City of Heroes: Live Forum Archive

Cool Costumes, and good costume design advice!

Aerones

By Aerones,
Posted on: 2007-10-26 24:36 in Multi-Media Fan Creations

 

Posted

I'm aware this is an advice thread. What is silly is how every costume thread inevitably devolves into flame wars of varying degrees.

I'll phrase it better then. "Chillax, and use some tact, kthx."

 

Posted

Costume design advice is a shot in the dark. For every rule there’s a beautiful exception. Some people just have an instinctual aesthetic sense, like a fine palette, a good ear or a talent for prose. It’s difficult to define, but you usually know if you have it and whether you better express your talent through creation, critique or a (careful) combination of the two.

The problem is many people think design and design appreciation are completely subjective, as though they’re an egalitarian extension of one’s right to opinion. I don’t think this is true; not all people are equally disposed to measuring quality - but I’ll stop there before I get super-duper snotty.

Anyway, I love costume design and there are some nice costumes on this thread. Can’t wait to see more.




SparrowhawkHummingbirdDungeon MasterCapricornHour WomanQueen NefariaJunkyard GirlDoll FaceStitchbladeRed MinstrelMimic

 

Posted

[ QUOTE ]
One of the biggest issues with screenshots is that they can all stand some basic levels editing. Play with the "Brightness and Contrast" sliders, or if you know how, the "Levels" correction. It'll increase visibility tenfold and people will be able to actually see your characters.

After that, getting centered closeups of your char is up to you. Icon is the best place for it.

[/ QUOTE ]

>.> Ya know, I do believe I shall have to take this under advisement myself. I should have thought of it before; but honestly; I never thought of mucking with the screenshot after I took it.

A Warrior's Friend: ID 335212 - Help Infernal save Valkyrie from Battle Maiden.
Above Mars Part 1: The Wellington: ID 159769 - Save Mars by destroying a monstrous battleship from the inside!
>.> My DA page, where I attempt to art.

 

Posted

[ QUOTE ]
Welcome to the Internet! Grow a thick skin or continue to cry, we really don't care.

[/ QUOTE ]

lol!

[censored], please.

If you're OK with being a jerk, then there's nothing to talk about. I'm done.

[ QUOTE ]
Costume design advice is a shot in the dark. For every rule there’s a beautiful exception. Some people just have an instinctual aesthetic sense, like a fine palette, a good ear or a talent for prose. It’s difficult to define, but you usually know if you have it and whether you better express your talent through creation, critique or a (careful) combination of the two.

The problem is many people think design and design appreciation are completely subjective, as though they’re an egalitarian extension of one’s right to opinion. I don’t think this is true; not all people are equally disposed to measuring quality - but I’ll stop there before I get super-duper snotty.

Anyway, I love costume design and there are some nice costumes on this thread. Can’t wait to see more.

[/ QUOTE ]

OMGHAI!

Welcome back.

And I agree with everything you said.

 

Posted

Yall got a little off track... =/

This is supposed to be a compilation of everyones "tips" on making a good looking character. So lets break this down a little... To make it easier, and allow for less... Flaming from the people who don't wish to give advice...

Breaking this down into a few categories -

1. Female
- Classic Brightly colored Heroine, How do I make a non-clashing babe?!
- I wanna make a Dark and Mysterious Babe, without sacrificing too much in the visual appearance of the clothing itself... How would you put that together?
- Bright! Techno! Robotic! Call it what you will! I call it... Tech Babe! How would you put together a beauty of the technology world that still maintains a well preserved, yet powerful prescence?
- (This one I have a huge bit of advice on, but I am gonna go for everyone elses opinion too) I want a power house beauty, that is more conservative. Class, and Power mixed together to create something... Elegant. Keeping it PG-13 and yet inducing the seductive side of the imagination. How are you accomplishing this?

2. Male
- Hardcore, neckbreaking, tongue twisting action is all this hero needs! Give me some tips on creating a super detailed, and yet brutal guy toon that I feel compelled to play!
- Classics, just bring in the old, and combine some new! Brightly colored Spandex is not all we have anymore!
- Tech, or Science. You decide! I can't tell one from the other, and niether can your bud... Do I look like a lab rat? Or do I look like a high tech machine ripping into things? Bring on some tips on getting the desired effect!

3. Huge
(ok by this point you get what I am going for.)

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I don't want to have to spend days sifting through all of your flaming each others ideas, reading your flames at other posters for their "sence of fashion". Post your own advice, and leave the other posters advice alone.

Pick one or pick all the topics. If you can throw in a screen shot to show an example of how your ideas on one subject, combine to work as one to make a sweet character!
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Still working on my advice - Getting it well rounded and easy to understand =D

~Apple~

*Edit*- Note that this is all to put together a "Guide" to help those that need a little boost in the costume design area.

 

Posted

[ QUOTE ]
- (This one I have a huge bit of advice on, but I am gonna go for everyone elses opinion too) I want a power house beauty, that is more conservative. Class, and Power mixed together to create something... Elegant. Keeping it PG-13 and yet inducing the seductive side of the imagination. How are you accomplishing this?

[/ QUOTE ]

Robot_Apple - I have a character that fits this build nicely...

Also note that she does not require 44 triple D's to look seductive.

[url=http://starwindgraphics.deviantart.com/]My deviantArt page[/url]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/AceFrankly/Starwind-Name-Signature1.gif[/IMG]
Proud member of The Impossibles/Pinnacle -[url="http://www.theimpossibles.org"]www.theimpossibles.org[/url]

 

Posted

Nice kit, Star.

Violence has its own economy. Therefore, be thoughtful and precise in your investment.

 

Posted

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
- (This one I have a huge bit of advice on, but I am gonna go for everyone elses opinion too) I want a power house beauty, that is more conservative. Class, and Power mixed together to create something... Elegant. Keeping it PG-13 and yet inducing the seductive side of the imagination. How are you accomplishing this?

[/ QUOTE ]

Robot_Apple - I have a character that fits this build nicely...

Also note that she does not require 44 triple D's to look seductive.

[/ QUOTE ]

VERY good job on this one. I appreciate the pic =)

Can you also do a break down of how you selected the colors and such? Putting together specified sections inside the guide for each persons ideals. =)

~Apple~

 

Posted

Do something minor, such as coloring the lenses of the goggles another color, or maybe altering the color of some of the vanguard plates your guy has. That could add some variety to your characters costume.

 

Posted

[ QUOTE ]
I've heard of the whole black as a primary thing, but I believe this costume turned out well.

http://s224.photobucket.com/albums/dd309...27-19-26-17.jpg,

Anyone have any suggestions on how to make this any better? I cant seem to find a way to add a third color in.

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Personally I think you did a great job with this costume! Looks great.

If your looking to add another color in, I personally look for minor details to switch up. Like I would change the lesser colors on the Helmet, Shoulders, and Belt to be a dark, yet noticable shade of red, or a dark gold. (Not so dark it looks like a cheese... I am talking like maintaining the actual softness of gold type color)

Even changing the lesser details on the gloves and shoes to be a noticable color would be good. But, again, that is me... I usually have like 3-5 colors in a costume. Depending on the feel.

~Apple~

 

Posted

I'm voting goggle lense color change. That's the main thing I alter when I want a third color.

A Warrior's Friend: ID 335212 - Help Infernal save Valkyrie from Battle Maiden.
Above Mars Part 1: The Wellington: ID 159769 - Save Mars by destroying a monstrous battleship from the inside!
>.> My DA page, where I attempt to art.

 

Posted

<ul type="square">[*]Use ze sliders!!![/list]

Scarf_Girl�s Official Kid Brother!

 

Posted

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
- (This one I have a huge bit of advice on, but I am gonna go for everyone elses opinion too) I want a power house beauty, that is more conservative. Class, and Power mixed together to create something... Elegant. Keeping it PG-13 and yet inducing the seductive side of the imagination. How are you accomplishing this?

[/ QUOTE ]

Robot_Apple - I have a character that fits this build nicely...

Also note that she does not require 44 triple D's to look seductive.

[/ QUOTE ]

VERY good job on this one. I appreciate the pic =)

Can you also do a break down of how you selected the colors and such? Putting together specified sections inside the guide for each persons ideals. =)

~Apple~

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Apple! First off she is a Invulnerable/SS Tank. I chose red because as some may know, red is a "power color" and she is a powerful character. White lends itself to the "good guys" vibe and the yellow trim is a great accent color against both red and white. I did not want anything too busy so there are alot of solid areas of color using yellow stricly as accents. I thought the open midrift offered a nice level of sexiness without "selling out" (if that makes any sense).

I made a quick animation of this costume swapping the red for different colors, and honestly every color but orange seems to work well. On the last costume of the animation I also swapped the white with black to try something different, but honeslty, the red really translates the feeling of power and strength for me.

[url=http://starwindgraphics.deviantart.com/]My deviantArt page[/url]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/AceFrankly/Starwind-Name-Signature1.gif[/IMG]
Proud member of The Impossibles/Pinnacle -[url="http://www.theimpossibles.org"]www.theimpossibles.org[/url]

 

Posted

[ QUOTE ]
I've heard of the whole black as a primary thing, but I believe this costume turned out well.

http://s224.photobucket.com/albums/dd309...27-19-26-17.jpg,

Anyone have any suggestions on how to make this any better? I cant seem to find a way to add a third color in.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree with the others on this Sokarus. Definitely the goggle lenses are the prime area to target for an additional color application. Minimally, that may be all you need.

[url=http://starwindgraphics.deviantart.com/]My deviantArt page[/url]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/AceFrankly/Starwind-Name-Signature1.gif[/IMG]
Proud member of The Impossibles/Pinnacle -[url="http://www.theimpossibles.org"]www.theimpossibles.org[/url]

 

Posted

Here is a question...and please, I don't want this to become a big argument...there have already been enough of those so far...
But one of the major arguments regarding the use of Black in costumes is that everyone is doing it, and there is too much of it running around.
But every single design that I have seen on this post that have gotten accolades uses White. Isn't that just as bad? I mean sure, it allows for better views of texture, but most of the white is on Tights legs, or other pieces that don't have much texture to them in the first place.

Now I am a design professional, so I understand wanting to mix things up, but is using white all over the place the answer?Not discounting that White is a good color to use by any means, but do we really want just as many white costumes running around as Black ones?

 

Posted

As for some design thoughts, one of the best things I ever did was to go into the designer with no intention of making a new character.
I just decided to see how things worked...try it it is a lot of fun.
Here are some things that I found/did during that experiment...

1. Try all of the different emblem patterns (Circle, blend, diamond, etc.) with all of the different chest designs. See how they interact. Try making your design color the same as the chest color with a different emblem...(for example, the Medieval X pattern with a circle emblem creates a neat negative pattern)
2. See what the chest designs look like with both colors selected as the same. Some designs become much bolder and make a great statement (I especailly see this in the raven)
3. Run through the options from the back only. Armored pants with the Stealth straps can make it look like you are wearing overalls...might look great from the front, but...
4. Keep the "Use these two colors" X marked...while it doesn't always work (and often doesn't) it is there for a reason...give it a chance once and a while.
5. Play with the sliders. In the costume mode, not the initial setup screen with the green body. Shift things as you are looking at them in larger scale. You would be surprised at just how different it can make the characters.
6. Hit Random...a lot...That is how I realized that a "Baggy" top on Sinister looks an awful lot like a Sweater...(Sweater and Jeans man is still a character I am considering making)
7. Try to create an existing hero...DO NOT ACTUALLY CREATE THEM...but these characters are iconic for a reason. Getting a hold on how to create the Green Lantern symbol out of what is available to you can open a lot of doors.
8. Design around one thing. Starting with a mask you like or particular boots can ground your design and let things grow from there.
9. Don't be too dead set on one particular thing. Sometimes it just won't work. You need to cut your losses some times and try again.
10. Character is evolving...sometimes you can let a random costume inspration drive your character's story. Have a Technology hero but want to use Tights and not armor? Maybe it is a futuristic suit sent back from the future with alien technology...Maybe the jewel on your belt has to be yellow because it brings in the power of the yellow sun...

 

Posted

[ QUOTE ]
Here is a question...and please, I don't want this to become a big argument...there have already been enough of those so far...
But one of the major arguments regarding the use of Black in costumes is that everyone is doing it, and there is too much of it running around.
But every single design that I have seen on this post that have gotten accolades uses White. Isn't that just as bad? I mean sure, it allows for better views of texture, but most of the white is on Tights legs, or other pieces that don't have much texture to them in the first place.

Now I am a design professional, so I understand wanting to mix things up, but is using white all over the place the answer?Not discounting that White is a good color to use by any means, but do we really want just as many white costumes running around as Black ones?

[/ QUOTE ]

IMHO the bottom line with black or white is that they both work extremely well with any color. They offer the most drastic contrasts against all other colors and I see no problem with using (or not using), either. Too much black or too much white is really for the creator to decide, not the CoX community.

[url=http://starwindgraphics.deviantart.com/]My deviantArt page[/url]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/AceFrankly/Starwind-Name-Signature1.gif[/IMG]
Proud member of The Impossibles/Pinnacle -[url="http://www.theimpossibles.org"]www.theimpossibles.org[/url]

 

Posted

There's a reason why this topic is provoking such heated responses in some people -- we're hardwired to respond to color.

I think the key to any good costume design boils down to two things:

1) Character concept
2) Color theory

Some colors clash, some are natural complements. Thing is, each of us perceives color and texture differently. For me, simpler is better. It's rare that I find an overly detailed costume attractive. They look too "busy" to me.

But some colors go together naturally and evoke certain universal responses. Red+Black is a natural combo, as is Purple+Gold. Yellow+Black is evocative of danger, while Red+White evokes thoughts of passion, as well as speed and recklessness. Blue is calming, and Green tends to be soothing.

There's a reason why "Caution" and "Warning" signs are Yellow+Black or Red+White. Italian restaurants used Red and white checked tablecloths because it urges people to eat faster. Which means faster turnaround on tables. Jails are painted blue to calm prisoners. Red+Black entices us with danger and desire, while Purple+Gold inspires feelings of leadership and trustworthiness.

Sometime we respond to colors without really knowing why. Some of this stuff is hardwired into us. Colors speak to the same primitive part of our brain that responds to things like music. For some reason, minor chords make us feel sad or melancholy. Even people who have never heard a minor chord before report feeling the same way.

Interestingly, we each have a built-in concept of what a "pure" color is. Psychologists have done tests on aboriginal peoples (like islanders on Kuala Lumpur and tribespeople of the Amazon) who have never seen "pure" colors. They show these people various shades of red, for instance, asking which one is the "ideal" color. Amazingly, even though they've never seen those particular shades before, they will choose the exact same color red that anyone from the Western world will choose.

So there's definitely something primal going on here regarding color and specific color combinations, and why certain choices spark lively debate.

The Alt Alphabet ~ OPC: Other People's Characters ~ Terrific Screenshots of Cool ~ Superhero Fiction

 

Posted

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Something to keep in mind for those who are have a dislike for black in costume design... some people are color blind. Black is easier to identify. Since this game has a large portion of males, chances are there are a few folks here who have color blindness. It is why I labled the 160 Colors in the Costume Creator. But we're talking about design and anyone can create a good design using just the grayscale row.

Clothing designers use black extensively in their designs. Technology gadgets are black, white or silver. We expect things to be certain colors because they create a response.

Want to design a good outfit? Choose intersting accesories and clothing. Start off with black or gray to see how the pieces work together on the outfit...If it looks great in all black...it'll look fantastic in other colors. Now pick complimentary colors and accent colors. Cool colors. Warm colors. Bright. Neutral. Dark…are all part of your design palette.

No color is "better" or "worse" than the others. No matter how much one person distains a color, that preference is a personal opinion and holds zero weight in the creation of your character’s outfit. Any good designer should be able to make an attractive outfit using one color, even if that color is black. It’s about the design of the outfit itself.

The traditional “black dress” and “black evening jacket” are around for a reason. It’s the building block for design. You can change it an alter it but it is a staple in most folks wardrobe.

Black is a fantastic color…use it, love it, go nuts!
Hate it?...Get over it.



 

Posted

This is a costume I designed about a year and a half ago, but the character himself never got played much. That is until I rerolled him as a kin/psy defender. Now I am having alot of fun with him! I never realized, until I read these post, that I used alot of what was said. He is a black and white costume with red accents. There is also a 4th color used, but it is barely noticeable. I picked a face with colorful eyes, then the "3rd eye" I used, I matched the color of the third eye with the faces eyes. So that is the 4th color.

Ja'tal

His story is at the bottom in the artist comments, and there is a link there to his "demon form" costume that goes with the story.

 

Posted

Most people have no issue with black in a costume.. and the people that DO have an issue, only dislike it when it is the main color, rather than an accent.

Ive found that most costumes i make work well with black as an accent.. and I rarely make a dark hero.


Anyway. Id love to take part in the Guide you are creating, but I dont have the time to do it. Ive got a couple costumes in my "saved costumes folder" that I could probably post, but i dont have the software to do it right. Pasting them in to paint and putting them on photobucket takes away half the detail.