"Creature Creations" and "Ele'gals" are among the independent artist's Gamer Pics and Themes available for customizing your 360's Dashboard, Gamer Tag and your Xbox.com Gamer Pic. Nick's web site just debuted, where he plans on showcasing his creations and getting feedback from the Xbox Community. He took the time to answer some questions on what it is like creating Gamer Pics and Themes and what is to come.

- What kind of content have you done for XBLM?
I have created Themes and Picture Packs for Marketplace.

- Do you work with publishers directly?
I deal with Microsoft/XBLM representatives directly.

- Are you given a concept, or do you create your own designs?
I create content based on my own ideas.

- Will you be selling other designs through your site that people can use as backgrounds?
Merchandise has been considered based on my content found on Marketplace. However, these would only include clothing and accessories.

- How do you recommend gamers preview themes or gamerpics before purchasing?
I believe it is important for customers to know what they are getting before purchasing, and will be doing weekly updates to my site to include previews for any content I may have up on Marketplace. Besides finding previews on my own site, I am working to have them previewable on Xbox.com as well as other community sites dealing with the subject of downloadable content on Marketplace.

- What are some of your favorite themes/backgrounds?
One of my current favorites is the "Swamptopus" in the "Creature Creations" series. Of that theme I probably like the wallpaper used for the "Live" blade the best. Some other themes I personally like are Collection 1 ver. 1, Collection 1 ver.2 (in the same "Creature Creations" series) and a one-shot theme that recently hit marketplace called “Ele’gals”. Although I had girls/women as my target audience when creating it, I'll most likely be having this as my personal theme, and think that other boys/men will like it too regardless of its "cute" nature.

- Will they always be available for purchase, or do they expire eventually? Are there any limited ones?
All of my current content found on Marketplace is permanent. However, I would be interested in limited releases in the future, as this would go well with some of the contest ideas I've had.

- How did you get involved in designing the content?
I first approached Microsoft with an XBLA game proposal. While waiting to hear back of its status I became interested in the idea of Theme and Gamer Pic creation. After mutual interest was shown between myself and Microsoft, progress continued to get my work published on Marketplace - which debuted this past November, 2006.

For those interested in my background; I have worked as a freelance artist/designer for the past 7 years. The types of projects I've been involved in include game and concept art, web and graphic design, as well as art commissions for individuals. I now look forward to bringing original content to Xbox Live - be it themes, gamer pics, or other downloadable content - all of which can be learnt about on my website.

Check out Nick Busby's site for more info and previews and keep a lookout for his upcoming MS Points giveaways, starting in March. Read more at NickBusby.com.

Theme Background From Creature Creations Collection 1 - ver. 1 and Gamer Pics from Creature Creations Collection 1

Comments

Awesome Written by Guest on 2007-04-20 00:00:00 This was a really good sit down u hit on a lot of good Q that ive been wondering.

Written by Guest on 2009-05-09 20:20:45

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