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Strategically Designing a 2D Game Level in Illustrator

by Michael Grills

In this Illustrator tutorial, you'll learn how to set up a system using symbols and artboards so that you can focus on the art instead of the constraints. Software required: Illustrator CC 2014.

What you'll learn

In this Illustrator tutorial, you'll learn how to set up a system using symbols and artboards so that you can focus on the art instead of the constraints. The hardest part of making game-level art is coming up with a strategy that lets you make great art and not get stuck wasting time on the technical side of cutting it up, working within size constraints, and adapting to change requests. Illustrator is a great tool for getting a system in place before you start making art--it will allow you to make vast changes to a level without being bogged down in trying to make it work in the game. Software required: Illustrator CC 2014.

About the author

Michael Grills Illustration is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The business was established in 2005 and since then Michael has been collaborating with design agencies, editorial, publishers, video directors, and game makers from all over the world, as well as doing art for illustration fans. Michael graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design and went directly to Bioware Corp. in Edmonton, getting hands-on experience making AAA, story-driven RPGs. When he started his family, he dec... more

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