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Your Creative Story. Why Do Yo Build ?
JBEAR1
Posts: 537 Member
I'm sitting comfortably, are you? then I'll tell you a tale.
Looking back at posts and threads I made when Sims4 was released and fresh, I had a fire in my belly to make everything and anything anyone would likely think of. But, I had to make it first, and better. I had no edge on 'them', the other creators who most likely had the exact same fire in their belly, and had been building for years. Sims4 to them was probably a hop, skip, and a jump to continuing their craft from Sims3, to new horizons. In fact, I was severely behind.
My Sims1 story was literally a holiday romance. Boy meets girl on holiday, boy fell for girl quickly, boy came back from distant lands to discover girl has a decent pc that plays games. Win. Girl shows boy Sims, boy moves in with girl, boy dominates pc, boy plays virtual doll houses and makes pretty gardens for virtual boy and girl who look very happy that boy chose to do so. Real girl claps with glee, I smile. I am boy.
Boy pretends to become man and does man things but buys Sims2 when girl is shopping and not looking. The Sims 2 was really a step up. It blew my mind how much could be done and how my desire to be creative could be met. I bought a playstation 2 and sims2.
These were the days of our lives.
So much fun, hours on hours. The Sims2 introduced me to the possibility of creating full households of lesbians. This would occupy my man brain for so long, it boggles, but. Sims3 was on the horizon. What amazing beach houses and deprived new scenarios could we make ? Well, much of the same, with bugs, and disapointments etc. I played on pc and playstation 3 but it seemed the holiday romance was waning. Don't get me wrong, it was better than 2, but, it wasn't enough. I'd been there and done it. And the pizza man relentlessly delivering pizzas every day on ps3 kinda started to annoy me. Which ironically would never bother me in real life. So there it is. I stopped considering the Sims as a must have addiction. I saw the Sims as a tired broken franchise cloning itself for publisher money.
Will Wright had left and what was left was not right.
Here we are now. What is Sims 4 to me? What is Sims 4 to you? and why did we jump back in so eagerly ? I believe it was the anticipation of things that could, and likely would, be better. Than they ever were. Creative tools that give so many more possibilities. Graphics our young selves would squee just looking at. And hopefully hundreds more hours.
I have 500 hours at least building in the game, I've had fun sharing things I've made back in the early days, so you could say I like the game. And I guess on a Sims forum I'm preaching to the converted but. Part of me feels it is slightly less fun than it was when we were playing alone, offline. Sharing builds online made what I used to enjoy calmly, at my own pace, a whole new beast.
I became driven, beyond normal sleeping and eating patterns, I had to make the biggest things first, I cared what people thought, and I thrived on positive feedback, It wasn't enough anymore to play or even enjoy the game. And at this point something hit me. Now that the game was 'online', with all these intergrated facebook feedback favouriting features...The Sims,
Was playing me!
The boy, turned man, had become a Sim.
Looking back at posts and threads I made when Sims4 was released and fresh, I had a fire in my belly to make everything and anything anyone would likely think of. But, I had to make it first, and better. I had no edge on 'them', the other creators who most likely had the exact same fire in their belly, and had been building for years. Sims4 to them was probably a hop, skip, and a jump to continuing their craft from Sims3, to new horizons. In fact, I was severely behind.
My Sims1 story was literally a holiday romance. Boy meets girl on holiday, boy fell for girl quickly, boy came back from distant lands to discover girl has a decent pc that plays games. Win. Girl shows boy Sims, boy moves in with girl, boy dominates pc, boy plays virtual doll houses and makes pretty gardens for virtual boy and girl who look very happy that boy chose to do so. Real girl claps with glee, I smile. I am boy.
Boy pretends to become man and does man things but buys Sims2 when girl is shopping and not looking. The Sims 2 was really a step up. It blew my mind how much could be done and how my desire to be creative could be met. I bought a playstation 2 and sims2.
These were the days of our lives.
So much fun, hours on hours. The Sims2 introduced me to the possibility of creating full households of lesbians. This would occupy my man brain for so long, it boggles, but. Sims3 was on the horizon. What amazing beach houses and deprived new scenarios could we make ? Well, much of the same, with bugs, and disapointments etc. I played on pc and playstation 3 but it seemed the holiday romance was waning. Don't get me wrong, it was better than 2, but, it wasn't enough. I'd been there and done it. And the pizza man relentlessly delivering pizzas every day on ps3 kinda started to annoy me. Which ironically would never bother me in real life. So there it is. I stopped considering the Sims as a must have addiction. I saw the Sims as a tired broken franchise cloning itself for publisher money.
Will Wright had left and what was left was not right.
Here we are now. What is Sims 4 to me? What is Sims 4 to you? and why did we jump back in so eagerly ? I believe it was the anticipation of things that could, and likely would, be better. Than they ever were. Creative tools that give so many more possibilities. Graphics our young selves would squee just looking at. And hopefully hundreds more hours.
I have 500 hours at least building in the game, I've had fun sharing things I've made back in the early days, so you could say I like the game. And I guess on a Sims forum I'm preaching to the converted but. Part of me feels it is slightly less fun than it was when we were playing alone, offline. Sharing builds online made what I used to enjoy calmly, at my own pace, a whole new beast.
I became driven, beyond normal sleeping and eating patterns, I had to make the biggest things first, I cared what people thought, and I thrived on positive feedback, It wasn't enough anymore to play or even enjoy the game. And at this point something hit me. Now that the game was 'online', with all these intergrated facebook feedback favouriting features...The Sims,
Was playing me!
The boy, turned man, had become a Sim.
5
Comments
I'm a newer builder; didn't get started until TS3 had been out a while. I had been focused on storytelling in prior iterations and still was to a large extent in Sims 3. Then, at some point, instead of playing in a pre-existing home, I tried my hand at creating my own. I quickly got frustrated because I had no idea how to do anything remotely advanced, and my house looked like crap. That's when I took my first look at the Exchange and was blown away by what people were creating. I think I almost gave up on the whole idea then, but I came across a Builder's help thread and the support and great info there encouraged me to truly start my quest to learn everything about building and to improve.
At some point after I had a few decent builds under my belt and felt like I had a fairly good grasp of the mechanics, I figured out how to do something new. I don't remember what it was at this point...maybe it was the infinity edge pool. I was the first to create one without the use of CC (it was a build for Lucky Palms). Anyway, it was a huge kick for me to be able to bring a vision of mine to life in the game that at first had seemed impossible. After that, innovation became the name of the game for me. If I wasn't doing something new, I wasn't satisfied.
When TS4 came out, I didn't start out building in it thinking that way, but when inspiration struck and I was able to realize my vision for the Rock N Roll House (which I almost scrapped many times, I might add), I was hooked all over again to that feeling of discovery, breaking barriers, using things for unintended purposes... Actually, I was trying in little ways even before that build. Well, you remember...we both had a deep and mutual appreciation for shelving in this game.
As for the Gallery and popularity, I had one of those moments. It was wrapped around my guitar house. I knew I'd done something special, but I had no idea of the reaction that was to come, and after it did, it was a combination of happiness but at the same time dismay because I had this feeling of, 'Oh, now I have to come up with something even more amazing,' and then, 'But how on earth can I ever top this?' When I was able to shake that line of thought and just remind myself that I'm doing this to have fun and not to meet anyone else's expectations, I was able to relax and enjoy the process again.
That's not to say that the game doesn't play me sometimes. I strive hard to keep a balance (busy mom of two), but I have to admit that when I'm in the middle of a build, especially when I've got particular concepts in mind to explore, I find it very difficult to come up for air. Even when I'm not playing, when I have a spare moment, I'll be thinking about whatever challenges I was facing the last time I was in the game, or planning for the next session. And there's the Build Mode Feedback thread and others I'm involved with... But if it wasn't The Sims, it would probably be another game; I have always been somewhat addicted, and I like to think that at least I am learning and growing in terms of personal creativity with this one.
---> Visit my gallery here!
---> My showcase thread is here!
I guess my story began with The Sims 1
me the game and after only 10 minutes or so I was totally hooked! My username actually
comes from the very first sim I created in that game. It was my simmies surname, to be more
specific. And I kept going with that for a very long time, which I guess is also the reason
why I picked it for my username when I decided to join the community.
Anyway, it didn't take long before the creative aspects of the game got a strong hold of me.
I started writing and painting at a very young age and I have always had a passion for design.
I came up with the most ridiculous stories in both The Sims 1 and The Sims 2. But, they were also
imaginative and fun
was getting. It was really fun, and I had lots of friends in the community who inspired me.
Here are a couple of very old pics from the first game, showing my absolute favourite sim, lol.
Her name was Ilsé and she was a superstar
That was actually some sort of superdoor I downloaded
when they walked through it
Oh and just as a bonus treat, I had a pic of Mr Wright himself!
Sharing these stories and being able to provide a good laugh for many people felt good.
The Sims 2 had me more interested in the whole building aspect. But I put most of my focus on
the stories and also interior design. Creating simmies was also something that was more fun with the
second game because well. I had a blast with the new face tools
This is from a story about a crazy old senior lady and in this pic she has just turned her wife
into a walking lip-zombie. I told you some of my stories were quite ridiculous
I used to also add my own effects to my pics in order to make the story more intense.
Example:
The pink/white and black/red stuff was added by myself and it made the picture more dramatic.
Without it it would just be a pic of two ladies holding their hands up in the air and I remember
I was thinking okay. The readers can probably visualise but why should they have too if I can do it
for them? Or at least try, lol. Just so you understand the way I was thinking.
This was actually one of the things that made me very interested in graphic art
I am still learning more and more about today and it is much fun! Isn't it kinda amazing what a single game
can do? You can learn a lot about yourself, that's for sure
This game has not only brought me some amazing friends, but it has also helped me develop and use the
artist within myself
experience so far and I do admire the people behind this game. I sometimes wonder if they actually know
or fully understand what a huge impact this game can have on people.
The Sims 3 was amazing and a worthy successor to The Sims 2. This is when I joined the community on a international
level, so to speak. Because I am from a small country called Sweden. The third game is also where I started
building and it kinda felt like the last puzzle piece falling down into the right place. Very natural, in other words. I had my
stories, my beautiful simmies and my lovely interior design. But I didn't have my dream house!
up making so many dream houses that I actually had a hard time picking one at the end
If you were to ask my simmies; are you tired of moving? They would most likely scream; YES, PLEASE, SAVE US!
I have been thinking about your question, why I build. But I think I have in a way already answered it.
Creating is a part of who I am and who I have always been. My creations are a part of me, and sharing them is like
sharing a part of myself. It doesn't matter if they are digital creations or creations made from material in real life. They
were all born in my mind and sometimes also with the help of other people's creations. It's very interesting when I think
about it. I guess you can look at it as one of those bars the simmies have. Because I am an artist I am imagining myself
having a special "creativity" bar that needs to be filled. It brings me joy and a sense of accomplishment. It is nourishment
for my soul
Gee look at this wall of text! This thread really had me thinking! Anyway, I just have to say that I do like the new
game as well. The Sims 4. I have had lots of fun so far and I do appreciate the new creative tools we have been given.
I feel like I have been able to take building to a new level and I do feel very optimistic when I think about all the stuff
we might get in the future
---> Visit my gallery here!
---> My showcase thread is here!
The reason why I build for sims game because I simply enjoy it! The creative part of the game really interests me and I never get bored building homes for my simmies! Even when I am not building I keep thinking constantly about my next sims project! It is like an addiction! It does not let you go! When I am on vacation I always take photographs of real life houses and try to make the simmified version of it! I also get inspired by all the talented builders in this community! I have learnt a lot from each and every builder here. Building for the sims for me started with sims 3. Before I used to get bored after I played all the aspect of an expansion pack and always was waiting for the next sims expansion pack. Things are different now. Now I am also waiting for expansion packs but for more stuff for building for my simmies! I started building when World Adventure started crashing and I had problems with my game. Suddenly a whole new world opened up for me and I got excited about the amazing possibilities of this game!
It is always nice when my building efforts are appreciated but I mainly build for myself. I find it challenging and fulfilling in many different ways! Also, thanks to the game and this lovely community I have made a lot of friends through the years! I feel I know some of you which is crazy because I haven't met anyone of you in real life! I also want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the support and friendship I have got from you guys! Long live the sims game and it's wonderful community of players!
---> Visit my gallery here!
---> My showcase thread is here!
I also get what you were saying in your previous post. However, I do think some of us are constantly trying to
visit and give new builders feedback. We all started from scratch so it's only natural at least for me to try and give
back what I was given when I was a new face. I can also relate to the "monster" thing
I first joined the community was how easy it is to get drawn into that. All of the sudden you forget the fun and you just
want to be number 1 at everything and on top of that, getting blasted with praise
myself an exorcism and I got rid of my little monster
Thanks @SpecterCody ! It is nice to know that I am not the only one who feels that way!
From Sims 3 I really miss the seasons and the Island Paradise ep. Loved building on water! Miss my houseboats!
About giving feedback, I always try to make time to respond to most of the builders' showcase thread. I got back so much from the community and I want to give them back the same support and friendship. I used to post my builds in Fidlerten's thread for constructive criticism. I must say I learnt a lot from his feedback.
Through the years I have lost a lot of friends in the community. Some of them just wandered away because they do not have the time to play sims anymore and they have other challenges in their lives. Others did not like the look of sims 4 and gave up! I do miss them and their fantastic builds. Wish they would come back in the future when sims 4 comes out with more eps and game packs.
---> Visit my gallery here!
---> My showcase thread is here!
In regard to the Sims, I've played them all but never built extensively in any save Sims 4. The main reason is because architecture has become a main focus of my interests and in this particular time I can effectively merge the study of it with my love of video games. I'm truly enjoying the creative outlet Sims 4 is giving me and am loving the ability to explore and see so many different styles and ideas come to life in the Gallery. For me, it's inspiring.
The second response makes the thread worth it for me, as I was a little worried I'd revealed too much and nobody would feel similar. Good to know others can get a little crazy when we are creating.
Take it easy.
I've been playing the sims for 15 years now for the game play and my Sims' stories. I've never been a builder/designer/decorator. My houses reflected this by being many square shapes put together.
I was excited when Sims 4 was announced and released (I love shiny new things) and originally played it for the game play. Then I found game play challenges which I started many of and never finished. When I noticed build challenges my mind was blown with what people created and I wanted to do that! So now I'm addicted to building/designing/decorating! My skills have improved dramatically and I certainly appreciate the hours Simmers put into their creations, as I soon learnt it took many.
I am loving that the Sims 4 has made me come out of my shell and encouraged me to become a part of The Sims community. I've always shared the love of this game with my Mum but it was time for me (and Mum is starting to become social) to make some new friends. My real life friends don't play computer games and don't understand why I love them.
This @JBEAR1 is me at the moment. Building has occupied my mind so much that any spare time I get you'll find me on the computer. When I visit my Mum all we talk about is building and how we can improve our builds. I can't talk about it to my husband anymore, I know this because his eyes glaze over and it's clearly visible he's thinking about something else.
My Sims have always controlled me, now it's been taken to a new level.
Thank you for starting this thread
Visit Pebblycat's Showcase to see what I've created
SimCom
I started playing The Sims when it first came out, and I think I was only in high school back then. I was so amused at how you were able to control little the Sims' lives and build houses, so I got hooked. I got addicted to playing The Sims and TS2, and then I stopped for a bit to focus on real life issues.
I got back into the Sims when TS3 released a starter pack which had the base game, a stuff pack, and Late Night, which is my most favorite of all the TS3 expansions. I was really amused with the vampires in the game. When I was finally able to control vampires, I thought about how my house should have an appropriate lair, and I think that's what pushed me to start building my own houses. (I really hope they have vampires for TS4 sometime in the future.) I soon became fascinated with how I was able to design rooms, layouts, and build all kinds of houses. When I finally got Midnight Hollow, I was amazed with the architecture, and this was where I started to really love TS3 to the point that I was hesitant to buy TS4.
I got TS4 a few months after its release because I waited for the game to have pools and ghosts. After getting used to the game UI, I figured I'd make my own house for my sim. I remember my very first house; it was a modern build that was small and good enough for my one sim. I thought that it was the best house there is, until I saw better-looking houses at the Gallery. Looking at other people's works inspired me to create better houses. I kept downloading other people's builds, analyzed them, and created more houses of my own. Then I learned more advanced building techniques until a lot of people started downloading my houses. It made me really happy to see that people were downloading my work, so I kept on building.
When I was getting bored of just building houses on my own, I joined the forums to interact with other builders and join build challenges, which I really enjoy. The challenges have really pushed me to the limit, but I can see that my work is improving if I compare my old works with recent ones. I also post pictures of my builds on my Facebook, and some of my friends keep asking if I've taken up interior design/architecture even though I haven't. Some of them play TS4 casually, and they really loved what I uploaded. It made me really happy.
My simming has reached to the point where in real life, I go to bookstores sometimes and browse through architecture books, looking at house designs and plans. I even buy some if they're on sale. When I have builder's block, I go out for a walk or a jog for some fresh air and inspiration to take home; my neighborhood has some really nice houses.
I also really like this community; it's friendly and the criticism is constructive (builder pun). Building has now become a part of me. The Sims 4 has inspired me like never before.
Origin ID: pronterus || Gallery || Undead With Benefits||The Pronteran Builder Blog
Small, efficient houses are actually more of a challenge to plan than giant mansions, from a layout perspective. You have to think about the way the sim lives, what sequence of actions he takes daily, and how to lay out a plan that responds to those factors; all without putting things so close together that there's no room to travel between them. And then you also have to think about how the roof is going to go over the collection of rooms that you've just made.
I'm not sure if I started shaking my head at inefficient pre-built lots then, or if I only started later. I took a pretty long break shortly after getting Sims 3 because it was a bit of a resource hog and my PC wasn't exactly a top-of-the-line gaming machine. I do know that when I upgraded to a new PC and got back to the Sims 3, I looked at some of the pre-built lots, both public and residential, and thought: "this is ridiculous and needs to be rebuilt."
So I started by rebuilding the gym, taking half the space while organising the plan to actually fit more equipment. I demolished a bunch of lots, replaced a whole street with smaller residential lots -- I decided that 20x30 was ideal for a played sim, and 15x20 was plenty for an unplayed household, something that I think is still true for Sims 4. I spent some time learning which public/commercial lots could be bulldozed and replaced with smaller ones (not as straightforward as you might think) and planning the layout of the downtown core.
When I got Sims 4, the first thing that impressed me about the pre-built lots was that they actually looked reasonable. Although ... maybe the furniture in the Blue Velvet could be rearranged so as to open up some space for dancing ... and maybe the gym could use a pool ... and those little cottages in the cheapest Willow Creek neighbourhood aren't quite as efficient as they could be ... it's an improvement, but I could still probably do better.
And here's another reason why I build. After playing a household for a while, I realised a couple of things: one, a lot of the unplayed sims that you meet and interact with do not have an in-game home; two, these homeless sims never have more than 20K with which to buy a home; and three, these homeless sims are subject to periodic culls that remove them from the game entirely. In other words: if a homeless sim becomes important to your sim somehow, you need to move him or her into a house or risk having them disappear suddenly; and that house needs to be less than 20K in price because homeless sims can't afford more than that.
So I build starter houses. I think I practically live on the starter houses thread now -- that's where most of my stuff is posted. Small, reasonably efficient (if I wanted "absolute maximum efficiency", my bathrooms would not have sinks and everything would be on the ground floor) but still interesting to look at; and cheap enough to move a randomly-generated unplayed household into with no fuss.
Pronterus, I had to smile when I read that you look at architectural books in the store because you want to recreate those in your sims game! I do that too! Nice to know that I am not the only one.