How do people become so good at graphic art?
Tue Nov 09, 2004 2:55 am
I'm trying to get better, but I suck... Compared to Neo's graphics mine are chicken scratch. Any tips?
Tue Nov 09, 2004 2:59 am
Mostly by getting good brushes and seeing what effects look good with what.
Tue Nov 09, 2004 3:24 am
Just practice, practice and practice, I'm sure you'll get better. Also try following some tutorials, they can help you when you are stuck on something and can teach you some intresting things. 
Oh, and Zero, good brushes mean nothing, you can make some great graphics even without them.
Oh, and Zero, good brushes mean nothing, you can make some great graphics even without them.
Tue Nov 09, 2004 3:35 am
Brushes smrushes. I never use brushes, and my graphics are getting better everyday.
I must agree though. Practice. Practice. Practice.
And experiment, try new things. Don't be afraid to mess with different effects and manipulate them.
I must agree though. Practice. Practice. Practice.
And experiment, try new things. Don't be afraid to mess with different effects and manipulate them.
Tue Nov 09, 2004 7:32 am
In all of the sets I've made, I think I've used brushes in... two of them? 
Really, it's mostly practice. It's good to read up on things, and see what other people do that you like. After that, it's just messing around in Photoshop (or whatever you have), and seeing what works and what doesn't. Eventually you'll develop your own style, and no matter what, you'll always keep learning.
A couple of fast tips to automatically improve sets:
1. A nice neat 1-pixel border makes everything look better
2. When you're just starting, it's best to use pixel fonts for subtext. Don't use anti-alias on the pixel fonts. DO use it on the main text.
3. Stroke text if it doesn't stand out enough
4. Sometimes simple works much better
Of course, the more you do, the more you'll realize that there aren't any rules, just guidelines. Do what you like.
Really, it's mostly practice. It's good to read up on things, and see what other people do that you like. After that, it's just messing around in Photoshop (or whatever you have), and seeing what works and what doesn't. Eventually you'll develop your own style, and no matter what, you'll always keep learning.
A couple of fast tips to automatically improve sets:
1. A nice neat 1-pixel border makes everything look better
2. When you're just starting, it's best to use pixel fonts for subtext. Don't use anti-alias on the pixel fonts. DO use it on the main text.
3. Stroke text if it doesn't stand out enough
4. Sometimes simple works much better
Of course, the more you do, the more you'll realize that there aren't any rules, just guidelines. Do what you like.
Wed Nov 10, 2004 1:07 am
Thanx:D Just a couple more questions... Do you draw something pixel by pixel though or do you actually try to draw like you would on regular paper, but antialias it to give it that smooth effect? Also, do artists at Neopets draw their images on apper and upload them or actually recreate them on the comp?
Wed Nov 10, 2004 2:51 am
Xtinct831 wrote: Do you draw something pixel by pixel though or do you actually try to draw like you would on regular paper, but antialias it to give it that smooth effect?
Are you talking about making sets, or just pictures in general? If I draw a picture, people use an art program. People don't tend to draw pictures pixel by pixel. They're really just a bunch of lines put together to make something. And each line doesn't need to be anti-aliased, as better art programs anti-alias lines for you automatically.
Xtinct831 wrote: Also, do artists at Neopets draw their images on apper and upload them or actually recreate them on the comp?
They draw their pictures using tablets, which is a pad you draw on just like you would pencil to paper. And when you draw on the tablet, the image is transfered to a program on your computer.
Hope this helps.
Wed Nov 10, 2004 6:39 pm
I'm with Saph. Forget brushes, I still have my presets! It's all practice really. And graphic programs, however Dawn2 uses Paint and a few other internet graphic programs, and Holy Audio Adrenaline!
Wed Nov 10, 2004 7:59 pm
Are tablets expensive?
Wed Nov 10, 2004 8:17 pm
Practise, practise, practise (and a bit of talent) is I all I can really say. I've been using Photoshop 7 for over a year, so I suppose I'm alright (*Finally found her own style*), but there are people who've been using the program, or others, for less time than I have, who's graphics are amazing.
Unfortunately, yes. It really depends on the size and maker, though.
I've been using Photoshop 7 for over a year, so I suppose I'm alright (*Finally found her own style*), but there are people who've been using the program, or others, for less time than I have, who's graphics are amazing.
Xtinct831 wrote:Are tablets expensive?
Unfortunately, yes. It really depends on the size and maker, though.
Wed Nov 10, 2004 10:33 pm
Xtinct831 wrote:Are tablets expensive?
You can get a pretty decent one for around $100.
Thu Nov 11, 2004 7:22 pm
Do you suggest getting one or should I stick to drawing on screen.
Thu Nov 11, 2004 7:32 pm
Xtinct831 wrote:Do you suggest getting one or should I stick to drawing on screen.
Well, what you could do is draw your pictures on paper and then use Adobe Illustrator to colour them. I've heard people do that.
Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:10 pm
You could also train yourself to draw with a mouse- it's the cheaper, but more difficult, option. I know some members here are pretty good with it...one former member, Nequam, drew a Krawk completely by mouse and it looked amazing.
Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:26 pm
Quiet, Yoshi. You're an amazing artist and you should share your talent with others. *eyes pleading*