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Post by -- x panorama on Jun 4, 2007 7:43:22 GMT -5
Ok Sol, this is where we will be dealing with you Now, first I want you to explain a little about how you make pics, the little nifty tricks you use, what you find easy and what you struggle with, and what you would like to get better at. Just rant, go crazy. Also, we need to start thinking about what level you want to aim for, and whether you want to take a test. There's no rush, but start thinking about your options now. The levels are posted in another thread in my 'academy'.
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Post by » Sophie on Jun 4, 2007 10:50:28 GMT -5
hmmm okay well i usually spend ages and ages searching for images that actually match the theme of the picture i am making. I prefer to work with heads as i find them easier to cut out. I would love to learn to improve my cutting out and i would love for small tips on how to improve the value and quality of my pictures as i sell them on the internet.
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Panorama too lazy to login
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Post by Panorama too lazy to login on Jun 11, 2007 7:41:50 GMT -5
Ok Sol. Right. Pictures, hm? Well, I usually use webshots.com for background images, and Google for animal images. For human images, I do a google search for modeling agencyys and take a peek at the portfoloios, or go on big brand clothes sites and use the model puctires on them. For horses, it is worth taking a look at any equine photography sites as the images are high quality. Always look for a BIG picture, and never make the cut out image larger than it's original, or it will go all blurry. With Webshots pics, you will need to re-size them to about 33% to make them a reasonable size. When you cut out pictures, crop the background so there is less to cut. It just saves time and effort. Then, use a smallish brush on a medium sort of hardness - I use size 15, hardness 60 - 65. Take your time, and practise LOTS. For manes/tails, cut it out reasonably neatly, then use the smudge tool (size 2 pixels and 0 hardness) to create the feathered effect. This can take a bit of practise, but once you get the idea it is very easy. Try to make it look real, and make it all flow the same way. If the horse's feet touch the ground, fade them slightly using the eraser on a large size and low hardness (e.g size 70 hardness 0). As for quality, try these tips; + Never skimp on the cutting. Ever. Never EVER. + Add some effects to the horse (see Emblas Tutorials; Cool pic effects.) + Be sensible when choosing pics, and go for what looks good, even if it dosen't quite fit your customer's request. Don't go for a rubbishy pic just because itr's a 4 year old bay arab X mustang mare. + For the name, pick a colour that complements the picture, and use effects wisely. + Add a black 1 pixel border. It neatens everything up. Lastly, never be afraid to try something new! You should have a look round here, as it has some very useful info;; --> www.emblas.net/
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Post by » Sophie on Jun 13, 2007 10:13:41 GMT -5
okay i'll take a look there and post a few tries on here : ) <3 soleil
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Post by » Sophie on Jun 21, 2007 8:00:36 GMT -5
Mwah-ha-ha look what i made i got cs - dances around -
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Post by » Sophie on Jun 21, 2007 12:54:21 GMT -5
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Post by -- x panorama on Jun 22, 2007 7:28:32 GMT -5
Very good! That's a huge improvement. Now we just need to work on your general cutting skills, and we'll be on our way!
Now, I'd like you to take me through, step by step, how you go about cutting out a horse. Just describe what you do.
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Post by » Sophie on Jun 22, 2007 8:03:52 GMT -5
hmm okay. well cutting out a horse......i generally zoom in to the edge of the horse select a soft brush at about 13 size 75 hardness and just trim along the edge, and then to get rid of the background, i use the lasso tool to get rid of it in bulk.
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Post by -- x panorama on Jun 23, 2007 6:48:20 GMT -5
Ok. Well, I would recomend using a brush size of 15 or so, any smaller than that and it will look to sharp, and not soft enough. Also, set the hardnes lower, to around 60-65. That way, you get a slightly more realistic, softer edge to the horse.As for using the lasso tool - good idea, I like it. Zooming in is something I do a lot when I'm cutting out, as it helps your cutting to be more accurate. So, applying that, go away and cut out a horse, and save it as a .PSPimage (which preserves the layers) AND a .jpg (so you can show me). Then I will take you through adding text, effects, and the likes. Okies? P.S choose a nice, large, high-quality horse pic. If you're struggling, I can find you a couple. I want you to do a full body, not just a head, too.
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Post by » Sophie on Jun 23, 2007 8:26:20 GMT -5
okay will work on it now
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Post by » Sophie on Jun 25, 2007 14:57:27 GMT -5
ooh its coming its coming, my life is a bit hectic lately and it doesnt help that i only get half an hour to cram everything in on the computer a day :/
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Post by -- x panorama on Jun 26, 2007 7:26:30 GMT -5
That's fine, I know how you feel - I just got my internet connection back, I was grounded for 4 weeks and had to get everything done on the crappy school computers in 45mins. So don't worry, take as long as you need!
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Post by » Sophie on Jun 27, 2007 13:23:39 GMT -5
okay here we are, its a friesian that i cut out to place in an image for a player on realm of risk.
this was the image i made with it
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Post by -- x panorama on Jun 27, 2007 15:54:05 GMT -5
Well, the first thing that camew into my head as I scrolled doen to that was - Stunning! Then I saw the text. It's a lovely effect, but - don't worry, I went through this 'phase' to - the 3D effect is not good at all. I did thos or a while too - you find the 3D effect, and you think 'wow', but the fact is it looks .. well, ametuer. Apart from that - amazing pic! Take away the 3D and the (greenish?) glow, and it is a m a z i n g.
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Post by » Sophie on Jun 28, 2007 13:34:43 GMT -5
weee! okay problem is i only saved the cut out friesian as a psd file and not the harlot picceh. Oh well next time will bare that information you provided in mind.
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