Tips and Suggestions

Ok, here's the deal, I suck at building. I've built, torn down, built, torn down, let's face it, I suck. Any ideas on how to make building a little easier without buying a prefab? I want something that screams me, and don't have clue one as to how to get that. I know, it's hard for you folks to say, because you don't know me, but this is a cry for help

Just practice. I know you dont want to hear that, but its the only way to get better. If you need a turtorial, I suggest going to the Ivory Tower of Primitives Library, in Noyo. Its about 80m NE of the Noyo hub. You can go through the lessons there and find a lot of help with the basics. To come up with something that screams "you", you just need to practice. And, by the way, nothing wrong with building and tearing down, it can be a lot of fun actually. Good luck!

Don't get me wrong, I've thoroughly enjoyed building/destroying, it's just taken me away from my friends for too long. I'm distracted while working and can't really devote the time I need to them. I've been perfectly content up there in the snow, hammer in hand. Guess I'll just put socializing on hold until I'm satisfied with the ol' homestead.

You can script most anything to scream "MEEEEE!"

attend a few building classes I also, when time permits, give one on one lessons

I agree with Toy. I once held a building class for "people who failed Building 101". I've never had such a large audience! Maybe it's time for another.

One-on-one lessons are good to. Have someone there as you build to tell you how to fix whatever frustrated you.

well, the literal screaming of "ME" might get a tad annoying for my neighbors, who've all been very patient with me dragging down property values in the neighborhood. Yes, I believe I'll hit a building class, or the tutoring one on one would rock. Not sure if I can get on when the classes are being held. I work weird hours. Thanks, folks

Another thing I'd suggest is to just hang out and watch people build, or examine existing builds to see how they are put together. You can learn a lot that way. Playing primtionary is also a surprisingly good way to learn clever building techniques.

If you're looking for a tutor, we could probably work something out. If you want an example of what I can do, check out SE Zoe.

As a kid, I really liked paint by numbers. . .

Carry that theory over to SL - the orientation and position numbers are your friend. Using them, rather than dragging things and placing them by hand leads to a lot more procision and a more professional look to anything you build.

Also, get to know the Snap to Grid function. It's very useful for making sure things are lined up properly.

It's a good thing.

right on, snap to grid. will have to remember that. I've had LOTS of practice now Getting better, but still not as good as I want. Of course, what I want is kinda bizarre and will not be easy. But in my humble opinion, will be worth the effort put forth. Can't wait until I'm home to get started again. I actually enjoy trying to build this thing, so practice practice practice isn't a problem. Thanks for all the suggestions posted so far, I'll keep on pluggin' away.

I'll work out something with any tutors who're willing to listen to my avie scream the occasional obscenity.

Ok, I have it in my head as to what I'm going to do. Problem is, finding the appropriate textures, or being able to slightly modify my existing textures. Tutors? Wanna help a man, out? I'll gladly pay you tuesday for a hamburger today.

LOL, classic!

I'd probably fail Lisse's "Remedial Building" class So, at this moment I'm content to just buying stuff from skilled builders! (Unless the current asset bugs keep me from recieving stuff that I've paid vendors for, like what happened last night. Ain't technology grand?)

Marius, you can upload pretty much any texture you want(although copyrighted material isn't really recommended, no ones went to prison over it here). If you have the money to get Photoshop, or even paint shop pro, those are good programs. You can also find free paint programs on the web, and lots of free textures too.

I've been using the freeware/opensource GIMP (www.gimp.org) for my texture making, and while it's a bit quirky, it works fine once you figure out how to drive it. Works on the Mac too.

Sometimes being inspired and having a design in mind before you start building can do wonders. Check out some real estate or architectural sites before you start, try and figure out which ones can be realistically made with SL's offered shapes. Some sites will even give you a floorplan to guide you if you need help using interior space.

I recommend Luxury Real Estate

I rez a cube..stretch it in a random direction..then squint at it...add another object, again stretching it this way or that..squint some more...

The shift-click selection of multiple items and the drag-copy features are all important. But squinting is what will really make the build...