Inspiration

I thought I'd share some of my favourite sources of ideas:

I prefer books & magazine's to using web images as I love to sit & browse. If I'm looking for TV & Movie shows ideas I tend to buy them on DVD & then sit down with a sketch book & the remote! I also draw inspiration from playing strategy games & their guides.

Magazines, Books & Websites:
Creative Homeowners - http://www.creativehomeowner.com/
Houseplanners Inc - http://www.houseplans.com/
Unique Homes - http://uniquehomes.com/
Luxury Real Estate - http://www.luxuryrealestate.com/

TV Show Homes:
1164 Morning Glory Circle - http://www.1164.com/
TV - http://www.tv.com/shows.html
TV Land - http://www.tvland.com/shows/

Other Games:
"Sim City Societies" - PC Game & Prima Guide
"Sims 2 Castaway" - on Playstation 2 & Prima Guide

I also search images on Google when hunting for something in particular, like a specific TV show or Movie house.

Have fun!

Love & Hugs
Shaz

Newsletter Interview

1) Who are you? Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Shaz & I live in Adelaide in Australia. I'm 39, married & have 2 Maltese Terriers (small white fluffy dogs) who are my "kids". I love watching movies, reading books & listening to music.

2) How long have you been a TSR Featured Artist, and what bought you to TSR in the first place?
I've only recently become a Featured Artist, but I first joined TSR in May 2005, as I loved the variety & quality of the downloads.

3) What do you primarily create for the game and its community?
Lots & Neighbourhoods, but I've also created a "Renovation" Challenge & a tutorial called "Life's a Beach... & How to Make One".

4) When creating new content, where do you draw ideas and inspiration from?
Books, Magazines, Requests, Images from the web (www.houseplans.com & www.creativehomeowner.com) TV Shows & Movies

5) Typically, how long does it take you create new content?
When I'm really inspired to build, I can complete a small house in about 2-3 hours unfurnished or 4-5 hours if it's furnished. Sometimes it takes a week of "tweeking" before I'm happy with it. Larger community lots tend to take me weeks as I tend to do a little bit at a time. It all depends on the strength of the inspiration.

6) Has the way you create changed since being Featured at TSR?
No, but I do feel more confident.

7) What advice would you give to newcomers to the TS2 Modding/Creating scene?
We all have to start somewhere, so don't be too hard on yourself. My rule is - if I wouldn't download it, then I don't upload it. I started by downloading houses I liked, then I'd go in & "deconstruct" them to see how they were made. Read tutorials, study your favourite lots & try to figure out what makes them so appealing to you. Then try to recreate the effect yourself. If you make a mess, use the undo & start again. Also when photographing your lots, click on the "..." options menu, that way the gridlines won"t show up in your photos.

8) How long have you been playing The Sims games and what do you enjoy about them most?
I only started playing the Sims 1 in 2003, as my old computer wouldn't run it. I love being able to create a house & then move my favourite movie & book characters into them. My favourite thing though, is the change of Seasons.

Thank you for taking part in this interview for the TSR Newsletter, Any parting comments you would like to add?
Please think about the comments, pms & guestbook messages you leave for other people. One day you may be a creator & how would you feel if someone left nasty comments on your creations? If you don't like something, then just move on. It's only a game, so let's help & support each other to keep it fun!

Exclusive to TSR

Hey Everyone,

I've decided I need to simplify my life & I'm starting by only having my creations here at TSR. I love this site & it gives me the ability to modify the information & images at anytime so I have more control over my creations.

I'm want to send a big THANK YOU to Modthesims, InSimentator, Simtation Estates & Simaholics R Us for hosting my creations in the past & I wish them all well in the future.

Love & Hugs to all,

Shaz