Composite and Digital Art crash course

[Red Memories]

THAT IS IT I AM RIOTING

I HAVE HEARD TOO MANY PEOPLE TELL ME THEY CANNOT DO EXACTLY WHAT I AM DOING AND IT ISN'T TRUE.

What I mean is, my paper drawing is SHIT. I gave up on visual arts before discovering digital art. Digital art is fantastic. Wanna draw a chicken? Get a picture of a chicken and layer trace over it. XD It is not impossible. Digital art can vary from collages, original creations, to composites created from your own images. The possibilities are ENDLESSSS.

I started doing this because...ironically, SOMEONE ELSE decided to show ME how to do it. I would've never gotten where I am now without her kindness in making tutorial after tutorial.

And you don't need expensive programs!
GIMP - GNU Image Manipulation Program

Introducing GIMP! I use Gimp for all my signature and composite graphics! Even though I have photoshop! You can also do digital art with Gimp! You can export them as usable files with Gimp! I think the only difference in photoshop and gimp is when you want to get into text. PS has more text options. Gimp however is easier to create...GIF GRAPHICS!!!! I know yall wanna put a gif snack dab in the middle of yo shit.

In case you didn't have any idea...I would be the instructor.

I will create projects for you. There will be no time limit, you can do this "crash course" at your own pace any time you feel like it. If you need HELP you can post here or PM me. I will be here to assist any way I can.

Now all I want is students. Who wants to see what a psycho teacher I am?

Sign up...any time you feel like it. XD

 

[Julius_Van_Der_Beak]

Dude, my mom was a graphic artist so we had a copy of photoshop on our computer and I loved playing with it growing up. I know GIMP is a free alternative. I'd love an excuse to get back into it and do it again.

 

[Red Memories]

Dude, my mom was a graphic artist so we had a copy of photoshop on our computer and I loved playing with it growing up. I know GIMP is a free alternative. I'd love an excuse to get back into it and do it again.

Awesome! Feel free to join in!

 

[Norrsken]

This looks interesting! I know there are loads of free alternatives to Photoshop, but this is the first time hearing about GIMP, I think.
Thanks! I'll definitely let you know if I need a little project done since I find you creatively inclined. ;p

Edit: Oop, I just re-read this, yeah, I'll sign up later on today, thanks again!

 

[Red Memories]

I wanna structure this properly so...

PART 1: Introduction

I will introduce you to various programs that may fit your desires. I will teach you how to find and utilize resources. This will be especially important for creating composites. I will also discuss some legality notes because if you, say, decide to use these professionally or sell them, you have to understand some copyright rules. Nothing too drastic. Pretty simple part.

PART 2: USING A GRAPHIC PROGRAM

I will do a little tutorial on using a graphic program. I ammmm hoping I can possibly do a video for this. I gotta set aside a good morning to do it but I would love this to be kind of "live" and I'll also do a write up for it. A lot of graphic programs have similar tools but if you are using a program and struggle with a variation do ask me. I'll find you the answer if needed.

PART 3: COMPOSITES AND COLLAGES

I started off doing composites and collages when I did graphics. Do not fear these projects. For a pointer you'll get a free look at my first ever graphic. 100% terrible. Might be shocking to see how that even came to exist. Everything is PRACTICE. As long as you do your best, you're doing great!

PART 4: Digital Art

I will show you actual art drawings. For this I'll likely be using photoshop rather than GIMP. I will try to utilize both to show you tools. I will also vary about the cursor stuff. I will do some WITH cursor but I have a wacom artpad now which makes my life a lot easier. It is $400 at Bestbuy. Worth every investment and it comes with the pen. I will show you how to make line art, or, if you suck at drawing like me, how to use images as lineart instead.

 

[Julius_Van_Der_Beak]

Awesome! Feel free to join in!

How do I sign up?

 

[Red Memories]

SOME BONUSES IF YOU GUYS ARE INTERESTED:
These are things that aren't necessary but I can show you how to do.

GIFS:
I only know how to implement GIFs in GIMP. I only know how to use this for Composites. Basically, you find a gif graphic online and I will show you how to make the graphic have a working GIF. I HAVE made text into a gif on gimp graphics and etc. This is a very timely process if you want to make your own gif. If you are interested you can ask. But know you'll probably be spending a day or so making that thing depending on how slow you want that fade in. A gif graphic can have over 200 frames to properly work. There's your perspective.

TEXTURES:
Textures you will learn can be used to help create color effects or imaging on a graphic. If you would like to learn how to make your own, I can show you.

ICONS/LOGOS:
Are you looking to play with this more...professionally? Like make logos, icons, and the sort? I can give you a crash course in creating this png graphics. Another sidenote is illustrator is great for this because it makes it a vector graphic, but isn't necessary.

- - - Updated - - -

How do I sign up?

1. Julius

boom you're signed up

 

[Red Memories]

This looks interesting! I know there are loads of free alternatives to Photoshop, but this is the first time hearing about GIMP, I think.
Thanks! I'll definitely let you know if I need a little project done since I find you creatively inclined. ;p

Edit: Oop, I just re-read this, yeah, I'll sign up later on today, thanks again!

You're welcome!

 

[Norrsken]

boom you're signed up

Oh, just like that, lmao, okay, I'll sign up now.

 

[Red Memories]

Obviously, some disclaimer notes:

I am...not a graphic design PHD. I am mostly self educated. I started using these programs at like 17 and just kept on doing stuff. I have had classes in digital design and graphic design. So I DO have education in this but I am in no way 100% a PHD certified instructor. If I was I'd probably...idk XD

If you struggle with my teaching style I am sorry. Please come to me and I will try to work with you in a way you can understand.

Do not feel ashamed if you are a bit behind compared to others. I was once terrible.

Do not feel ashamed if someone tells you they don't like your style. Here's a story for you. I had been making composites for YEARS at this point, and this very popular design maker came backt o the forum I learned to do this with and decided to make her own classes like this. I have a very different style and she didn't like me and ripped everything I did apart and made me redo it over and over. I felt humiliated and what was worse, the one who taught me liked this girl's style enough she started doing quite similar to me and I...quit doing design for a long time because I was really...hurt and felt like I wasn't good enough.

Second point, do not fear me doing this to you. I will show you things but the beauty of art is the subjectivity and personal aspect of you within it. Anything I critique will solely be centered around skills to learn and technique, not your actual art style. I remember the pain of my art style being ripped up and not knowing how to handle it. I would never ever put anyone else through that intentionally.

DO NOT GIVE UP! If a project is very difficult please do not fear asking me for help. If you're working on something of your own and feel lost don't be afraid to ask me. I love helping. I'm a fucking 2.

 

[Mind Maverick]

Ahhh good ol' GIMP...yeah, I started out with that when I was like 15. I hate it now, too used to Photoshop. Photoshop has far more capability than GIMP, btw, but if you're only using it for simple basics...sure, not much difference.

 

[SurrealisticSlumbers]

Any updates? Is this still happening?

 

[Firebird 8118]

Oh, didn’t know this was a thing yet count me in.

 

[Jaq]

I would also recommend CSP as an alternative to Adobe, CSP is a one time payment and not a subscription, especially if you can catch it on sale. One purchase and it's yours.

 

[Red Memories]

Any updates? Is this still happening?

Yes, if you want to be part of it.

- - - Updated - - -

Oh, didn’t know this was a thing yet count me in.

Yay!

 

[Red Memories]

Ahhh good ol' GIMP...yeah, I started out with that when I was like 15. I hate it now, too used to Photoshop. Photoshop has far more capability than GIMP, btw, but if you're only using it for simple basics...sure, not much difference.

I realize in the long haul photoshop has a lot of tools and generally makes it "easier" to achieve what you're looking for in a shorter time, but I still think Gimp is a great alternative program for learning, espeically if you cannot afford photoshop.

Although for anyone interested, adobe has a small plan that gives you lightroom and photoshop for a small monthly fee, if you want to look into it! There's just certain things I feel like works better on Gimp than photoshop.

Every designer has their own taste too, which is awesome as well. Some people prefer using other programs like Corel Draw or as Everin mentioned, CSP, and things like that. Absolutely feel free to bring up any suggestions.

Just again keep in mind, I am pretty well self-taught outside a few college classes, and my main source of knowledge WAS Gimp, so I think there's some things I just find easier in GIMP on a comfort level.

 

[Red Memories]

[MENTION=4660]Julius_Van_Der_Beak[/MENTION]
[MENTION=26674]Norrsken[/MENTION]

you two still with me as well?

 

[Julius_Van_Der_Beak]

[MENTION=4660]Julius_Van_Der_Beak[/MENTION]
[MENTION=26674]Norrsken[/MENTION]

you two still with me as well?

yes

 

[Norrsken]

[MENTION=4660]Julius_Van_Der_Beak[/MENTION]
[MENTION=26674]Norrsken[/MENTION]

you two still with me as well?

yes missus

 

[Red Memories]

[MENTION=4660]Julius_Van_Der_Beak[/MENTION]
[MENTION=26674]Norrsken[/MENTION]

I am tagging you since you are...basically my two 100% confirmed students. Hello!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the Crash Course in Digital Art.​

You will need:
Your brain.
A computer
An internet connection very likely.
A graphic program.
An open mind.

RULES:
You are bound by the forum rules. I am not endorsing a course.
You do not pay me. I'm not an official instructor although I'm making an unofficial thing.
Please do not use your graphics to be obscene or promote some sort of insurrection. If you want that you shuffle over to par-oh wait.
Art is very subjective. I will not be giving some "grade" to your work. I will guide you with your work.
If you feel lost, you may tag me here, quote the assignment, or otherwise, send me a PM.
Anyone who is not signed up is welcome to participate.

GENERAL:
There are an array of graphic programs you can use. If you go to adobe.com, there is a $10 per month plan which gives you Photoshop, lightroom, and 20 GB of storage on the cloud server. If you do not want to dish out cash, Gimp is a great free alternative.
GIMP - GNU Image Manipulation Program if you want to download gimp
Compare plans | Adobe Photoshop creative cloud plan if you desire it

There are also an array of other graphic programs. Warning: I may be less helpful with these because I have NOT used them. But I will offer this link for your muse.
The best free graphic design software | Creative Bloq

NOTE FOR COMMERCIAL:
What we are doing now is just for fun. If you intend to go business with any of these works, you will need to be far more cautious about your composite selections. The best way to go is to make or take your own, but if you are going to use elements of something you scraped for online, you will want to ensure it is eligible for common use. Anything copywritten and used commercially will bite you in the form of some lawsuit.
DIGITAL DESIGN 1 - YouTube

In the video above I go over some basic things to get you started. See you soon for part 2!