How to make pixelated text that looks carved in stone?

[theHeretic]

So I've googled this a bit and didn't find anything pixelated. (google ignored the word pixelated.) and asked on paint.net forums, but haven't gotten anything. Anyone here know how?

[tcaud]

Look at some old game title screens. There were a number of them that did it very well, particularly on the NES and Amiga.

[ptoing]

Or alternatively look at real carved stone examples like on gravestones and so on. Being able to translate/stylise things from reference is a key skill to learn for doing any kind of visual art.

[theHeretic]

Look at some old game title screens. There were a number of them that did it very well, particularly on the NES and Amiga.

Examples? I've started looking for games that have text on gravestones/stone, but haven't found any yet by asking people.

Or alternatively look at real carved stone examples like on gravestones and so on. Being able to translate/stylise things from reference is a key skill to learn for doing any kind of visual art.

I'm not good at that, if you can give me any tips for how to do this I can try though.

[r1k]

ya I would like to know some game title screen examples too.  I was looking for some a couple months ago, and even though I feel like Ive seen a bunch like that I couldnt find any.

[tcaud]

from VGMuseum:



So based on these, I think the technique is a rough, deep outline, often with sharp antialiasing around the edges.

[ptoing]

Or alternatively look at real carved stone examples like on gravestones and so on. Being able to translate/stylise things from reference is a key skill to learn for doing any kind of visual art.

I'm not good at that, if you can give me any tips for how to do this I can try though.

Practise drawing. "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" is a good book to get when you start out learning to draw.

[theHeretic]

Thanks for the pictures tcaud.
ptong: Oh, you mean actual drawing. I draw sometimes, but mostly in straight lines. Also this is a project for school that I am going to do with a computer because if I want to draw it I have to get a bigger piece of paper and I didn't bring one of those home this weekend.

EDIT: I like your signature ptong.

[tcaud]

Don't bother drawing. Look for shapes and patterns. It's mostly an issue of lighting and shading.

[Ai]

^ 

There are patterns, yes. In order to understand what they mean and how they are structured, so that you can apply them sensibly, you have to grasp drawing -- the 'planes' and 'value' aspects of it, at a minimum.