possibly dumb question

[PK SPACE JAM]

im new to graphic design so be gentle

I see tutorials everywhere saying to use a template to start for tile/sprite sheets but no where is a template defined. What effectively is a template and what is a good way to create one please, thank you.

[◢ k r i s ◤]

No idea what tutorials you are looking at that would suggest starting with a template, but I suppose templates can be anything where the basic figure or layout is prepared to make it easier to get started.

Like these pixel-doll templates on !da. Basically unfinished-silhouettes so that artists don't need to spend a lot of time with basic posing. https://www.deviantart.com/popular-all-time/?q=pixel+doll+templates

Maybe your tutorials simply mean to reference existing sprite art frames. Copying sprites from games is a good way to learn or easily clone animation that portrays motion, for instance.

[PK SPACE JAM]

ahhh ok I was looking at the tutorial here for making sprites for GM & RPG maker, I think I get what they mean now, thank you

[◢ k r i s ◤]

You likely want a "spritesheet" which lays out multiple frames in a single image. For instance, RPG Maker MV, by default, uses 4-row and 3-column sprite sheets for overworld walking animations. http://blog.rpgmakerweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Sprite.png

If you are trying to make some custom character sprites for RPG Maker, then you might want to export a basic, nude character using the character-generator provided. That could be your "template" which you can then add whatever you want on top using Asepretie.

[PK SPACE JAM]

perfect, thank you guys I appreciate it