Hey Builders advice wanted
Hey there! I'm a baby builder and new to it (Getting better!) But I was wondering what are other builder's tips and tricks or general advice for improving one's build game? Good starting points, ...
Forum Discussion
The tips in this thread are wonderful and I'm sure they'll help develop your building style :) There's not much to add that hasn't already been said, but there are a few things I'd like to elaborate on, since I've been in the same 'starting position' (as we all have I'm sure! ;) ).
As others have said, definitely download builds you like from the gallery and take a closer look in build mode! Pick them apart. Why do you like this build? What did the creator do that makes this lot 'work'? What type of wall covering did they use and why does it look good? How did they manage the roofing? Does it consist of many pieces? What type of extra decoration did they add to make the exterior look appealing?
However, do the same with builds you don't like. Please note I'm not saying to be mean, but in order to figure out your own style and preferences, it helps to look at both types of builds. Why do you not like this build? Why doesn't it 'work' in your eyes? What would you have done differently?
Keep in mind there's no 'right' or 'wrong' way of building. There's only creativity and personal preference! And in order to end up with builds you're proud of, it definitely helps to figure out what your own personal preference is, just so you know what you're aiming for :)
Don't rush your builds. Take your time! There's no need to hurry. I generally have multiple builds going at once. When I get stuck on one, I move on to the other. Or I'll just leave it for a month or two and go back when I have time to play again. Sometimes I'm busy with one build and then get inspiration for another one. Other times I come back to a build 3 weeks later and I don't like the way it looks, so I end up changing it again. Just picking wall coverings can take hours :D I don't know how those speedbuilding Youtubers can finish a great looking build in limited time. Mad respect for them! There's no harm in taking it slow though. Move at your own speed.
Experiment. Build in different styles. Try a Victorian build. Try a modern build. Use woods. Use stone. Use bright colours. Figure out new ways of roofing. Just let your imagination run wild and try to build it! Even if you end up scrapping it, it's still experience you've gained. Every bit of practice will help you improve.
Don't delete your old finished builds, even if you don't like them anymore. Once you've finished multiple builds, you can look back and see the improvement. No one's first build looks the same as their most recent one. You'll notice your building skills have developed and seeing the improvement will only encourage you :) When I look at the, I don't know, ~20 first builds I uploaded to the gallery, I start to shake my head and wonder, "what the hell was I thinking?" I've thought about taking them down, since they're no longer representative of what I'm building now, almost 6 years later. But that's a 6 year journey I'd end up deleting. Isn't it all about the journey instead of the destination? :p
Don't be afraid to share your creations! This forum is extremely supportive and helpful. Also, join build challenges. I did a few Build 'n Share challenges in the past and it's a great experience. You might end up building something you usually wouldn't build and get feedback on what you could improve (if you want). Plus, it's very fun to see multiple interpretations of the same briefing by other builders. Challenges are a great way to learn and try out new things.
And yes, the most important thing... just HAVE FUN! :smiley: It can be hard at times to get things to look the way you want or to figure out how to make something look the way you want, but if it gets too frustrating and energy draining, then stop. Start another build, play something else for a while, just leave it for a bit. Maybe you'll think of a solution on your way to work. Maybe there's no solution but you'll figure out an alternative way to make it 'close enough'. Building should be fun, it shouldn't feel like a chore. Oh, and build for yourself first and foremost. Don't worry about downloads or favorites. When you finish something you're proud of and you want to share it, just upload it! Every builder brings something unique to the table. Enjoy your journey :)
As for the build I'm most proud of, it's Simoleon Supermarket. Someone requested a supermarket here on the forum. As a former supermarket employee, I thought about creating a supermarket before. The request made me do it. I was extremely happy with the way it turned out and thankfully, the requester loved it as well, so it was double joy :) This one really made me feel like, "yes, I'm really getting the hang of building".
To add a recent one... Landscaping is my nemesis. I hate having to come up with something for every single build. However, with Selamat Siang, I was finally 100% content with how the gardens looked. I really tried my best, as opposed to just plopping down some trees and plants like I usually do, and I was very happy (and still am) with the result.
And just for reference, here's the very first build I uploaded to the gallery:
Really, the only way is up :)
As others have said, definitely download builds you like from the gallery and take a closer look in build mode! Pick them apart. Why do you like this build? What did the creator do that makes this lot 'work'? What type of wall covering did they use and why does it look good? How did they manage the roofing? Does it consist of many pieces? What type of extra decoration did they add to make the exterior look appealing?
However, do the same with builds you don't like. Please note I'm not saying to be mean, but in order to figure out your own style and preferences, it helps to look at both types of builds. Why do you not like this build? Why doesn't it 'work' in your eyes? What would you have done differently?
Keep in mind there's no 'right' or 'wrong' way of building. There's only creativity and personal preference! And in order to end up with builds you're proud of, it definitely helps to figure out what your own personal preference is, just so you know what you're aiming for :)
Don't rush your builds. Take your time! There's no need to hurry. I generally have multiple builds going at once. When I get stuck on one, I move on to the other. Or I'll just leave it for a month or two and go back when I have time to play again. Sometimes I'm busy with one build and then get inspiration for another one. Other times I come back to a build 3 weeks later and I don't like the way it looks, so I end up changing it again. Just picking wall coverings can take hours :D I don't know how those speedbuilding Youtubers can finish a great looking build in limited time. Mad respect for them! There's no harm in taking it slow though. Move at your own speed.
Experiment. Build in different styles. Try a Victorian build. Try a modern build. Use woods. Use stone. Use bright colours. Figure out new ways of roofing. Just let your imagination run wild and try to build it! Even if you end up scrapping it, it's still experience you've gained. Every bit of practice will help you improve.
Don't delete your old finished builds, even if you don't like them anymore. Once you've finished multiple builds, you can look back and see the improvement. No one's first build looks the same as their most recent one. You'll notice your building skills have developed and seeing the improvement will only encourage you :) When I look at the, I don't know, ~20 first builds I uploaded to the gallery, I start to shake my head and wonder, "what the hell was I thinking?" I've thought about taking them down, since they're no longer representative of what I'm building now, almost 6 years later. But that's a 6 year journey I'd end up deleting. Isn't it all about the journey instead of the destination? :p
Don't be afraid to share your creations! This forum is extremely supportive and helpful. Also, join build challenges. I did a few Build 'n Share challenges in the past and it's a great experience. You might end up building something you usually wouldn't build and get feedback on what you could improve (if you want). Plus, it's very fun to see multiple interpretations of the same briefing by other builders. Challenges are a great way to learn and try out new things.
And yes, the most important thing... just HAVE FUN! :smiley: It can be hard at times to get things to look the way you want or to figure out how to make something look the way you want, but if it gets too frustrating and energy draining, then stop. Start another build, play something else for a while, just leave it for a bit. Maybe you'll think of a solution on your way to work. Maybe there's no solution but you'll figure out an alternative way to make it 'close enough'. Building should be fun, it shouldn't feel like a chore. Oh, and build for yourself first and foremost. Don't worry about downloads or favorites. When you finish something you're proud of and you want to share it, just upload it! Every builder brings something unique to the table. Enjoy your journey :)
As for the build I'm most proud of, it's Simoleon Supermarket. Someone requested a supermarket here on the forum. As a former supermarket employee, I thought about creating a supermarket before. The request made me do it. I was extremely happy with the way it turned out and thankfully, the requester loved it as well, so it was double joy :) This one really made me feel like, "yes, I'm really getting the hang of building".
Spoiler
https://66.media.tumblr.com/70029c939ba53942d30cf24768c9b741/tumblr_nqs5qi4jB21s873l7o1_1280.jpg
(I just noticed one of the corner pillars missing in the bottom picture. Had to go back into the game and check if it disappeared. Thankfully, it's still there. Just a graphical glitch when I took the screenshot. Phew :D
(I just noticed one of the corner pillars missing in the bottom picture. Had to go back into the game and check if it disappeared. Thankfully, it's still there. Just a graphical glitch when I took the screenshot. Phew :D
To add a recent one... Landscaping is my nemesis. I hate having to come up with something for every single build. However, with Selamat Siang, I was finally 100% content with how the gardens looked. I really tried my best, as opposed to just plopping down some trees and plants like I usually do, and I was very happy (and still am) with the result.
Spoiler
https://66.media.tumblr.com/a87bfa9fa430d012a019efd1f8c4e4a9/tumblr_ptm1aiLtJq1s873l7o3_1280.jpg
And just for reference, here's the very first build I uploaded to the gallery:
Spoiler
https://66.media.tumblr.com/d6f563daaba3f52f63a2d668e1d4a949/tumblr_newiqm2rsK1s873l7o5_1280.jpg
Really, the only way is up :)
