Programmer Art

I'm a programmer.
I have an O level in Art (D grade :-< )

I need art for my game...

Or do I????

Have a watch of these videos:
http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/the-uncanny-valley
http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/graphics-vs.-aesthetics

Ok, so what do they say?

• For art there are two choices: Stylisation (Mario) or Realism (Modern Warfare)
• High Graphics IS NOT looking good, High Graphics is higher fidelity (detail)
• Aesthetics is the style of the game (sort of)
• Aesthetics is the visuals, sound, mechanics & a few other bits
• Aesthetics is what we really want to have good in our game.

Right so where does this put me?

I don't need to look photo realistic (I cannot draw that well anyway), but what it need is a good consistent art style which works well together.
I'm not going to get this by the use of google and copy-paste but without use of my brains. All that will get is a Frankenstein monster.

To prove my point, here are a few great games which have very simple graphics, but looks (and plays) great.

Battalion (iPhone app)

Battleships Forever (this is the MOST awesome Game Maker game EVER)

Geometry Wars

 Notebook wars (drawn using pencil paper & scanned into the game)

 Torus Trooper (or any of the other games by Kenta Choo) 

Vector Tower Defense

Xiao Xiao (or any of the other stickman based games)

Or even Pac Man!

So what am I getting at?

Graphics are not the main thing, its the package (graphics, sound, interaction, feedback, gameplay) which makes the game.  No one ever looks at Mickey Mouse and says 'this graphics suck', they accept the graphics style and watch the show.  If the show is good, people will suspend disbelief and just watch, the same is true of games.

So my plan for graphics? Keep It Simple, Keep It Consistent and Make sure the overall package is Good.

Here are a few links which might be useful:
http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/ChrisHildenbrand/20111015/8669/
http://www.gamedev.net/page/resources/_/creative/visual-arts/better-programmer-art-r2594
http://www.gamedev.net/topic/603593-methods-for-creating-effective-programmer-art/

Happy Coding (or doing the art)
Mark