FASHION ADVICE

photos. I also think compiling a blog, Pinterest board, or folder of inspiration pictures can be a helpful source for you to refer to when taking photos and setting up scenes. The more photos you take, the more you’ll develop your eye for what works and what doesn’t, and your aesthetic style. Finally, I would recommend Reshade for its depth-of-field effects. I think it adds a gorgeous layer of realism and dimension to a photo.

Where do you get your inspiration for your cc?

I’m inspired by the settings and characters from movies and video games, as well as reallife fashion campaigns, blogs, and Instagram accounts.

What's your advice to everyone who wants to start creating custom content for The Sims?

Believe in your ability to learn a new skill, start small, and keep at it! Personally, many of my CC projects were the result of a lot of trial-and-error and problem-solving. You will run into unexpected issues. You will make (fixable) mistakes. You will fail at some projects, and succeed at others. That’s normal. Every project you attempt will teach you something new. Creating CC is just like learning any new skill. The only way to improve is through practice. So don’t give up, don’t be too hard on yourself when you run into setbacks, and focus on creating things that excite you.

What are the challenges you experienced in creating custom content and how did you overcome these challenges?

The hardest part about creating CC was figuring out my process from start to finish, turning an idea into a working product. Since The Sims 3 is an older game, a lot of tutorials and resources on the internet are either outdated or no longer available. We also have a smaller community of active creators and resources than in The Sims 4. So, I had to do a lot of reading and tinkering around before I found a workflow that worked for me. Also, joining the CC-making community and asking for help from other creators taught me a lot of tips I never would have thought of. I overcame the challenges of creating CC by experimenting on my own, doing research, and reaching out to the community. Creating CC can be time-consuming and frustrating, but the satisfaction of figuring something out and sharing a cool new thing with others is so worth it!

THE STATEMENT SHIRT:

A lot of people are styling their favourite pants with fun, outgoing statement shirts that define their personality. Don’t be afraid to find that shirt that expresses your style.

THE ROCK ERA:

Every wardrobe needs a little black dress. This dress can even be a bad-ass leather dress. You can even add a statement belt to the dress to make it stand

out more.

FASHION ADVICE

ALL ABOUT THE STRIPES:

Have fun finding patterns. Some patterns you may like may not be in the sections you are looking in. The categories "menswear" and "womenswear" shouldn't dictate how you shop. Take time to play with colours and shapes to find what looks great on your unique body.

BLAZER AND PANTS:

Clashing textures and prints make a bold fashion statement. Start small with neutral patterns like stripes and lowkey textures like leather and knits, adding in the sequins and paisleys in small amounts (like a scarf, tie, or clutch) until you learn what works for you.

ALINA RUBANENKO