2. WHAT IS A
SILHOUETTE?
A silhouette is the outline of a person, an object or
scene, filled with a color (usually black on white)

3. WHY ARE THEY SO IMPORTANT?
A silhouette defines an object/person/scene’s
uniqueness, makes it recognizable and has the power to
add specific properties or traits

4. SILHOUETTE & CHARACTERS
Especially important with characters!

5. SILHOUETTE & CHARACTERS

6. SILHOUETTE & CHARACTERS

7. SILHOUETTE &
OBJECTS
Example: an ordinary car

8. SILHOUETTE &
OBJECTS
Example: a race car

9. SILHOUETTE &
OBJECTS

10. SILHOUETTE &
OBJECTS

11. SILHOUETTE &
OBJECTS

12. SILHOUETTE & DESIGNING
In stead of diving right in start with silhouettes as a base

13. SILHOUETTE & DESIGNING
The key is to look for interesting shapes, do not worry
about details just yet.

14. SILHOUETTE & SCENES
Using silhouettes as a base for creating environments
enables you to get your balance and proportions right,
enabling you to set the tone of your scene really quick.

15. SILHOUETTE & SCENES

16. COMPOSITION

17. COMPOSITION - DEFINITION
Composition is the placement or arrangement of visual
elements in artwork.
It is mainly used to guide the human eye along the
artists intended path and to set the mood.

18. COMPOSITION - EXAMPLE

19. COMPOSITION - EXAMPLE

20. COMPOSITION - EXAMPLE

21. COMPOSITION &
GAMES
Composition in games is particularly difficult because of
there is no fixed frame like in traditional art. In
stead, the player can change the view to his/her liking..

22. COMPOSITION &
GAMES

23. COMPOSITION &
GAMES

24. COMPOSITION &
GAMES
Instead of the traditional way of guiding the human eye,
composition in games is used to guide the player
towards goals.
A good composition in video games can only be
achieved when the level design is flawlessly connected
with the artwork!

25. COMPOSITION &
GAMES
The traditional elements of art still apply to games. They
are still needed for a good composition:
• Lines - the visual path that guides the eye / player
• Shapes (silhouettes!)
• Colors - setting the mood
• Space - space taken up by (positive) or between (negative) objects
• Lighting - esthetic and functional

26. COMPOSITION – LIGHTING (ESTHETIC)

27. COMPOSITION – LIGHTING (FUNCTIONAL)

28. COMPOSITION &
GAMES
Last but certainly not least are the follow principles of art
that should also be taken into account:
• Unity - arranging elements to create a feeling of completeness
• Harmony - combining similar related elements, like opposite colors
• Variety - try to vary things in your scene, make things notable
• Balance - arrange elements so that no area seems heavier (unless
intended of course!)
• Contrast - creates interest in a piece and can draw attention

29. COMPOSITION – CONTRAST (OVERDONE)

30. COMPOSITION – CONTRAST (GOOD)

31. ASSIGNMENT