Greetings earthlings..take me to your freezer

[haopengyou]

hi! I am far from being a graphic artist...in fact most people are more likely to say that I am autistic than artistic. I work with children with cerebral palsy, a job I enjoy very much but I find that teaching them requires an extra amount of time. They have average intellects but need a lot more time to learn because of their inability to control their body. To help them learn I am trying to make some board games, add some dice and playing pieces and let them go. You can see my students at www.hischopsticks.org

What I would like help with is I don't know what kind of software I can use to make these. The result will probably be printed on A3 paper, or twice A3 size. I have contacted a local print shop so I know it can be printed.

What is the simplest - cheaptest - software to use? I need to be able to add pictures, text, cartoons, backgrounds, etc. This kind of thing I can do in Word - if I can get the size correct (does Word have the ability to make such a large file?) The thing I don't know how to do...i want the board to have a roaming road on it - lots of curves (not like Monopoly which has very square and regular shapes but like Candyland). I want to be able to make the road using software. First perhaps draw one line with all the curves to go from the start space to the home space. Then I need to be able to duplicate the same line but make it a little smaller so it forms the inner boundary of the road. I am probably about as clear as mud now but I hope someone understands.

How can I do this?

[Virgo Nightingale]

Hello and welcome to GDF!

My suggestion as far as what software to use would be a vector program like Adobe Illustrator. It will be able to do exactly what you're looking to do. Illustrator can be pricey, but it is the best. There is also Corel Draw, but again, it's not exactly cheap.

There is a free alternative called Inkscape. More information on this program here. (http://www.inkscape.org/) It's still a vector program, but it doesn't have all the same features as Illustrator or Corel Draw. Since you may not need all the bells and whistles for what you want to do, it may suit you just fine. I've never used the program though, so I can't be of much help as far as what it can and cannot do.

Good luck with your admirable endeavor! Keep us updated on your progress!

[Ben Kessler]

Haopengyou, welcome to the Forum!

[cnic]

Welcome to the forum!!
I'm thinking that because you are "teaching", you should look into the education pricing for whichever software you choose.

Good luck.

.

[budafist]

Honestly, I think the easiest way to do this would be by hand!

Get out some markers etc and go for it. You can work at A3 size and then get your print shop to blow them up in size for you once you are done. All the text could be handwritten, or you could type the text, print, cut out and stick down. It might look crafty and collage like as an original, but when you get it duplicated, the end result could look really nice. You could decorate with paints or stickers etc to make them look colourful and fun. If you want to use clipart, print them out from your computer. Also you can try using pictures from books or magazines if relevant.

Have fun!

[Ned]

I agree with Buda. Unless you're a professional graphic illustrator, this should be a creative craft project, done by hand. You can try to involved your students into its creation, as well.

If you want a professional board game production, then hire a professional to do it. If I had no background in construction, I would not go out and build my own garage to park my brand new car in. However, I see no need for this to be a professional production. It would be a wonderful craft project.

[Samakimoto Graphics]

*Karibu* haopengyou! :)

[Red Kittie Kat]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/RedKittieKat/welcomes/welcomecork.gif


Welcome aboard haopengyou :)