Sidenote: This is the first of a series of threads designed to help newer members or newer graphic artists get acquainted with the creative aspect of working in GIMP or Photoshop. Experienced GFX artists are encouraged to provide input in this thread if he/she feels that something needs adding or amending.
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SoTW or Competition themes probably usually strike people as being a difficult problem to solve and subsequently design a graphic for. Mildly vague or very broad themes like "Light" or "Emotions" probably wreak havoc on creativity as the options are probably endless in how you can interpret them. That being said, there are always different ways to look at these themes (or, for that matter, any signature you decide on undertaking):
After identifying the theme:
1.) Think up of a concept.
Draw from real life or from other sources that you identify with the theme. For example, "Light". What reminds of you light? What's the first thing that pops up when you hear the word "Light"? Can you think of other ways that the word "Light" can be used in? Do you see the "Light" doing anything in particular to a subject? Perhaps you can imagine the light revealing a small fraction of a dark tag or light engulfing a person to create an ethereal, otherworldly feeling. It's useful to ask these types of questions as it will get your creative juices flowing and will generate enough excitement for you to get into your creative groove.
Obviously this all depends on your style.
2.) Determine a subject.
Once you get your concept down, it's up to you to find a suitable image that will accomplish your needs. Always strive to find images that will fulfill your concept, and not the other way around. This might not apply in every situation, but I've learned in design classes that it's definitely the most efficient way to go. Square pegs never fit comfortably in round holes.
3.) Determine a mood.
Just like any work of art, a good and appropriate mood is essential for a signature that needs that extra "oomph!" power to get it over the top. This goes hand in hand with your concept. Do you want a gloomy sig? A fiery, excitable one? How about a cheerful one?
Always think about images that you personally would tie in to a particular mood. A misty morning with weeping willows would probably remind you of a gloomy mood. Fire and frenzied zig-zag lines would probably convey excitement. Sunshine and fields of grass might suggest happiness.
Colors are important as well. Cool colors might suggest tranquility or sadness or mystery. Warm colors might suggest joy or passion or love. Neutral colors might exude properties of both cool and warm colors. Again, it's a thinking assignment to figure this out.
Your chosen subject is essential to creating this mood. Obviously a happy person in a tag that's meant to be sad would seem out of place. But subtle elements like the quick, excitable flow of a person's figure in a conceptually calm signature might come off as out of place as well.
4.) Effects and Your Concept.
Keep it simple. At first. Don't try to do everything at once and attempt to make everything flashy for the sake of being flashy. Sometimes simplicity works best. The greatest advice that anyone could give you is to observe accomplished or experienced GFX-ers and see how each of them handles their effects. It's a guarantee that all manners of effects (complicated to simple) exist given the great differences between various artists.
That being said, complication is absolutely not a taboo. Complicated graphics come about from vivid imagination, great technical ability, understanding of the graphics program (Photoshop, GIMP, etc.), and motivation to get them done. Eventually, anyone can get there with enough experience and know-how. It's just usually a better idea to start off small rather than trying to bite off something you can't chew.
Tutorials are a must. Even if you just skim them or peruse them for effects that you feel like applying, the idea that you're making a conscious effort to learn and better your skills will eventually elevate your game.
Trust most of us when we say that the biggest mistake a newcomer to Photoshop could make is to over-complicate things. The words "muddled", "busy", and "overbearing" will pop up time and time again and usually in a negative manner.
Effects are like moods. They provide "oomph!" to a graphic. They can enhance subjects and direct viewers' gazes towards focal points or points of interest. Effects can be subtle, can create moods, or can be quite explicit. Always think about how an effect can enhance the main parts of your work. Always ask yourself if a certain effect you put in does something more than "look cool and shiny" or is actually appropriate for the tag. Imagine glowing vectors enhancing a signature with weeping willows.
I'm not saying that that can't work, but it's hard to pull off successfully nonetheless.
Think about placement. Think about whether that shiny new effect you just placed on the left side of your sig takes away from the actual subject on the right. Common offenders include: minor effects with very bright glow characteristics that draw the eye from the less shiny subject; overabundant effects; a minor effect that is different enough from the rest of the other effects that might draw the eye.
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After completing the graphic, ask the following questions:
1.)How successful was this signature in fulfilling my initial concept? Did I respond successfully to the requirements of the theme as well as my own?
2.)Does the signature look overdone by my taste?
3.)Is there anything I'd like to add? I'd like to take out?
4.)Am I satisfied?
----------------------+---------+---------+---------------------------
Miscellaneous:
1.) Everything should have a reason. It's always good to question your own decisions in terms of why. Why did I use this effect here? Why did I choose this subject/mood/concept -- of which the concept is the most important part and should always be the idea that anything you do to your graphic should come back to.
2.) Remember to take a break once in a while. Once you feel that working on a graphic ceases to be fun, drop it, do something else, and come back to it later. You'll feel refreshed and it will seem more like a hobby and not a job.
If you get stuck on something and get frustrated, don't force yourself to come up with an immediate solution. Take a break. Your brain automatically and subconsciously solves these problems while you're doing something else and most of the times you'll find upon returning to work on the graphic that new ideas will arise and will get your creative spirit back up and running.
3.) Trust your instincts. These are just advice and tips. Artists are supposed to be free spirits and free thinkers. Interpret the above as you wish -- follow some, ignore others, you'll eventually find a way of working that suits you best. And of course, maybe someday share here.
----------------------+---------+---------+---------------------------
SoTW or Competition themes probably usually strike people as being a difficult problem to solve and subsequently design a graphic for. Mildly vague or very broad themes like "Light" or "Emotions" probably wreak havoc on creativity as the options are probably endless in how you can interpret them. That being said, there are always different ways to look at these themes (or, for that matter, any signature you decide on undertaking):
After identifying the theme:
1.) Think up of a concept.
Draw from real life or from other sources that you identify with the theme. For example, "Light". What reminds of you light? What's the first thing that pops up when you hear the word "Light"? Can you think of other ways that the word "Light" can be used in? Do you see the "Light" doing anything in particular to a subject? Perhaps you can imagine the light revealing a small fraction of a dark tag or light engulfing a person to create an ethereal, otherworldly feeling. It's useful to ask these types of questions as it will get your creative juices flowing and will generate enough excitement for you to get into your creative groove.
Obviously this all depends on your style.
2.) Determine a subject.
Once you get your concept down, it's up to you to find a suitable image that will accomplish your needs. Always strive to find images that will fulfill your concept, and not the other way around. This might not apply in every situation, but I've learned in design classes that it's definitely the most efficient way to go. Square pegs never fit comfortably in round holes.
3.) Determine a mood.
Just like any work of art, a good and appropriate mood is essential for a signature that needs that extra "oomph!" power to get it over the top. This goes hand in hand with your concept. Do you want a gloomy sig? A fiery, excitable one? How about a cheerful one?
Always think about images that you personally would tie in to a particular mood. A misty morning with weeping willows would probably remind you of a gloomy mood. Fire and frenzied zig-zag lines would probably convey excitement. Sunshine and fields of grass might suggest happiness.
Colors are important as well. Cool colors might suggest tranquility or sadness or mystery. Warm colors might suggest joy or passion or love. Neutral colors might exude properties of both cool and warm colors. Again, it's a thinking assignment to figure this out.
Your chosen subject is essential to creating this mood. Obviously a happy person in a tag that's meant to be sad would seem out of place. But subtle elements like the quick, excitable flow of a person's figure in a conceptually calm signature might come off as out of place as well.
4.) Effects and Your Concept.
Keep it simple. At first. Don't try to do everything at once and attempt to make everything flashy for the sake of being flashy. Sometimes simplicity works best. The greatest advice that anyone could give you is to observe accomplished or experienced GFX-ers and see how each of them handles their effects. It's a guarantee that all manners of effects (complicated to simple) exist given the great differences between various artists.
That being said, complication is absolutely not a taboo. Complicated graphics come about from vivid imagination, great technical ability, understanding of the graphics program (Photoshop, GIMP, etc.), and motivation to get them done. Eventually, anyone can get there with enough experience and know-how. It's just usually a better idea to start off small rather than trying to bite off something you can't chew.
Tutorials are a must. Even if you just skim them or peruse them for effects that you feel like applying, the idea that you're making a conscious effort to learn and better your skills will eventually elevate your game.
Trust most of us when we say that the biggest mistake a newcomer to Photoshop could make is to over-complicate things. The words "muddled", "busy", and "overbearing" will pop up time and time again and usually in a negative manner.
Effects are like moods. They provide "oomph!" to a graphic. They can enhance subjects and direct viewers' gazes towards focal points or points of interest. Effects can be subtle, can create moods, or can be quite explicit. Always think about how an effect can enhance the main parts of your work. Always ask yourself if a certain effect you put in does something more than "look cool and shiny" or is actually appropriate for the tag. Imagine glowing vectors enhancing a signature with weeping willows.
I'm not saying that that can't work, but it's hard to pull off successfully nonetheless.
Think about placement. Think about whether that shiny new effect you just placed on the left side of your sig takes away from the actual subject on the right. Common offenders include: minor effects with very bright glow characteristics that draw the eye from the less shiny subject; overabundant effects; a minor effect that is different enough from the rest of the other effects that might draw the eye.
----------------------+---------+---------+---------------------------
After completing the graphic, ask the following questions:
1.)How successful was this signature in fulfilling my initial concept? Did I respond successfully to the requirements of the theme as well as my own?
2.)Does the signature look overdone by my taste?
3.)Is there anything I'd like to add? I'd like to take out?
4.)Am I satisfied?
----------------------+---------+---------+---------------------------
Miscellaneous:
1.) Everything should have a reason. It's always good to question your own decisions in terms of why. Why did I use this effect here? Why did I choose this subject/mood/concept -- of which the concept is the most important part and should always be the idea that anything you do to your graphic should come back to.
2.) Remember to take a break once in a while. Once you feel that working on a graphic ceases to be fun, drop it, do something else, and come back to it later. You'll feel refreshed and it will seem more like a hobby and not a job.
If you get stuck on something and get frustrated, don't force yourself to come up with an immediate solution. Take a break. Your brain automatically and subconsciously solves these problems while you're doing something else and most of the times you'll find upon returning to work on the graphic that new ideas will arise and will get your creative spirit back up and running.
3.) Trust your instincts. These are just advice and tips. Artists are supposed to be free spirits and free thinkers. Interpret the above as you wish -- follow some, ignore others, you'll eventually find a way of working that suits you best. And of course, maybe someday share here.
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