Using photo manipulation can also be a good option. Take your own photos or use stock photos. If you want a forest background, find some nice forest photos. In Photoshop or a similar program, you can combine different photos, adjust the colors to match the overall tone of your visual novel, and add some special effects like a soft glow or a light fog to make it more atmospheric.
First, you need to decide on the overall style and mood of the visual novel. For example, if it's a horror VN, you might choose dark and gloomy colors. Then, you can use digital art software like Photoshop or Procreate. Sketch out the basic layout of the background, such as a room or a landscape. Add details like furniture, plants, or other elements relevant to the story. Consider the perspective to make the scene look realistic. You can also use photo references to get inspiration and ensure accuracy in your details.
You can start by looking at real-world locations for inspiration. Take photos or sketches and then translate them into digital art. Another option is to use specialized software with pre-made elements and customize them to fit your vision.
To make visual novel backgrounds, first, define the mood and setting of your story. Sketch out rough ideas and collect reference images. Next, choose the color palette that suits the atmosphere. Use layering techniques in your chosen software to add depth and detail.
One good way is to start with strong basic shapes. For example, use circles for heads, rectangles for bodies at the initial sketch. This gives a solid foundation. Also, study anatomy well, even if the visual novel style might be somewhat stylized. Knowing how the body moves and is proportioned helps in creating more believable characters.
Well, it's crucial to keep in mind the context of your visual novel. If you're making a historical visual novel, the background should be appropriate for the time period. Regarding the composition of the background, make sure it doesn't overcrowd the scene with too many elements when you add your characters. You should also consider how the background will interact with any animations or special effects in your visual novel. Some free to use backgrounds may need some post - processing to fit your exact needs. And always keep a backup of the original background in case you need to refer back to it or in case of any license disputes.
One popular one is 'Doki Doki Literature Club'. It has some really interesting and engaging animated backgrounds that enhance the overall mood of the visual novel. The backgrounds change according to the different scenarios in the story, which is really cool.
One important element is the setting. For example, if it's a historical visual novel, the background might include ancient architecture like castles or temples. Another is the mood. A spooky visual novel could have a dark, fog - covered forest as a background to create a sense of unease. Also, details matter. A cityscape background in a modern visual novel should have elements like traffic lights, cars, and people on the streets to make it seem realistic.
In creating backgrounds for visual novels, scale is an element to consider. The size of objects in relation to each other can give a sense of grandeur or intimacy. For example, a large castle in the background compared to a small character can show the character's insignificance or the power of the place. Additionally, cultural references can play a role. If the visual novel is set in a particular culture, the background should reflect that. For example, Japanese - style architecture and scenery for a visual novel set in Japan. The use of negative space is also important. Leaving some areas blank can focus the viewer's attention on the important parts of the background.
The perspective is also important. A wide - angle view can show the entire scene and give a sense of scale, like a big battle arena in an action - packed visual novel. In contrast, a close - up view of a small, detailed area, such as a character's study room with bookshelves and a desk, can add intimacy. Additionally, the inclusion of cultural elements in anime backgrounds can enhance the authenticity. In a Japanese - themed visual novel, things like tatami mats, shoji screens, and cherry blossom trees can make the background more immersive.
One unique feature could be the level of detail. Studio 74 backgrounds might have fine - grained details like small patterns on the walls or unique textures on the floors. This can make the scenes more immersive for the players. Also, they may have a particular style of architecture or landscape design that is characteristic of their work, which helps in differentiating their visual novels from others.