How Zombies are Made: PDS Style

With the release of Aim For the Brain! so close, I thought it would be fun to share how I illustrate the zombie characters that you will whack. Read further and get a special glimpse into some of our methods.

SKETCH: First I do an extremely loose digital sketch of the general shape and details of the characters. This was the last batch I made for the game so I got to have a little fun and throw in a luchador and a bear costume wearing zombie. Since I do my own inking right after this step, I usually don’t take too much time refining the sketch.

 

Loose Sketches

 

INKED LINEART: Right after the sketch stage, I will digitally ink over the rough drawings and add all sorts of additional details that help the drawing look tight and finished. 

 

Inked Lineart

 

COLOR FLATS: After all the line work is complete I will begin filling in the blank areas with very basic flat tones to separate out the specific body parts and pieces. Many times the colors I choose at this point do not need to be final as I can tweak as I am shading.

 

Color Flats

 

SHADING: There are various additions that get made at this stage, from shadows and highlights to dirt, make-up and subtle variations to the color gradients. In order for the zombies to stick out in the various environments they will be in I had to include a rim glow that surrounded the silhouette of their bodies. At this point I do a lot of tweaking of the original flat colors to get better color balance and overall presentation.

 

Final Shading

 

Voila! The undead horde is now ready to be fitted for the game’s resolution. I hope you enjoyed seeing the process come together.

Check out www.aim4thebrain.com for more information.

 

-BillyG

Aim For The Brain! website layouts

Part of Perfect Dork Studios’ involvement with Westlake Interactive’s “Aim For The Brain!” game for iPhone was creating the official website for the game.  I wanted to go with a simpler one-page setup for easy navigation. You will be able to look at screen shots, buy the game and contact service all from this main page. The FAQ button will open a new window with troubleshooting tips and tricks. The best part is it will all be iPhone Safari compatible so you will be able to get your tips on the go. These layouts are nearly complete, with only the marketing text and taglines subject to final approval. Be sure to check the game out when it hits in early November!

AIM FOR THE BRAIN site

-BillyG

 

Rough Layout 01

Web Layout Updated

UPDATE: Aim For The Brain! Art development

Here are some images from the various elements of the game. Making levels is the biggest challenge because you have to be mindfull of layering and being able to deconstruct them easily. The characters are a lot more straightforward. I have been able to have fun with the design doing caricatures of the typical stereotypes.

-BillyG

Main Menu Art

Alley Level Concept to Completion

Early Sketch and Lineart for Zombies

Tony and Billy Zombie lineart

More zombie and civilian lineart

ANNOUNCEMENT: PDS contributing art and graphics for Aim For The Brain!

Perfect Dork Studios has signed on to be the arthouse for the upcoming iPhone app – Aim For The Brain! The game is similar to whack a mole, but instead you are whacking zombies in the head to take them out. The game offers much more perspective in the levels which will result in more fun and challenge and set it apart from some other whacking games on the platform. Check back soon for some development art and more updates.

 

-BillyG