Tips on tools to create sprites with?

Was hoping anyone would have some tips on what software to use to create sprites. Looking for something that have a lot shapes n stuff since everything I try to draw freehand ends up looking like roadkill.

Have tried gimp but couldn�t even figure out how to draw a simple filled circle :(

So any suggestions would be great!!

Thx

Does it have to be free?

I think photoshop (im using elements) is worth it - if you can shell out the dough. It has all of your drawing tools as well as a load of effects like shadows, light etc.

There is unfortunately a learning curve with it - but there is plenty of resources on the net for it.

I also use photoshop, It's the best of its kind!

There is a free alternative called Gimp, But I do not like it; This is only because im used to photoshop.

Gimp is fine if you have never used photoshop.

I also use Flash, Flash combined with photoshop is the best!

ok just installed a trial of CS5.1 now I�m looking for beginner tutorials for it :)

This place has many great tutorials: http://psd.tutsplus.com/

They try to keep them good enough for beginners but sometimes things seem complicated when there really not.

To create sprites, you can use any image editor. Even Paint. I use Paint.Net, but I suck at design, anyway. <img src="smileys/smiley26.gif" border="0" align="middle" />

Maybe you could try to use vectorial image editor as Inkscape, it work different as Paint, but sometimes is very usefull to draw resources for videogames.

I agree with SketchDeluxe Inkscape is the best and easiest app i have used so far.If you dont feel like drawing anything then you could also use Daz3d to render your characters or sprite resources.

From what i read basicly Photoshop or any other editor will not be what you are looking for. If creating a circle in Gimp is frustrating you i think you should not start photoshop either. Don't get me wrong, i love it, but you will need at least some patience and feel fr it to get into appz like that.

What you seem to be asking is something with a library of premade stuff? Sothat you can use and or modify those?

If you do still considder editors i would advice to start of with downloading a bunch of brushes and put those in the presets>brushes folder for photoshop. Those may help out a bit.. (basicly brushes are premade shapes)

ok thanks for all the input guys.. now I have both CS5.1 and inkscape installed.. think I?ll start testing inkscape first :)

I wish Scirra Construct 2 will get a ''Sprite Editor'' like Game Maker <img src="smileys/smiley1.gif" border="0" align="middle" />

An enhanced image editor is on the mythical 'To-Do" list. ;)

yes that would be nice! Now I�m using Flash CS5 to draw in and it works really well.. it can smooth out freehand lines and stuff

I have one more tool to share :)

PhotoFiltre by Antonio Da Cruz

The layout is quite similar to Photoshop and it has tons of functionality (layers, plugins, and much more).

Best of all, there is a free version that has already a lot of functionality and then there is a payed version (about 25�) with so much functionality that I have not missed anything I need for my work.

The Free Version can be found here: photofiltre.free.fr

... If creating a circle in Gimp is frustrating you i think you should not start photoshop either ...

Creating a circle in Photoshop is easy-peasy (Marquee tool). See this page of my Platform Tutorial for examples.