Zac-A-Tac's W.I.P.'s

[Zac-A-Tac]

This will be my official thread for WIPs from now on. OK I admit, this box looks awful. Espcially from a good game that I have. I tried to fit every character on the box and obviously I failed. Can you give me an idea of how to make it look good? I also made Sonic The Hedgehog 4. I know it will only be on Xbox LIVE but I made it on the Playstation Network.

[Sonic Hydra]

The Smash Bros one looks cluttered, and the Sonic 4 one looks too bland. On the bright side you have some nice pictures of all the characters and the backgrounds are ok.

My advice for the smash bros one would be to have lesser known characters in the background and keep them small, then as it gets nearer the foreground have morw important/well known characters and make them bigger.

As for Sonic, give it a focal point. At the minute you have a nice picture of one of the levels, and the characters just kinda happen to be there. I'd say make Sonic the main focal point and dot a couple of other characters behind him.

Hope this has helped or at least given you some ideas to try.

[Spiner_]

Take some time when making a box, instead of making 10 boxes every day.

[niososonic]

I agree with Spiner.
And Sonic 4 Is for WiiWare, Iphone, Xbox Live and Playstation Network.

[Zac-A-Tac]

sonic hydra: Great advice for both boxes dude. Thanks! niosonic: I didn't know it was going to be on those systems. Spiner: I make these for fun and post them here to see if I did all right or not. This is the Sonic The Hedgehog box I submited and you may have seen this before. Here is what people said: take off sonic team,move sega logo and make it bigger, and change the background; the render is kind of floating, and get another render that looks like they're running. Here are more boxes.

[Zac-A-Tac]

More boxes for this thread. don't mind me ;)

[Zac-A-Tac]

OK I have improved Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Sonic The Hedgehog 4!

[Zac-A-Tac]

I made updates on Sonic The Hedgehog, God of War 3, and Halo 3! The Sonic one I will need feedback on so that I may update it.

[Adhiboy]

Stop updating and focus on one box for Christ's sake. While you have 8 crappy boxes you could have one at least decent box if you spent a little more time on it. Can you not tell that your boxes look terrible?

[RoarShark]

Stop updating and focus on one box for Christ's sake. While you have 8 crappy boxes you could have one at least decent box if you spent a little more time on it. Can you not tell that your boxes look terrible?

This man speaks the truth, you need to focus on one box at a time. You will find that the more you focus on one box, the better it will get. What program do you use?

[Zac-A-Tac]

Photoshop

[RoarShark]

Photoshop

Okay, so what you want to do is go to Google and search for 'Photoshop' Tutorials, you should be able to find some great stuff that will either inspire you, or make you think about something. Also don't use a real life background on a game that is not real life, which would be every game.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Here are updates to Sonic The Hedgehog and Halo 3. Like them now?

[RoarShark]

Okay here is another tip, try coping, well mimicking, some of the boxes that are in the hall of fame and or master works.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Hey not as good as Yoshistar right? (laughs) I think that tip might actually help. Thanks a lot! I know what you're going to say. These sucks. I know. Can anyone help me on wallpapers for these boxes? That brings me up to updates.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I really need help with finding a good background, recognizing elements in Photoshop, and this; if I decide to find pics from Photobucket, to I have to join? This might help me on making boxes better. Speaking of boxes, I made new ones! Do you like the idea?

[Zac-A-Tac]

I made 2 more. Later on, I will make updates on Sonic The Hedgehog!

[Zac-A-Tac]

Here are updates 6 and 7 of Sonic The Hedgehog and the first try at Mario Kart Wii.

[Drakxxx]

I can see you have a good interest in making box arts, but please take into consideration some of the suggestions the other artists are making here in your WIP thread, and try to focus on making the best box art you can. Habitually posting box designs of low effort / quality will inevitably make you a burden on the main page, and potentially detract from other artists.

[ojoe2000]

Troll?

[niososonic]

I made 2 more.And I'm making more!!

Please focus on one box. You'll never be a good boxartist if you just make new ones over and over again. Yes, it can be boring when you come up with new ideas, but don't care! FOCUS ON 1 BOX

[yevinorion]

Please focus on one box. You'll never be a good boxartist if you just make new ones over and over again. Yes, it can be boring when you come up with new ideas, but don't care! FOCUS ON 1 BOX

Seriously bro. You seem to be spreading your creativity thin trying to come up with so many ideas at once. Tone it down, focus on one box, one idea and try to execute that to the highest possible level of quality. Believe me, a lot of the time just the level of quality is what will make your box a better one. Attention to detail is key.

You seem to have a grasp of basic composition so I'd like to see you progress that further. Like RoarShark suggested, take a look at the MasterWorks and Hall of Fame to see what makes a great box. You don't have to copy them exactly, just let them inspire you and give you ideas.

[Drakxxx]

Troll?

I'm thinking he's just enthusiastic, which is good, but the enthusiasm needs to be better directed.

[Zac-A-Tac]

niosonic: If I feel like it, I'll fix one of the boxes. Yevinorion: They look too advanced for me! Drakxxx: I'm trying the best I can dude. ojoe: no

[Drakxxx]

niosonic: If I feel like it, I'll fix one of the boxes. Yevinorion: They look too advanced for me! Drakxxx: I'm trying the best I can dude. ojoe: no

Fair enough man.
I'd like it if you would post your boxes here first before you upload them to the site.

Having a thread like this is a good place to upload any work you have in progress, as you'll be able to get feedback from the community that can make you box look better. Many of the artists here, myself included, are eager to help and tell you what you might want to consider when developing your design.

With patience, practice, and constructive critique, you'll get better. :)

[yevinorion]

Hey man, I understand they look advanced. The thing is not to just look at it and go "Oh man, I can't do that." Instead, just try to see what makes them good. The composition/layout, the way color is used, the way the type is treated. Maybe small techniques you might see and want to google so you can learn how to do that.

The thing is just to never turn off "learning mode". Keep looking at what is good work and try to just break it down to elements to understand the concept.

This is all starting to sound a bit heady, but anyways, I think you have some real potential. I just want to see you try to make the most of it.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Drakxxx: That's what I thought when someone suggested to put my boxes here before uploading. Yevinorion: Best advice ever! I'll keep that in mind.

[stevencho]

You don't have to copy them exactly, just let them inspire you and give you ideas.

You know when I was first starting out, I purposely tried to copy some of the HoF boxes purely for practice. They were never meant for uploading, but just to help me get some of the techniques down. After I was able to nearly copy a box I then went and created a box using the inspiration I received. Eventually I started creating boxes all on my own, but this was a good starting off point.

[Zac-A-Tac]

That's kind of inspiring. Anyway, I'm going to sleep so I'll put up attempt 2 at Super Mario Galaxy DS.

[RoarShark]

That's kind of inspiring. Anyway, I'm going to sleep so I'll put up attempt 2 at Super Mario Galaxy DS.

Yeah putting an official on a different template is a big no no.

[Zac-A-Tac]

It wasn't my idea for the background! But I guess I deserve the blame for putting it on the cover. And to Drakxxx, people don't respond to my other boxes, just the latest ones I put up. I want to edit them so look at the rest I put up and share your thoughts with me please!

[Drakxxx]

People seem to have been more or less helpful to you so far here in your thread, so keep practicing and post your work in here if you like. If you upload any more to the site that are like your last few, they'll be consequences.

[stevencho]

If you upload any more to the site that are like your last few, they'll be... consequences.

Subtle warning is not so subtle.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Drakxx: Ooh I'm so scared! Serously dude, I'm scared. stevencho: I agree. As for the rest of you, I'll be making only 1 or 2 boxes today and what you get so far is what you get so far. I'll be busy working on classwork I missed when I was out for like 2 or 3 weeks and cleaning up my room.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Now here is a box that really needs a render. But there's none for this game. I'm no good at rendering so... can you guys find a Sonic pic specifically from this game and render it? It would mean a lot if you helped.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Not the exact render I had in mind but it is from the game. Credit goes to LaserSonic for the render! Hopefully, it looks a litlle better than the first one. Other credits: Sonic And Sega All Stars Racing Logo: Eggboy13. Background: IGN. SEGA Logo: Cerium. Rated E Logo: Google Images. Xbox 360 Template: Google.

[RoarShark]

Your best so far! Keep it up, I can tell that your improving.

[Drakxxx]

Drakxx: Ooh I'm so scared! Serously dude, I'm scared.

No reason to be scared man. I'm just letting you know about quality control that's all.

Also,

Not the exact render I had in mind but it is from the game. Credit goes to LaserSonic for the render! Hopefully, it looks a litlle better than the first one. Other credits: Sonic And Sega All Stars Racing Logo: Eggboy13. Background: IGN. SEGA Logo: Cerium. Rated E Logo: Google Images. Xbox 360 Template: Google.

Your on the right path with this one, keep at it!

[Tucker1140]

Drakxx: Ooh I'm so scared! Serously dude, I'm scared.

Sorry. Have you ignored the fact he is a mod as well?

[Turbosonic98]

I like your All Stars Racing one! You should probably work on that one and then go onto your others one by one.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Roarshark: Thanks! Drakxxx: 1. I knew that. 2. Thank You! Tucker1140: I never knew that. Turbosonic98: Will do. Since you all like this one, I'll upload it!

[Zac-A-Tac]

Here are attempts 3 and 4 at Sonic And SEGA All Star Racing! These are based on comments from the main site.

[RoarShark]

Your improving, now try a back.

[niososonic]

It looks pretty boring when its just a render+a logo+ dev, rating logos+ bg+ template.
No effects, needs more characters, no editing, etc. No offence, but I could slap it all together in under 2 mins.

[RoarShark]

It looks pretty boring when its just a render+a logo+ dev, rating logos+ bg+ template.
No effects, needs more characters, no editing, etc. No offence, but I could slap it all together in under 2 mins.

Well look at where he started... there is definitely improvement.

[Drakxxx]

It looks pretty boring when its just a render+a logo+ dev, rating logos+ bg+ template.
No effects, needs more characters, no editing, etc. No offence, but I could slap it all together in under 2 mins.

It's pretty basic, but he's getting a good understanding of what makes a box look good, and what materials he should be working with. Taking that into consideration, he's improving.

[afifan000]

The second one looks great, just has a really nice flow to the box.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Roarshark: 1. Thanks for standing up for me! 2. Not that good with backs yet. It's 1 thing to put logos, a background, and a render or 2 on the front but doing the same thing with some screenshots and text so that everyone can read it, not my flow yet. niosonic: I'm improving a bit. Getting some good ideas about some future boxes. Drakxxx: Even though niosonic beat you to that comment, thanks! afifan00: When you look at it, it does. Though I didn't put the render I wanted on there, I felt this was close enough.

[Spiderpig24]

You're getting much better, just keep at it!

Oh and is that Tampa Bay Buccaneers in your avatar? WIN

[Zac-A-Tac]

1. Thanks! 2. Yes it is and what do you mean by WIN?

[afifan000]

The Bucs don't win, that's the problem. Haha jk jk. The Bucs are a good team with bad luck IMO, I mean, you guys did beat the saints. :D

[stevencho]

Hey you're improving. Keep taking critiques and you will be one heck of an artist. I started out worse than this.

[spypilot]

I started out worse than this.
lol, me too, my early stuff was complete shit! still, i keep them on the site for god knows what reasons :rolleyes:

anyways, looking good! maybe i could collab you on your sonic and sega box, and you can try to mimick my back in your future boxes? :/

[Zac-A-Tac]

afifan: Like I said. New coach, Bad management. stevencho: Who hasen't? spypilot: LOL:)! If you want to, you can PM me or just post here. That's your choice on any box I make.

[spypilot]

afifan: Like I said. New coach, Bad management. stevencho: Who hasen't? spypilot: LOL:)! If you want to, you can PM me or just post here. That's your choice on any box I make.

ya, ill just make a back for your sonic and sega box

[Zac-A-Tac]

Sounds good to me! Anyway, I might make 3 boxes each for 360, PS3, and Wii. I have ideas for 360 but none yet for PS3. I'll work on them as soon as possible. Also, can you comment on my old boxes? I want some ideas on how to edit the bad ones and upload them if it feels right.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Here are my ideas for Xbox 360.
1. Gears of War 3
2. Halo 3: ODST
3. Halo Reach
4. Left 4 Dead 2
5. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
6. Ailens vs Preditor
7. The Simpsons Game
8. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11
9. Sonic Unleashed
10. Madden NFL: Bucaneers Edition (My idea of my first fanbox!)

[The General]

Here are my ideas for Xbox 360.
1. Gears of War 3
2. Halo 3: ODST
3. Halo Reach
4. Left 4 Dead 2
5. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
6. Ailens vs Preditor
7. The Simpsons Game
8. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11
9. Sonic Unleashed
10. Madden NFL: Bucaneers Edition (My idea of my first fanbox!)

Here's what you should do. Pick ONE, and work really hard on it until you get it just right.

[Zac-A-Tac]

OK, But the others, It will be WIP and may/may not look good but I'll be still work on it if I can because I have 2 projects for school I have to work on. Now for Wii ideas.
1. NEW Sonic The Hedgehog Wii (Latest Logo Render!)
2. Mario Supper Sluggers
3. Super Mario 64 Wii
4. Mario And Sonic At The Olympic Games
5. Super Mario Galaxy

[stevencho]

lol, me too, my early stuff was complete shit! still, i keep them on the site for god knows what reasons :rolleyes:

anyways, looking good! maybe i could collab you on your sonic and sega box, and you can try to mimick my back in your future boxes? :/

I'll still have my old ones up too. I don't think I'll ever bring them down.

[Zac-A-Tac]

That's great! Also, here is, what is likely, my first attempt at Halo 3: ODST. The background was frustrating. I couldn't tell if this was good for ODST or GoW3. But Gears of War has a little more red to the whole concept of the game. Anyways, how did I do and do you like the idea of what I'm trying to make?

[Drakxxx]

That's great! Also, here is, what is likely, my first attempt at Halo 3: ODST. The background was frustrating. I couldn't tell if this was good for ODST or GoW3. But Gears of War has a little more red to the whole concept of the game. Anyways, how did I do and do you like the idea of what I'm trying to make?

Not to bad buddy. It's a little basic, but it can certain turn out to be a decent box art. For starters, I'd make the character render bigger, and maybe see what you can do to put more emphasis on the logo.

[Zac-A-Tac]

How can I put emphasis on a logo? Also, here is Mario And Sonic At The Olympic Games.

[Drakxxx]

How can I put emphasis on a logo? Also, here is Mario And Sonic At The Olympic Games.

If your using GIMP or Photoshop, try playing around with some layer effects to add an outer glow or something to the logo. There are some tutorials on this here that should be helpful:

PHOTOSHOP:
http://www.tutorial9.net/photoshop/layer-styles-in-photoshop/

GIMP:
http://www.tankedup-imaging.com/gimp/layers.html

And, just in case, here are some helpful tricks you can do with effects if you are using paint.net
http://www.getpaint.net/doc/latest/en/EffectsMenu.html

Effectively manipulating and adding effects to the raw elements that make up your design is the difference between creating something, or just organizing renders. Depending on what program you are using, give the link a read and see what you can do!

[Zac-A-Tac]

OK. I will look at this later if I'm not tired. Alos, I meant to upload this last night. My 1st attempt at Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. It looks a little bad and I visualized it better. I wanted a closer look on the clock tower and put Roxas, Xion, and Axel up there. Also, can everyone comment on my previous boxes I put on the thread? I want to edit them. Just say what you think should be changed and I'll see to it whenever I can. You can also comment on two boxes I uploaded on the site. Those box picks are Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Super Mario Galaxy DS. You can comment whenever. The reason I said this is because I don't know how to fix certain boxes I made. I also might make one box this weekend. It involves the wickedly awesome avatars of Xbox LIVE! Be on the lookout for that.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Sorry I haven't been on that much. I had a lot of work to do this week. Anyway, I will look at the link to help me on effects and stuff in Photoshop sometime this weekend.

[Zac-A-Tac]

This took me awhile to work on. I've seen the new box for Halo Reach but I went back to the good old days of the interesting W.I.P. I know I need some improvements but feel free to tell me what or just comment to see if I did good.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I tried to make my own fan game! Didn't turn out like I thought it would. I will message LaserSonic for the logo. This game is called Avatar Beach.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I promise tomorrow, I will look at the tutorials. Also, My updates on Avatar Beach and Halo Reach; didn't mean for them to rhyme at first. On Avatar Beach, I put in a few more avatars, made one bigger, and inserted the logo that LaserSonic made for me. If you're wondering why I didn't put the ratings and stuff on there, this was made for an indie game. for Halo Reach, it was a small change. Just the rating from E to M since I didn't see it til earlier today. Comment if you can please.

[Zac-A-Tac]

2 things. 1. I finally made my own ID Card! It looks just right for me! 2. I made a small change on Avatar Beach. One of my friends changed their avatar. I only do that if it looks good.

[Drakxxx]

I promise tomorrow, I will look at the tutorials. Also, My updates on Avatar Beach and Halo Reach; didn't mean for them to rhyme at first. On Avatar Beach, I put in a few more avatars, made one bigger, and inserted the logo that LaserSonic made for me. If you're wondering why I didn't put the ratings and stuff on there, this was made for an indie game. for Halo Reach, it was a small change. Just the rating from E to M since I didn't see it til earlier today. Comment if you can please.

The avatar beach case I'm not really feeling, but I think your onto something with your Halo: Reach design. I'd concentrate my efforts into that one once you take a look at those tutorials, and update us with your progress here.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Unfortunately, I haven't looked at the tutorials yet. I'll look at them tomorrow if I can. I had World History text book pages to work on.

[Drakxxx]

Unfortunately, I haven't looked at the tutorials yet. I'll look at them tomorrow if I can. I had World History text book pages to work on.

School work should always come first, so that is good to hear. :)

[stevencho]

School work should always come first, so that is good to hear. :)

If we lived by that motto, no one would be on.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Drakxxx: Glad you understand. stevencho: That is true. Plus, they might shut down the website if that happened.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I just looked at the tutorial! I kind of understand on what I must do for the logo for Halo 3 ODST. When I edit this this weekend, I'll look at that while I'm doing it. Also, I want to ask you all something. Even though I still have to work on these a little more, can I upload them? I'll mention that I need to work on this more so that no one will say to only upload them in the forum. I want to make my rank go up a little bit. Even if it's more than 2%. The only thing I hope if you say yes; if, is that I won't be banned for a while.

[Drakxxx]

I just looked at the tutorial! I kind of understand on what I must do for the logo for Halo 3 ODST. When I edit this this weekend, I'll look at that while I'm doing it. Also, I want to ask you all something. Even though I still have to work on these a little more, can I upload them? I'll mention that I need to work on this more so that no one will say to only upload them in the forum. I want to make my rank go up a little bit. Even if it's more than 2%. The only thing I hope if you say yes; if, is that I won't be banned for a while.

You can upload if you like, but just remember, your more likely to get a better response if you put together your design as best as you can for it's initial submission. Only a few people will bother to look at updates.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I know. But at least you can upload different versions of it whenever you want. Also, I might fix Super Mario Galaxy DS and make the original for the Wii. I know I've done the 2nd one already but I'm a fan. I also have another fan game in mind. It's about the many versions of Mario. I call it Super Mario Clones!

[RoarShark]

I know. But at least you can upload different versions of it whenever you want. Also, I might fix Super Mario Galaxy DS and make the original for the Wii. I know I've done the 2nd one already but I'm a fan. I also have another fan game in mind. It's about the many versions of Mario. I call it Super Mario Clones!

Well make sure that when you make the Super Mario Clone game, you have plenty of art the goes well together, meaning no Paper Mario art and "3D" on the same screen. But you seem to really be improving. I am excited to see what you come up with.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Sure whatever. I was going to put Paper Mario on anyway but you do make a good point there. Once I improve some of my boxes, I might be able to work on SMC. Those boxes are Halo Reach, Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories, Super Mario Galaxy DS, Super Mario Galaxy 1, Mario Kart Wii, LittleBigPlanet, Kingdom Hrarts 358/2 days, Kingdom Hearts II, Mario And Sonic at The Olympic Games, Halo 3, Halo 3 ODST, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction, Final Fantasy 16, and Avatar Beach. Basicly all my boxes, if I don't have much time during the end of the school year. I'll try to work on Super Mario Clones first.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I have updated a box! Here is version 3 of Super Mario Galaxy DS! I've uploaded it first by accident but I also would like to know what you guys think here. Also, due to a comment from Spiner, it's not your fault, I HAVE to upload my work here first. Next, I will work on Super Mario Galaxy 1. The background might be the same and I hope that will be all right with you. Besides, it'll be with different renders. And on that note, I have put like 5 request threads in the forum. Can anyone take the time to render what I have requested?

[Zac-A-Tac]

Here is what I have so far on Super Mario Galaxy. The box needs more stuff. You can post them in this thread if you want. I need a render of Bee Luigi since it relates to the game. And I also need to know how to make Rosseta and Peach Transparent in Photoshop. Tips would be nice.

[Spiner_]

Again, why do you have to work on 657 boxes at the same time?

[Zac-A-Tac]

I don't have as much time as I thought. I'll concentrate a little longer on the boxes in the summer. Here is my first try at Super Mario Clones. I think LaserSonic is working on the logo as we speak. Also, my little change at Super Mario Galaxy. I put Kamek on there and want that to be transparent.

[Zac-A-Tac]

This is off topic to gaming but I just made some Yu-Gi-Oh cards in the card maker! I think they look good.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Just one more Yu-Gi-Oh card to look at.

[Spiner_]

Please...

[supertoad]

Please, for God's sake work on ONE box at a time. Your boxes are getting worse and if you can't concentrate, then box-arting really isn't for you and you will just become a spammer.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Have you read my post before the Yu-Gi-Oh cards?

[supertoad]

Yes, I did, but we want you to concentrate more NOW.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I could if I would but I can't because of exams. It will take me a while to go back to my mojo of making box arts It will take me almost a month to take this more seriously because by then I will be out of school.

[supertoad]

I have exams too, but I think carefully before I go ahead with an idea, and normally spend about a week on boxes. Please, for your own sake and reputation, either spend more time on them, or take a break for now.

[Drakxxx]

I have exams too, but I think carefully before I go ahead with an idea, and normally spend about a week on boxes. Please, for your own sake and reputation, either spend more time on them, or take a break for now.

Agreed. Concentrate on your school work, and come back to box arts when you have the time to do so. The site isn't going anywhere, and you should never feel like you "have to" submit box designs. Quality GREATLY outweighs quantity here my friend. Please try to remember that.

[Zac-A-Tac]

supertoad: Those boxes are a start. Just wanted to make them in a short time now so I won't forget. The answer to that question is a little of both. Drakxxx: Exactly dude, exactly. Also, can anyone go a couple pages or so in this thread and comment on attempt 2 at Sonic The Hedgehog 4?

[Zac-A-Tac]

Remember that Splinter Cell box cover that I had trouble with because of the renders? I found a good one! Here is attempt 2 at Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction. Also, I tried rendering in Photoshop. When I was saving it, the whole computer froze. It worked after that and I'm not taking it like "This is a sign" or "I don't think I should be doing this" but for now until maybe next weekend, could you go to the request part of the forum and render the pics I requested. Except for the thread Snake Render Request because that's been done Diddy like a Puff Daddy:D.

[stevencho]

Try making him bigger so he fills up more of the cover.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Not a bad idea. I'll do that tomorrow or so.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I'll post edits of Splinter Cell and Super Mario Clones this weekend. Thanks to Mercut99, I have an extra render to put on the box! That is just a spoiler on what you'll see on SMC.

[LaserSonic1029]

I think the biggest problem you have is that you use Real background with Cartoon renders

Don't ever do that

[Zac-A-Tac]

That may be the old boxes you're looking at but I knew that but that was when I couldn't find good backgrounds for certain games. I'd do that if no game pics were right for me.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Here are updates to Super Mario Clones and Spinter Cell! In Mario Clones, I added an extra render, Rock Mario, and the logo that LaserSonic1029 made for me! And hopefully, in Splinter Cell, the render is big enough for stevencho and other peoples pleasure. Also, I tried rendering again. That was pretty hard erasing the white stuff from it. I'll render once in a while but can you do some of the renders I requested in the Requests part of the forum? Thanks and comment on what you think so far. 2 hours later: Sorry! Forgot to upload. Also, here is a shot at my first render!
http://i47.tinypic.com/20u24v8.jpg

[Zac-A-Tac]

I'll make some updates to a couple of avatars on Avatar Beach in a little while. Also, I made myself a masterpiece last night! It's not a box cover but something that looks cool! I call it Zac-A-Tac's Fantasy Desert. I tried this background with my Jeannie render and a cobra render but that didn't work out like I thought it would.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I have 3 more weeks, including this week, of school! After exams for maybe 2 weeks, I should concentrate on making my boxes better. Be patient guys, it's almost over! :D

[Zac-A-Tac]

I'm back! And as I promised, I will concentrate a little harder on making my boxes better. It may take a while because I am going to be playing my DSi and Wii a lot but I will get the job done! I will start on Super Mario Galaxy DS.

[Slicer224]

Dude when you started this and I saw your boxes I was "Man what is this crap!" now your ALOT better. I like your Splinter Cell box, you have definely improved! :)

[Zac-A-Tac]

Thanks Slicer! It means a lot to me after being banned!

[Zac-A-Tac]

Here is something I made a few days after being declared banned. It's just a personal banner. I put Sora in the middle because Kingdom Hearts is my favorite game next to Smash Bros. and Super Mario!
http://i45.tinypic.com/148lzxh.jpg
This one I worked on today! It's basically an E3 poster with renders of people representing what games were at the greatest event I have ever seen! The border was taken from the GameTrailers homepage.
http://i48.tinypic.com/29w3mon.jpg

[Zac-A-Tac]

I just got done with what should be the final version of Super Mario Galaxy DS. Do you like the new background? Does the box feel empty? That's for you to know and me to find out!
http://i49.tinypic.com/1251csk.jpg

[Zac-A-Tac]

I made some edits on Avatar Beach. It's not major ones yet. I might look for some other beach backgrounds this weekend. I'll replace another avatar today!
http://i47.tinypic.com/mx11e0.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/34ex740.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/3534nxf.jpg
Can you people render the images I put in the Requests part of the forum? It would mean a lot to me. Thanks!

[Zac-A-Tac]

After Avatar Beach, I'll get going on Super Mario Galaxy 1 and make Kamek, Rosalina, and Peach tarnsparent. And maybe Super Smash Bros. Brawl just to replace the logo with the one that I like.

[Beer]

I've no idea why you're obsessed with completing this "Avatar Beach" idea. It's pretty lame, and it's being pulled off badly. Scrap it and start focusing on tutorials and other stuff that will teach you what you need to do to make cool backgrounds instead of just ripping wallpaper's off of the internet. Once you've done this for a long period (a month or two) then come back to the site and start drawing up your own ideas. At this rate you won't get anywhere because you're not doing anything other than copying and pasting different renders and logos onto images YOU didn't even create.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Everyone does it with renders but maybe a small percentage with wallpapers. I'm not good with rendering. I'm not good at making a background/wallpaper. I think that most of my boxes look good except with, like you mentioned, Avatar Beach, Halo Reach, Kingdom Hearts II, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, Final Fantasy 13, and LittleBigPlanet. If you don't like my work, that's fine. It'll take a while for me to improve but it'll be worth it.

[Beer]

Why do I bother?

[Zac-A-Tac]

Because you're concerned. I don't mind. As long I got some people that like me for what I make, it doesn't mean anything at all.

[Adhiboy]

Have a little sense here. You honestly believe that your boxes are good? Just because you slap a couple choppy renders onto a blurry background, it doesn't make it good.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I said most and I am aware of the blurry backgrounds in them. Don't worry, I'll fix those soon!

[Zac-A-Tac]

Here is an improvement on three renders I know you'll love! It's on Super Mario Galaxy 1 and I learned how to make layers transparent in Photoshop! FYI, This is one of the boxes that the background is blurry but will be fixed soon enough.
http://i49.tinypic.com/641a3l.jpg

[Zac-A-Tac]

Another Avatar Beach update.
http://i47.tinypic.com/flgadg.jpg

[Adhiboy]

I said most and I am aware of the blurry backgrounds in them. Don't worry, I'll fix those soon!

Still, it's just renders on a background.

[Beer]

Because you're concerned. I don't mind. As long I got some people that like me for what I make, it doesn't mean anything at all.

rofl.. no.

Look, if you've only JUST learned how to lower the opacity of layers, you seriously should NOT be making box art. GO AWAY AND LEARN THE BASICS. You clearly have very limited techniques in your current ability and those are limited techniques are just not enough to be successful on this site. You're wasting your time.

[stevencho]

rofl.. no.

Look, if you've only JUST learned how to lower the opacity of layers, you seriously should NOT be making box art. GO AWAY AND LEARN THE BASICS. You clearly have very limited techniques in your current ability and those are limited techniques are just not enough to be successful on this site. You're wasting your time.

I think there is a nicer way of saying this.

Before starting on boxart, I think you should improve on your skills a little bit. You can look up some tutorials in both video and print. Also start playing around in whatever program you're using and get some more experience. Study some of our most talented artist's work. A good way of learning is seeing if you can replicate what they have done. I think with a some practice we can get you to become a decent artist.

[Beer]

I think there is a nicer way of saying this.

Before starting on boxart, I think you should improve on your skills a little bit. You can look up some tutorials in both video and print. Also start playing around in whatever program you're using and get some more experience. Study some of our most talented artist's work. A good way of learning is seeing if you can replicate what they have done. I think with a some practice we can get you to become a decent artist.

yeah thanks.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I know it's hard to make decent boxes from me. I mean look at the rest of the users. They make their own backgrounds for the boxes and are more creative than I. It will take a while for me to improve on some stuff but don't look at the bad and look at the good I have on the site. Thanks for supporting the best you could you 2!

[Zac-A-Tac]

I made changes to three boxes. Avatar Beach, the box I will find a different background I guarntee I'll find this weekend, has new avatars. 3 to be exact.
http://i30.tinypic.com/2q3bvox.jpg
I didn't like the logo on Brawl I put on so I found the official render of it.
http://i29.tinypic.com/2l8b11e.jpg
I'll also find a new background for Super Mario Galaxy 1. The only change is that Luigi is in his bee suit and is transparent.
http://i28.tinypic.com/2druibr.jpg

[Mercut1999]

Can you please stop making that many boxes like that, they are just renders randomly placed, really, now I know i have only little room to talk, but 100 renders doesn't mean it's good, it means you can put alot of renders on a picture. Starting with avatar beach, they're standing on nothing (floating), maybe you could find some wood and put it under them with the right perspective, and they're all in the same position facing the camera, now the only way i know how to edit it is puppet warp on Photoshop CS5, but try spreading them out a little, with a different background that is clear sand so you can put umbrellas that the characters lay under or something.

Now to Super Smash Bros, the background is a stretched screenshot of one of the stages (the name is beyond me) which it very low quality, so find a different background (like on the official, it is not even a background from the game). Next up is the sizes, you have Sonic bigger than snake, which is not right, and if you did that on purpose for perspective, they are on the same platform, so it wouldn't work. You also have 3D renders, but they are overlapping each other and it would look better as a paper box, and it looks like wolf is about to kill toon link. Lastly, in my opinion, small logos don't help the box.

Now on to Super Mario Galaxy, having stars that are really long but really short which doesn't look good (well, it's stretched), so that makes it look bad, and again, the renders are floating, so that's really bad, and half the renders are doing stiff to nothing, like the wizard thing that is pointing at nothing.

Well, that's my critique, but I do see potential in you and hope to see some of your new boxes in the near future.

EDIT: That must be the longest critique I've ever done.

[Sonic the Hedgehog]

You need to take design into consideration. All of these boxes are just random renders, slammed onto random backgrounds. Stop and think; does jamming a whole mess of characters on a Smash Bros. stage actually look good? Think of a design that you think would look good before you even get started. If you have your design in mind, you will know what you want your box to look like, and if it looks up to par with what you want it to be.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I made some major changes to a couple of boxes that have improved a lot! I found a new background for Avatar Beach but I think it needs a couple more avatars.
http://i32.tinypic.com/6i63y8.jpg
Same thing for Super Mario Galaxy. It took me a while and I did take my time on this one and it was worth it!
http://i27.tinypic.com/29mahzd.jpg
Please comment because I really think I improved for today!

[Mercut1999]

Please, use this

http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~mcf82/Beach1.jpg

That view is horrible, also add more to the super mario galaxy, but it is a good-ish box

[Zac-A-Tac]

Didn't think I'd get a fast response from mercut. Thanks! I thought a little spark was missing from Avatar Beach. As of Super Mario Galaxy 1, I guess I can add either a Luma or Bowser. I'll fix those 2 in a little bit. I might edit one or 2 Kingdom Hearts boxes and make an Epic Mickey box. Maybe not today but sometime this week.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I made some changes to 4 boxes. 1 is in WIP. Mercut1999 wanted me to change the background on Avatar Beach.
http://i32.tinypic.com/f5845y.jpg
I also edited Super Mario Galaxy 1 with Lumas!
http://i31.tinypic.com/1j8ffq.jpg
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days was basic but I don't remember if you all wanted me to change the background. All I did was add the Disney Interactive Studios logo and made Xion and Axel transparent near the logo.
http://i25.tinypic.com/2evu3kn.jpg
I changed a whole lot on Kingdom Hearts II. I got a new background, that Disney logo, and Roxas and Sora next to each other with Roxas being transparent.
http://i25.tinypic.com/mu8p6x.jpg

[buffyscrubs]

Thanks a lot! I know what you're going to say. These sucks. I know. Can anyone help me on wallpapers for these boxes? That brings me up to updates.


------------------------------------------------
Seinfeld dvd (http://www.dvdscollection.com/Seinfeld-Seasons-1-9-DVD-Box-Set-DVD-1694.html)
CSI Las Vegas dvd (http://www.dvdscollection.com/goods/19/CSI-Lasvegas-Seasons-1-10-DVD-Box-Set--DVD-1961.html)
Medium dvd (http://www.dvdscollection.com/goods/19/Medium-Complete-Seasons-1-6-DVD-Box-Set-DVD-1953.html)

[woopwoop11]

Thanks a lot! I know what you're going to say. These sucks. I know. Can anyone help me on wallpapers for these boxes? That brings me up to updates.

wow, this is a really smart bot. It has links for DVDs but it talks almost like a normal user

[Zac-A-Tac]

OK I'm confused on why buffyscrubs decided to post that in MY WIP thread.

[7sk]

It's a bot, don't worry about it.

[Zac-A-Tac]

Huh. Wonder why there's one on this site.

[7sk]

You haven't been paying much attention, have you.

[del337er]

wow, this is a really smart bot. It has links for DVDs but it talks almost like a normal user


OK I'm confused on why buffyscrubs decided to post that in MY WIP thread.

http://api.ning.com/files/wU9Vc0wWUf2xtI4wwTHtIhUIRkn0HImx3edBaUwpLIovoqQGrO mU0At-8XHfzNzIzFWyXBRnpDKiVzemSnZG4DUc8Dll9Eyt/facepalm.jpg

[Zac-A-Tac]

Oh ha ha! :mad:

[Zac-A-Tac]

I saw that there was a Mario boxart tournament and decided to enter. Here's my entry! Couldn't upload to TinyPic so it's an attatchment!

[Zac-A-Tac]

I wanna share my creations I made when the internet was down on my laptop. The first one is called Zac-A-Tac's Winter Wonderland. I later realized that was a disaster. The next one is called Zac-A-Tac's Solar Galaxy. It was better than WW but SG is the best one I made in my opinion. I don't plan to change anything in those pics. Just want you to comment on what you think! Attached because I'm guessing that TinyPic will say it's too big in size.

[Zac-A-Tac]

1. 3 posts in 1 day :D 2. I just got my Xbox 360 fixed and will start playing tomorrow. As you know or not, I currently have a silver membership but will use my 1 month card and will subscribe for 12 months soon. I have to get a new copy of Sonic And SEGA All Stars Racing because that was why my 360 broke for 4 months. And will also get a fan for the power supply so that it will detect when the PS is getting angry LOL! I can't wait to talk to you VGBA users on Xbox LIVE! :D

[Zac-A-Tac]

Guess who's back? I'm glad to be back after disapering for school for nearly a year; if you count laptop being infected. I'll work on some boxes on whatever I can think of and I'll need your help on the old ones. Look at my old boxes and tell me what I need to fix; if ESRB don't throw it out there. If I want to improve, I'll need some constructive critisisum from y'all.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I made 2 boxes when I was away and something extra for something I'm working on the GBA. First off, Call of Duty: Black Ops. When I first saw the E3 footage of the campaign, I saw the jungle. I based my box on just that because I thought it would take place there. Here's the pic so far. I'll upload Halo Reach tomorrow or so.

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=a57rkm&s=7

[Zac-A-Tac]

Tell me if you can't see the pic cause I can't. Hope it's just me.

[Zac-A-Tac]

OK It's been far too long since I've been out but i worked on a couple of boxes since my absence and really need opinions on these so don't hesitate.

Let's start with this Halo Reach remake. I made this twice but using different xbox 360 covers.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8407301876_a7dfefde3d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/88445127@N08/8407301876/)

[Rarity]

First of all, you might want to make a new threat for a new WIP, will make it easier for us - the ones willing to help you - to keep some overview and have some quicker navigation.

Seems like you're off a good start with this one. I like the idea behind it yet I have got some issues you might want to work on.

There's a lot of 'empty' space between the renders and the logo. It might be the size of the preview in this threat, but it doesn't seem like the render has crisp edges everywhere and is kinda jagged.

I think there's some colour clashing going on: the colours of the foreground don't match the background making it. It seems like both your fore- and background have different light sources too, you've got the highlights on their legs and the light through the sky at opposite angles. I know this is more photomanipulation-related but it would make your cover more realistic. Now, imho, it really looks like one image a top of another, instead of being on image on top of the other and looking like 1 image all together if you get what I mean.

[Zac-A-Tac]

I'm in the middle of doing New Super Mario Bros. 2. Whenever I get finished with the game card, I'll make a new thread based on that but that doesn't mean I'll stop updating on this thread. Anyway, Here's what I started out with last night.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8409030997_8150908dda.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/88445127@N08/8409030997/)
New Super Mario Bros 2 Card (http://www.flickr.com/photos/88445127@N08/8409030997/)

[Zac-A-Tac]

Here's the game card for New Super Mario Bros. 2! I'll put this in it's separate thread as well.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8409139075_821e46ccc3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/88445127@N08/8409139075/)
New Super Mario Bros 2 Card 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/88445127@N08/8409139075/)

[Zac-A-Tac]

Finished the cover! Not exactly what I thought in terms of the background but I like it anyway. Do you agree?

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8410618616_665de90f47.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/88445127@N08/8410618616/)
New Super Mario Bros 2 Cover (http://www.flickr.com/photos/88445127@N08/8410618616/)

[Zac-A-Tac]

And now the final product of New Super Mario Bros. 2!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8410692476_53d70dd63b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/88445127@N08/8410692476/)
New Super Mario Bros 2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/88445127@N08/8410692476/)

[tmrd]

The presentation is way too busy for my taste. Also I would change the background on the cover, the artstyle clashes with the renders.

[stevanR80]

I actually do like the cover. the nicest work out of any i've seen from you, whether that means much or not.