find artwork? Many enthusiast people try to preserve artwork. The result of their work can be found in the Arcade Art Library. You might be able to find the artwork you need there.

- Generic restoration tips by pr0k Restoration Supplies, Painting Tutorial, Paint Codes, Repairing fine details, Control Panel Restoration, Bolt head restoration. Who want ugly rusted bolts on a CP?, DIY stencils, Using professional stencils

NOTE BY MODERATOR: The pr0k URLs don't work right now.


Do-it-yourself artwork

- Where to get your artwork printed? See answer in Restoration section to question "Where can I buy artwork", some sites provide printing of your own designs.
 
- What is vectorising?

topic 1
topic 2

- How to vectorise?

the Frostillicuss vector tutorial
some hints
Illustrator vector tutorial

- What software to use?

topic 1
topic 2
topic 3 (about free programs)

- Where can I find ready to use vector artwork? The Arcade Art Library contains arcade related artwork both replicas of existing artwork and scratch made/own designs.

- When to upload to the Arcade Art Library? topic 1

- What about printing resolutions and sizes?
topic 1 topic 2 topic 3 topic 4

- What is RGB and CMYK? What to use? topic 1

- Suggestion for colour schemes?

www.easyrgb.com

topic 1

- Hints on the use of gradients (smooth shades of one colour into another) in artwork:

topic 1

- Where can I find stock photo material?

topic 1

- Where can I find scans of arcade related artwork?

A good source for images is The Arcade Flyers Archive

- How to scan sideart? topic 1

- Printing artwork on multiple sheets?
topic 1

- How to line up the artwork and holes in the control panel?

topic 1

- How to apply artwork that isn't sticky?

topic 1


- How to cut holes for buttons etc. in the artwork?

topic 1
topic 2 (in main forum)

thanks Horseboy for additional FAQ topics

[AceTKK]

cool, thx!

[SNAAKE]

Also,I have been doing custom arts for many people here check out the "hire me" section on my site for more detail.

http://www.freewebs.com/snaaake/M2.htm

[gully]

superb links - this should be made sticky!
cheers!

[Felsir]

this should be made sticky!

actually, it is a sticky...

[gully]

er, yeah it is now but wasnt before....?!

[Felsir]

It was stickyfied at the same day it was posted...

[horseboy]

A couple of things...


I think classicarcadegraphics.com should be removed from "Where can I buy artwork prints?" Also, the following should be added:
www.oleszakcreative.com
www.thisoldgame.com
www.arcadeshop.com
www.tntamusements.com
www.quarterarcade.com
www.arcaderenovations.com

I also think we should add...

-Where can I buy artwork stencils?  www.oleszakcreative.com, www.thisoldgame.com

And some great restoration tips from prOk (I don't think he would mind)   


- Restoration Supplies
- Painting Tutorial
- Paint Codes
- Repairing fine details
- Control Panel Restoration
- Bolt head restoration. Who want ugly rusted bolts on a CP?
- DIY stencils
- Using professional stencils


That is all. 

[ChadTower]

Another site full of graphic app tutorials.

[Razor]

Some very useful links, thanks.  I'll be bookmarking this page for future projects!

[tommywright]

I'd like to add Carolina Canvas as a place to get side art printed.  They specialise in large format print on all kinds of media...

http://www.carolinacanvas.com/

 

[stripe4]

I see that no one has mentioned another great vector graphics editor: Microsoft Expression Design 4. In my opinion (and speaking from my experience), it provides more than enough features for arcade cabinet artwork design needs.

It costs nothing, so download it from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=36180

This and Paint.NET (http://www.getpaint.net/) are great free alternatives to Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

[BAMBOO]

I see that no one has mentioned another great vector graphics editor: Microsoft Expression Design 4. In my opinion (and speaking from my experience), it provides more than enough features for arcade cabinet artwork design needs.

It costs nothing, so download it from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=36180

This and Paint.NET (http://www.getpaint.net/) are great free alternatives to Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

I've been using Adobe Illustrator since 2004 and I have to say, the Microsoft Expression Design 4 is pretty good.  Its a lot faster and user friendly IMO.  I like the brush and pen setup and I think I'm going to use this for vectoring RYGAR...  Nice find and thanks for posting man!   

[bydavidrosen]

Anyone know if there is a new version of that Arcade Art Library site? I'd love to try to design the side for my new cabinet myself (i'm fairly sufficient in photoshop), but I need to find character art to use.

Thanks!

[PL1]

Anyone know if there is a new version of that Arcade Art Library site? I'd love to try to design the side for my new cabinet myself (i'm fairly sufficient in photoshop), but I need to find character art to use.

Thanks!

Welcome aboard, Bydavidrosen.   

Check out this post for more sites.


Scott

[eezeetee]

Seems link many of the links have died.

Anyone with a good art repo?