Boxart for Newbs

[dark_raider]

Choosing a program:

Well if you are just starting to create box arts I hope you will take this section into consideration. Besides this is the most important part of designing box art.

First you need to choose a program that will work for you.

There are several different programs (photoshop, gimp, paintshop pro, and some others yet to be discovered)

I personally like Photoshop over all the others; it is a professional program which is capable of creating hi-resolution and exciting works.

I have never really worked with Gimp, but from what I have heard it is a pretty good program. Same for Paintshop Pro.

Now the question is which one do you choose? Well if you are just beginning the best route to take is Gimp. Gimp is a free program that can be used effectively. In fact some of the great boxes on this site have been created with Gimp.

If you are an experienced designer and for some reason dont have a design program (ironic, huh) then your best bet is to go with Photoshop. Of course it is an expensive program, but think, you will have the program for a long while and it will worth it in the end. ERP: $600

Materials: What you need and Where to get them

Every box you create will need the basic necessities.

These include, but not limited to:
Box Template (ex.Xbox 360 or PS3 template)
ESRB logos
Developer and Producer logos
Stylized fonts
Hi-Res logos
and so forth...

Now where can you find such items?

You can search in the GENERAL section: "Templates" etc... threads can be very useful. Also search for through KoopaDasha's VGboxart Database thread. (very helpful)

For fonts I choose to use Dafont.com. Very resourceful and it is easy to find what you are looking for.

Now that I have mentioned the basic necessities of making a box art, go and gather your materials and keep an eye out for the next update. I will guide you, step by step, on how to put a box together.

Peace, and have a good day.

[master_general]

Wow
could i posibly help?

ps i use photoshop elements 5

[Ladykiller]

that is really cool. great job darkraider

[dark_raider]

Im debating whether or not to continue with this tutorial, What do you guys think...?

[Kirbylore]

I think you should continue. If you don't mind and if you're stuck in a rut, I'll continue some of it ;D I've taken a couple classes on design, so I should know what I'm talking about just holla if you need help