Author Topic: Need Marquee Design Assistance.. (Read 4485 times)

AlexC · « **on:** February 03, 2004, 02:56:03 pm »

Hello all
After seeing all the great marquees you guys come up with I thought I would ask for some assistance. I don't have any graphics software to make my own , or the skills even if I did

I really want something original and not one of the "MAME" generic ones. I was thinking of naming
the cab "Time Sinker" (what the wife thinks of the cab)or "Timescape Games" and it having futuristic theme to it.
Also, I really like the small "MAME" logo I saw on some of the recent marquees made on this site and it would be great if it could be added somewhere on it.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks all.
Alex.

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #1 on:** February 03, 2004, 05:31:27 pm »

I'm game.

Just give me some time since I've got a few pans in the fire right now.

greywolf22 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 03, 2004, 06:22:46 pm »

I can vouch for Pixelhugger, he does AWESOME work

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #3 on:** February 03, 2004, 10:31:12 pm »

If I do one more freaking marquee I like more than my own, I'm going to stick a pair of hot pencils in my eyes!

Anyhooo.... this is version 1. I also think it could look cool to stick a planet in....maybe where the half circle come up from the bottom.

Let me know what you think. BTW- I love the names. Especially TimeSinker, though at THIS point I'm biased.

hulkster · « **Reply #4 on:** February 03, 2004, 10:34:20 pm »

pixel- can you check my post? i need a marquee too!http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=13;action=display;threadid=15623

pretty please?!?!

AlexC · « **Reply #5 on:** February 03, 2004, 10:54:46 pm »

Wow!!!
Looks awesome

The planet would be cool as well.
Really appreciate it.
Thanks

greywolf22 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 04, 2004, 12:09:30 am »

Pixelhugger,

Yet another masterpiece, I think you could go into the marquee design business at this rate

. Incredible!

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #7 on:** February 04, 2004, 05:18:47 am »

Thanks Alex and Greywolf!

It's habit forming. I can't tell you how many times I thought I heard my boss approaching at work today and had to flip my laptop into emergency display sleep mode .

Stingray · « **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2004, 09:07:15 am »

I'm not trying to cut off everyone's favorite free design source, but I agree that you could charge for your services. You do excellent work.

-S

AlexC · « **Reply #9 on:** February 05, 2004, 08:57:52 pm »

How do I get it printed

Do I just "Save picture as..." and send that file to the printer or is there more to it?
Sorry for the dumb question, just never had anything like this printed.

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #10 on:** February 06, 2004, 09:51:26 am »

I'll email you the original Adobe Illustrator file which you can send to the printer-provided they can accept that format. Are you planning on using classicarcadegrafix.com? If not, let me know who so I can check with them about accepted file formats.

The file you see posted in this thread is a compressed JPEG which is too small and low res to use as a source to print.

I haven't had a chance to create the planet, so it'll be a while before I could send that. If you're happy with the version here, let me know and I'll get it ready for the printer.

AlexC · « **Reply #11 on:** February 06, 2004, 01:29:57 pm »

Hello, I was thinking about using classicarcadegrafix.com for the printing so hopefully they accept the format.
Also, I like version that you've created but I can also wait for the other version

I'm not in any hurry, I'm still about a month await from completing the cab anyways.
Again, thanks a bunch.

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2004, 01:51:50 pm »

They do accept the Illustrator files, which is great. I haven't seen their work first hand, but the retroblast review has me sold on them!

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #13 on:** February 10, 2004, 05:02:21 pm »

Oooops.....small oversight - I need your final/actual marquee dimensions to finish the Illustrator file.

Brad · « **Reply #14 on:** February 10, 2004, 07:48:36 pm »

Wow I really, really like that marquee for simplicity. I don't like characters all over it so this one is really sweet.

I'm looking to put it into this cab I'm working on. the cab is running (couldn't wait) but I want to tart it up some now LOL!

http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~bharman

Pixelhugger would it be at all possible to have the project file for this? Or have one made up with a different title? I'd really appreciate it. If I could have the file so that Paint Shop Pro could import it that would be awesome as I don't have Photoshop!

If not great job anyway.

Regards,

Brad

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #15 on:** February 10, 2004, 08:17:14 pm »

Brad - Glad you like it. But more importantly, is that a converted Space Ace cab?

??

I've already done 3 sided marquee art for my scratch built machine. Take a look in this thread: http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=10;action=display;threadid=13118

If you like I could modify the marquee art there to fit your cab... or come up with something new based on the TimeSinker design, but with 3 panels and a different theme/name. Not taking advantage of those 3 panels you have would be absolute SACRILEGE! I feel a strange sort of attachment to your machine, since Space Ace (aside from being one of my favorite games) was the insipiration (along with Dragon's Lair) for my cabinet's design.

If you are a patient man, and willing to take some accurate measurements...I'll set you up with a complete set of art....marquee, bezel, and control panel. I've got a bit of a queue going at this point, so I couldn't start for a few weeks (maybe sooner) but I sure would love to tart that one up!

I just couldn't bear to see a cabinet I consider to be among the best designed to go without the works!

As far as the art file, it's not Photoshop. Everything I do is in Illustrator to keep the lines sharp and the files small. I'm sure I can output whatever you need for your graphics app, but ideally I'd provide you with a finished vector file(s) to print.

Is Bio-Attack the name of your cab? If not, what would you like to call it?

Brad · « **Reply #16 on:** February 10, 2004, 09:23:12 pm »

Damn pixelhugger that'd be sweet if you could help me out.

Holy hell you could be right. I always thought it was a Robocop Cab or similiar

http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?letter=&game_id=6991

Robocop

http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?letter=&game_id=9343

But to honest I don't know what to think now. The Space Ace Cab is not identical to mine. The only feature thats the same is the rare hexagonal marquee area. Thing is pretty much EVERY cab made in Australia was made by Leisure and Allied Industries just like this one. I picked it up at auction for $75.00 fully working. No one wanted it cause they thought it was a Bio Attack game. That game is abominable. But I fired it up and whilst the marquee is an original Bio Attack, the Jamma PCB in it is a Violence Fight yet another crappy fighter.

Inside I found pinout diagrams etc for Tumple Pop so it's had a long life. I'll check the plate on it to see if theres a manufactured date.

Just so you don't fret, I didn't hack the hell out of the cab either. I've cut nothing off it. The door is sitting in my garage along with the Control Panel and wiring harness. The control panel was kitted out with a 2 player setup 3 buttons each which was required for Violence Fight.

The cab design itself is really awesome. The back panel above the monitor actually has a light behind it. It's plexi painted black for a really nice effect. I was going to put and instruction card there but not sure now. Also the kickplate at the bottom is a damn nice feature.

Notice in one picture the tub of homebrew beer LOL An essential item I reckon =)

I'll definitely give you accurate measurements if you want though.

I'll let you know what the serial plate says but I'm sure the cab was made 1989 or so. If anyone could point out any other cabs with this curious design let me know please.

I don't know what to call it yet, suggestions wil be appreciated as even my son is onto me for a name LOL!

I just checked out your nice cab and I have to say it's bloody awesome! My wife also thinks the cab is a monstrosity but the games room is mine dammit LOL! If I could get my cab to look as awesome as yours I'd be a very very happy man.

Cheers and thanks a bunch!

Brad

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #17 on:** February 10, 2004, 09:30:42 pm »

Yikes! Even more ironic. I've planned a backlit instruction panel in my design, too - albeit much shorter.

Again....sacrilege not to use that!

Any ideas for a name/theme?

I'll get back to you with measurement requests. You've got plenty of time, as it'll be a bit before I get working on it. $:-\$ It would be nice to get a name tho' so I can let it brew and ferment in my subconcious for a while before designing. BTW I did recognize that homebrew jug...my brother did the same as a kid.

Brad · « **Reply #18 on:** February 10, 2004, 10:09:21 pm »

The problem with names is that all the obvious ones have already been taken so I don't know wether to use a new one or just plagiarise.

Some candidates would be:

The Vortex - I really like this one
Time Thief
Space Cadet
Barcade

The possibilities are endless it's just coming up with something I like. Your right though I should have an instruction panel. I'm running Arcade Jukebox in it too so should have some directions for use on that and Mame

Brad

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #19 on:** February 10, 2004, 11:03:25 pm »

My votes would be for Vortex or Space Cadet

Brad · « **Reply #20 on:** February 11, 2004, 12:36:38 am »

Hmm yes Vortex or The Vortex overlayed onto sometype of whirlpool

Brad

fredster · « **Reply #21 on:** February 11, 2004, 08:51:23 am »

I like the logo part of "Time Sinker" but I think it needs something like clock faces and hands in it along with the gears. Maybe some coil springs or alarm clock faded images.

Stingray · « **Reply #22 on:** February 11, 2004, 09:12:10 am »

I am quite jealous of your cab. That is too cool! I like "space Cadet" too.

-S

Brad · « **Reply #23 on:** February 11, 2004, 04:21:17 pm »

Believe me I've been waiting years to finally get a cab so I love it myself. Theres still a LOT of work to go into it but I am having a lot of fun playing the classics on it.

As for the name I'm leaning towards The Vortex or Mame Vortex. In the blue theme that Pixelhugger seems fond of with some sort of swirling, whirlpool design behind it!

I did some investigating last night and the cab plates don't show any dates so in effect I "could" be a Space Ace cab. Theres no identifying marks or clues except for the Hex Marquee =(

Brad

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #24 on:** February 11, 2004, 04:40:59 pm »

Space Ace or no, that marquee box is fantastic. I'm looking forward to working with it. Must... finish.... projects.....

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #25 on:** February 11, 2004, 04:53:16 pm »

Quote from: Brad on February 11, 2004, 04:21:17 pm

In the blue theme that Pixelhugger seems fond of

Guilty.

Sooner or later I'll do another color.

Brad · « **Reply #26 on:** February 11, 2004, 08:21:01 pm »

LOL Don't worry about the blue, like most Mame Cabs it's my preference too. Thats why I bought blue buttons

Brad

AlexC · « **Reply #27 on:** February 11, 2004, 10:29:54 pm »

Sorry, should have posted that earlier

The marquee size is : 23.5 x 6.5
Thanks

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #28 on:** February 11, 2004, 10:32:48 pm »

Thanks, Alex.

Fredster, I like that idea of clock hands! Alex, if you're not in a hurry to get this printed, I'll try a version with some "clock references"

CthulhuLuke · « **Reply #29 on:** February 12, 2004, 03:04:21 am »

Hey Pixelhugger,
You ever write up any tutorials bout your skills? I'm helllllla impressed by your font use and overally composotion of your marquees I've seen. Looks like you use Illustrator then bring it over to Photoshop for backgrounds and lighting. Am I close?

-very good looking work

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #30 on:** February 12, 2004, 11:11:14 am »

Cthulhu - Thanks

The designs are actually 100% Illustrator. The lighting effects are achieved with alternating gradients. I have yet to lift the hood on the gradient mesh tool, but I feel once I can use that tool effectively a whole new world of lighting and shading will be available. I've considered taking some of these into Photoshop to add raster art, but so far I haven't. Once I get around to using the mesh tool, I'll see if I can put some sort of tutorial together, although I can't imagine a better Illustrator tutorial than Frosty's Vectorial.

Stingray · « **Reply #31 on:** February 12, 2004, 11:50:44 am »

I don't understand how to use the gradient mesh tool at all. If you wouldn't mind running me through how it works I'd love to hear from you.

stingrayg4@prodigy.net

Hey, I learned Illustrator back on version 3 I think! There have been a lot of new features added since then!

-S

AlexC · « **Reply #32 on:** February 12, 2004, 10:33:01 pm »

I'm in no hurry,take as much time as you want.
Again thanks for the time you've put in to it.

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #33 on:** March 17, 2004, 09:12:20 pm »

Hmmmmm... I definitely should have asked about those dimensions before roughing something up. The different aspect ratio of the actual marquee is so much wider I couldn't keep the same layout. $:-\$

Here's a revision that fits the real marquee dimensions.

Let me know what you think.

AlexC · « **Reply #34 on:** March 18, 2004, 10:04:22 am »

I like it. Bummer about loosing the "MAME" logo.
How would it look between TIME & SINKER?
Thanks Pix !!

Pixelhugger · « **Reply #35 on:** March 19, 2004, 12:01:25 pm »

Here's a revision to incorporate the Mame logo. (A new and improved Mame logo to boot.) It has to be off center like this since the two words are of unequal length. Initially I felt putting it between them like this wouldn't work but I actually prefer it now.

AlexC · « **Reply #36 on:** March 19, 2004, 01:49:12 pm »

Looks awesome

Like the new logo as well.
Thanks for all the work on it, its much appreciate it.


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