10 tips from a World of Warcraft art lead for getting started creating amazing houses in WoW

World of Warcraft art lead Jay Huang provides ten essential tips for beginners looking to create impressive housing in the game. Huang, a former prop designer for Blizzard, now oversees the systems that allow players to craft their own living spaces within the game.

1. Begin by finding a reference image of your desired structure. This will help you identify the pieces of decor necessary to replicate the design.

2. Don't compare your work to others. Blizzard's housing team shares amazing builds in internal channels, but seeing someone else's impressive work shouldn't intimidate you. Take inspiration from their creations and start copying them, adding your own unique touch.

3. Break up large, empty spaces by dividing them with partitions, pillars, and platforms. This is similar to using Legos or Lincoln Logs to create smaller, more manageable areas.

4. Pay attention to proportions based on your reference image. If you're building a gnome house, the structure should feel proportionate to a gnome-sized person. Proportions can also help you determine the right lighting for your space.

5. Add layers to your design by repeating elements, such as pillars in cathedrals. This will help create details without overthinking.

6. Limit your color palette to 2-4 colors at most. Using too many colors can make the space feel disjointed. Once you've found the right 2-4 colors, you can introduce variety by incorporating other styles, such as mixing IKEA furniture with unique, handcrafted pieces.

7. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles within your space. Your Kobold house doesn't have to be completely homogeneous. Incorporate elements from other cultures, such as adding Naga-inspired details to a Kobold-themed area.

8. Try kitbashing by combining and clipping different pieces of decor together. This technique can help you create unique, masterful designs by using the various components available within the game. Flip items upside down and look at them from all angles to discover new possibilities.