SFMers, Lend Me Your Scenebuild Tips!

[TruBlu0014]

Hello all.

Using maps has been fun and all but I wouldn't mind trying to make a scenebuild just to get the hang of it. Problem is, I'm not sure where to start, so I'll take any tips you can give me on making a scenebuild whether it be comment, images, video, or links.

Also, if you wouldn't mind, I have a few questions I wouldn't mind answered:
1) Is scenbuilding just a bunch of props laid out into a scene?
2) What are the most reliable places I can find parts for scenebuilds?
3) What are really good maps for making scenebuilds?
4) Are skyboxes necessary for scenebuilds?
5) Anything else you'd recommend?

[Carbadox]

1) I guess
2) Usually type props/ and you'll get nearly all the props you need. If you want to be more specific, do something like props/2fort
3) Black void, disable lighting and you're good to go
4) if you can't find something, search the workshop.

[Koldraxon]

1 = This is true for approximately 74 to 95% of cases, but sometimes one would use a map's scenery and adapt it to their own whims.

2 = Anywhere; Facepunch, SFMlab, here. Searching is good.

3 = Often, the biggest, lightless-est maps are preferred as some scenebuilds can be gigantic. It's not always the case as there are some things, like a unique bunch of props arranged just right, that can't be found in the search panels.

4 = Outdoors, or indoors?

5 = Consistency is key; lighting changes the scene; characters should be given reason to be in the context (OPTIONAL). Sometimes, the scene itself is more captivating than whatever's thrown into it. Also, in certain cases, resizing pre-existing assets would also do the trick.

[Pte Jack]

All the above... For stuff you want in the distance and don't want to use regular sized model and have to find a map that will allow you position them so they look far away, there are skybox models and screencards that can be employed to give that far away look and feel in a scene build.

[surfer171]

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=727870390

I wish I can help you further but here's a guide

[TruBlu0014]

With this and all future threads I make, I appreciate any and all help you give me. Thank you all, SFMers.

[GLAZZMAN]

1) There are different levels. You can either create an entire scene from the ground up using props, or you can find a map similar in design to what you need, and add props to change the atmosphere.

2) SFMlab and Facepunch are good alternatives to the workshop. It all depends on what props you are looking for. Chances are, If you can think of it, there is something very similar out on the web. You just gotta know what to look for.

3) Like I said in (1). Any map. If you are looking for a desert/egyptian map, for instance, TF2's "Egypt" or "Lakeside" maps work. Camera angles and prop placements can help you alter the look.

4) For outside scenes, most times yes. In the event of your using "Void", even if the scene is night time, a solid black sky hardly ever looks good. However some volm lights added to the scene can have a positive effect without a skybox. But for indoor scenes, or outdoor scenes where the sky is obscurred by thick trees, or something, you do not need a skybox. It depends, really, if there is going to be a lot of sky showing in the background.

5) Use darker maps and void for "free builds". That is, scenes that are 90-100% from scratch. It gives you more control over the lights.

[TruBlu0014]

Relevant:

Besides PonySFM and DeviantArt, where else can I find scenbuild props fro MLP content?

[Pte Jack]

Originally posted by TruBlu0014 SFM:

Relevant:

Besides PonySFM and DeviantArt, where else can I find scenbuild props fro MLP content?

Most model searches point back to the various group galleries on Deviantart. But don't limit yourself to just looking at the main MLP groups on Deviantart, there are some unique resources buried throughout in individual galleries as well!

If you really want to challenge yourself, try making some yourself in programs like Blender.

[Video Game Lover]

Step 1: find props you want for walls or background props in the model viewer.
Step 2: place them in the appropriate positions according to common sense.
Step 3: you could not have done anything without my help, so dont forget to link everything about me in your sfm things 'cus you could not have figured out how to place props without people helping you via steam discussions.

Joking aside, I suggest you mess around with scene building in your free time, find your own methods, some in which you can truely call your own. I found that you learn things much better and easier when you teach yourself, then when you try to duplicate other people's ways.

[TruBlu0014]

Originally posted by Caboose:

Step 1: find props you want for walls or background props in the model viewer.
Step 2: place them in the appropriate positions according to common sense.
Step 3: you could not have done anything without my help, so dont forget to link everything about me in your sfm things 'cus you could not have figured out how to place props without people helping you via steam discussions.

Joking aside, I suggest you mess around with scene building in your free time, find your own methods, some in which you can truely call your own. I found that you learn things much better and easier when you teach yourself, then when you try to duplicate other people's ways.

You are 100% right. I make these types of threads only because I am new and do not know how to "approach" some of these things for the first time. SFM is still very new to me. I've only scratched the surface.

Plus, asking others what they do is a good way to see how it's done from different perspectives. It all goes into the learning process I assure you.

Originally posted by Pte Jack:

Originally posted by TruBlu0014 SFM:

Relevant:

Besides PonySFM and DeviantArt, where else can I find scenbuild props fro MLP content?

Most model searches point back to the various group galleries on Deviantart. But don't limit yourself to just looking at the main MLP groups on Deviantart, there are some unique resources buried throughout in individual galleries as well!

If you really want to challenge yourself, try making some yourself in programs like Blender.

Ah Blender...another frontier I must one day conquer. In time, I will. In time...

Thanks for the advice.