Comments on Defender-like Control Panel Art

[pmc]

I'm building several swappable panels so artwork has recently become an excercise in alternatives. I can easily change artwork or use different artwork on different panels so I've got some lattitude to go with several options at the same time. What do you think of these? They'll be going a Defender shaped cabinet that is black, blue, white, and red themed (in that order).

-pmc

[pmc]

Two more.

[pmc]

Red balltop joystick knobs, white buttons. The admin buttons are black and blue.

I think I like the last one best (compositing Space Invaders and Defender at the same time).

-pmc

[pmc]

Bump. I have test prints of the Space Invaders monster / Defender composite but I used the blue/black gradient background instead of all black. I really like the way it looks. Comments?

-pmc

[Bones]

Can you post your blue design with the white buttons?

[pmc]

Can you post your blue design with the white buttons?

Yup. Here it is. Please excuse the hash marks and guide lines.

-pmc

[TalkingOctopus]

I like either of the black designs better.  Is everything going to be labeled on the final print out?  If so, I don't think there is really a reason to label any of that stuff. except pause and exit.  Overall, it looks good.  I really need to redo my control panel overlay.  Mine just sucks...

[pmc]

I like either of the black designs better.  Is everything going to be labeled on the final print out?  If so, I don't think there is really a reason to label any of that stuff. except pause and exit.  Overall, it looks good.  I really need to redo my control panel overlay.  Mine just sucks...

If it's the one on your web page, I don't think it's that sucky.

The reason I'm considering the blue gradient is because I think it'll really compliment the blue t-molding on my cabinet. The cab itself is black so a black panel will just blend right in. I have other panels that will be covered in black pica vinyl so my only shot at color here is with the marquee, bezel (currently black too), and control panel. I'm doing some test prints and might stick with a black/blue gradient but go heavy on the black and subtle on the blue.

I'd love to make the artwork "swappable" somehow.

As for labels (I know there's a thread on this in the main forum), the reason I labeled each button is for multiple reasons:

• I like labels on buttons and "fire" or "punch" obviously won't work for a machine with 3,000 games. I don't like the look of a zillion-button CP with no button labels. And I can always shout "button 4" to my daughter rather than doing what I do now which is "bottom left, bottom left!, no, the other left!..."
• I have a Dreamcast in there and can never remember which buttons are which. So I decided to label them (A, B, C, X, Y, and Z).

Anyway, I appreciate and value the feedback.

-pmc

[Ad_Enuff]

One thing I noticed was that some of the artwork has transparency and other bits are not.

As a suggestion either have it all 100% or 50%.....or have it all 50% except for say the space invader image.....or at leats make it more than 50%


Do a mock up to see what it looks like.....

[pmc]

One thing I noticed was that some of the artwork has transparency and other bits are not.

As a suggestion either have it all 100% or 50%.....or have it all 50% except for say the space invader image.....or at leats make it more than 50%

Actually, I don't think that's completely true but I think I know what you are saying. The Space Invader layer is at 38% opacity and the rest of the artwork is at 100%. Where the red edges of the invader overlap with the red graphics from the Defender artwork, you get a composite effect that makes those sections of the invader look like 100% opacity. I can likely use a layer blend option or another overlay to mitigate that effect.

It also sounds like you prefer to see the invader with less transparancy (i.e., more opaque).

Do a mock up to see what it looks like.....

OK. How's this?

-pmc

[Ad_Enuff]

OK. How's this?

Looks pretty sexy to me!

[TalkingOctopus]

Yeah the mock up looks great.

[pmc]

I still don't like all the labels, but at least you gave a good reason (I always forget which dc button is which too).

The worst is with ePSXe when it tells you to push "green triangle". I stare at my CP and wonder...

I had a version that had 1/square/X labels (MAME/PSX/DC) but it was way too busy looking. And I didn't like a loose "1" floating out there so I put the word "Button" in front of it. Seems self evident to put the word Button on there -- and no less than 12 times. But again, "Fire" or "Punch" doesn't do it for me either.

Maybe I'll pull all the labels and move them onto instruction cards on the bezel. Like usual, I can't decide.

[Bones]

I like your mock-up but have you tried playing around with different coloured buttons? I am finding the white buttons seem to intimidate your graphics.

I had a play to see what two common colours would look like, hope you don't mind.

[Ad_Enuff]

I had a play to see what two common colours would look like, hope you don't mind.

Strange as it may sound, the plain old white buttons work better than using red/blue....as per your mock up.

Nice to see different versions, sometimes it helps to make a decision.

[pmc]

I've been playing on that control panel for over two years now. I'm just getting around to adding the artwork, a layer of Lexan, and a strip of T-molding. So I've already got the white buttons installed. Too late for color choices!

Anyway, I like the alternate colors, but I think I like the white buttons in the end anyway. Thanks for the try tho.

-pmc

[Bones]

Anyway, I like the alternate colors, but I think I like the white buttons in the end anyway. Thanks for the try tho.

-pmc

I think you have gone the best angle with approach to colours. On your mock-up, the white looks really good.