style guides & palette

src/development/moffstation-style-guide.md

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+The Moffstation Style Guide
+==============
+
+This guide is a completely optional guide for contributing sprites to Moffstation & is by no means a set-in-stone 'THIS IS HOW IT MUST BE' rules list. This guide is to simply help those wishing to contribute & emulate the style of Moffstation!
+
+This guide covers a lot of the basic techniques for spriting which I use myself when creating sprites for Moffstation! These methods have been refined and mastered by many artists but don't be afraid to deviate, however, if you lack the pixel art experience, it is recommended to follow this guide until you're more comfortable.
+
+This Guide also covers some of the references & general concepts on Moffstation.
+
+```admonish note
+I am always free to dm on discord if you wish for any advice or feedback on sprites also so don't be afraid to reach out.
+- Davyei
+```
+
+## The Basics for Spriting
+To begin spriting you need to decide which program you want to sprite in, This is something for personal choice & worth spending time deciding the pros & cons of different programs. Personally, I use Aseprite because it is easy to use & I was most comfortable with the application. The next step may seem trivial but deciding what you wish to sprite. Though it may seem strange, thinking about what you plan to sprite helps understand what you wish to achieve. Finding references for existing devices or
+sprites made from other servers for inspiration is a good way to understand how you can interpolate something into a conceivable sprite. Space Station 14 sprites are confined to specific sizes being around 32x32 to 64x64,This is to avoid ‘Mixeling’ where sprites appear out of place & strange in the environment.
+
+## Getting The Moff Style
+
+Using existing sprites in the Moffstation Repo is a good way to understand the artstyle. We also have templates for all species, however most don’t need unique sprites due to epic displacements which mean you don’t have to make 30 separate sprites for a single item!
+
+```The Repo
+https://github.com/moff-station/moff-station-14/tree/master/Resources/Textures
+```
+### I would also recommend looking at these guides:
+
+https://www.slynyrd.com/pixelblog-catalogue
+
+https://saint11.art/blog/pixel-art-tutorials/
+
+https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z94b5Ft5KAvSQb0lcXxwUfuJ5cA07Rh9/view?pli=1
+
+https://crystallpunk--14-github-io.translate.goog/crystallpunk-docs/CrystallEdge/Визуальный%20стиль/Визуальный%20стиль/?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ru&_x_tr_pto=wapp
+
+## Getting Shapes Correct
+Here are some things to be sure to consider when making sprites. Avoid rough lines as this can destroy the illusion of roundness Avoid making >1px lines as this does not fit anything in the game currently.
+
+
+## Colours, Colors & Hues
+There is a Moffstation Current Colour Palette, I would recommend trying to stay close to these colours if your not confident & avoid deviating to much from the palette otherwise.
+When selecting colours, I would recommend having colours get more saturated the darker they are as well as limiting your colour range to below five tones total for one specific shade, i.e. using 5 shades of blue to create a puddle of water with a seperate 5 for the white foam.
+
+
+Remember to Hue shift! Even though it isn’t realistic for something to have as though it is under a blue light when we have fluorescent bulbs however, it makes it much more vibrant, interesting & (most importantly) epic!
+
+## Shading Highlights & Shadows
+
+Moffstation has adopted the appearance of being lit from above with all sprites. Having things feel authentic and allowing someone to work out how they physically operate helps sell an authentic appearance & experience.
+
+## Style Referencing
+
+We wish to emulate a Cassette Futurism art style with our fork with machines feeling very authentic & grounded in an 80s themed depiction of the future with machines & Technology, It should feel grounded in these ideas of larger machinery using physical controls rather than touchscreens.
+
+```reference franchises
+Franchises such as Alien & Prey are good examples of common media which emuulates this effectively as well as games such as First Class Trouble & Bioshock Infinte!
+```
+## Thanks For Reading!
+
+This has been the Moffstation Art Guide, please remember that this is not a mandated check list to follow but is instead meant to help elevate your pixel art skills when contributing towards Moffstation. The pdf. guide has some pictures if you believe  you need a little more help with things. <3
+```
+As a reminder, feel free to reach out to me on anything you
+want advice for or for any feedback on sprites
+before you pr them! ~ Davyei
+```