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 Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 12:02 pm
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Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 12:03 pm
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Extra Tips
Post Two: Summation
Summation
What all "styles" really boil down to.
• • • • This is just a trend that I noticed a while ago and it's becoming more and more widespread.
Currently on Gaia.... or at least in the AT, there are quite a few "styles." But what do all of these current fads have in common? They have interesting facial expressions (when you can see the faces ;D). They usually pay attention to the small details by adding small accessories. They usually have interesting layering or an interesting combination of items. The combination can be interesting because the items clash or because the items are otherwise rarely used.
Don't believe me? Look skim the forums for avatars that stand out. They'll most likely have an interesting expression or some interesting item combination. Now, if you only like avatars because the person has piled their expensive items on in a big cluttered mess, then you've learned nothing. D; (But you're still entitled to your own opinion. :3)
These avatars are all rather interesting. Why? They pay attention to small details and show some form of expression. The following posts provide general guidelines to keep in mind no matter what your style is. If you want to learn how to make an interesting avatar, continue reading through all of the posts.
    
    
    
• • • • An update as of mid 2011: Just as the influx of contacts, mouths and makeup changed the overall Gaia style, body-mod items have changed the face of Gaia. Er, well, they've changed the bodies of Gaia. The observations in the above section still hold true. Try to show expression and pay attention to the small details and accessories. On top of that, good use of a body-mod item will elevate your avatar to the top of pedestals.
Or, heck, at least you'll fit in with everyone else whose legs stretch to unimaginable lengths or arms reach up to scratch their heads.
(I'm using some images I've saved of avatars around the site until I make time to make examples.)
    
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Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 12:04 pm
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Dressing with Style
Post Three: Style Explained
Style Explained
Some points to always keep in mind.
• • • • A stylish avatar keeps most, if not all, of these points in mind. This post is a quick overview. The following posts go into more detail and show examples.
Do not confuse this with the avatar fashion referred to as "Style." These ideas refer to avatar styles in general.
Expression
For a few years, Gaians were stuck with only five eye styles to choose from. And they didn't even have contacts. (Well, the blue, green and brown fish eyes existed.) There were also fewer face modification items in general.
Gaians now have many facial expressions and characteristics to choose from. And because we get new expressive items each month, Gaians are still crazy about expressing themselves. =D
Therefore, you must think about expression. You can't get away with just throwing on a pair of glasses anymore. From blank, to naive, to serious, to comical to cute to ugly to whatever, you must make your expression match your character/outfit.
Details / Accessories / Layering
Gaians are obsessed with layering. It seems like we get new items on new layers all the time. Gaians like to see nicely layered outfits. You can't always get away with just a shirt, some shorts and shoes.
Whether your outfit is complexly cluttered or basically simple, do not forget the details. Details complete outfits. Details make it look like you put thought into putting your outfit together.
Originality
This one's self explanatory. Why not want to be original and create a unique avatar for yourself? Originality also shows people that you've put thoguht into creating your avatar.
Color Scheme
Color scheme plays a big part in outfits. Some color combinations are overused. Some color combinations are only possible now because new items have been released in previously unavailable shades.
Items come in all sorts of colors. No matter what the style, color scheme is important. The color scheme is what unifies an outfit. It's the difference between style and randomness.
Texture
Texture is the newest buzz word. It really became big around 2009. Gaia items come in so many different details and patterns that some items can clash. For example, some older items might look smooth and fuzzy compared to a newer item. Another example is that a striped outfit would be ruined by a polka-dotted shirt.
Texture is especially important in the non-matching and simple styles. Texture and pattern is paramount in the simple style.
Overall Shape
This is the generic "you must have good balance and overall flow." A few years ago, this was important but often overlooked. With all the item choices and body morphing poses we have now, the overall shape of an avatar cannot be ignored.
Long ago, we had fewer items to choose from. Matching had higher priority than overall shape. You didn't want your avatar to have a weird shape. However, you'd make a weird-shaped avatar if it was the only way to match.
Now that we have many more items to choose from, people have the luxury to think about overall shape. (And thus, non-matching came into style. Non-matching cares more about avatar shape than for matching.)
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Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 12:05 pm
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Dressing with Style
Post Four: Expression
Expression
No matter what your style is, your avatar should show expression.
• • • • Add Character
Don't forget your avatar's face as you're planning out your outfit. Even a great outfit can be ruined by a blank face. Heck, you can almost get away with wearing anything as long as the facial expression draws people's attention.
Don't throw on random contacts with a random mouth. Think about what your face will look like. If your character is supposed to be happy, don't use eyes that look fierce and angry.
If your avatar is themed, match the expression or facial characteristics you'd find on your type of character. A cat would probably have a little pink nose. A cheerleader might be very bubbly and have a large smile.
If you're cosplaying, match the character's face as much as possible.
For simplistic non-matching, expression is often the sole thing that makes your avatar interesting. (Texture comes in second.)
For matching, be sure to fill in any empty space. Expression still plays a role even if your avatar has no theme. Use face items to get colors and detail where you need them.
It's also okay to have a blank face. Just make sure that you don't have a highly detailed outfit that falls flat at a blank face.
• • • • Tools
Eyes: Make sure your eyes match your expression. There are many salon eye styles and many contacts to choose from. It's easier to pull off expression with contacts than with the regular salon eyes.
Nose: Does your avatar need a nose? Add one.
Mouth: Make sure your mouth matches your expression. There are many default avatar expressions and mouth items to choose from. You'll usually need a mouth. Smile, whether it's sweet or evil. Frown. Gasp. Wear lipstick.
Fill in weird empty space with tattoos, blush, eyeshadow, facial hair, freckles, scars... Moles never hurt. Heck, even glasses, eye patches and jewelry and piercings are good too. Add facial items that enhance the character you want people to see.
Mix and match items to obtain the expression you want. [Tektek] is probably your best tool here. Play with the facial items until you have the expression you want. Remember to pay close attention to price. Most of the facial items are very expensive.
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Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 12:06 pm
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Dressing with Style
Post Five: Details
Details
Don't overlook the small details. Accessories are important.
• • • • Accessories
I constantly refer to "accessory items" throughout these guides. I've already given quite a few examples of accessory items in other guide posts. Yes, accessories are so important that they're getting another post of their own.
An accessory item is any item that can be used to add detail. Accessories are usually small and usually come in simple colors. Accessory items are usually versatile. You should be able to use these items in most of your outfits. There's no excuse not to use them. ;3
Accessory items turn outfits from basic/incomplete/boring to intricate/complete/stunning. It's good to equip many items and take advantage of layering. You don't always have to cover an avatar in items to make it look good. Whether your outfit has complex layering or simple layering, don't forget the details.
• • • • Tips
Use lots of little items to add in small details.
Some examples of common accessory items are hairpins, headbands, glasses, piercings, jewelry, anklets, belts, and pocket watches. Socks and gloves can also be accessory items.
ATers and anyone else who is too cool for school tend to hold cigs, long drags and kiserus. ;D
If too much skin is showing in any area, cover some of it up with tattoos, scars or body hair.
For complex outfits, try to use as many layers and items as possible without looking like a giant blob. Keep the general shape of your avatar. (Unless your goal is to become an abstract blob).
For simple avatars, use a few well-placed accessory items.
There is such a thing as using too many accessory items. I can't narrow it down to a specific number. The amount of accessories you use depends on your outfit. At the very least, an avatar should probably have about three accessory items on.
• • • • Example Accessories
Accessory items come in all shapes, sizes and prices.
Expensive Accessories
These items are expensive. At least they're versatile and can be used in more than one outfit.
           
Gold Shop Accessories
You don't have to break your wallet to obtain accessory items. These are items found in the gold shops. They're relatively cheap and the price will never change.
              
Other
And here are some other accessory items. These items either come from zOMG, from Events or from Sponsor Quests.
The zOMG Daily Freebies sometimes grant crafted zOMG items. Gaia announces sponsor quests all the time. You can earn free items by doing things like watching movie trailers, filling out quizzes or voting in polls. And Gaia has site-wide events all the time. You can often earn Event Items by participating in them.
          
• • • • Example Avatars
These avatars were spiffed up by adding accessory items. The items added either come from the gold shops, from zOMG recipes, from sponsor quests or from Gaia events.
 > 
 > 
The following examples all use accessory items. You can use or imagination to picture them without accessories. (Or click the tektek and remove the accessories yourself if you really want to.)
    
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Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 12:07 pm
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Dressing with Style
Post Six: Sets vs Originality
Sets vs Originality
Originality is highly regarded. Try to make something at least slightly original.
• • • • Originality
Having a distinct and original avatar is key. It's not too important if you don't care about how your avatar looks. I don't know why you'd be reading this if you didn't care.
Originality is important for entering the arenas. Voters look for new and interesting avatars and concepts. A mediocre outfit just doesn't cut it. Same things goes when asking for people to rate your avatar. If the rater has seen avatars like yours a hundred times, they're not going to be impressed. I always say, "all that matters is that you like your avatar. It doesn't matter what others think." Well, when in the arenas, other avatar contests or when asking for rates, their opinions matter. And people like originality.
How do you obtain originality?
It's not always easy. There are lots of items on this site, but there are also lots of people. Your avatar is going to resemble someone else's avatar a little bit. However, if you see four other avatars that look similar to yours in one day, you need a new outfit. (This excludes when you and a friend or friends intentionally decide to dress alike.)
There are lots of ways to be original. Try to do a new take on an old theme. Or think of a new theme/character/cosplay that you haven't seen before. Use an item or items that other people rarely use. Match a color that people rarely use. Use more than one rarely used color. And the list goes on. The easiest way to help assure originality is to avoid the use of sets.
• • • • Sets vs Originality
This part attempts to answer the question, "Why can't I wear a set of items?"
Wearing a set of items is seen as being unoriginal and uncreative. Why? Because all the work has been done for you. An item set is a group of items that were released together and are usually pre-made outfits. Even if a set is extremely expensive to put together, it's still a set. You don't get props for spending gold. You get props for making an original outfit. Putting together a set, no matter what the price, is not creative.
Why is it not creative? Because anyone can type "g-lol" into a search bar and combine the g-lol shirt, skirt, stockings and shoes. What thought did that take? Very little. All the person did was combine items that had the same name. Boring.
The short version: When you wear a set, you look generic and unimaginative.
There's no rule against wearing sets. You can wear sets all you want. Thing is, Gaians vote based on how imaginative, creative or original an outfit is. If you're wearing a set, don't expect high accolades. If you join an avatar contest or ask to be rated, expect to hear bad comments about your outfit.
Leeway with Sets
Generally, you can get away with using two or three items from one set and be okay. It's easier to do this when the items are accessories, small and don't touch when equipped.
However, it's not okay if those three items come from well-known sets or cover a lot of the avatar.
In these examples, you'd probably be able to wear those three items from the 90s set without your outfit screaming "set!" The hat, the gloves and the vest don't touch, are relatively small and spread around the avatar. On the other hand, the second avatar oozes set. The pants, shirt and gloves cover most of the avatar.
 
Avoid Sets
These avatars are obviously unoriginal. The first two examples are common starter sets you find on newbies. It's okay for your first couple days, but you don't want to look like that forever. Armor is an iffy subject. It does make sense that a full set of armor would match. So, you might need to wear a set. However, try to boost the outfit with items from other sets. This avatar has obviously just thrown two sets of purple armors on one avatar. And another common style around the site is gothic lolita. You don't have to avoid the style. However, Gaia has many, many items that can be used to make a gothic lolita outfit. Try to pull from different sets instead of just one.
   
Set-less Outifts
The subtitle says it all. These are just some examples of avatars that don't have sets on. The themes may be common, but the avatars aren't. A set-less avatar will stand out in a crowd of people in sets. You can look at the other posts in this guide to see more examples of set-less avatars.
   
The Set Style
There are many, many different styles on Gaia. So, of course, there's a style where people wear sets. The catch is, the goal of this style is to look like you're not wearing a set.
(The first example is impossible on Gaia since the sleeve of the Black-Orange Warmup Jacket would be cut off by the Burned Apocaripped Coat.)
 
• • • • So what can you take from all of this? Whether you're wearing a set or not doesn't matter. As long as your avatar looks orignal and creative, you'll be fine. It's possible to make an original and creative avatar while using a set. However, it's easier to just avoid using sets. Plus, while some people are lenient about sets, others will always give you an automatic vote of One for wearing a set. (One being the lowest number.)
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Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 12:08 pm
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Dressing with Style
Post Five: Color Scheme
Color Scheme
Color scheme plays a role in every good outfit.
• • • • Which colors should you use? That's totally up to you!
The color scheme you choose depends on what your goal is. Use bright, clashing colors to pop off the screen. Match a rarely used and odd colored item to ensure that your outfit is unique. Use only warm colors to ensure a nice blend. Use your favorite colors. And so on.
Use colors that accomplish your goal. Even though the different styles use colors different ways, there's still one common factor. You must think about color. Whether you choose to match or not match, you must make that decision. Don't just throw on items of any random color.
Here's how color plays a part in some styles.
Cosplay
Cosplays are limited to the colors of the character being copied. A pikachu is not blue. Sailor Moon does not have green hair. Inuyasha does not have orange ears. Since cosplays copy an exact character, the colors are already chosen. You just have to hope that the right items exist in the right colors.
Theme
Themed avatars are limited to people's expectations of that theme. A ninja most likely would not wear hot pink and neon orange. A ninja might wear hot pink and neon orange if as a joke or if they're that skilled.
This is a very large category. I include animal and anthropomorphic avatars in the theme category. Unless it's a fantasy creature, animals are subject to realistic colors. A cat will most likely not be purple.
Matching
Color is what the matching style is about. Matching avatars come in many, many color schemes. Outfits can range from one color to about seven. Matching avatars usually use two and three colors.
Colors can be bright or dull. Flow and balance are obtained by spreading colors evenly around the avatar.
I consider monotone, complex matching, half and halfatars to be special subsections of matching. The same ideas apply here. Monotone avatars spread items of one color around an avatar. Complex matching avatars spread lots of items and/or colors evenly around an avatar. Halfatars try to split an avatar by giving one side of their avatar one color scheme and a different color scheme to the other half.
Non-matching
Don't be deceived by the name. The Non-matching style still uses color to ensure a nice overall flow. A good non-matching avatar has at least one color spread uniformly around the avatar. That one color is present in various tints and shades. The non-matching style is very close to the matching style. While matching uses exact shades, non-matching uses varying shades peppered with random colors.
• • • • This post is not here to suggest specific color schemes. Each style uses colors in different ways. Just understand that you should pay attention to the colors of the items you choose.
You can look at the posts on this guide to see examples of how color is used. Compare and contrast the bad examples in this guide to the good examples. Make sure to look at post ten.
If you really want to get technical, you can create your avatar based on a [color wheel].
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Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 12:09 pm
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Dressing with Style
Post Eight: Texture
Texture
All items have some form of texture. Very textured items give impact to simple avatars.
Ever ask for a rate or suggestions on your current avatar, only to have someone ramble on and on about how you need to add or remove “texture”? We cannot feel our avatar’s clothing with our hands. If we tried, it would feel like a smooth computer screen. What the heck is the person rambling about!?
This post provides a quick introduction into the world of texture as it relates to Gaia items. If you would like to learn more after reading this, check out guides on how to not match or how to dress in the non-matching style.
• • • • What is texture?
Texture. All Gaia items have some form of “texture.” Texture is just another word for the different types of patterns you see on items. Texture is created by how the artist drew the item. Items are drawn and shaded in specific ways so that patterns, shadows, textures, etc. appear on them. Are the edges pixilated, rough or smooth? Is there a color gradient? Is the color gradient gradual or blocky? Is the item striped, checkered, plaid, dotted? As you can probably tell, there are many different types of texture.
Just as you can mix and match colors, you can also mix and match textures on an avatar. When creating an outfit, be sure to spread each texture evenly around the avatar. There’s no such thing as bad texture. As long as you pair items of similar texture, it’s all good.
The following five avatars show examples of texture. I did not make outfits, just combined items of similar texture.
• • • • Why use texture?
Texture can make or break your outfit. Add an item of the wrong texture, and the balance of your avatar is thrown off.
Texture is not bad though! It creates lots of depth and character in an outfit. When playing with other styles, such as non-matching, you should pay attention to texture. Texture can make an assortment of items look like a cohesive outfit or look like a random, no-thought combo. Balancing different textures is the difference between looking like you equipped items at random and looking like a good non-matching avatar with style.
The thing is, you can’t really ignore texture. It’s not like it goes away if you choose not to use it. You're just choosing to use less of it. All items have some form of texture. If you don’t want to use texture, you have to hunt down smooth items that are mostly solid colored and have very little pattern in them. In fact “smooth” would be considered the texture of those items. (Before the buzzword “texture” came along, all I knew was that I avoided detailed items. I used to hunt down and pair smooth items. I hated texture. I didn’t realize that I was supposed to spread texture evenly around the avatar. All I knew was that a rough textured item thrown in with my smooth items looked bad. I therefore just stuck to my simple, “smooth” items since I knew they paired well together.)
• • • • Texture and the Matching Style
Texture is important. However, it’s more important for other styles like Non-matching. Non-matching avatars rely on texture to make them look like an interesting outfit, not just a random bunch of items. Texture is not as important in the matching style, but it's still part of it.
When first learning the matching style, I think it’s best to stick to items that have very little texture. That way, you can focus on the most important detail of the style: matching. You only have to worry about two major points. Finding items that are an exact shade. And spreading your colors evenly around an avatar. Once you get into texture, you have to spread all colors and textures evenly around an avatar. It’s not easy. The items of perfect shade and texture that would complete your outfit might not even exist.
With the matching style, I believe your first and foremost goal is matching exact shades of colors. For example, if you’re working with a rare color hue, and the only item that matches is the wrong texture, use it. (You’d most likely get away with it since you’d get props for using a rare, hard-to-match color.) Keep in mind that a lot of outfits are ruined by adding an item of a different texture. It sticks out. It sticks out just as a hot pink item would radiate out from an outfit of blue and green. Your goal is to blend items and spread all color and texture evenly. This creates a nice overall flow. You don’t want your socks to be a different texture and consequently a point of the avatar that people can’t stop staring at.
If you can make an outfit that spreads all colors and textures evenly, the outcome is phenomenal. It’s very eye-catching, indeed.
• • • • Just for fun
I told you that an avatar would look interesting and cohesive as long as you balance the textures. I decided to make an extra test of that statement. I attempted to make outfits by mixing items from the above examples. I didn't pay attention to color balance, only to balancing textures. Here are my two attempts.
These avatars aren't good non-matching avatars. If I'd planned this ahead of time, I would have made sure to have better items available. At least the outfits are interesting. Pair them with the idea from post two (show facial expression and character) and they just might make an okay outfit.
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Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 12:10 pm
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Dressing with Style
Post Nine: Overall Shape
Overall Shape
The overall shape of an avatar can be the difference between a good outfit and a bad outfit.
This post attempts to explain the concept of balance and shape. It's not easy to narrow down. Making avatars with good shape comes with practice.
• • • • The shapes you don't want.
Avoid shapes that are top heavy, middle heavy and bottom heavy.
Top Heavy avatars look like they're going to fall over. Middle heavy avatars are almost as wide as they are tall. The flow is broken and the avatars just look awkward. Bottom heavy avatars are also a no-no. At least they won't fall over, but people don't find them aesthetically pleasing.
If you don't want your avatar to be top heavy, middle heady or bottom heavy, why, then it must be straight!
Wrong. Here's where I confuse you. For the most part, yes this is what you want. However, stick straight avatars aren't automatically good. They're better than looking like you're going to fall over, but not looking stable doesn't always cut it either.
Look at these avatars. They aren't top heavy. They aren't bottom heavy. They aren't middle heavy....
     
...but they still look bad. They look awkward, stiff and uncomfortable. You do not want a stick straight avatar.
• • • • The Shapes you want
"Small traces of movement with small angles."
This isn't an easy concept to provide cookie cutter rules for. Look at your outfit. If the avatar looks like it's going to topple over or looks stiff, change it up.
Move the positions of the arms. This will change your angles.
Switch around the items. Add items that stick out at odd angles. Don't have the items stick out too far, or else you'll create a top, middle or bottom heavy avatar.
Bottom line, you're all good as long as your avatar doesn't look awkward.
Examples with Good Flow and Shape
Note how the outline of the avatar is more of a zigzag. You can have elements of top, middle and bottom heavy as long as they're not extreme.
    
    
Fads vary among the places people hang out on the site. Many Rallyers like items like petals and plushies. These items add bulk and clutter because they're not close to the avatar.
To the opposite extreme, ATers (and other people who consider themselves to be fashionistas) currently like compact avatars. Avatars should have lots of item layering, but the items should stay close to the avatar's body. So those people would avoid things like petals and plushies that sit at the feet.
• • • • What does this all mean? Use your own judgment. Avatars come in all shapes and sizes. They don't fit into any molds. If your avatar looks awkward, fix it. If your avatar looks fine, keep it.
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Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 11:07 pm
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