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[tesselode]

This probably isn't the kind of thing that's usually in the technical section, but I think it's technical enough.

How do you draw isometric graphics (sort of like Earthbound)? Are there any good tutorials on this kind of stuff?

[st33d]

Correct. Not technical. The visitors to this subforum aren't likely to know how to draw. Moving you.

AAAAARRRGHHH!! I hit the wrong button!!

Hold on. Getting the full mods help.

[Ashkin]

How did you move it to get-togethers?
Anyway, check out http://gas13.ru/v3/tutorials/isometric_pixelart_tutorial_mathematics_of_isometrics.php to start with.

[dustin]

Gimmy to the rescue... This is quoted from my learning to draw thread where Gimmy helps me a ton...

here some introductions article
http://www.me.umn.edu/courses/me2011/handouts/drawing/blanco-tutorial.html#orthodrawing

Here are some video to show you the thing:



the basics (use a ruler unlike him  )



basic projection technique with rotation on plane

When you begin you should measure and report measure by drawing line across view to be sure they conform with a ruler. Generally we start with basic prism and move to complex shape with torsion, intersection, curve and subtle variation (like the skin). This is barebone academic training.

The beauty is that it remove skills from the execution, it's only application and understanding, if you get it you could deconstruct any complex form and manipulate it like you want. It's not about aesthetics just pure representation. For now have fun cutting and assembling simple volumes and platonic solids.

This is where you should end up once you get the technique, in increasing complexity:


basic prism like volume
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He1cSDw146M basic furniture
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WABhOP1PG40 curve on shoes

Notice how it is all about measuring. even if she don't trace all line and report everything, you can see it is in her brain. Pay attention to how she draw, how she hold the pen, "breath" and try to understand the thought process. Google for "orthographic projection tutorial" it seems you find more stuff like that.

Of course this will come out handy when you will do perspective which is really a technical drawing too.

It remember me when I was using DMT10 at school lol

[1982]

Isometric is not that hard. You have to think everything 3-dimensional or something.

[Bones]

(sort of like Earthbound)?

Just FYI, Earthbound is 3/4 view like Link to the Past, not isometric like Sim City.

Also if your ever looking for a pixel art tutorial, check out pixeljoint's tutorial list.

[JasonPickering]

earthbound changes perspective like crazy. in the cities its isometric. I love how they pulled that off.

[Bones]

Isometric is a specific mathematical angle
There are a few variations of extreme isometric angles.


This is apparently considered isometric, but it's a bit extreme for my tastes.

But most the buildings in earthbound use a perspective similar to the image above it's really pushing isometric standards.

[tesselode]

OK, well what is the general way you draw structures at an angle?

[Bones]

You either draw them or you don't?  
No can tell you how to draw something, and personally I hate copying tutorials.

Just start working on stuff, post it and see how that goes.

Usually try to work with an isometric line.


Otherwise you can use a straight 45 degree if you want to go with earthbound style.

Start with building blocks if you must, like lego.

Also notice the corner at the bottom, you can either try two pixels wide.
I'd advise using 3 pixels for the closest corner of a cube it's usually easier to work with.

Maybe start by making your computer desk? and then maybe your room and objects within it?
Always a good starting point to learn.

My first isometric attempts sucked.




These are all from 2005, I'm sure I can do better now.