my first sig tut

[cjl_safcfan]

for now until we get a graphics area(if we get one) any graphics help should go in this forum...
great forum http://www.boardzero.com/gfxonline/images/logos/gfxonline.4.1184154648.gif (www.boardzero.com/gfxonline)
if you want any help direct from me, ask here...or if you think it is an embarrasing nooby question, pm me

a tutorial without pics made by one of my favourite sig makers ever...unfortunately he doesnt visit the forum anymore:
Basically, You Fill the blank canvas with a dark grey.

Add your render of choice.

Duplicate and hide the original.

Smudge the duplicated render so it looks like a cloud (can't describe what I mean.)

Set Layer mode to Luminosity, Opacity 75%, duplicate and set the duplicate to Lighten at 75%.

Unhide and duplicate your original Render, bring this to the top.

Smudge the outline of the render only. Leave this layer as normal, 100% opacity.

Choose 1 or 2 C4D's, set them to Colour Dodge at 50% opacity (Can be changed at anytime.)

new layer. Get a soft white brush, size 300, and brush a few times outside your sig's canvas. Then, with a soft white brush, size 200, more into your sig so about a quarter of the brush is showing, and brush once or twice. Then choose a soft white brush, size 100, and brush once so that half of it is showing. This creates a light source. Smile

New Layer. Grab the elliptical marquee tool and make some circles around your sig. Fill with Dark Grey (darker then the background layer.) Smudge the circles.

New Layer. Repeat with circles in different positions, but with an even darker, almost blackish grey.

Add your text in between the two grey smudged layers.

Then you add colour to it. What ever way you like, weather it be gradient maps, Photo filters, what ever. Smile

Then add a levels layer. I use Auto, because I'm a n00b who has no idea what he's doing. Razz

Then your choice of border and your done

dont rip this(edit it and claim as your own)...copied directly from him.

for those not used to tutorials, they are a guide...you dont need to use everything on it

[cjl_safcfan]

not everyone thinks the same way you do

[abojodeh]

not everyone thinks the same way you do
i had some privete lessons to learn it but after the second class i stopped and learned it myself

[-zuco-]

I have a problem with the first line.

What's a render? :o

[Harvo]

safcfan_cjl have you got any pics to go with this tut? would be a huge help

[cjl_safcfan]

render= a picture that has been cut out- took me a while to work it out
unfortunately now, but i can give you a couple of pieces at the end of the tut if you want

[cjl_safcfan]

this is the first one i have ever made and i would love some feedback
also, sorry to anyone on a slow internet because this will take a while to load
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x308/cjlittler/firsttutcopy.jpg

[futbol]

nice , will give it a try

[-zuco-]

I got this far but couldn't work out how to insert an image into it, I'm such a noob

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg239/_zuco_/Untitled-1copy.jpg

[cjl_safcfan]

tips for zuco(wallpaper):
more grass...it just seems to start...make it so that it is nice and thick at the bottom so you cant see where different blades start
reduce the strength of the plastic wrapper if thats what it is... nice effect though ;)
for tect, there is a button saying "T" in your left toolbar
i would show you some effects, but im not sure what sort you would want...

if you think im being harsh, im sorry...for every picture posted in this thread, i will make comments like this to try and help you improve

[Keano!]

This is really helpful.

I've made some with a different piece of software, called paint.net.

Here's some of my embarassing atempts!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/battered-saussage/CristianoRonaldo.gif

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/battered-saussage/Keano.gif

[Red Devil]

moved from pub

[cjl_safcfan]

i cant really help you too much...i have no idea what features paint.net has...il try my best to help...but wont be as useful as with photoshop users


http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/battered-saussage/CristianoRonaldo.gif
try and make all the shadowy parts go in the same direction
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/battered-saussage/Keano.gif
change text colour and continue the image to the bottom instead of getting lighter around the text...some people might like it...but i dont :p

[-zuco-]

tips for zuco(wallpaper):
more grass...it just seems to start...make it so that it is nice and thick at the bottom so you cant see where different blades start
reduce the strength of the plastic wrapper if thats what it is... nice effect though ;)
for tect, there is a button saying "T" in your left toolbar
i would show you some effects, but im not sure what sort you would want...

if you think im being harsh, im sorry...for every picture posted in this thread, i will make comments like this to try and help you improve

Not harsh at all, I appreciate the help :)

I know how to put text into the wallpaper, but it's just plain text and looks crap :(

[cjl_safcfan]

when you have wrote the text, either right-click the layers option and choose blending options, or use the tool with the 'T' with the arrow underneath to change angles, and curve and stuff

had a request on info about why we use them what they do etc
shortcut: ctrl+shift+N
use layers for many reasons...edit things underneath if someone asks you to
easier to tell whats what...again(editing)
can change the layer typs to different things...eg darken
orders things so you can change the order quickly

im sure there are more(clipping masks thati dont understand are effected alot by layers) if i think of any important reasons, il edit this post

also, they all get merged together in all formats except psd(photoshop only format) this does not mean you dont need layers at all...also this means you should remember to save it twice...once as psd so yo can edit it, once as jpg, or other uploadable formet

[-zuco-]

My first attempt at a sig, it isn't a United one as I
didn't have a United render to work from.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg239/_zuco_/zuco_first_sig_copy.jpg

[akash_reds]

quite good zuco!!!!!

[Keano!]

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff252/battered-saussage/OoohahhCantona.gif

[cjl_safcfan]

keano, i dont like the picture quality but other than that it is good

zuco, brilliant...im not very good with commenting on work like this...im sure a member at gfxonline will give you tips though

[-zuco-]

My second one, not as good as the first I don't think.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg239/_zuco_/ronaldo1copy.jpg

[cjl_safcfan]

i agree its not as good but you learn with practice...keep going zuco mate

[carlyluvsunited]

My first attempt at a sig, it isn't a United one as I
didn't have a United render to work from.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg239/_zuco_/zuco_first_sig_copy.jpg:eek:

You did this zuco ... :)

I'm impressed Mr ...

Make me one please ... :o

[carlyluvsunited]

My second one, not as good as the first I don't think.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg239/_zuco_/ronaldo1copy.jpgThis too ...

Is lovely ...

Good work ... ;)

[-zuco-]

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg239/_zuco_/Carly-1.jpg

[futbol]

Ive downloaded a tut for cs2 from somewhere could u modify it and make it easier and post the modified one ?

[cjl_safcfan]

if it has a do not rip note on it then i could only do it for you...and not post here...but yeah...link me through pm or something

[carlyluvsunited]

Moved to Graphics Forum ...

Because we have one now ... :)

[cjl_safcfan]

i was going to mention it, but i didnt think it would take long for a great admin ;) to think of it

[futbol]

could u make a tut..... for football players or something ?

[cjl_safcfan]

what do you mean by for football players...the best way to cut them...or how to blend etc?

[futbol]

a sig based on players... like a rooney sig.

[cjl_safcfan]

so basically me make a sig...but put a tutorial together of how i made it?

[futbol]

its ok , i dont need a tut now....lol

[cjl_safcfan]

this will be a text based tutorial of how i made this sig and other in the same style
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x308/cjlittler/pre1copy.jpg
if you are making yours based on this style...please do not copy directly...try to adapt parts of it please

1. create a black background
2. insert a C4d(ask if you dont know what one is)
3. brush over the C4D using abstract grunge brushes(if you want them...i can upload to rapidshare or megaupload later)
4. insert your render and duplicate it
5 hide one layer of the render and on the unhidden one, smudge it outwards using the pre-installed brush "dry brush tip light flow" till it looks a bit like a cloud
6 set this layer to luminosity and duplicate, set the duplicate to colour dodge
7 unhide your original render and play around with the order and opacity of these three layers
8. add an effects layer...like the one in my previous tutorial
9. add any text
10. add the c4d again(same one and set it to pin light...this adds a small lighting source...not 100%neccessary and barely visible though
11. add a border

[SolskjaertheLegend]

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg239/_zuco_/Untitled-1copy.jpg

how do u get to that? I select the burn tool and the brush but when i go to use it nothing happens

[-zuco-]

Maybe you're using it on the wrong layer? Or maybe your layers are in the wrong order?
When using it look at the layers on the right hand side and see if it's actually
being added, you should see it there, if not then I don't know what to suggest

[SolskjaertheLegend]

ok thanks now iv got it

but now once i add an image in, i can't make it smaller to make it fit within the canvas

[cjl_safcfan]

you using a colour from the very corner?..if you use somthing like red:ff0000 it wont work at all, near that and it doesnt show up very well...try dodgeing it...if it has worked...you will have three different shades(tones)

[SolskjaertheLegend]

i just can't get used to photoshop at all.

Cant get anything to work lol

[cjl_safcfan]

you will get there eventually

[futbol]

right click layer > rasterise

[SolskjaertheLegend]

every tutorial i follow, my pic ends up NOTHING like it should.

Its getting so annoying.



How do you get the 'Blur' tool to work lol
Can get the smudge one to work fine, but not the 'Blur'

[akash_reds]

you're not trying hard enough solsk!!!!! :p
or you must be really bad at reading..... ;)

[-zuco-]

every tutorial i follow, my pic ends up NOTHING like it should.

Its getting so annoying.



How do you get the 'Blur' tool to work lol
Can get the smudge one to work fine, but not the 'Blur'

I'm guessing you're trying to blur the wrong layer.
Make sure you when trying to blur, that you have
the correct layer selected on the right.

[SolskjaertheLegend]

you're not trying hard enough solsk!!!!! :p
or you must be really bad at reading..... ;)

lol Akash, il get their eventually i hope :rolleyes:

I'm guessing you're trying to blur the wrong layer.
Make sure you when trying to blur, that you have
the correct layer selected on the right.

hmm maybe, for now im just not using that tool lol

[cjl_safcfan]

soslk...sometimes arying from the tut is good
but not in your case :p keep practicing is all i can say

[cjl_safcfan]

sig tut uploaded :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn8bG0C4AaI

[NoxiousD]

You guys have no idea

You should get some pro photoshop guys to show you the ropes

Motion blurring and Ink outlining isnt skilled, its very basic

Learn some pro stuff

Here is where some of the top artists post tutorials - http://planetrenders.net/forums/index.php?showforum=20

[cjl_safcfan]

not saying i know them...but i know someone who could own there photoshopping with his eyes closed. also, i get all my renders from that website. furthermore, ink outlining...does it look like i do that, i see radial blurs there...but no motion blurs. many people on this site just started approximately one week ago so lay off...im the only one you can criticise but il always have an answer

[Jazz 16]

You guys have no idea

You should get some pro photoshop guys to show you the ropes

Motion blurring and Ink outlining isnt skilled, its very basic

Learn some pro stuff

Here is where some of the top artists post tutorials - http://planetrenders.net/forums/index.php?showforum=20

Feel free to offer advice or help but please dont put these guys down.
Most of them have only been doing this for a week or so and are doing
great considering.......

[NoxiousD]

Feel free to offer advice or help but please dont put these guys down.
Most of them have only been doing this for a week or so and are doing
great considering.......
Sorry, i didnt mean to put them down, but if they are serious about becoming photoshop artists they need to know it takes a lot more than just motion blur and lens flare, it takes serious time and dedication

I realise what its like starting and no matter what you create you think its amazing, but criticism is there because it helps

Sorry if i disheartened anybody :(

[Jazz 16]

Sorry, i didnt mean to put them down, but if they are serious about becoming photoshop artists they need to know it takes a lot more than just motion blur and lens flare, it takes serious time and dedication

I realise what its like starting and no matter what you create you think its amazing, but criticism is there because it helps

Sorry if i disheartened anybody :(

Thats no problem at all mate. Its just the way you went about it is all.
These guys have worked hard and put in a lot of effort.
They can take constuctive criticism, thats not a problem and Im sure they
would appreciate it. :)