Having trouble finishing this CP, need art suggestions!

[coldcoffeecup]

I've finished the majority of the sides/marquee art for my cabinet, minus some small tweaks (enlarging some of the characters, placement, etc), but I can't seem to finish my control panel art! I don't think the unfinished background texture will be sufficient. Here is what I have so far:

I would probably like to add something plain, towards the center of the CP. I don't think there is any one character I like enough to use, or any particular logo I can think of. I'm out of ideas, but I need something to finish this!

Does anybody have any suggestions on what I could put there? Furthermore, I'm generally terrible at making things look nice/creative, so if you have any other suggestions (ie: that looks like garbage, start over) feel free to share

Thanks in advance!

[vwalbridge]

link to picture is broken for me.

[coldcoffeecup]

link to picture is broken for me.

Doh, thanks for the catch! The period got pulled into the url. It's fixed now

[vwalbridge]

Sorry, dude...I personally don't like artwork with every single arcade character plastered on the side. It's just so "clip-arty" for me. Ultimately, it just looks like a cab that can't make up it's mind.

I'm a broken record on the phrase but "less is more" when it comes to arcade artwork.  Try to focus on one particular category, theme, color, or character. Something more specific is better than everything everywhere.

Start with what game(s) you like best. Or maybe what era you like best. 80s or 90s maybe. Try to keep it SIMPLE.

Just trying to give some good feedback. I always remind people that I'm not an artwork guy so don't ask me "hey if you think you can do better than prove it". Well...I can't do better.

However, I know what I like when I see it.

But hey, you are the only one that has to like it. I'm just some random dude on the internet. It's your cab, YOU have to like it.

[Phreakwars]

I guess I'd have to agree somewhat... it's a little much IMHO. Simple is more appealing then complex, because when it is complex, the person looking at it, won't focus on the entire cabinet/project. But don't mind my opinion. Whatever looks best to you, is what is best.

[coldcoffeecup]

Just trying to give some good feedback. I always remind people that I'm not an artwork guy so don't ask me "hey if you think you can do better than prove it". Well...I can't do better.

Haha no, I completely and entirely appreciate your feedback. Thanks for being honest. I think the reason I can't make a decision is because I'm 50/50 in agreement with you. I have always kinda sucked at making art, but I do like trying.

After thinking about what you said, I do think it is worth it to start a second version to pick from. I'm not going to throw out the first set of sides just yet, but I think it would be good to try out the "less is more" approach too.

I'm still going to need input on what to put on that dang control panel though

[coldcoffeecup]

I guess I'd have to agree somewhat... it's a little much IMHO. Simple is more appealing then complex, because when it is complex, the person looking at it, won't focus on the entire cabinet/project. But don't mind my opinion. Whatever looks best to you, is what is best.

No, your  opinion is valid, and that's essentially what I'm looking for. I'm going to make another revision with a lot less going on I think. Might take a few tries, but that's ok. Creating artwork is free

[Slippyblade]

Dig around on Deviant Art for a while.  A lot of awesome control panels have come from there.

[Dal1980]

I get what ppl are saying here and I personally agree with vwalbridge points.

If I had to 'rescue' the situation and offer suggestions based on what you have rather than a redo or a complete change of direction. I would suggest maybe taking a group I.e. Xmen and making them appear on the right side only and then use Mortal Kombat on the left side as a dedicated panel theme. Use of characters on lower half while perhaps using a stage graphic to fill in the rest of the background and tie in the characters. Then you have the other two sets of themes to perhaps merge on the CP as a illustration of P1 vs P2 coming in from the left and right.

It's about you liking it but as  someone who messes about with artwork and design I tend to struggle coming up with stuff for myself so you are your own worst enemy! Best to work gradually on the concept than to expect this to just hit paper and be done in a short space of time. Try not getting too frustrated and sometimes you spend 3 days working on something that leads to a new and better idea but it's the journey that you need to take (but don't forget to enjoy all of this too)

Hope you get to that happy excited feeling when it all comes together.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[coldcoffeecup]

Best to work gradually on the concept than to expect this to just hit paper and be done in a short space of time

I agree entirely. It actually took me a week or so to come up with that first pass, since I had to learn about vector graphics. I'm kind of in the process of moving right now, so I think eventually I'll try and fix this version, and in the meantime I've come up with a few other ideas I'm going to try out. Making the art is free, right?

And I definitely agree about being your own worst critic. Anyway, that's a good idea for the CP, and thanks for the feedback!

[Dal1980]

...I've come up with a few other ideas I'm going to try out. Making the art is free, right?

It's not exactly free. If you count your time as free I suppose yes but the soul it saps from you at each stroke or vector point can lead to the empty shell I see most artists become




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk