GET YOUR BEARINGS
Plan your next Different Strokes session
Our guide breaks down each major system in Different Strokes and offers observations you can test yourself. Use the exercises to compare tools, examine community impact, and refine how you manage drafts and accounts.
01 / THE GUIDE
Tool Comparison
Create two quick sketches—one with the default brush and one using the Deluxe Edition’s smaller, smoothed brush. Note differences in line quality and how they affect viewer ratings.
- Try editing a piece you like to see how small changes affect its rating.
- Explore different corners of the gallery to discover varied styles.
02 / THE GUIDE
Theme Focus
Submit a piece to the weekly gallery that follows the current theme, then later post a similar piece in the main gallery. Compare like counts to see how themed exposure influences feedback.
- Focus on the weekly theme to attract more likes.
- Use the weekly gallery to test new techniques before posting to the main gallery.
03 / THE GUIDE
Edit Impact
Pick a highly rated painting and apply a minor edit (e.g., adjust a color). Observe whether the rating changes, giving insight into community response to revisions.
- Experiment with brush smoothing for cleaner lines.
- Use the easel drafts to iterate before publishing a final piece.
04 / THE GUIDE
Account Visibility
Log in with both a custom account and Steam on separate sessions. Track how each method displays your username on paintings and how notifications differ.
- Use a separate username/password account if you want an identity usable across the Itch.io and browser versions.
- Share standout pieces via the link to attract feedback outside the game.
05 / THE GUIDE
Draft Management
Use the easel’s three‑draft slots to iterate on a complex piece. Record how often you return to a draft versus starting anew, informing your personal workflow.
- Steam Cloud is available if you want Steam's save syncing for your sessions.
- Check the achievement list for optional goals while you paint.
