@KojiK I couldn't help but go check out your showcase thread after looking at your signature. I see a lot of potential in you to become a great builder. Like all of us, you're in a growing stage right now and as you continue to build, you're going to surpass your own expectations as you have the imagination and creativity to do it.
My first suggestion to you is to find some lots that you are really impressed with that don't have CC and download them, study them and learn from it. Secondly, I would say work on your curb appeal. A house may be very beautiful but if it doesn't catch the eye from the curb, which is all about your cover shot, then it's not going to get the attention it deserves. When I first start working on a house, I will periodically pretend that I'm going to upload the lot to my library, just to see how the curb appeal is coming in the cover shot before canceling it and make sure I've got the house placed in the right place on the lot before really getting into my landscaping, because if it's placed wrong and I need to move it after I've done my landscaping, then that's going to mess up the landscaping.
As far as your interiors, you have the right idea. Loosen up a bit on furniture placement and work on adding more details, such as miscellaneous items on dressers, coffee tables, kitchen cabinets, etc. You really do well with your color coordination and furniture choices. When it comes to wall decor, try experimenting with combining items and using MOO. Just make sure you don't have any shimmering between items going on because that will cause you to lose a possible Maxis fav if they play test it. Use the ALT key to place items with accuracy while holding them.
I think your landscaping has the most potential though. I loved the way you did your more modern gardening on some of your lots.
Personally, I have a lot of growing to do myself and what I have learned, much is from other builders, downloading lots and doing a thorough walk through. Then of course, my own imagination takes over from there, just like you will continue to do.
Just remember if you do download a lot from another builder to take a closer look at, be sure not to just bulldoze it down and begin to build because that lot may still carry the original builder's ID to it, so start fresh always.
I'm following you and watching closely to your growth. I've got a lot of faith in your progress. I'm not sure if you were building in TS3 or not but many of the builders will tell you that I used to host the most popular thread to help builders. I've seen many go on to EA featured lots (that's what they were called at TS3), all the while I was getting nothing myself. It wasn't until TS4 before I finally saw my first Maxis Fav. So don't get discouraged. You will get there because you have amazing talent. Keep it coming!
