Hiya! I've been building houses and lots in the sims since Sims 2, but for some reason, I just cannot get that wow factor. I wondered if anyone would be kind enough to take a look at my lots in my gallery and offer some constructive criticism so that I can take it to the next level?
My ID is Riverleigh. I'm not sure why it's showing me as Neashaleigh here.
Hey, I am always up for some feedback (either giving or receiving). But first, can i ask what bothers you: the build itself or the gallery post (pictures etc.)? Also, what - for you - is something that DOES have that wow factor you are looking for? Do you have any examples of your wow factor? (Preferably not only huge lots with superdetailed builds which must have taken about a year to make, in that case I think we all know where the problem lies hehe)
I will try to provide you with as much as I can, but I only have basegame, so for some of your builds, I will have to work mainly with the pictures ;)
"DeanXeL;c-17835253" wrote: Hey, I am always up for some feedback (either giving or receiving). But first, can i ask what bothers you: the build itself or the gallery post (pictures etc.)? Also, what - for you - is something that DOES have that wow factor you are looking for? Do you have any examples of your wow factor? (Preferably not only huge lots with superdetailed builds which must have taken about a year to make, in that case I think we all know where the problem lies hehe)
I will try to provide you with as much as I can, but I only have basegame, so for some of your builds, I will have to work mainly with the pictures ;)
Hi DeanXeL
Thank you! I think it's a combination of things. Firstly, I struggle to get away from the blocky builds that I always seem to make. I've been recently really trying to create interesting shells before furnishing them. I've looked at some builds on the Gallery and some Simmers are able to take their lots to the next level by creatively thinking outside the box. The way they combine certain elements amazes me.
The gallery pictures of my own builds definitely need working on, but I don't know how to create amazing pictures. But sometimes it takes an image from a different angle or there might be a tree in the way or whatever and it's super frustrating.
I don't get many downloads either. Probably because of the issues I have with building amazing lots. I like to try all sorts of styles and sizes. I've done tiny lots and huge super detailed lots. And everything in between, but I'm finding that it's the same old same old when I build.
Alright, thanx, that helped a lot! First, I want to say I do not think I am an expert and I have no intention of 'breaking down' any of your builds, I looked at your work, I think you are doing a good job and I want to help you :) Also, keep in mind there is a big random factor considering when you upload it, how many other people upload it, how many people are trolling the gallery and how many people download and like your build (potentially bumping it up to the 'popular now' category). As you gain more downloads on a build and more followers on your profile, in general, you will get more downloads on the rest of your builds too.
I will post this in 2 pieces, since it is becoming long and I had to start over once already, since I aciddentally pressed the 'back' button :'(
1) 'Selling' your build
1) Lighting on your builds. I took one of your builds that I actually think looks great, you just don't have the right pictures to make it popular. I show you pictures I made by downloading it, placing it on a lot and choosing a nice lighting. Keep in mind, the first, frontal picture is the eyecatcher! If you miss this one, people won't even click it! https://athena.thesims.com/v1/images/1/0x00001dd0/744EE9CF-8095-11EB-832B-CACBBEC83282/00.jpg https://i.imgur.com/PKDHWL3.png
Some people go really far in this, they build it on the perfect plot, with the perfect background, move in a family and go hour by hour to choose the perfect lighting. I am a bit more lazy, i pick a plot without northern facing (these plots only have darkish shaded frontal pictures at any time of the day, so they are no good), I skip through morning, noon and evening to get a nice lighting and if I am not happy, I change to a plot with a different orientation and try the 3 times again. I usually end up with morning or evening, since they give some nice shading.
2) Decorating If you build for you, go ahead and go wild! If you build for being popular and getting downloads, steer clear of extremes! https://athena.thesims.com/v1/images/1/0x00000b4f/912198AD-70CD-11EB-8C25-FCAA752B5B46/00.jpg A pink house, including the inside is great! Just not when... trying to get a bunch of people to download this. People don't usually download things they don't see themselves playing in. While this is a great theme house and it is very creative, it usually is not very popular. The 'overdecorating' on the garden in this case also hides quite a bit of the facing of the house, which can look a bit messy. I do think if you clean this one up (neutral colors and a bit less plants), this could be a nice one!
This is a bit more 'style driven', personal and subjective. i will NOT tell you which style people prefer, cause I don't know. I usually do modern builds, but I also see classic builds getting a lot of attention. Just do you and what you feel comfortable with, anything that feels forced usually looks a bit off and will not be hugely popular anyway :)
1) The right amount of pazazz
Too little https://athena.thesims.com/v1/images/1/0x0000098d/2636C5FA-7E32-11EB-8BD9-C3C6F37CF8C6/00.jpg Judging by the pictures, the hospital is 'ok'. the lighting is good, the colors of the facing are nice, but there is not much going on. It is a fairly basic shape and the entire inside looks beige and blends together. I see this house has a nice shape though and a lot of effort must have gone into it. Maybe see if pictures from a different angle work? if a build is a basic shape, but you want to build it anyway, build on the diagonal or build a part on the diagonal, it provides interesting angles for your first picture. People will NEVER download first, look later :p Also, if you look at your pics and you see the inside blend like this, add more lights, add a splash of color, maybe an accent wall, a carpet, anything to break the monotone picture. (Even if in the build it looks great, if it doesn't show on the picture, people will most likely never see it!)
Enough pazazz https://athena.thesims.com/v1/images/1/0x00001052/3450E79D-7A6C-11EB-8CA3-C3C6F37CF8C6/00.jpg I actually think this is a very lovely build, it is interesting, contrasting colors, a pop of green, but not enough to hide the building itself or look messy. I think with the right lighting this could be a great one! If you want it more popular, it has a bit too much blue/green I think and I would finish of the leftmost part with a roofing of some sort, maybe just a small platform or a wider edge, but now it just sort of.. stops. The sloped roofs further back are nice though! They look great. I stick to the fact this one could draw some attention
Too much https://athena.thesims.com/v1/images/1/0x00000b4f/912198AD-70CD-11EB-8C25-FCAA752B5B46/00.jpg
Yeah, I think I explained this one already :) https://athena.thesims.com/v1/images/1/0x00001ede/D61FFCF6-767B-11EB-85C4-6EADD5D6A7E6/00.jpg This one I think actually looks great. Not bad lighting, nice colors, nice contrast. The red flowered bush hides the detailing and lowers the appeal of the first picture. Try not to have trees or bushes actually cover anything of your house that has detailing. If they are in the picture, have one that is see-through or have it on like a blank wall or a part that does not take away from the build. The decoration is also a lovely old castle feel. I think this is creative and fun, but usually people don't prefer to play in houses this size with no bedrooms. People like to see a home they could play in and while some people actually want this stuff, if you want to appeal to most people, most people like normal/common stuff :) Just for me, I would not put a white detailed glass roof on it, it's a bit much for me, either black or not even transparent (unless it really has a function). This is MY opinion though, you stick to your style :)
This build is actually nice, I think the shape is interesting, the build is creative and there are some nice elements to it. The picture, however does NOT do it justice. I mentioned the lighting before, it does not help you at all here. Also, I would elongate the walkway and the front left and right piece, placing the build further in the back. This does not overcrowd the picture with 'house'. If more than 3/4 of your frame is filled with wall, it's too much, push the building, or a part of the building back. Add a little more detailing in the sides or make them assymetrical, that also helps. Why not add a balcony to the sides or your round part (the 2 blank walls you see now) It would add not only a window, but also a fence at an intermediate location, maybe a bench, it generates some more interest. Keep in mind: public lots are -in general- less popular than residential ones!
Me personally, i love to work with bits and pieces of buildings pushed back and forward, definitely in more modern builds, just an example here. https://athena.thesims.com/v1/images/1/0x00001dc2/BFD31708-00D6-11EB-89AB-E9CAD1B3EEB7/00.jpg
For this one, I think it is too little house for the picture https://athena.thesims.com/v1/images/1/0x00000d04/300D1BA6-6F6B-11EB-8B26-3CBA924B87DD/00.jpg This house has lovely detailing, but it is so far in the background, it becomes hard to see in an instant. People don't usually bother with clicking if there is no immediate "oooh" reaction. I would bring this one a bit to the front, maybe declutter a bit for the pictures, but I think this one is lovely.
3) Defining the facade
This is actually a major thing. https://athena.thesims.com/v1/images/1/0x0000060a/4B590269-F733-11EA-8210-EE457666E674/00.jpg This is a nice build... from the second picture. The main picture looks all blended together, there is nothing separating the different parts of the facade of your building. I do think this is the hardest part, i would really just prefer us being able to pick our pictures... Add a different color to parts of your build, add a trim, pillars, pull a part of the facing back and have shading do the work. These are all things that define different parts of your facade and keep the picture from looking flat. The trim under your window is a great start, but why not paint the inside of the area below it also white? Why not use a paint with a corner stone and push the left roof back? Why not pull the lower roof a little more to the front, these are all tricks that help make this picture look more appealing. :)
4) The right angle https://athena.thesims.com/v1/images/1/0x000017c0/F3B10DE6-86FF-11EB-82F3-C80C31D3D2E6/00.jpg Sometimes it is just a basic question of not having the right side of your lot facing the camera... Maybe try another angle? If all else fails, I place my builds on a bigger lot (ex: 20x30 on a 30x30), turn it the right way and mention: "fits a 20x30 lot", just to have some decent pictures to show.
Alright, i hope this was helpful. I do love your builds, you just don't have the right pictures I'm afraid, maybe this can be a bit of a guide to reupload some of these? For me, I just build whatever I want, if I get downloads, yay, if I don't, I had fun building :) I build most of mine based on pictures of real life buildings and get my satisfaction out of trying to make the impossible work in the sims lol :D Just have fun with it, dress your stuff up for the crowd and see if there any takers ;)
Thanks so much for this! Very helpful. I agree with everything you have said and will be a little more critical with my builds. I generally get to the end of building and have had enough so upload without a second thought, but perhaps I need to stop, walk away and come back to it with fresh eyes before uploading. I'll also try building in better lit areas too. I was amazed at the difference in the first picture you showed me! It looks like a totally repainted house!
Yeah that was the main thing I wanted to show you, your builds are really lovely, but a picture makes a complete difference when it is taken with different lighting. The rest were just tips to take it to the next level (my opinion) and have them a bit more 'commercial' if that is your goal. If you have any more questions, feel free ;)
You’re so brave @Neashaleigh! You have my utmost respect! It really is admirable how in wanting to get better at building, you’ve opened yourself up to critique.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a really slow builder and I often spend hours—days even!—and real effort to finish anything. While my builds are mainly for my own personal use, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that sometimes I wished there were more people that’d download my work.
But on the other hand I wouldn’t say I’d be this open! Coz the horrible sad truth is, even if we all know it is done with the best of intentions and that we learn from it nevertheless, being critiqued hurts. So you have my mad respect.
@ornjiAi I used to be quite defensive when people would give me critique, but honestly, now I just view criticism as an opportunity to improve. My opinion is that if everyone keeps telling you how great you are, how marvelous all your work is (whether it is builds, your job or whatever it is you do irl) and nobody dares to tell you how you could possibly improve, it is so much harder to do so! I understand it can be not fun for people and I also have tons of respect for other people that are open to it, but it IS a lot easier to open yourself up to critique than it is to criticise yourself and learn equally much from it. I do think being open to critique is just a mindset to view criticism as a person trying to help, not somehow who tries to break you down. Also, the person criticising should do so with respect for what is criticised. (I think this is really difficult when writing though, I had to reread what I wrote several times and even then I can not be sure it comes over the same way I meant it x.X)
What a lovely read, such thought through advices; and agreed, brave OP.
I don't often download from the Gallery, but when I do it is because I am looking for something particular, that I for different reasons don't want to build myself. The search system in the Gallery is not fine tuned, and whether something is popular or sanctioned by EA or not is uninteresting to me; so I need to take a chance on search words, hoping that the ones wanting to share their builds have added them to their description.
What I usually look for is:
A build built on a specific lot in game, so the name of the lot: for example #BargainBend The type of architectural style, broken down to stereotypical simple categories, example: #modern, #classicism If the builder used move object cheat while building, in my case not, so: #nomoo The volumes of the build,so; #floors, #large , #tiny If the build will work for gameplay, so: #playtested
Etc. This has more to do with downloads, not wow-factor; but I think finding your builds is the first step to getting more downloads, and like said, once they start it continues, for that is how the Gallery is made to work by EA.
When I have a search result, I quickly go through the list of pictures, estimating whether I can use the builds, anticipating modification. I always change them, so I mostly look to the outer shape, and choose depending on how much work I will have to do to fix it to my liking. I look to the description for more information on the intent with the build, and other listed hash tags.
I liked your builds, several of them are very nice, especially the roof on The Rise; the height on Eeny Miney Teeny Tiny; the shape and windows on Luxe Spa Paradise; the facade wall cover on Lagoon Look.
I don't care about wow-factor. The houses that gives me that impression are often pretty to look at, but unplayable, and that is my prioritization, and I like sensible builds with good routing. But for me to say Wow! it requires the build to stand out, to go to extremes, to fulfill a cultural need of almost stereotypical perfection in a direction - that is, be streamlined to whatever idea started it. So the advice to achieve this is to be clear on what you want to accomplice, and like said, go wild. If you are up for it read the spoiler.
The Rise as example: it is presented as a futuristic home, and I would click on it based on the picture; but looking at the lines of the roof trim and how it doesn't add up streamlined, I would think it required too much work to fix.
The furniture I would have to discard in all, since to me it says '80's ordinary american'; not futuristic.
The size of the rooms makes it hard to see everything in them when panning the camera, and would make gameplay less fun.
The fact that most rooms are placed on the ground floor, and with the entrance leading into the living room with the others linked to it is very good routing; but I miss the link to a futuristic, in my interpretation, wacky, home.
The greenery/landscaping does not enhance the futuristic look; and is not adapted to the lot's surrounding nature look.
"orenjiAi;c-17836549" wrote: You’re so brave @Neashaleigh! You have my utmost respect! It really is admirable how in wanting to get better at building, you’ve opened yourself up to critique.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a really slow builder and I often spend hours—days even!—and real effort to finish anything. While my builds are mainly for my own personal use, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that sometimes I wished there were more people that’d download my work.
But on the other hand I wouldn’t say I’d be this open! Coz the horrible sad truth is, even if we all know it is done with the best of intentions and that we learn from it nevertheless, being critiqued hurts. So you have my mad respect.
Thank you. To be honest, I didn't even think I'd get negative criticism. I am pretty open about my own shortcomings and am always eager to learn and grow.
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