The Atomic Think Tank

by **Shinobi** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 2:56 pm

DMAC wrote:I made this a few years ago when explaining Photoshop dos and don'ts to someone:

(Adult language warning)
http://darrencalvert.com/lensflare2.jpg

And what wise council it is... lol. Totally agree mate, the only time I use it these days is doing "space" objects... but even then I'm not that happy with it - cheers on the call.

by **ReeboKesh** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 5:16 pm

Well I sort of disagree DMAC.
I used a subtle lens flare on my Sister Steel pic and I think it works.
Depends on the background I guess. Though your right, it's probably good idea to steer away from Lens flares and dark backgrounds.

by **DMAC** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 9:26 pm

ReeboKesh wrote:Well I sort of disagree DMAC.
I used a subtle lens flare on my Sister Steel pic and I think it works.
Depends on the background I guess. Though your right, it's probably good idea to steer away from Lens flares and dark backgrounds.

Yes, it is possible to use a lensflare tastefully, but it tends to be the exception. There's a general trend among Photoshop users to overuse filters, textures and other "special effects" when they first start experimenting with the program. The more you do, the less you use the "pre-fab" stuff and start creating textures and effects yourself.

by **Shinobi** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:27 pm

Now play nicely boys. As I was saying, this was back in my "Hey, I've got Photoshop I'm going to play with the filters stage", and have to say that whilst the lens flare bites on this one, I like the lens flare in my Blue Elephant pic (as it's in the BG and not so dominant in the art)...

With my more "mature" Photoshop stuff, I rarely use that effect. So, thankyou once again DMAC, I concur with you and also think it can work on the exception, not the rule with Reebo.

If the lens flare is the only criticism of the work (other than my criticisms) then that's okay with me.

by **Demongg** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 11:58 pm

Shinobi wrote:With my more "mature" Photoshop stuff, I rarely use that effect. So, thankyou once again DMAC, I concur with you and also think it can work on the exception, not the rule with Reebo.

If the lens flare is the only criticism of the work (other than my criticisms) then that's okay with me.

[NOTE - I'm not meaning to call you out DMAC, I'm just noting my opinion]

I think it's funny that folks tend to scoff at what are thought of as "cheats" for people that aren't "real artists"... I don't think the lens flare is a bad tool, nor should it (or it's bretheren) be condemned - because if they're used well they can be a perfectly viable tool.

Then again I dislike when people look down on others for things they haven't learned to do yet. Alot of folks use the lens flare and other effects early then LEARN how to create "better" effects with use.

So (in summery) I don't tend to even notice use of effects and photoshop, If just notice good or bad work... And if I can help with technical solutions I'll try to offer them.
Mostly because I want to "feel comfortable" asking others how to do "xx" if I haven't tried it yet.

For example - I'm very very new to comic book style coloring for all my time as a designer, I'd just never colored illustrations. That's why I particularly LOVE things like DMAC's tutorial notes (or director's commentary) on how he made his Canadian hero.

Another thought... you know what I'd like to hear from artists in this forum - what's your experience? Have you been published? Is the artwork a hobby or serious occupation type thing?

good lookin stuff - I hope to see more!

by **Shinobi** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 7:48 pm

Thanks for the input Demongg. I also appreciate input from the more experienced artists on the boards. I take DMACs "comments" as constructive criticism.

I haven't had anything published but I have had a little experience working in a film design studio, working on creature design for films. I've also done some work sculpting creatures at the same location. (I can't comment on most of it because of secrecy clauses - yes, I'm serious).

I do run a comic creations course at school, teaching the basics of paneling, layout and drawing.

How about you Demongg? How about any other Drawing Board contributers?

by **Super Nova** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 12:10 am

Shinobi wrote:How about any other Drawing Board contributers?

Yo Shinobi for Steve and I it's a serious hobby and a childhood dream to make comic books. I have a family and would love for some thing to happen to be able to work for a big company so I could do this for a living. I know realistically it's a dream but anything can happen. Right?

We have two friends who are going to try to helping us get picked up by Image, Top Cow, Widlstorm, DC or Marvel. One works for Image right now and we worked with him before anyone knew who he was. The other worked for Malibu and did work on Gravestone, Protectors & Ferret. He also illustrated the final issue of the Malibu Universe.

by **Smurf209** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 8:54 am

Shinobi wrote:Coming soon from Cricket Studios *COUGH!* the new Cricket Bookend not at all certified as a WETA collectible.

This is a little project I was working on earlier this year, he has developed a lot further (okay maybe a little, coat tails and leg muscles). A hero has to be on hand when DMAC's Robot Army takes over...

AWWW!

I want one of my character!!!

by **Shinobi** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 4:07 am

Smurf209 wrote:AWWW!

I want one of my character!!!

Well, get some plasticene and get started :wink:

It's a lot of fun... but it takes a while when you work a full time job and have two little rugrats.

by **Shinobi** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 11:38 pm

Semi-finished raptor KO.

by **Shinobi** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 5:42 am

Super Nova wrote:I have a family and would love for some thing to happen to be able to work for a big company so I could do this for a living. I know realistically it's a dream but anything can happen. Right?

I'm with you there Nova. My mate Reebo (yes we're Aussies), and I have been drawing since we were kids. I've always wanted to get into concept design for films and he has always wanted to do comic work.
I have a family now and I haven't lost sight of those dreams, so keep working at it - T.S. Eliot was a wise man... sometimes anyway :wink:

!

by **Shinobi** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 4:16 am

Sorry, can't help making Cricket pics - the interesting thing about this one it was sketched in pencil, scanned into my PC and inked on Photoshop... without a tablet - tedious stuff but filled some insomniac time.

by **mancerbear** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 5:16 pm

Nice work Shinobi. I've never tried inking in Photoshop, so snaps to you for giving it a go.

I'm a published artist. Been in the illustration field for over 15 years now, but only recently have had my stuff published in gaming materials. It's not a full time job for me YET. I work part time to fill in the gaps.

Hearing from more experienced artists has always proved to be a boon for me, as a I learn easily from others. I've never taken any professional classes, though I did have mentor for about a year when I was about 28. To be honest, I learnt more during that year than I had in the 28 years previously.

As time goes by, I get closer to fulfilling my dream of being a full time illustrator. I don't mind throwing in a bit of game designing and adventure writing into the mix

Cheers,

by **Shinobi** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 2:52 am

Thanks Mancer - here's something else I'm working on for the Crime files. I call this Spaz Attack! I'll be adding "light rays" blasting from Kid Light's hands when I colour it.

Now I can focus on colouring this, finishing my Sister Steel and a pic for White Howler that sounded like a very cool concept to draw...

by **ReeboKesh** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 3:41 am

That's cool mate. Dammit makes me wish I could post the dozen pics I've done for Justice Avenger of Amazing Labs! Eight of them appear in the Roll Call 06 supplement (see link - shameless plug ;-)

http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php? ... SourceCode

I will be posting one of them tomorrow.
Later
Reebo

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