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Questions, Discussion, and Tutorials

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Posts

  • MagicToasterMagicToaster JapanRegistered User regular
    edited June 2010
    That's what spot colors are there for!

    MagicToaster on
  • GrennGrenn Registered User regular
    edited June 2010
    Double Post!

    I want to print white pigment on black paper. I saw a screen printing kit at the local art shop. Does anyone know if I can screen print on thick, cardboard paper?

    Yes you can.

    Though I'd be wary of a 'screen printing kit', as decent equipment is not really the sort of thing you get in 'kit' form. Depends what your needs are really.

    Also as regards inks - water-based ink is fine as long as you mix the right consistancy (here is an example of me printing white on black, using water-based ink).

    You can also use house paint as long as you mix it with retarder (never done this but know plenty of people who have).

    The other thing to bear in mind is to use coated paper, as uncoated will soak up the ink somewhat -- you can get around this by doing double-pulls but your card may end up warping slightly. The card in my example above was uncoated, so the white isn't as opaque as I would have liked, but I managed to get a happy medium in the end.

    If you need any other advice, feel free to hit me up. Screenprinting is what I do.

    Grenn on
  • ThePacerThePacer Registered User regular
    edited June 2010
    Hey guys, are Tablet lap Tops actually any good for illustration work?

    Specifically, this one:

    http://rochester.craigslist.org/sys/1796626406.html

    ThePacer on
  • MKRMKR Registered User regular
    edited June 2010
    Is this good for beginners? I've been browsing through it on Google Books and haven't found myself agreeing with a lot of the complaints.

    I would do Loomis' books, but the copy I printed of one of them is too cumbersome, and reading on the screen doesn't work so well since I don't have a desk to have my laptop and a sketch pad on.

    MKR on
  • Angel_of_BaconAngel_of_Bacon Moderator mod
    edited June 2010
    MKR wrote: »
    Is this good for beginners? I've been browsing through it on Google Books and haven't found myself agreeing with a lot of the complaints.

    I would do Loomis' books, but the copy I printed of one of them is too cumbersome, and reading on the screen doesn't work so well since I don't have a desk to have my laptop and a sketch pad on.

    I'm getting a 404 error on your link, so I don't know what book you're referring to.

    Angel_of_Bacon on
  • NibCromNibCrom Registered User regular
    edited June 2010
    It was working before. Something is wrong with Amazon. I think the book was Bridgmans Guide to Drawing from Life.

    NibCrom on
  • Angel_of_BaconAngel_of_Bacon Moderator mod
    edited June 2010
    If you know how to draw cubes, cones, cylinders and spheres in tone, yes, go ahead, it's a good book.

    If you don't, do that first, then study from the book.

    Then use it like this, breaking down the book's drawings into something usable:
    http://deadoftheday.blogspot.com/2009/07/perspiration-anatomy.html

    Angel_of_Bacon on
  • BroloBrolo Broseidon Lord of the BroceanRegistered User regular
    edited June 2010
    ThePacer wrote: »
    Hey guys, are Tablet lap Tops actually any good for illustration work?

    Specifically, this one:

    http://rochester.craigslist.org/sys/1796626406.html

    They are pretty cool, but you need to get one with an active digitizer (preferably one created by Wacom). I think that Gateway uses a passive digitizer, which means it isn't pressure sensitive.

    Unfortunately prices for tablets with those capabilities are a fair tick more expensive. You'd be looking at something like this:

    http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/sys/1814945042.html

    or this

    http://cnj.craigslist.org/sys/1805350113.html

    Make sure whoever selling it is including the stylus as well!

    Brolo on
  • MKRMKR Registered User regular
    edited June 2010
    I'll go ahead and get it and save it for when I get shading down. I don't have anything else to add to get the $25 for free shipping for the other things I'm getting. If I don't, I lose $6 on shipping.

    It's not particularly expensive anyway, which is surprising considering how well-reviewed it is.

    And it looks like Amazon might be broken. :?

    I'm seeing a lot of prices in my cart, but no info (images, title, etc.) to go along with them. I also can't click on anything in search results. Is this happening to anyone else?

    edit: Twitter has validated its existence for a narrow use case! Others are having problems too.

    http://twitter.com/#search?q=amazon

    MKR on
  • ShizumaruShizumaru Registered User regular
    edited June 2010
    The bridgman book is okay, but its only one of several anatomy books to get. It has some decent stuff, but I'd call it an incomplete anatomy book.. Other books go into way more detail which is great for further study.

    Shizumaru on
  • MKRMKR Registered User regular
    edited June 2010
    So would you say it's good for a start, or should I get a different one? :rotate:

    MKR on
  • WastingPenguinsWastingPenguins Registered User regular
    edited June 2010
    MKR wrote: »
    So would you say it's good for a start, or should I get a different one? :rotate:

    Go ahead and get it. You're not likely to find a perfect linear path to learning figure drawing, like a great beginners book, an intermediate book and an advanced book. Different authors teach in different ways and the same material is going to be more or less useful for different artists. If you're unsure about which book to grab, why grab just one? Get that Bridgeman book, and get Loomis and Peck and Vilppu while you're at it. Spread em all out around you and have fun!

    WastingPenguins on
  • ShizumaruShizumaru Registered User regular
    edited June 2010
    Like stated above, yes get it. But know that they will be several more in your future :)

    Shizumaru on
  • ThePacerThePacer Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Rolo wrote: »
    ThePacer wrote: »
    Hey guys, are Tablet lap Tops actually any good for illustration work?

    Specifically, this one:

    http://rochester.craigslist.org/sys/1796626406.html

    They are pretty cool, but you need to get one with an active digitizer (preferably one created by Wacom). I think that Gateway uses a passive digitizer, which means it isn't pressure sensitive.

    Unfortunately prices for tablets with those capabilities are a fair tick more expensive. You'd be looking at something like this:

    http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/sys/1814945042.html

    or this

    http://cnj.craigslist.org/sys/1805350113.html

    Make sure whoever selling it is including the stylus as well!


    Well, I e-mailed the guy and apparently it uses an active digitizer. I'm gonna try to take a look at it soon - what should I look for? This is my first time buying a used computer so I really have no idea what I should be looking for besides the obvious.

    ThePacer on
  • tynictynic PICNIC BADASS Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited July 2010
    John Allison recently did a tablet PC round up, let me find it.

    edit: Ok I found it, but it doesn't appear to have your particular model on the list. Still, maybe the recommended points for the others will give you some help.
    http://sgrblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/tablet-pcs-for-artists.html

    tynic on
  • Guy BellGuy Bell Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    My image hosting site is getting screwy. What are some good sites?

    Guy Bell on
  • MKRMKR Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    I always use tinypic, but photobucket is good if you need some control over the images.

    MKR on
  • Guy BellGuy Bell Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    MKR. thanks. I just tried tinypic and it seems to be working okay.

    Guy Bell on
  • Pereza0Pereza0 Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    I think tynipic does some sort of weird compression stuff to what you upload sometimes, I would recommend using imageshack or the imageshack uploader

    Pereza0 on
  • MetalbourneMetalbourne Inside a cluster b personalityRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Pereza0 wrote: »
    I think tynipic does some sort of weird compression stuff to what you upload sometimes, I would recommend using imageshack or the imageshack uploader

    I guess you could ask her

    Metalbourne on
  • tynictynic PICNIC BADASS Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited July 2010
    seriously, I had to double-take when I first read that.

    tynic on
  • Ross_CRoss_C Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    I thinking of getting a budget tablet, specifically the Wacom Bamboo Pen tablet, since I had a friend who had one and he said it was pretty good. I just wanted to ask if it's pretty good for a budget tablet and if there are any alternatives that I might want to be aware of.

    Ross_C on
  • MKRMKR Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    There's generally a reason everyone recommends Wacom.

    The caveats of getting an off-brand are thus:
    1: Less resale value. I can get most of what I paid for my Intuos3 back if I wanted to sell it.
    2: Iffy reliability. Some of them are getting there, but it's hit-and-miss.

    There's also the problem with some of them using a battery in the pen. You won't even feel a magic radio wave pen in your hands, but an (A)AA battery can throw everything off if its placement in the pen was an afterthought in the design.

    Get the bamboo if you want to be pretty sure it's going to last. Get an off-brand if you're comfortable with risking your money to support competition in the pen tablet market.

    MKR on
  • MagicToasterMagicToaster JapanRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    The Bamboo is an excellent tablet. Unless you're doing some really heavy illustration... then maybe a Graphire would be better.

    MagicToaster on
  • Ross_CRoss_C Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    The Bamboo is an excellent tablet. Unless you're doing some really heavy illustration... then maybe a Graphire would be better.

    Maybe later on, for right now I just kind of want a simple budget tablet so see how far I can go with it then maybe invest in something better later on.

    Ross_C on
  • MagicToasterMagicToaster JapanRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    In that case, get a Bamboo; it's Wacom's entry model. I have one and it's great! As MKR said, you can find other brand cheaper tablets, but all the reviews I've read on them say "stick to Wacom"

    MagicToaster on
  • MustangMustang Arbiter of Unpopular Opinions Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    I wish Wacom had some competition, then they would'nt be all "You'll pay whatever we want you to pay, which, by the way, is going to be quite a bit."
    I really want a big ass cintiq, but there just so expensive I'll never buy one unless I win the stupid lottery.

    Mustang on
  • MagicToasterMagicToaster JapanRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Guys, I've given up trying to fix my monitor. I'm looking for a new one, it must be around $200 with a DVI interface. So far, I've liked what I've seen from View Sonic, I really like the contrast and how it builds gradients.

    Anyone have any suggestions?

    MagicToaster on
  • F87F87 So Say We All Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Does anyone have some links concerning dynamic and interesting composition/illustration? All of my illos and environments are pretty much straight on and boring.

    F87 on
  • MayGodHaveMercyMayGodHaveMercy Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    I don't post in AC, because I am not a real artist, but I wanted to share something with you guys, because I think it would be right up your alley. I didn't make this program, and I have nothing to do with it, I just think it's neat, and playing with it instantly reminded me of some of the amazing shit I've seen in AC. Please enjoy...

    Alchemy
    Alchemy is an open drawing project aimed at exploring how we can sketch, draw, and create on computers in new ways. Alchemy isn’t software for creating finished artwork, but rather a sketching environment that focuses on the absolute initial stage of the creation process. Experimental in nature, Alchemy lets you brainstorm visually to explore an expanded range of ideas and possibilities in a serendipitous way.


    Also, sorry if this is old news, as I said, I don't post in here, or do anything other than browse through the pretty pictures. :)

    MayGodHaveMercy on
    XBL: Mercy XXVI - Steam: Mercy_XXVI - PSN: Mercy XXVI
  • mensch-o-maticmensch-o-matic Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    an .abr preview utility

    looks useful, so i thought id post it here

    also i think (but am not sure) that i have the brush set that used to be in the OP, and if its still in demand i can upload it

    mensch-o-matic on
  • MKRMKR Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Is there any necessity in being able to perfectly render the human form? Or is it just good to work on for the many skills it forces you to practice?

    MKR on
  • MagicToasterMagicToaster JapanRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Although I never illustrate anything, I have found that since I started figure drawing sessions it rubs off in my general design field. Not only do I render thumbnails for layouts faster and neater, but it helps sharpen your eyes.

    Studying anything enriches you as an individual and you can transfer that into any part of your life, MKR.

    MagicToaster on
  • MKRMKR Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Although I never illustrate anything, I have found that since I started figure drawing sessions it rubs off in my general design field. Not only do I render thumbnails for layouts faster and neater, but it helps sharpen your eyes.

    Studying anything enriches you as an individual and you can transfer that into any part of your life, MKR.

    I know that. :P

    I'm going to study hard, but wanted to know if it was necessary to have a flawless human model internalized when all I want to do is make comics that don't look like dA fodder.

    MKR on
  • WassermeloneWassermelone Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    MKR wrote: »
    Although I never illustrate anything, I have found that since I started figure drawing sessions it rubs off in my general design field. Not only do I render thumbnails for layouts faster and neater, but it helps sharpen your eyes.

    Studying anything enriches you as an individual and you can transfer that into any part of your life, MKR.

    I know that. :P

    I'm going to study hard, but wanted to know if it was necessary to have a flawless human model internalized when all I want to do is make comics that don't look like dA fodder.

    Well first off, nobody is going to have a flawless human model internalized.

    But having a really good understanding of the human body is rather important if you want to do comics with humans in it.

    Wassermelone on
  • rtsrts Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Extensive figure drawing will enable you to feel much more comfortable when inventing and designing figures, so you don't fall into a trap of repeating the same poses from the same angles over and over again because you don't know what else to do.

    But thats not all figure drawing does, it helps you with all of your fundamental drawing skills as well. You learn about subtlety, shape design, composition and in general... what looks good and what doesn't.

    rts on
    skype: rtschutter
  • ProspicienceProspicience The Raven King DenvemoloradoRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Hey, any of yall know a good free FTP managing program for windows? I used to use cyberduck for mac, but now that I'm back on a PC dunno what to use.

    Prospicience on
  • MKRMKR Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    FileZilla

    MKR on
  • ProspicienceProspicience The Raven King DenvemoloradoRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    MKR wrote: »
    FileZilla

    Success, thank you.

    Prospicience on
  • MKRMKR Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    MKR wrote: »
    FileZilla

    Success, thank you.

    Your best bet when you think "is there a free thing that does x" is to go to Sourceforge and search the highest rated projects.

    MKR on
This discussion has been closed.