Colouring for game concept art

[wanwan]

Hey, I'm new to this forum & I was wondering if anyone can help.

I was recently at a Scottish games co for an interview and they said that I need to improve how I colour in photoshop & there are certain methods used in the games industry. I was wondering if anyone knew any tips on colouring?

I have only been using photoshop for colouring for about two years and I still have a lot to learn!

My online portfolio is at http://wanwan.deviantart.com

Please be honest :D

Thanks again!

Rx

[Ptree3]

I'm not sure that there is any exact method for coloring in Photoshop, if you look around CA you will see a load of styles and techniques. I'd just keep doing what your doing, at the end of the day we have all got to find our own path and what works for us. Which company did you interview with? some companies prefer one particular style.

[CaneHoyer]

Funny question!

There is no default way in coloring an image, or concept art, what counters is the result!
Maybe there is an art director, who prefers a special way, but this doesn't have to mean, that's the only and the best way.

Some people use Painter like Ryan Church, some use Photoshop like Martiniere, and both of them are Elite Game Designers, so what's the better way???

If you like to get to know how the profs do their work I would advise you just to invest in a DVD from Gnomon.
There are many engaging with this theme and getting to know how professionals do their work isn't bad! ;)

By the way, if you already found your own way, and you like it, then keep it.

I learned it in my own way and added techniques from others to get better, but I always kept my own and I think it has its the best for me!

[wanwan]

thanks for you help :)

I understand there is no set way of doing things, I just wondered if there were universal techniques or ways of presenting work. Probably my bad wording!

It was for Real Time Worlds based in Dundee, Scotland.

As it happens I didn't get the post - but I know why and I'm working on that.

Thanks again!

Rx

[feeesh]

Hey Wan Wan, I know what you are talking about. And while everyone is correct in finding your own path, there is a certain style of presentation and quality that game companies tend to expect. And a certain clean detail without overdetailing things getting all "painterly". A good example is the work Hong Ly does. He knows all about that style and taught a class on it here at Gnomon that I took. It's alot like the book "The Skillful Huntsman" if you have seen that.

Check out the site and forums at Hong Ly's site and maybe ask the question there as that is alot of what that site is centered around:

Hong Ly's CharacterDesigns.com (http://www.characterdesigns.com/index.php?sitepage=home)

Hope that helps..........

:swepimp: feeeeeeeeeesh

[wanwan]

thanks - I'll def check it out :D I've been looking at the Gnomon DVD's for guidance & diving into tutorials!

Thanks again!