Before We Start

There are a few things that I have to say before I try to teach anyone to make graphics. Or any kind of art, infact.
If you make something and think "Ugh. This is complete and utter shit. I might aswell go stick my head up an emu's ass I'm so useless" then you're going to get nowhere. Hear me? Nowhere. Fantastic. My point is, if you don't appreciate you work, then you can't improve. You have to be able to look at what you've made and say constructively what's wrong. I'll show you an example.
There are MANY things wrong with this graphic, some of the issues are more important than others. First, it's not nice to look at. You would not like to see this image on your DeviantArt page or whatever. Second, it's very very angular. I cannot stress how sharp edges affect your work. If you have smooth, rounded edges with no blurring or pixellation, your image will look far more lifelike and far more professional. Next, the perspective is completely wrong. A shoe is not one dimensional. Sure, there are some horrific shadows, but they aren't accurate and tehre doesn't appear to be a specific light source. Also, if you study the shape of a shoe, it does not look like that. Take a peek:Now, if you compare the two pictures, you can see I've mucked up on perspective. You can't see much of the insole when the shoe is at a side view, so technically my picture should be shaded differently. MUCH differently.

And my final, most important point of the lesson. I will KILL anyone who complains about crap graphics and continues to do this: Never. Ever. Ever. EVER. NEVER even THINK about using Dodge, Burn or Sponge tools on my watch. I will KILL. These tools are horrible, they make the colours of your image look unnatural, they can't get an accurate shadow, they look very airbrushed and you can't achieve a precise shading. The most important part of graphics is accurate, controlled shading. Dodging and Burning your work will not give you any of those results. I swear. If you want to use them beceause they work for you, then that's fine, but I will ban you from ever asking me for help :D

Anyways, I hope I didn't bore you, and I hope you guys are taking notes ;)

First lesson will be out soonish. I'll start with shading, because that's the basics. I'll progress from basic to more advanced tutorials, and there'll be a poll or box where you can request tutorials for different techniques :)

Over and out

- Hunni x x x