It's a Boat!

[DTE462]

I have a boat which recently became fairly central to the game I'm working on so I figured I should put some more time into it. It's mostly flat colors and it certainly works for playtesting but I'm wondering if adding texture would be a good idea. I tried it and it distracted from the characters walking around.

The empty shelf will eventually be full of things, and the specifics of what's below deck will change. I'm more concerned with color, shading, and readability.

I guess what I'm getting at is, I know everything looks flat. But it works so ... where to go from here?

If anyone has any suggestions or feedback I'd be appreciative.

[Vnguyenst96]

It looks cool 

[Chonky Pixel]

It looks good! But the shading is flat, as you say.

It would be good to see it in context. Also, you said you tried texture, but it was distracting. There are many ways to apply texture though, so again, it would be good to see the texture you tried in context.

[DTE462]

Here's some context. It's an older version with some weird pixels not fixed. But it's closer to how it will be used in game.

[Chonky Pixel]

I see what you mean. Your style doesn't use much shading on the people, so adding loads to the boat probably wouldn't work.

You could try some shading with broad brushstrokes, as it were. So where the boat curves towards the bow you could use a different shade to show it catching the light at a different angle. No need to go overboard (ho ho!) I think a single extra shade over a large area could really add some depth without being too "fussy" and interfering with the foreground.

[Chonky Pixel]

Here you can see the level of the water changes as you approach the bow, as the bow is curved and we're looking at an angle. On yours I'm getting mixed signals between "I know this is a boat and it narrows towards the bow" and "shading and waves are straight and flat, so the object must also be flat."

[Chonky Pixel]

Here's one with shadow towards the front...

Here's one with highlights towards the front.

[DTE462]

Ah! Yes, that's exactly why it looks flat. And also why context is important. Thank you so much!