AIRKONOHA'S PROFILE

I've been using RPG Maker since the 2K3 days but never really pushed the engine like many here. Most of my games where story focused using RTP graphics and were only played my my friends and brother. In 2011, I began graphic designing and spriting. I mostly did mockups and demakes of NES games but nothing more than that. Just recently, I learned more about custom menu/battle systems and had and idea to create my own RPG. A custom one. But I honestly don't where to begin.

Do I create the graphics first or create the game first using the resources that comes with Ace? I also want to create my own custom menu and battle systems but I'm not really sure how to do it with events (I understand variables but don't know how to use them to create a battle system). I also want a custom message system but can't script.

I'm also aware of the many scripts out there (I used a few of Yanflys before) but I want freedom graphically which is why I want to do it myself (really tired of VX/Ace's user interface).

I'm in no rush to create games but I would like some advice from you guys/gals here who have created several games. My games are relatively short so it's not like I'm asking to develop the next Starless Umbra (love that game!).

But yeah, any help is appreciated :)