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moments. January 3rd, 2009 12:25 PM

Le Beginners Supremo Graphicals Class
 
Welcome to the Signature Making Class for Beginners! [noxious. homeroom]

I,
noxious. will be your teacher and mentor for the time you decide to stay in this class. I am a Graphic Designing Wannabe, so not quite at the level of some other members around here, but I am aspiring high and heading in that direction for later in my schooling so I guess that is my decision for wanting to be a teacher! :)
In my signatures I often use
smudging techniques and loads of gradients and filters.


Teachers Pets

ピチュー
.Twenty Six
Pikachu Trainer ~

BrightFer
.Pichu-kun

..PandA.CharadE..
Decypher
Ascaris


Assignments

Assignment #1.
[8/8]
I am going to PM each of you a test. This test is to allow me to evaluate where each and every one of you are at with your graphics knowledge. The last Graphics School had an assignment similar but they weren't PMed and resulted in people copying others. I want a the clearest answers I can get so I can help you guys more! Please be honest, if you don't know, leave it blank. Don't search the internet, if you do, I will assume you know and you might struggle later on. When you open it, fill in the test and PM it straight back.


Assignment #2.
[7/8]
Ok so the first one revealed to me some information about where you are at with your graphics skills. The next assignment is to create a banner to the best of your ability using at least one of the effects/techniques found in the test that you answered incorrectly. That is right, incorrect. Simply post here to tell me which effect/technique you will be using and I can find you a link to a tutorial or you can search one yourself. Also if you want, I can supply images for you.
NB: If you need help deciding which one you would like to do, simply PM and I can make a suggestion. You have 10 days to complete this assignment but if you need extra time for some reason just tell me. I am pretty understanding.
Due Date : January 14.



Assignment #3.
[5/8]
Ok so this assignment is basically a catchup on your graphics so I can see. Basically I am going to post a request and you are to follow it to create a tag which looks good, but that you have little input in. If you ever open a graphics shop, it will be like that. Every couple of Assignments I might post one of these to see where you are at.

Image : Here we go, a nice image from PlanetRenders. I used this render in a tag I made ages ago so nostalgia might kick in for rates.
Size : 370 x 150. Try and stick to this, but if you are really having trouble change it.
Colours : Pinks, Yellows, Orange, Brown.
Text : None unless you can think of anything.

Assignment #4. [0/8]
This assignment is quite a different sort of assignment to test your creativity and skills. It will probably be one of the more difficult assignments in this class, but nonetheless, I feel most of you should be capable of doing it...
The assignment is to make a graphic without a person or character as the focal. The focal can be a C4D, it can be typography or it could be an object if you are really having trouble.
Here is an example made by yours truly featuring a C4D. It isn't the best example as I made it a while ago, but it shows he general gist of the assignment. If you need a tutorial, I will post one, but I want to see some efforts without a tutorial first.


Spinor January 3rd, 2009 3:38 PM

I guess I'll join if this has been allowed before. I'm a total novice at Graphics though, but it may be because I've never published anything besides sprites.

moments. January 3rd, 2009 3:50 PM

You can join but you do need to go HERE and fill in an application.
If you do decide to join, I will need to PM you the assignment.

Tyrantrum January 4th, 2009 12:47 AM

I used the typography effect/technique.
I used a Gengar render from photobucket

Here is what I made(my very first one EVER):
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii233/shinypkmnfan13/firstsigever.png

moments. January 4th, 2009 1:38 AM

NOTE: I will rate each and every one of your banners in depth so that you learn from it. I will not flame it or insult any of you. All my ratings will be for the best intentions and to help you improve.

.Pichu-kun: Ok, for a first banner it is good. You covered the basic principals of designing a tag. But there are several things that are lacking a bit. First off, as a general rule, don't ever cover the focal point or the render. Gengar looks very dark and blended into the background which draws focal attention away which it needs so it stands out.
Placement of the render is ok, but remember, the rest of your banner needs to be filled with effects or something that looks appealing, but doesn't draw any attention from your focal. Your background is very simple and looks a tad messy. I for a fact know that it is because you are new and have yet to learn various techniques for designing a background.
The text or typography was executed to some success. You chose a colour which is a different shade to the rest of your banner so it stands out, but doesn't draw heaps of attention (like putting bright yellow on a black banner). The font is meh but the choice of words is good.
In my opinion, as extra work, I would get some tutorials (which I can supply if you want) and follow them so you can see how to add effects and incorporate different styles.
Summary: The banner is good for a first time banner maker but lacks creative oomph. Never cover the render until later on when you have more experience. Tag is quite monotone and the background needs mroe flare to add to the tag.

Thank you for completing Assignment 2, because there are still many people to finish, next assignment might not be up for a few more days. I will PM you some tutorials I'd like you to complete and you can PM your results back for another rate.
What would a class be without homework? ;)

..PandA.CharadE.. January 4th, 2009 2:09 AM

Thanks noxious. I guess i'll make a sig with clipping masks then. I'm looking forward to the next assignment ^^

Pikachu Trainer~ January 4th, 2009 2:12 AM

http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww116/pttsr/Assignment2.png http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww116/pttsr/UpdatedAss2.png

I can't wait until the next assignment.

EDIT: Updated Version

moments. January 4th, 2009 2:29 AM

Pikachu Trainer~
First off very nice banner! Compared to your other graphics, this one is looking swish!
Ok first off the bat, the background! It looks very good! Nice smudging and use of some C4D's ( I think ) in there too which is always nice to see. The colours of the background compliment and support the render very nicely and the flow is brilliant. My only concern is the square filter effect. It looks good, but you went overboard a bit. I think the only places you need it is towards the bottom of the tag around her arms and even covering her body on a light opacity could look nice. I would leave only the bottom stuff and around the wing and the rest can afford to leave.
The render was nicely placed and the flow as mentioned before is great! Lovin' the little smudgizzling on the right shoulder! It looks great, but my worry is why you stopped there? It helped blend the render in so much and looks pretty awesome but it needs a bit more. I reckon her arms could go with some smudging and even a tad on her wing thing.
I would comment on the typography but there is none, and everytime I look at this tag I search for the text as it seems to be the type of tag which comes by default with some text somewhere. I reckon you could chuck in some horizontal font to the right of her head just above her shoulder maybe even on top of the smudged shoulder a bit.

Summary :
Nice smudging and use of C4D's which form the background. Square filter went overboard, play around erasing some of it. Nearly qualified as a bit monotone, but those blue ish bits on the render saved it. Would look good with some text possibly over the right shoulder in a simple font, pretty small.

Pikachu Trainer~ January 4th, 2009 2:46 AM

I've put an updated version of my signature on the post above. I've done a couple of things that you commented on. Thankyou.

>PT

..PandA.CharadE.. January 4th, 2009 3:28 AM

Here's my assignment :3

http://i39.*.com/mlb0m.png

Tyrantrum January 4th, 2009 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noxious. (Post 4251244)
NOTE: I will rate each and every one of your banners in depth so that you learn from it. I will not flame it or insult any of you. All my ratings will be for the best intentions and to help you improve.

.Pichu-kun: Ok, for a first banner it is good. You covered the basic principals of designing a tag. But there are several things that are lacking a bit. First off, as a general rule, don't ever cover the focal point or the render. Gengar looks very dark and blended into the background which draws focal attention away which it needs so it stands out.
Placement of the render is ok, but remember, the rest of your banner needs to be filled with effects or something that looks appealing, but doesn't draw any attention from your focal. Your background is very simple and looks a tad messy. I for a fact know that it is because you are new and have yet to learn various techniques for designing a background.
The text or typography was executed to some success. You chose a colour which is a different shade to the rest of your banner so it stands out, but doesn't draw heaps of attention (like putting bright yellow on a black banner). The font is meh but the choice of words is good.
In my opinion, as extra work, I would get some tutorials (which I can supply if you want) and follow them so you can see how to add effects and incorporate different styles.
Summary: The banner is good for a first time banner maker but lacks creative oomph. Never cover the render until later on when you have more experience. Tag is quite monotone and the background needs mroe flare to add to the tag.

Thank you for completing Assignment 2, because there are still many people to finish, next assignment might not be up for a few more days. I will PM you some tutorials I'd like you to complete and you can PM your results back for another rate.
What would a class be without homework? ;)

Thank you! :)

I couldn't figure out how to not 'cover' the render behind the colors, without having the white background show.

I would very much appreciate it if you could get me a good tutorial.
Thanks again~

moments. January 4th, 2009 2:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .Pichu-kun (Post 4252173)
Thank you! :)

I couldn't figure out how to not 'cover' the render behind the colors, without having the white background show.

I would very much appreciate it if you could get me a good tutorial.
Thanks again~

Do you know how to use Layers?
General Rule : Place each new thing on a new layer. It works like this.
Background on Layer 1, Render on Layer 2 for example. The render being on a higher layer would go over the background. Thus not being covered. I will find a tutorial for you.

Pikachu Trainer~
Ok the test is very nice and the colours match well. The one and only concern is the yellow dots. They don't look too flash, you could tone down the opacity, or simply delete them.
Great work with the erasing and such of the squares! Looks much better!

..PandA.Charade..
Ok, cool use of splatters and effects coming from behind the render. The background is simple, yet quite effective so you get props for that. The Clipping Masks look good and don' distract the audience too much from Avril, the focal. One quite big concern with the background though, the left side. That large 'cut-off' point where everything stops and it is just orange. It does draw big attention away from the focal and just looks pretty poor. From where you are standing with the straight line of stopped effects, it might be easier for you to just crop that part off the banner. Otherwise, you can do some erasing and re splatter over that area.
The render was placed pretty nicely, but there are some concerns again. Her colours have gone a bit monotone yellow/orange. I assume you used some Photofilters/Gradients over the top? Well it looks good on the background, but Avril is looking rather yellow and making her stand out less and the tag seems more monotone. You can fix this by erasing some of the gradients by brushing over the gradient layer with a black brush. The other thing the focal is missing is some nice lighting. Grab yourself a 100/200px soft brush and put the brush mode on 'Color Dodge' and its layer on 'Overlay'. Get the brush and make a single dot off the canvas, but just stretching on to the canvas. I see you already used a light source, but it was too yellow.. With the method I just told you, that should bring out the colours nicely, but you may need to turn down the opacity.

Summary:
Large blank cut off needs fixing. Typography is great, although could be moved a little closer to the focal, just a tad! Splatters look nice and match the tag very nicely. Lighting needs more light. And finally, Avril is looking very yellow, erase some of the gradients and photofilters.

Belinda January 4th, 2009 7:40 PM

Okay my first C4D ever,I like how it turned out.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/clarkkent3000/residentevil.png

Tyrantrum January 4th, 2009 7:40 PM

I like it too. :3
Something I'll never be able to do for a while. ;;

moments. January 4th, 2009 8:08 PM

BrightFer
Very very nice for a first use of a C4D in a banner. Because I am still not very experienced with C4D's myself this may not be as in depth as my other rates.

Background is cool, liking the flow created by the C4D and love how the circular ring comes over in front of the render. Nice simple depth created there! The flower brush is ok, but it does seem a little out of place or not strong enough. I am not sure if it actually benefits the banner, but it doesn't make it look worse so it is ok. The little white balls/stars look nice, but some of those on top of the C4D and maybe even intertwining around some parts, maybe her arm could look good.
The render is good and you fixed the problem of a lack of a clear flow by using the C4D so good job! I think you could have added even more depth to it by sharpening the gun barrel and then blurring her body and face just a tiny bit. You could have also added a better light source up the top just left of her head possibly using the method I mentioned in the last rate, or just with a Large White soft brush just put it on and play with settings.
The text is the only real let down on the tag. The colour is a bit hard to read on the C4D and the placement is a bit boring. Also the font itself is a bit big for that simple style. I reckon scrap the text and either leave it without any, or get like a single word with a fancyish font and put it leaning on the forearm on our left ( just before the glove down towards the elbow ). Make it a white colour as well.

Summary: Nice use of C4D as flow! Text is quite boring, make a white, fancyer font on her left forearm. Try adding some depth by blurring and sharpening, ligtening and darkening using the Burn and Dodge tool. Finally chuck a nice light source in there, possibly on Color Dodge to bring out the colours. It is a little monotone, but it still looks great!

Kalseng January 4th, 2009 8:11 PM

*paws at noxious.*

Am I allowed here, Ms. Noxious? The other kids here really need food, and I'm going to be the only one bringing home any money... Timmy needs insulin...

moments. January 4th, 2009 8:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kalseng (Post 4253727)
*paws at noxious.*

Am I allowed here, Ms. Noxious? The other kids here really need food, and I'm going to be the only one bringing home any money... Timmy needs insulin...

ms noxious? I am not sure how I am going to teach you successfully if you use another program, but I suppose I can add you and we can see how you go. If you can't understand the Photoshop jumbo, you will have to leave...

..PandA.CharadE.. January 5th, 2009 2:02 AM

Thanks noxious :3 I've never knew about that trick before about lighting. And yeah..is it okay if i don't remake it? Well, i didn't really save a psd file..

moments. January 5th, 2009 2:20 AM

You don't need to redo it but I would've recommended it as I could have rerated it and told you how you went.
Next time, keep your PSD's so you can edit or whatever.

..PandA.CharadE.. January 5th, 2009 2:32 AM

How about i make another one?

moments. January 5th, 2009 2:49 AM

I don't mind, but if you decide to not, you have still completed the assignment.
I will happily rate it again though.

Belinda January 5th, 2009 3:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noxious. (Post 4253720)
BrightFer
Very very nice for a first use of a C4D in a banner. Because I am still not very experienced with C4D's myself this may not be as in depth as my other rates.

Background is cool, liking the flow created by the C4D and love how the circular ring comes over in front of the render. Nice simple depth created there! The flower brush is ok, but it does seem a little out of place or not strong enough. I am not sure if it actually benefits the banner, but it doesn't make it look worse so it is ok. The little white balls/stars look nice, but some of those on top of the C4D and maybe even intertwining around some parts, maybe her arm could look good.
The render is good and you fixed the problem of a lack of a clear flow by using the C4D so good job! I think you could have added even more depth to it by sharpening the gun barrel and then blurring her body and face just a tiny bit. You could have also added a better light source up the top just left of her head possibly using the method I mentioned in the last rate, or just with a Large White soft brush just put it on and play with settings.
The text is the only real let down on the tag. The colour is a bit hard to read on the C4D and the placement is a bit boring. Also the font itself is a bit big for that simple style. I reckon scrap the text and either leave it without any, or get like a single word with a fancyish font and put it leaning on the forearm on our left ( just before the glove down towards the elbow ). Make it a white colour as well.

Summary: Nice use of C4D as flow! Text is quite boring, make a white, fancyer font on her left forearm. Try adding some depth by blurring and sharpening, ligtening and darkening using the Burn and Dodge tool. Finally chuck a nice light source in there, possibly on Color Dodge to bring out the colours. It is a little monotone, but it still looks great!

Okay, thanks for you constructive criticism. I knew the banner needed some white in there somewhere.

moments. January 5th, 2009 3:47 PM

No problems, remember everybody, if you want to redo a banner or even whip something up in your spare time not related to the class, PM me a copy and I will glady give you another rate and C&C.

..PandA.CharadE.. January 6th, 2009 1:40 AM

Hey noxious :3 Did what you said. Any better? Tried my best to do it without a psd.

http://i43.*.com/2v9rggo.png

moments. January 6th, 2009 3:56 AM

Ok I am not going to give you a full blown rate because I already did for this banner earlier but I will give you some updates on the changes made.
First of all, nice work without a PSD, I know you are limited in what you can do and you did fairly nice barring this in mind.
Can I ask, what method did you use for the lighting? It looks good, but it could've been a bit bigger. Looks good though!

The cropping is the problem in this one though. You didn't quite crop enough off the left to conceal the line of brushing that was the problem last time. I think you could have cropped it all the way to the line. Also on the other side probably should not have been cropped. The text is a little close to the edge and looks squished.
Just a side note, The render doesn't need to be smack bang in the middle. In fact, by placing it to the side, it allows for more flow access. Of course this focal has little flow so it doesn't really matter, but the right side would have looked better without any cropping. Maybe just a tad. 1/4 of what you did.

Tyrantrum January 6th, 2009 5:44 PM

Okay noxious., I finished it:
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii233/shinypkmnfan13/mysecondsigpikachu.png

I didn't follow the entire tutorial, because it got confusing. :<
So, I kind of went on my own~

moments. January 6th, 2009 6:58 PM

Well this is better thank your last Pichu! Although once again you went over the focal with effects and brushes. Did you place the render on its own layer? If so just drag it above that of the brushes. Also move the text layers up as they look a bit dodgy covered with brushes.
Otherwise, this is a nicely composed tag with some nice splatter brushes in there.

Tyrantrum January 6th, 2009 7:28 PM

Okay, how's this:
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii233/shinypkmnfan13/mysecondsigpikachu_2.png

I edited it slightly, making it look like Pikachu's entire face isn't covered.

moments. January 6th, 2009 7:34 PM

That is much better although you can afford to erase all the brushes over the text and the bit on his mouth.
Looking much better though, nice improvement from your Gengar one!

Tyrantrum January 6th, 2009 7:40 PM

Oh, thank you! ^^
Unfortunately, I don't know how to erase some of the brush patterns without accidentally erasing the render. :/

moments. January 6th, 2009 7:44 PM

Did you use a new layer for the render and brushes?

Tyrantrum January 6th, 2009 7:47 PM

Yea, I did. It got kind of confusing fixing it though. :x

moments. January 6th, 2009 7:48 PM

Well if they are on separate layers, simply click on the brush layer and then erase. It will only erase things on the selected layer, thus the render will not be touched.

Tyrantrum January 6th, 2009 8:02 PM

It turns out, the brush covering Pikachu's mouth is on the render layer with it.

moments. January 6th, 2009 8:45 PM

Oh well never mind then!
The Pikachu banner is a great step up from your first banner and I recommend you continue to find more tutorials to help improve your skills.

..PandA.CharadE.. January 7th, 2009 2:44 AM

Better? Sorry if i'm causing you too much trouble..

http://i43.*.com/2s8scjo.png

moments. January 7th, 2009 2:53 AM

No trouble what so ever!
That looks heaps better! Although, this isn't about the tag really, but what are the funky little lines/bits hanging off the canvas on the right side?
Either way, nice tag looks very nice!

..PandA.CharadE.. January 7th, 2009 3:18 AM

As for those..I have no idea what they're doing there XD Oh yes, and would you mind providing me with some smudging tuts? Thanks :3

Yrie January 8th, 2009 2:02 PM

Okay, I've got two versions, one with lens flare and one without

With Lens Flare
http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd341/Tr0ubl3magn3t/IdinaMenzelcopy-1.jpg

Without Lens Flare
http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd341/Tr0ubl3magn3t/IdinaMenzelcopy.jpg

I really wished I could have done better, but my normal Photoshop wasn't working so I had to resort to Photoshop Elements, oh, and the reason her face is on the side is because it cuts off there xD. I've got a psd. of it though, so I can make changes and stuff according to your suggestions.

moments. January 8th, 2009 10:44 PM

Sorry about the lateness of this, the thread didn't come up with the 'New Post' sign so I missed it for a few days. Oh well! Panda, here is a great tutorial with settings from Comic Tragedy here at PC. Just get the smudge brush, put some settings in and smudge over parts of your tag.

.Twenty Six : First off, nice simple banner! I like it. The image placed there gives the tag overall a nice feel about it. It makes it feel like she is the focal, but not entirely it as she is pushed over to the side if that made any sense. I know she was cut off and you had no other choice, but there is some depth to it so kudos for sticking to the image.
My first concern is the transition between the darker blue and the light-ish area. It looks good, but just a clear straight line down the centre is a bit off putting. You could try smudging that line a little bit, or using a gradient from blue to transparent. So it slowing blends into the light.
I like the bit of smudging of her shoulder, it helps blend her into the tag better and looks pretty cool by itself!
I am not too sure about the text, cool idea using a Clipping Mask, but it looks just a smidgeon hard to read, and it looks a bit low quality as well. You could move it down to the bottom just right of her shoulder, that could look okay...
Not sure about those blue dots either but they work I guess.
The one thing is, this banner has very little flow. I know the image doesn't give you anything to work with, but you can make it up yourself then. There is a cool light source which looks ok and then those blue dots, neither follows an order. Try and establish a flow line, diagonal bottom left to top right (/) and arrange your effects around that.
Lastly, the one without lens flare is better as the smudging of her shoulder doesn't turn an icky grey/white.

Did you save your banner as a PNG? Just as a heads up, everybody PLEASE save your work as a PNG. It results in higher quality when using online.

..PandA.CharadE.. January 9th, 2009 3:04 AM

Oh yeah, noxious? When will the 2nd assignment be up? Just wondering..And thanks a lot for that tut! :3 It's great!

moments. January 9th, 2009 3:09 AM

I think you mean the 3rd assignment, but I am waiting for the rest of the assignments, but if they aren't in soon I will post the latest one.

Tyrantrum January 9th, 2009 4:11 PM

I made something n a few minutes.
It's not totally good, but it's decent.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii233/shinypkmnfan13/mimejrsignature.png

The stock is Mime Jr. from Pikachu Trainer~'s album. ;3


EDIT: I fixed it up:

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii233/shinypkmnfan13/mimejrsignature_2.png

Yrie January 9th, 2009 5:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noxious. (Post 4263499)
Sorry about the lateness of this, the thread didn't come up with the 'New Post' sign so I missed it for a few days. Oh well! Panda, here is a great tutorial with settings from Comic Tragedy here at PC. Just get the smudge brush, put some settings in and smudge over parts of your tag.

.Twenty Six : First off, nice simple banner! I like it. The image placed there gives the tag overall a nice feel about it. It makes it feel like she is the focal, but not entirely it as she is pushed over to the side if that made any sense. I know she was cut off and you had no other choice, but there is some depth to it so kudos for sticking to the image.
My first concern is the transition between the darker blue and the light-ish area. It looks good, but just a clear straight line down the centre is a bit off putting. You could try smudging that line a little bit, or using a gradient from blue to transparent. So it slowing blends into the light.
I like the bit of smudging of her shoulder, it helps blend her into the tag better and looks pretty cool by itself!
I am not too sure about the text, cool idea using a Clipping Mask, but it looks just a smidgeon hard to read, and it looks a bit low quality as well. You could move it down to the bottom just right of her shoulder, that could look okay...
Not sure about those blue dots either but they work I guess.
The one thing is, this banner has very little flow. I know the image doesn't give you anything to work with, but you can make it up yourself then. There is a cool light source which looks ok and then those blue dots, neither follows an order. Try and establish a flow line, diagonal bottom left to top right (/) and arrange your effects around that.
Lastly, the one without lens flare is better as the smudging of her shoulder doesn't turn an icky grey/white.

Did you save your banner as a PNG? Just as a heads up, everybody PLEASE save your work as a PNG. It results in higher quality when using online.

Snapz.
I'm so used to saving it as a JPEG because I don't usually display my work online. But I'm planning to edit the PSD so I'll resave it as a PNG
Sorry about that

[EDIT]
Okay, I removed the blue dots and added this...shape thing instead, I would have used this scrolly brush I had, but I had to resort to Elements 6.0 since my normal Photoshop wasn't working right. So yeah, only default brushes there really. But is it any better?

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd341/Tr0ubl3magn3t/IdinaMenzel-1.png

Um, yeah, and I only saved the copy with the lens flare so I had to copy the one without paste it, seperate Idina from it, paste it onto a new layer, delete the one with the lens flare, then smudge it and stuff, and in the process I realized a thin line on the farthest left side of her face was present, so I kinda had to paint over it with a brush, do you think its too visible? Because I actually didn't spend a lot of time covering up the white line

..PandA.CharadE.. January 9th, 2009 9:29 PM

Would you mind rating this other banner for me noxious? Thanks :3
http://i43.*.com/i23jm9.jpg

Ezzo! January 10th, 2009 9:38 AM

Here's mine. I did some motion blur and some stuffs.
Sorry it took a while.
edit: I couldn't find any tuts, so I did it with experimenting. xD
http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff358/skyforme/Roxas-1.jpg

edit: PNG Version

http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff358/skyforme/Roxas-2.png

moments. January 10th, 2009 3:12 PM

OMG HUMONGOUS RATE
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by .Pichu-kun (Post 4265266)
Pichu-Kun, you will get a smaller rate because I am going to make a new rule which will be said at the bottom of this post.

Again you made a cool and simple banner with similar mistakes to last time. So you just need to knuckle down and really kink them out of your system. :) The edited version of it is much better as I can see the focal. The first problem is the text. I can read it, but it creates a monotonous feel when reading it. Using a lightish purple background can be difficult to fix this problem as things clash or make it monotonous. Using black could have worked, but made it a bit boring with text that size. The problem is in the technique used making this banner. Chuck a backing colour, brush some then add some text and image. The problem with this is that all the brushing is the same colour. Try finding colours that compliment each other and use different colours when brushing. Also, with the backing colour, try using black and work from there or use a gradient to enhance lighting and make some composition between colours.

Ok so you did a good job fixing up the errors I said and the scroll looking brush looks okay. Although I see the text is the same. With all blues and large black font right in the middle, it really steals the attraction from the real focal to the text. And having the focal pushed over in the corner doesn't help even though you couldn't help that. The text might look good over in the bottom right.
The next problem is depth. Not that it really needs it, but with effects and the focal way over to the side, the eyes don't settle on one place. Take your blurring and sharpening tool and sharpen up the girl and blur the rest. This will allow us to see the effects and realise they are furthur away so we look at the render (focal).

Quote:

Originally Posted by ..PandA.CharadE.. (Post 4265963)
JPEG!!! Save it as a PNG for your own sake. If enable higher quality when used online. I recommend you get into the habit of using it more often. Also, read the rule at the bottom of this post.]

Ok, once again you impress me with some vector looking tags. Lovin' the positioning of the render and the little floral parts coming out from behind her. The lighting is correct, but may be a bit harsh. It is really powerful and could go with some lowering of opacity. I like the paper texture thing in the back as it lets you leave it blank, but still looks full.
The only thing missing is some text, if you were stuck for placement, chuck some under
the arm on our right.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ピチュー (Post 4267186)
About time! No I'm kidding! But now that I have your entry to the next assignment, Assignment 3 will be up shortly.

Ok, if this was saved as a PNG this might be one of your better tags.
So I am digging the cloudy background. It suits the theme of the tag and looks pretty cool! I'd be even more impressed with the tag if you smudged it yourself. Did you?
Anyways, you have no problems with placement, as the focal, text and the clipping mask were placed in awesome locations! Nice use of the motion blur filter, it happens to be a technique I use a lot, so kudos! May I suggest playing around with the layer setting it is on? I use Lighten then play with the opacity, try out some different settings to achieve max awesomeness! ;)
The text is in a good place but something looks wrong with it... Might be the flow or lack thereof..
Anyways, probably one of your better tags!

Ok the new rule is! Banners are not to be posted in here for ratings unless they are related to your assignment. For example, the first time you post your assignment is ok, the second time you post it having fixed up parts that I commented on is ok, and I will allow a third time of fixing according to my comments if you wish.
If you have a tag or graphic that you just made, I would prefer it if you VM it to me asking for a rate so we don't clog up this thread. I don't want to mistake your assignment for some experimenting around in Photoshop.
New assignment will be up shortly!

..PandA.CharadE.. January 10th, 2009 7:39 PM

Oh, sorry. That's because i uploaded it from tinypic. Can't wait for the next assignment! :3

Tyrantrum January 10th, 2009 8:07 PM

I used the sharpen, blur, and smudge tool.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii233/shinypkmnfan13/mimejrsignature_3.png

(I hope what I did above is what you meant.)

Kalseng January 10th, 2009 11:29 PM

My post was eat'd? Regardless, here's my lil' siggeh.

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr185/Kalseng/BalthierSignature.png

...

Y'know, I don't really like it. The texture throws it off. Without it, I think it might look better. REGARDLESS, here it is.

Harsh critique would be appreciated.

Ezzo! January 13th, 2009 1:51 PM

When is assignment 3 due?

moments. January 13th, 2009 2:55 PM

Well I am not putting a due date on them as people will always be running late anyways, so as soon as possible would be good. Try not to dawdle as well, we need to keep moving.
Also I will be away for 2 days so I cannot rate while I am away but when I come back I am happy to.

..PandA.CharadE.. January 14th, 2009 6:11 AM

I'll be away till the 21st just so you guys know.

Ascaris January 14th, 2009 10:53 AM

Er... .noxious, is it too late to join this class?

Kalseng January 15th, 2009 3:33 PM

....

-Paws absently at Noxious-

I didn't get any critique...

Yrie January 15th, 2009 3:51 PM

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd341/Tr0ubl3magn3t/Autumncopy-1.png

Erm, yes, this is my take on the assignment. I don't really have any opinions on it, except for that its somewhat bright, and that I messed up the flow. But yeah, anyways.

Tyrantrum January 17th, 2009 10:08 AM

Here's something I whipped up in a few minutes.
(I know it might not be that good...)

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii233/shinypkmnfan13/signatureassignment.png

Ascaris January 18th, 2009 6:05 AM

Got bored of waiting for noxious. to reply to my PM so I did Assignment 3.

http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm480/akhil1017/Assignmentcopy.png

moments. January 18th, 2009 2:58 PM

ZOMG HUMONGOUS CATCHUP RATE
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kalseng (Post 4269384)

Ok first off little bit plain but it still looks good. The smudging of his arm on the left is pretty nice and helps blend him into the background. The background is quite boring actually but the texture saves that a little bit by not being completely white and ick.
The effect to his right, what exactly is it? It looks ok, but I can't make out what it is and what it is doing there but it does make it look a little less empty.
The text is quite ew. First of all, it should be several sizes smaller. Next it should be a dark brown color stolen from the gun on the render. Finally, it should follow the path of flow instead of staying right in the middle of it without contributing.
I don't really like the border, but if you made it a px thicker and made it white it may look cool.

Quote:

Originally Posted by .Twenty Six (Post 4282877)

Well this is a really nice concept and it actually makes a really nice Photomanipulation as opposed to a tag but nevertheless. I think the render could've been made smaller. For the style you used here, you could have made it smaller or left it the same but I would've made it smaller. The forest in the background is very nice use ofa stock to create scenery. The light source is very nice and looks like it is coming down through the trees. Kudos to you! As a general rule, try to avoid the default Photoshop brushes. It looks okay in this piece, but generally they stink so try and download some new ones if you are lost for brushes. The orange leaves near the render are great while the fading green ones to the left are pretty poor... I don't think the smudging is necessary as this is more a Photomanip than a tag so fancy effects are not really needed. The little red sparkles are nice though although there may be too many of them.


Quote:

Originally Posted by .Pichu-kun (Post 4288102)

Alrighty, firstly the render I gave you really doesn't look all to good if you can only see her head. By leaving her body in the tag or at least some of it, you can utilize the flow a lot easier and use effects a lot easier.
Again Signor Pichu-Kun, brushing over the focal is a no go! Erase some brushing over he face and maybe some on her hair, it is distracting.
The background is lacking I'm afraid. Putting a brown canvas and bushing randomly over the top really never looked good I'm afraid. Try erasing all the brushing and toying around with some smudging and C4D's if you are feeling brave.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ascaris (Post 4290543)

Ok very good positioning of the render but pretty meh attempt at adding oomph via special effetcs. Can I tell you can brushing randomly over the entire banner using default brush presets never worked... If you erase all the brushing and try some smudging of copies of the render, it would look nicer.
I see you are the only one who played around using brightness and contrast so props, but you went a tad overboard. Make her a little less bright. :x


Ok everybody good work on your assignments, I am adding a new rule... Yes another one..
When you post your completed assignment or even a remake/ revamp after my rating, please, PLEASE post which assignment you are posting. If it is an update, put like "Assignment #3 Update 2" or something...
When the assignments get indistuinguishable between each other, I don't want to have to go asking and sorting through stuff to find which one you completed.

Ezzo! January 18th, 2009 4:28 PM

I'll be done with my assignment soon. xD
I hate the render though, I experimented a lot, and all my outcomes fail. Haha, I'll have it done though. Sorry for the wait. :X

moments. January 18th, 2009 4:38 PM

No problems, we are still waiting on a few more people so you are not the last person or anything..

Decypher January 18th, 2009 11:25 PM

Ok, I found a tutorial on clipping masks after all.

So, heres assignment number 2:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/Craig_WM/assignment2sigcopy.png

Its not my best sig, but it is using a technique I've never used before.

Hopefully I didn't do too badly. xD

Pikachu Trainer~ January 19th, 2009 9:16 AM

Heres my try at Assignment #3, I used Aizuke's most recent tutorial to create it.
http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww116/pttsr/Assignment3.png

moments. January 19th, 2009 4:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Decypher (Post 4292999)
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/Craig_WM/assignment2sigcopy.png
Pretty cool tag although it is very sort of repetitive. When I said to use a style you have never used, I meant just to include an example of it in your tag but what you did is good.
The text is nice and the placement of the render is also good, while the effects are very obvious. I don't really like how you stretched out her head but not the rest of her body so it seems unbalanced.
Then the little black section to the right is very bland considering it is very close to the focal. Try adding some smudges in there to fill the gap while not drawing attention away from the focal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikachu Trainer~ (Post 4293899)

Ok very nice tag. Very nice! First of all, the border is not too good. Replace it with a simple 1px white border or even 2 px if it looks good. The grey line is a bit distracting as the tag ends, but then it pushes the edges out furthur if that makes sense...
The maing concern in thi stag are the colours. They seem flushed and a bit cloudy especially over the render, and the background is looking very dark and not very sharp. I think what it needs is a bit more contrast. An easy way to do this which looks good is to 'Apply Image' then go to Filter >> Other >> High Pass. Put it on 10px and the tag should go all icky and grey. Then put that layer on layer setting 'Soft Light' and it should make some nice contrast.

Decypher January 19th, 2009 4:50 PM

Hmmm, ok, I purposely added the black section to the right, but you're the teacher so, I'll make the changes now.

moments. January 19th, 2009 4:52 PM

It doesn't need a lot, just a bit of smudging as it goes from Focal to pitch black with little of anything. SO after the eyes see the focal they see emptiness right near it.

Tyrantrum January 19th, 2009 4:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noxious. (Post 4291941)
Alrighty, firstly the render I gave you really doesn't look all to good if you can only see her head. By leaving her body in the tag or at least some of it, you can utilize the flow a lot easier and use effects a lot easier.
Again Signor Pichu-Kun, brushing over the focal is a no go! Erase some brushing over he face and maybe some on her hair, it is distracting.
The background is lacking I'm afraid. Putting a brown canvas and bushing randomly over the top really never looked good I'm afraid. Try erasing all the brushing and toying around with some smudging and C4D's if you are feeling brave.

Well, I don't know what C4D's are. :|
I know it isn't as good as everyone else's.
Plus, it didn't take long.

Maybe another tutorial would help. :3

moments. January 19th, 2009 5:01 PM

What would you like a tutorial on Pichu-Kun?
Actually there is a good one in the Tutorials Thread here by Aizuke which should be on the last page or the one before. It is the tutorial Pikachu Trainer~ used so if you like that banner you could try one for yourself.

Tyrantrum January 19th, 2009 5:05 PM

That is a nice tutorial, and the outcome is great, but I would like to learn about C4D's.

moments. January 19th, 2009 5:08 PM

C4D's can be tricky to use but have very nice outcomes if done correctly.
I know Evilcheese made a tutorial, lemme go find it!

Here it is. Use it wisely.. :)

Decypher January 19th, 2009 5:13 PM

Ok, are either of these better?

If theres to much of a change let me know.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/Craig_WM/assignment2sig-2copy-1.png

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/Craig_WM/assignment2sig-22copy.png

moments. January 19th, 2009 5:18 PM

Much better Decypher! I like the one where the splatters are all blue instead of black. Now it doesn't look all too blank and has some flow now.
I think another thing you could do would be to add some depth, simply sharpen the focal points and blur the rest. Don't blur or sharpen too much, just a bit.

Decypher January 19th, 2009 11:21 PM

Ok, heres assignment number 3:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/Craig_WM/assignment3copy.png

(Best viewed not on a white background)

How'd I go?

Renyui! January 19th, 2009 11:31 PM

Oh noxious, just butting in, that style that PT used in the Aizuke tut is meant to have borders like that.
*flees*

moments. January 20th, 2009 12:58 AM

ROFL Vivaa, Get out of my classroom! I think it would look better with a different border, no offense to Aizuke's tutorial or anything but I don't like it on that tag.

Pikachu Trainer~ January 20th, 2009 8:33 AM

XD Vivaa, =D. Yeah I understand what you mean Noxious. Thankyou for the feedback.

-PT

moments. January 20th, 2009 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Decypher (Post 4296305)

Ok first of all, I really like the simplicity of this tag.
The first thing I have to say is that there are several things that could be fixed, but it still looks good even if you don't. This tag is very simple and that is what makes it so good, so changing it might disrupt that style but I will try to keep to 'simplicity'.
First of all, nice smudging of use of cloud textures at the bottom. It draws the eyes up the meet the focal which is good. The vector circles are great as they cover the render, but not very much so it doesn't steal attention. Although I think that you could make some of the circles behind her and some in front so it looks like there is depth. Good old depth. :x
I think that the colours in this tag are very flushed especially the render. Try using some gradient maps on different settings maybe just to perk up some more contrast, only the smallest amount!
Lastly, I really don't like the border, sorry... I think the side lines might look better in a lighter colour, so it doesn't contrast so much from such a light tag.
Nice work!

Decypher January 20th, 2009 2:10 PM

Ok, is this any better?

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/Craig_WM/assignment3-3copy.png

moments. January 20th, 2009 2:40 PM

Decypher
The tag is a lot better with the adding of basic depth, but there is another thing I picked up.
A minor nitpick, but if you fix it, it could look a lot better. Around the render there is the black out line. You can delete this by selecting the layer with the render on it and going 'Layer >> Matting >> Remove black matte OR defringe (1/2px)' This will remove the back around the render.
On a dark tag it doesn't need it, but when it is all white, it will look a lot better without it...
I don't know if that border is any better, maybe just make it a bit thinner.

Decypher January 20th, 2009 2:49 PM

"Layer >> Matting >> Remove black matte OR defringe"

Neither of those things work, both of them ruin the render. I'll edit the border though.

..PandA.CharadE.. January 21st, 2009 7:58 PM

Hello noxious. We'll i'm back now, my assignment might be up on Saturday or Sunday due to school stuff etc.. Thanks ^^

moments. January 21st, 2009 9:02 PM

No problems guys!
Just need a few more in but I most post up Assignment #4 for the people who have finished.
Feel free to VM me any graphics you want rated.

Tyrantrum January 21st, 2009 9:05 PM

I should get mine soon.

If it's alright, I could possibly do it this weekend where I have more time?
Thanks in advance~

moments. January 21st, 2009 9:16 PM

Sure whenever you get it done that is fine, but I will post the next assignment then so the other members don't need to wait.
Just gotta think of an idea for one first... 8D

Decypher January 24th, 2009 2:03 PM

No rush, but I was wondering how the next assignment was coming along.

moments. January 26th, 2009 6:36 PM

Assignment #4 is up.
Please try it without a tutorial, and if you really need one I can post a few here.

Decypher January 26th, 2009 8:32 PM

Ok, heres assignment number 4. This is the first time I used a C4D as the main image, so it was something new. I didn't use a tutorial, as much as I wanted to xD. So, hopefully I didn't do too badly.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/Craig_WM/assignment4sigcopy.png

Don't ask about the text, it was just the first thing that came to mind when I looked at the sig. xD

..PandA.CharadE.. January 28th, 2009 1:50 AM

Noxious, i'm afraid have to drop out of graphics school. It's because of school work, etc... Well, thanks ^^.

moments. January 28th, 2009 3:50 AM

Awwh no problems Panda! You have been a great student and I was happy to teach you!
If you ever want back in and this thing is still alive feel free. Or just PM me graphics at anytime for rates!

Tyrantrum January 28th, 2009 7:58 AM

Again, SO sorry it's coming late! ;_;
I tried to do it, but PS crapped up.
I SWEAR I'll do it this weekend. ;D

Belinda January 28th, 2009 8:51 AM

Sorry about the assignments I've been busy.

Yrie January 28th, 2009 10:04 AM

Okay. I apologize if this took too long, but here's my completed assignment (#4)
Lol, FAILURE

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd341/Tr0ubl3magn3t/Corrotioncopy.png

blaster911 January 28th, 2009 12:36 PM

hey can I join I need to learn from somebody
just pm me the assignments and ill get started asap

Decypher January 28th, 2009 1:42 PM

http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=165040

I suggest you visit that thread first.

moments. January 28th, 2009 2:15 PM

Yeah Blaster you need to sign up in the official Graphics School thread as Decypher posted.
Read through it and sign up using the correct form..

No worries about late assignments guys, but if you are going to be late, I am not going to wait for 1 or 2 students. We have half the class finished and ready and I will keep posting assignments.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Decypher (Post 4313441)

Ok this is an amazing tag. First of all, love the simplicty, love the depth and I love the tag. :) Good use of a C4D or multiple, I can't really tell, but by blurring parts and sharpening others, that is really what I was looking for you guys to achieve in this assignment. The text it great although in my opinion just a tad too large. When I focus on the C4D, the text pulls me away from it. You could make it smaller or somehow put it closer to the focal, but it isn't too bad how it is...
The main focus was depth, and you were amazing at it. Good work!

Quote:

Originally Posted by .Twenty Six (Post 4316578)

Ok it was a good attempt, but there is a key feature missing that will alter you entire tag. That is depth. Simply sharpen the parts you want to be the closest to us and blur getting progressively more blurry as they go furthur back. Right now it does look like a C4D pasted on a black background... :x That also applies for the text. From it looks like, you tried to make it appear to be disappearing back into that spiral yes? Well it needs some blurring as it gets furthur away. Also I don't know if I am reading it wrong, but corrosion is spelt with an 's', not a 't'. :)
So take it, blur and sharpen it, maybe use the 'Burn' tool to darken parts that you blur and post it again.

Ezzo! January 28th, 2009 3:08 PM

Assignment 3:.
http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff358/skyforme/catgirlthing.png
Haha, yeah, um, it was a quickie.
I'll start working on the next assignment. =)

Decypher January 28th, 2009 3:12 PM

Thanks for the feedback, maybe its a good thing I did it without a tutorial after all. xD

Is this better?

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff67/Craig_WM/assignment4sig-2copy.png

Yrie January 28th, 2009 3:37 PM

Yeah, I tried blurring and sharpening parts of it. Not noticeable enough then? Here's another go at it, with a bit more of an effort at depth, though the burn tool just made things redder. And thanks for catching the spelling mistake, spelling is not one of my strong points (though I'm pretty obsessive about it and tend to check every single word I don't know on some online dictionary.)


http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd341/Tr0ubl3magn3t/Corrotioncopy-1.png

Kayouri January 30th, 2009 5:24 AM

Here's my first assignment noxious:

http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww281/Kayouri/Signatures/1.png

I'll be having to drop out for 2 days- 1 week due to school work. Sorry.

moments. January 31st, 2009 4:54 PM

Ok no worries!
Sorry for the lack of rates guys, school is kicking back up and musical stuff and blargh! I will try and have them done soon!


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