The first article I found is called “The Undead Zone: Why realistic graphics make humans look creepy,” which is by Clint Thompson. It discusses an idea first noticed by a man named Masahiro Mori who was a roboticist. Mori noticed that when robots were more humanlike, people were more attracted to them than when they did not look humanlike. However, at a certain point, when the robot was too much like a human, people had the opposite reaction and they were repelled. He found that people started to notice the differences between a robot and a human when it looked similar, and those differences caused people discomfort. Thompson mentions in his article that video games are having the same issues as they develop more realistic graphics. One example is in the video game based on the television show Alias. In the game, there are times when the character a player plays is zoomed in on. Thompson even claimed to be frightened by the image and the way the mouth and the eyes did not move in a synchronized manner. Even the more realistic games like Resident Evil Outbreak have this same issue because people find the facial expressions unsettling. Thompson pointed out that this issue can make games less captivating of players’ attention because of the repulsion people feel when they see their avatar up close. There is a point Thompson makes in the article that as humans we are trained to recognize people’s faces. He claims that even if video game designers create the most realistic avatars possible, people may still not think of them as realistic because we are programmed to recognize when there is something off about someone. Though they may never be able to escape this issue, video game creators may have less issues over time as people get used to the appearance of the avatars and start to see them as less disturbing.

Though Poole does not discuss the way in which people find simulated humans in video games unsettling, he does mention the RPGs like Thompson discussed. Poole says that in these Role Playing Games, “the player ‘becomes’ a character in the fictional world” (Poole 40). While players play these Role Playing Games, they can become engrossed in them because they get so involved in the important tasks of learning more about the character and gaining “new skills according to his success in the gameworld” (Poole 41). In his article, Poole also mentions how video games are spreading out to include more and more subjects. There should be something to appeal to everyone, but the fact that the simulated humans do not look quite right may be the one thing that people always agree is somewhat disturbing.

Jones may say that there may be a way to overcome this issue in the future. She reported in her article that there is a prediction that in the future there will be screen less environments in which a player would wear a suit that would allow him or her to become a part of the game. Jones writes, “They present remarkable visual and tactile realities… users may create and share new elements in their virtual realities” (57). Depending on the type of game created in the future, gamers may not have to face that computer-generated avatar trying to look like a human. If it was a place where they could create their own realities, they could avoid that uncomfortable feeling when they see their own avatar because in a game where they are supposed to be in that type of virtual reality, it would defeat the purpose for an individual to see him or herself. That would destroy the illusion, just like seeing the simulated humans does for some gamers.

Thompson, C., (2004). ‘The Undead Zone: Why realistic graphics make humans look creepy,’ Slate. Retrieved November 21st, 2009, from http://www.slate.com/id/2102086/.

The second article I found, entitled, “More video game art is now museum quality” was about the growing acceptance for video games as a fine art. This article talked about how images from video games are ending up in art exhibits. For example, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, there were 16 pieces of art from video games selected for display out of about 300 submitted pieces. The president of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences said that their program is unique because professional curators of museums support it. Curators from museums such as the Getty Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art agree that video game images can be considered art. Louis Marchesano of the Getty Research Institute mentioned that though video game art could not be compared to the masters of the past, these works cause the same questioning behavior as the classics. Some of the famous artists who produce video game art include Tyler West, Stephane Martiniere and Daniel Dociu. West commented that having his work considered art seems to make it more legitimate. He believes that once people consider it, they will see that creating work like he does takes skill.

I think that Steven Poole would be interested to see that images from video games are becoming a more popular form of art. As he mentioned, the creator of video games “didn’t think he created anything earth-shatteringly novel” (Poole 16). Then, as the video game evolved from the simple graphics in games like “Spacewar” and “Pong,” it became more than just a game. Over time, the graphics get better and better and become more and more complex, as do the games. Just consider the evolution of the video game as Poole discusses it in his article. Video games started out with the most basic graphics such as in Lunar Lander and Space Invaders. Then threre were more games like platform games such as Donkey Kong and Super Mario Brothers. Now there are even video games where people can create a whole city or a beautiful world. The graphics are now so complex and detailed that they could easily be considered an art form.

Jones would probably agree that video game graphics could be considered art. In her article, she presents the side of the argument that would agree that computer graphics are art. Jones mentioned that, “selected examples of earlier and contemporary computer related images, objects, events and environments are examined to show reliance on previous forms and to present evolving possibilities in harmony with larger cultural and historical patterns.” This shows that computer generated graphics, like those in video games, can have symbolism and meaning behind them. Since art has to have some meaning behind it, people could not argue that computer generated images do not. As Jones mentions, people in the computer graphics world “have urged simultaneous consideration of the multiple uses of computer graphics – artistic, technical, scientific and practical – within a single social and historical context influenced by overlapping origins” (Jones 56). Therefore, though some people may just see computer graphics through one lens of technical use, they should try seeing it through multiple perspectives. They could even go to an exhibit where computer generated art is on display to get a better idea of how it can be used in multiple ways.

Snider, M., (2008). ‘More video game art is now museum quality,’ USA Today. Retrieved November 21st, 2009, from http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2008-07-16-game-art_N.htm.

Hoping to accomplish a few quick things with this, the first of what should be many posts. Accomplishments (hopefully) will be as follows:

1. establish main tags to be used on this blog: about artist, art, painting, illustration, sketching, ink, oils, acrylics, watercolors, charcoal, pastels, computer generated, photoshop, illstrator, web, css, fantasy, still life, abstract, nudes, concept art, game art – I may have missed some, but I feel this is a good start, and so, I have them to select from instead of having to come up with, yeah me!
2. pick a theme to hold me until I am ready to get around to doing my own css for the blog. I spend 40+ hours a week working on websites, I think I will be rather comfortable with the simple theme selection of wordpress.com for now.
3. begin to practice (starting tomorrow, cross my fingers I remember and actually do this) creating a piece of art a day, or at least a week… anything is better than what I am currently doing… I mean… uh… I have an infant, remember!?!

I think I have lost track. This blog will be my fine art, gift shop art, poster art, print art, original art, tooting my own art horn sort of blog. I have my mammarose.wordpress.com blog for all things mom and personal… and I now have mwroseart.wordpress.com for all things my art!

I will post here any new art, from this point forward. To see anything older, you will have to check out my website… which at the time of this posting, is not up yet. I will get a link for you asap!

Anyway, enjoy the art, what will hopefully be plenty of it. As much as I can manage having a full time contract job, being a mom to an infant, almost toddler, and being an artist… I lose a day here and there time to time, you understand!

Here at JumpStart, we’ve been working hard on creating a new area for Jumpeez to enjoy.  It’s called Free Fall Mountain, and it plays off of the popularity surrounding the Launch Pad feature.  Your kids will quite literally be reaching new heights when they visit Free Fall Mountain for a bit of sky diving!  Check out these sketches for a glimpse of what you’ll soon see at JumpStart.com…

Making a big dive

Quite the view.

Floating Platform

Get others setup to make the jump!

Peço a todos desculpas pela falta de postagem recentemente, mas o motivo foi nobre, a troca de endereço do blog que agora está em www.edersonmelo.com.

O novo blog está com o último post deste porém receberá atualizações constantes apartir de Quinta-Feira(29/10/2009).

www.edersonmelo.com

A idéia é que o mesmo blog consiga centralizar todos os tipos de posts.

Conto com o acesso de todos na busca de um blog mais profissional e melhor.

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Quite late now.. At least I have finished one draft of otter colouring.. Not the final result..Just want to test it out and satisfy myself..Since I have nothing to do might as well do some colouring and make self tired and sleep..1.27AM now..really can sleep le..Hehe..

Colour Draft

I still got lot stuff to learn , drawing and colouring.

Here is the update for my otter. Can’t really think of anything to model..Feeling a bit lazy now..I wanted to texture it and complete it by Friday..Can I..I have no idea on how to colour an otter with furs? o.O

As promised but I think is kinda late..Haha..I never though I will model an otter out. I’m having some problem with the hand and leg since this otter is standing. I can’t really do realistic stuff so I try to work on my strength and make it look cute and interesting. Currently the hand and leg do look like those roasted chicken -__-” But i will be giving this otter a nice pair of shoe and something to hold on..Hehe.. He will be wearing a chef hat (unless I change my mind, play too much cafe world these few days..)

Here is the update. 1124 Triangles at the moment.

[Update: The position has been filled.]

I’m looking for an artist to complete some of the artwork for War of Words.  I’m going to quote a post I made in the XNA forums with complete details:

I’m looking for a 2D Artist to help me to complete an Independent RPG/puzzle game for the Xbox 360.  Details about the game can be found on my development blog.  The game is approximately 2/3 complete in development.

A little bit about myself and the project:  I’ve been a professional developer for about 9 years currently employed at a major University.  I’m starting a small side company as an independent game maker.  I’ve made one game that was released on Indie games (Fruit Attack) last November (it was the first game to be approved).  My latest development effort is a hybrid RPG/word game.  Please read about it on my development blog to get the most current information (including screen shots).

Job Details:

Type:  2D Artist for RPG elements – primarily character portraits, backgrounds, and user interface (UI) artwork.

Timeline:  I need it done within the next 6-8 weeks.

Compensation:  Negotiable

Other Perks:  Free copies of the completed game, Graphic Artist credit in-game, possible future work.

Requirements:

Solid background in 2D artwork especially medieval-style RPG items and character portraits.

Fluent English speaker.

Willingness to brainstorm ideas and be creative on the art direction.

Ability to communicate effectively and to promptly respond to inquiries as needed.

If you are interested, please email me directly.  I can provide a list of artwork assets that I need created.  Please include in your email a little bit about yourself, your art background, and a link to a blog/website/other that showcases some of your work.  You may also include a resume if you wish.

By training I’m mostly a philosopher, and a little bit of a programmer too. What I’ve had almost no schooling in at all is art – bit of a problem for a one man game shop you might think. The last week or so I’ve been trying to catch up and get my artistic basics ‘good enough’ to get the job done.

My secret weapon, of course, is that I’ve been teaching myself how to do arty bits on computers since I was a tiny child and first grasped a mouse and a copy of Deluxe Paint. In fact, it was on the artistic side of game development where I first started making contributions, building 3D models for Half-Life and Unreal Engine 2 in a succession of packages popular about seven years ago. However, it’s not seven years ago and my skills have atrophied a little in the intervening time so it was time for a fresh start.

I’ve begun using two new (to me) bits of open source software which have risen up while I’ve been away from the digital art space. For 3D I’ve opted to make use of Blender, which to me looks a lot like Lightwave used to (but controls almost nothing like it), and for 2D the ‘hillariously’ acroynm-ed GIMP.

GIMP was the easiest fit; with its menus and tools being instantly familiar to anyone whose ever made use of a half-decent 2D editing package. It all started coming back fairly swiftly: layers, dodge & burn, smudge, level adjustments. I’m sure I’m missing out on some amazing new Photoshop feature that everyone is raving about, but I bet it also still starts up super slow.

I’ve not had to really use any manuals or tutorials to get into using GIMP so far; though I did find editing and painting transparency information a bit more fiddly than I would have liked. The one thing I did grab was a whole bunch of free brushes, pretty much at random, so that there were some more shapes than the limited default range to choose from. GIMP has its own brush format but can also make use of the Photoshop brush format so you can pretty much grab anything and everything, drop it in the right directory and it’ll be there.

If anyone out there has any top GIMP tips, tutorials, brushes or plugins that might be useful for making game textures, background art and similar then do let me know as I’m sure there’s plenty of stuff I’m still missing.

Blender has been a little trickier to get into. I expect it could be due to its origins on linux or the mac but it has very non-windows native keyboard shortcuts (ctrl +c and ctrl +s do not do what you think they might). I expect its all configurable somewhere but right now I’m not sure what all the buttons do so changing them is probably not the smartest move. The other hurdle is that 3D technology in games has moved on a fair bit more than 2D technology since I last dabbled so I knew I’d have some more things to learn. I want to make use of normal mapping in my first game so figured getting a good workflow for generating these maps was important. The internet provided its wonderous bounty once again and I found
this tutorial particularly clear for my purposes. I also wanted a clear tutorial on UV unwrapping, because in my previous experience each 3D package tends to have a few quirks in this area, and found a decent summation in the online blender manual, which is a general wealth of information on all things blender.

I also had a bit of ‘fun’ tinkering with the default .x exporter (my current model data format of choice) with it first seeming to export a completely invalid file (with no warnings) and then exporting a model with flipped normals and broken UVs. I did manage to fix it in the end but I’m not entirely sure exactly how I got to the fix so I expect I may have more good times ahead wrestling with it.

As above, if you have anything I should definitely know about blender or any really good resources for Blender + games rather than Blender + films stick it in the comments.

You are formally requested to monitor me via twitter here.

Looks like your Jumpee’s feet will get a break soon! The new Ridez Shop (coming soon to JumpStart.com) will give your Jumpee a new attitude on transportation! In late October, we will have different vehicles that you can purchase to ride around the JumpStart world in/on. In order to travel with some flair, your child will need to earn JumpStart coins, and in order to earn JumpStart coins, learning games must be completed!

Love the llama!

The JumpStart Art Team gave us an exclusive look at a few creatures you might be able to buy in the Ridez Shop!

Rejoining the ecosystem for your child's enjoyment!

I’m sure these dragons will make traveling very interesting!

Your Jumpee will turn some heads when you pull up to MarineLand on an ostrich!

Like the ridez? Share the good news with others!

Guess is the end for me due to my laptop difficulty to complete the texture. In the end, I was too frustrated and import the rendered image to photoshop and colour it manually. I did use Maya basic shader colour and with a bit touch up from photoshop. I was looking forward to my first texture character but.. speechless.. Open maya+photoshop = shutdown, open only photoshop to texture on UV with my tablet = shutdown and the only thing which don shut down is when i doing modelling..zZzz.. Anyway, i think i spent too much time waiting my com to restart and it keep demoralizing me.

I was too %&$^# so I decided to play around in Photoshop (Have to make the photoshop size smaller to prevent crash).Zzz..

Here is the image.

The result of playing around with my tablet…

Finally! The overall basic shape of Ness is completed. I have taken quite some time to do this, my computer keep shuting down when I’m doing the UV. When I have enough money I am going to buy a new desktop.. Argh. I have added ears and hands to Ness and tweak some vertex. I know is not really perfect but I keep telling myself not to give up and keep on doing.

I having hard time doing the finger too, I forgot the rule..Haha..while searching for references for it, I have come across a cool website. I never though the people out there are so crazy about Earthbound. They are making some fan based game. Mother 4! Omg..If i have a chance, I’m going to try it. By the way here is the link for the website : http://forum.starmen.net/forum/Fan/Games

And lastly my update :

Next step : Probably try if my laptop can support normal mapping *Take too much processing power*

Today I really in good mood of doing a character in reference of Ness from Earthbound. Hehe.. I think the most important while doing modelling is to love the thing you model and looking forward for the complete work. I know that I cannot put this in my portfolio but this is something I love to put inside this journal.

I wanted to fill my journal with all my modelling progress so in the future when I have become a full fledged 3D/Game artist, I read back my journal and I can laugh to myself that I spent so many hours of doing something which is so simple.

Here is a wireframe and my clothing of the character..

Update after my dinner and all the drama after 11pm

After complete all the modelling, still need to do a clean up to delete all the unnecessary faces. Still left hand, leg and shoe. I am planning to use normal mapping and if it success it will be my first normal mapping ever in Maya!