Level 3
There's a very smooth blue wood (from LBP1) that I use for everything for precisely the reason that it's about the best thing to put stickers on.
Seriously... I use it for everything... and it's even better now using the material tweaker can give it the properties you want (like if it needs to be grabable or slippery like glass or whatever).
Just checked... the wood is just called 'Blue Wood' apparently, I hope this helps.
Level 4
TekF wrote:But the bump-map (actually it's a normal map, subtle distinction) will always show through, so will the specular mask (shiny-ness, so shiny materials stay shiny when stickered and matte ones stay matte).
Damnit...I knew something wasn't right about that explanation....Thanks for the correct Terminology. It's been awhile since I textured something for Maya :/
Level 3
Man, this is the stupidest thing (and there are many) that I've encountered about the LBP level editor so far. I'm trying to create a custom background of a suburban scene, I put a bit of material down, then I want a blue sky and clouds, sun etc, but all the stickers go this crappy translucent way and look terrible! I even tried the 'Blue Wood' and it still looks like crap!
Annoyingly, I have seen levels which have bright, vivid coulored backgrounds and I have to know HOW? Because this limitation is threatening to curtail my interest before it's even properly begun.
Best level editor ever MY ASS! Most user unfriendly more like! 
Level 3
QuietlyWrong wrote:Also state whether you're in LBP or LBP2. The sticker panel material from LBP2's Move pack really allows you to brighten your stickers. (Literally, you can tweak the brightness and even switch them on and off.)
Okay, it's LBP2, I DON'T have the move (or move pack). Basically, I want to be able to create my own custom background, rather than using one of the presets. First issue, for whatever dumb reason, you cannot attach stickers to that lovely blue (by default) background they give you. So, in order to create clouds, sun etc I have created material at minimum thickness and then, because I cannot stick to the very background, have to use the anti-gravity tool to keep them airborn. (This IS a great feature btw).
Now, as for the stickers, when you first select them they look all rich and vibrant but when you place them on any material they go all dull and lose the vibrancy. Again, you cannot place them against the background so what I am doing is sticking them to a bit of material then using the sticker-cutter to create a cardboard cutout then using the anti-gravity tool to keep them still (this works for things like houses, trees etc.) However, you still have parts of material showing, this looks particularly poor for irregular shapes like trees.
Anyway, I have seen in some levels (like recent MM Pick 'Sunset Paradise' for example) very nice, detailed looking custom backgrounds and am just wondering is there an easier way to do things than what I am doing? Also, the vibrancy issue, say I want to use a yellow circle sticker as the sun, but then when I place it on materials it goes a dull yellow, NOT what I wanted at all!
Thanks for any replies, I only bumped this thread because I got here via google, it's amazing how little information there is online about this irritating issue!
Well, I'll concede that I don't have much experience trying for the artistic effect myself. I'll leave the details to someone else.
Perhaps layering of stickers is effective? I'm not sure. I always thought it helped, but that might be wishful thinking. I think before sticker panel came along, some people got some useful results by stickering on to hologram material, which also allows its brightness to be tweaked, for various effects, including the reproduction of pixel-based graphics of old arcade games. There's even a glitch somewhere to allow you to make pieces of black hologram. Plus hologram floats in space all on its own. Works best against dark backgrounds though.
If you're really committed to level design, the Move pack DLC might be worth it, even though you don't have Move controllers. The new sticker panel material that it introduces is perfect for sticker-based decoration. Plus additional music, instruments, materials, stickers and decorations, though in these latter cases you need to have Move to unlock most of them, alas.
If you're developing the level background, have you familiarised yourself with the layers glitch?
It's great to see such a legend of the ModNation Racers creative community taking an interest... Looking forward to LBPKarting, by any chance?
Level 4
No problem. At least you bumped it for the proper reasons.
To address your concerns:
Sunset Paradise, I have not played it before now, I don't normally play anything, as the many people here can attest to, Alpha24Bauer (level creator) is actually using a glitch to get objects further into the back and into the front of the level, than what is actually possible. Just use the Search option in the Community section for 3D Layers Glitch, or Backscratch Layers Glitch.
They are also using some of the environment filters found in the tools section of your Popit.
And if I'm not mistaken, are using the Sticker Panel material from the Move Pack.
Honestly, if you only buy one DLC pack for LBP/LBP2, the Move pack is the best one to get. there are so many materials and objects that just make the game better for your creativity.
As for the Stickers, the only way to keep them as vibrant is to use the Sticker Panel material.
But some alternatives cold be:
Level 3
QuietlyWrong wrote:Well, I'll concede that I don't have much experience trying for the artistic effect myself. I'll leave the details to someone else.
Perhaps layering of stickers is effective? I'm not sure. I always thought it helped, but that might be wishful thinking. I think before sticker panel came along, some people got some useful results by stickering on to hologram material, which also allows its brightness to be tweaked, for various effects, including the reproduction of pixel-based graphics of old arcade games. There's even a glitch somewhere to allow you to make pieces of black hologram. Plus hologram floats in space all on its own. Works best against dark backgrounds though.
If you're really committed to level design, the Move pack DLC might be worth it, even though you don't have Move controllers. The new sticker panel material that it introduces is perfect for sticker-based decoration. Plus additional music, instruments, materials, stickers and decorations, though in these latter cases you need to have Move to unlock most of them, alas.
If you're developing the level background, have you familiarised yourself with the layers glitch?
It's great to see such a legend of the ModNation Racers creative community taking an interest... Looking forward to LBPKarting, by any chance?
Hi, thank you for the reply and the greeting! 
So, LBP:Karting eh? yes, I admit, this is largely why I'm showing such an interest in LBP2. Thing is, I've had the game since release over 18 months ago but only played it for the first couple of months. I made one level in LBP1 which took me AGES to make and decided I'd just play what others create on this sequel. Problem was, for every good level there were 100 that were poo, so my interest quickly wained and to be honest I already had MNR to create with and... well, let's just say I was properly addicted, okay? 
Fastforward to June 2012. MNR is on the decline. Player numbers ever dwindling, official support ceased and the future generally looking gloomy. Initially I was VERY resistent to LBP muscling in on our territory, "HOW DARE THEY!" I may have uttered more than once. However, re-discovering LBP2 has been a joy and I can now declare that this is the most logical evolution of the karting genre. The tools on offer in LBP are exceptional and thankfully, a lot has been added to make LBP2 a lot more innovative and easier (although the editor still features a HUGE learning curve). Right now I have plans for a massive city platforming level, which currently involves me making LOTS of unique props from scratch using the create mode. I cannot believe how good it is! Yes, it takes time and patience and sometimes the editor just seems to want to annoy me for the sheer fun of it, but by and large, this is an amazingly deep creator.
Anyway, that's the long-winded background to me being here. Thankfully, LBP2 player numbers are still huge so I don't see support for this game dying anytime soon! I have found the NEON material to be absolutely amazing for helping me to create my vivid custom backgrounds, because adjusting the amount can just make it look like a normal colour and so this is a very versatile tool in the arsenal!
I've heard about the Move pack and am tempted, I don't have a move though so if you HAVE to have a move controller to play the levels and unlock the extra content then that's a bit of downer... can anyone who has it confirm yay or nay on this matter?
I do have the level glitch pieces downloaded from LBP1, do they still work or are there new ones for LBP2?
Anyway, thank you for taking the time to reply, I will just ask, what is the LBP online community like (forums etc)? MNR has always had a vibrant and helpful community of racers and creators so I can only imagine what a game like LBP's online community will be like!
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