more character sketches (AtS)

[astridv]

Gunn. Charles Gunn.


I wanted to color the one face with Photoshop to practice. I have to acquaint myself with PS eventually (even though I don't plan to switch to computer coloring anytime... ever). Anyway, I got unnerved after a few minutes because I'm still stuck at stage one (What's a layer?), so I got my markers and did it the old-fashioned way.

No way in hell is computer coloring faster than marker or watercolor. Maybe with routine it can be equally time-consuming, but I really can't imagine how this saves time. Still, I want to learn this technique to have an additional tool at my command.

I already printed miggy's comic coloring tutorial, but in order to work with that, I first have to get past the "what's a layer" stage. Stupid computer programs that come without handbooks. I'll buy "Photoshop for Dummies" or something like that.

Comments

[astridv.livejournal.com]

Listen--are you on a Mac at all? I still have the CDs and am not using them at all. :-] Ditto my Wacom tablet. Fun to play with, but ultimately wasted on me. (It's a somewhat older one, too.)

Alas, I'm in Bill Gates' clutches. Most graphic artists prefer Mac, but I'm used to Windows by now and didn't feel like making the switch. I got a Wacom tablet, too. It's new and quite nifty, but I have to remind myself to use it since I'm still a lot faster with my mouse and hot keys.

You are absolutely awesome. I think the coloring came out beautifully.

Oh, thanks! I'm happy you like it. Copic markers are good for colouring little details like in this one. For larger areas I prefer watercolours because you can get much more diverse effects.

Angel's going to be next. What can I say, I'm very inspired all of a sudden. :o)

The possibilities are endless! It's a great way to break down a picture into components that you can work on independently without messing other components up in the process. Like if you're not happy with the cow, you erase it from the layer, but you don't have to redraw the whole chunk o' grass it took up in the picture. I guess the thing I always think of is cel-based animation. Does that help?

Yeah, this is what I assumed it does. It does sound useful... just have to figure out how to work with them. Randomly clicking on menu points didn't get me far. A good beginner's book should do the trick.

[yhlee.livejournal.com]

Hey, whatever OS works for you. I admit I originally switched to the Mac because Win95 was dreadfully unstable (at least in the Korean version). Then I got used to the interface, then they sprung this OS X thing on us, then I got used to that and liked the stability and also got Final Cut for vidding. *grin*

Yay Angel! *can't wait*

Have fun figuring out Photoshop layers! I remember getting a book on Corel Painter through interlibrary loan at college so I could figure out baaaaaare basics. I've never used Photoshop but it looks a lot scarier. Maybe it's familiarity factor. ^_^