Is there a step-by-step tutorial anywhere here where I could learn how to make clothing, please?
There are tutorials for Flash clothing mods (
example) but there isn't a step-by-step guide for using the PSD or SVG templates. They're meant to be what-you-see-is-what-you-get. If you draw a blue scribble across the girl's thigh within the PSD file, then the resulting SWF would paint a blue scribble on the thigh of the SDT character.
The major weakness of the process is the fact that you're unable to test or preview your work. This is most relevant when dealing with transparency (e.g. sheer clothing) -- a design might look great against the grey template, but then it looks weird against pale skin (or dark skin, or whatever). Anatomical motion can also cause gaps to appear at the joints (or introduce unwanted overlap effects). If you're working in vectors then a Flash modder can usually identify and fix such problems before publishing the file. If it's a raster drawing then the modder will need to make adjustments within the PSD - or send the file back to you with a set of suggested revisions.
If you're willing to discuss some of the projects that you've contemplated (e.g. shirts, collars, weapons, etc) then I can try to offer specific advice and feedback. Or we might be able to identify a veteran SDT modder (someone who deals with similar themes or material) and ask whether they're willing to provide direct support and mentorship for your next modding project.
General advice:
- start with a small project, such as a bracelet or pair of shoes
- the key point here is that you're drawing an item which fits onto a single body part
- large articulated clothing pieces are trickier (because you can't test/preview the motion) and gloves require multiple "poses" (which means greater complexity and more risk of error)
- use multiple layers
- the modder must be able to separate your artwork from the template before they import the sprites into Flash
- even if you're creating a tattoo or body modification (such as claws, tail, etc) don't draw it on the body. Draw it on a new layer above the body layer.
- don't obsess over small details
- SDT allows players to zoom in very far, so creators sometimes spend a lot of time fussing over their work at 1600% magnification and correcting very small errors
- nobody actually plays the game at high zoom. Nobody will notice the tiny flaws. Nobody will appreciate the tiny shading details. It's OK to be a bit sloppy :)
- consider vector drawing
- ignoring SDT for a moment: it may be useful to develop this skill for professional purposes (e.g. logo design, infographics, data visualization)
- Flash has some neat feature, but most of them aren't applicable to raster images. We can import your raster artwork into the game ... but then we're just sliding your sprites across the canvas to match the character's movements.
- if your artwork is in vector format then we can add animation details - such as breast slider support, dynamic hair motion, etc. We can also perform tricks with masks and deformation in order to make clothes "fit" more accurately around joints.
- note: you may be able to collaborate with a Flash modder who converts or traces your artwork to vectors, and then makes interactive SDT mods based on it. But some detail is usually lost in the conversion (and it's a duplication of effort) so it might be simpler to draw the original artwork in vector format instead.
- you are not alone
- some people have unusual drive and/or talent; you'll occasionally see someone publish a beautiful or groundbreaking mod as their debut effort
- it's easy to focus on such examples and feel inadequate by comparison. I would encourage you not to worry about it too much, and to accept any help that's available.
- you'll find that tutorials simply don't exist for many important modding topics. You might be able to learn the necessary skill by talking to a veteran modder. If the modder is retired then you might be able to learn by studying or copying an existing mod.
- for example: I started out by writing minor code patches based on @sby's work. Some of @sby's mods began as proof-of-concept projects by @ModGuy. @Mineur has shared PSD source files with several aspiring artists who wanted to imitate his technique. @dantethedarkprince's entire FLA collection is available for download.
) but I could give it a shot and learn as I go. Is there a step-by-step tutorial anywhere here where I could learn how to make clothing, please?
