mapping block :(

[fKd]

any of you guys sometimes get to the point when all the stuff ya making is just not flowing and is very hoo hum? i've got mappers block full on. no inspiration... nothing waaaa

any advice?

[cityy]

Always when I don't get anything done in the editor I just take a 2 or 3 days break, play some quakelive and watch some good movies. (:
You might even want to take a longer break from mapping and work on other projects (e.g. coding or w/e).

If you search inspiration you could also browse online galleries like dubtown.de or opacity.us.

(It is all UT3's fault )

[AEon]

fKd,
in my case I call it "burnout"... wanting to map but no longer being able to concentrate on mapping. Last time that happened to me I was out of mapping for 3.5 years. So be very careful not to overdo it... as cityy pointed out it helps significantly to do something else.

• I have started to take breaks 1-2 days between mapping days to avoid the burnout.
• I'd suggest reading some good books, or maybe even read up on mapping tutorials, downloading lvlworld maps, or play some RPG. Some away-time from the PC normally also helps me.
• It might be a good time time to create a few textures for fun, work on a web page, or do some other programming.
• Take walks / hikes and get out into nature for a few days, things like that.

[sock]

I am going to suggest something completely different to all the other replies here, because every designer gets stuck for ideas and when you do this for a living, you can't just take a hike to the hills!

Just talk to someone else about your work! Send/show your work to others, bring other people into the design process. It really is that simple, the 'block' is because you have run out of fresh ideas yourself and you just need to talk/show others to recharge your own battery. Working with others always produces better results and if you ever plan on doing any of this for a living you will see it is easier than doing solo projects.

So find some people who you can trust to give you fresh ideas and create an ideas group, people who will look at your work with fresh eyes and suggest wacky stuff. Obvisouly not all ideas you will like but think carefully before discarding them because often fresh eye's are the best advice you will ever get.

[Hipshot]

I don't think I've gotten burned for more than ~2 month, then I kinda feel need to return...
If it happens, I more or less just stop mapping and just do other things.
Sometimes it helps developing levels concurrently, then if you get bored with one you can always switch to the other.

At the moment I would love to map a lot more, but I can't. I don't have time any more. That's even worse than getting bored for a while, because unless I quit my job, I won't be getting much more time than I have now... :/

[AEon]

So find some people who you can trust to give you fresh ideas and create an ideas group, people who will look at your work with fresh eyes and suggest wacky stuff. Obvisouly not all ideas you will like but think carefully before discarding them because often fresh eye's are the best advice you will ever get.

Sounds like us folks here at Q3W... though we may not be as "fresh"

[InsaneKid]

im blocked coz of personal things (family) mostly.-
then it helps to do smth usefull, like
washin the dishes or cleanin up my room!

[dONKEY]

I have to say for various real life and gaming reasons I had no intention of mapping at all for most of this last year.
Somehow the NG comp and the interest it generated again in the Q3 design community inspired me to get back to level design. Although work is keeping me stupid busy I have another map already in the works. I have to say, so far Sock's thoughts seem to be the most helpful. I know my real job is about as far removed from level design as could be, but I find bouncing ideas of people I respect the most useful way to go, even if they sometimes don't agree with what I'm saying.

[AEon]

Well if it is not a matter of concentration, "just" motivation, then your could go to a library and look through picture books on architecture.

Tip: "Streamline Moderne", "Art Deco", "Brasilia" etc... just flipping though all those images should give you ideas for something spiffy to add /create. Searching the internet also works.

I created several "inspirational" collages using diverse images from the internet. This "doodling" with a paint program could also help. If you are interested you can check out my old collages here:

• wallpapers - inspire

[Fjoggs]

Mapping block huh, happens to me 11 out of 12 months every year.

[wattro]

So find some people who you can trust to give you fresh ideas and create an ideas group, people who will look at your work with fresh eyes and suggest wacky stuff. Obvisouly not all ideas you will like but think carefully before discarding them because often fresh eye's are the best advice you will ever get.

Sounds like us folks here at Q3W... though we may not be as "fresh"

anyone who isn't you will give you a fresh perspective.

sock's advice is extremely sound professional advice.

[obsidian]

Sounds like us folks here at Q3W... though we may not be as "fresh"

Hey! Speak for yourself.

[MrLego]

When I'm stuck or stalled on a map I usually look for inspiration and ideas in a movie or TV show that has a simular theme or storyline as my map.

Most of the time I map for Enemy Territory or RTCW so I tend to look for WWII themed movies - the Band of Brothers mini series is a great way to get back into the swing of things.

Sometimes I just load up a bunch of simular themed maps by other people and see what they have done/not done and build upon that.

I have also gone the route that Sock suggested and share the map with a few people and let them shoot holes in the concept and pick it apart for changes.

[Anthem]

I am personally fully inspired by music. I listen to many genres including Jazz, Rock, Metal, Rhythm and Blues, etc. I switch up my music when I need some new inspiration, and sometimes I look for music from an inspiration source. For instance: If I was attempting to create a map in a ww2 theme I would listen to 40s music.

[Pat Howard]

Yeah, music is huge - food for imagery. When I want ideas, I just hit the lights, lay down and throw on Kid A or something.

I'll agree the biggest thing is definitely having someone to talk to. The person doesn't even have to be a mapper. Anyone who can relate to the creative process will do. When you don't have someone like that, write! Keeping a journal will help you analyze what's causing these problems. You just have to be honest with yourself and write exactly what's on your mind.

I also think it's really important to have a second major hobby. For me, that's hiking. It's peaceful, great exercise, and it's nowhere near my computer. After a hike I feel totally refreshed.

I rarely run out of ideas mid-project. My biggest problem recently has been getting out of the "in between maps" phase. I released my last map like 2 months ago and I'm just now starting some new projects. I don't want to turn into a workhorse or anything but 2 months is way too long of a cool down.

[Silicone_Milk]

I'm more of a programmer than a mapper but music is huge for me as well when I need inspiration and motivation.

Soundtracks to movies of a similar visual theme help me with mapping.

I'll also go to the bookstore and flip through a book on architecture occasionally when I'm in the area.