GFX Photoshop?

[? Izanagi]

Hello,
I would really, love if some of you could give me some photoshop guidance on how I could the learn the tricks of the trade and what not. It has come to my mention, that I've always dreamed of becoming a gfx artist, due to the sense of accomplishment that must come with it and simply the benefits of aesthetics.
I want to start from the beginning and although I hardly know the basics (I only know a few techniques here and there), I plan to use the GIMP program, seeing as how popular and cheaper it is. But, mostly due to the fact that it's an easy, stepping stone for the beginners -- or so I've heard.

However, I just don't know where to start or begin. How did you guys learn it? Through tutorials, resource sites or guides? I know, it might sound stupid for asking, considering that a there are different methods or ways to go about it. But, a little sway in the right direction couldn't hurt, right?-- so, apologies, if I'm asking such a noob question. I just want to know, how you managed to have done it and maybe some tips, that could be essentially useful.
I'm planning on making my own proboards forum and the Photoshop skills to make a banner, signature and etc. would be somewhat, advantageous for me.

[Teg]

Personally, I have no experience with GIMP. I have been using Photoshop for about ten years for everything from graphics and logos, to web templates and business cards. I learned by tutorials. When I started graphic design, Solid Snake Designs was the most popular ProBoards design forum. Seeing what some of those guys could do, gave me the inspiration to learn for myself. I'm not a master by any means, but my work usually isn't mediocre either. The point is I am self taught by playing around with settings, and by learning from tutorials that others have made. I do believe photoshop still offers a 30 day free trial, though I have an Adobe cloud subscription now that doesn't expire until November.

[? Izanagi]

Thanks for getting back to me, Teg!
Yes, unfortunately I've already used my 30-day free trial on Photoshop, which kind of sucks, considering I didn't use it at the right time and place. I could download it on my laptop, however, that is no longer an option, for the time being, due to screen issues. LMAO x3

Buut, I wouldn't mind using GIMP, for a change. It'd be nice to use that for now. I'm sure this Solid Snake forum will come of use to me and any other advice you've mentioned!

Izanagi.

[Teg]

Solid Snake design has been closed for years, sadly. There are a lot of other forums out there. I write some tutorials but they are all for the Web or for PhotoShop, as that's the main program I use. You can do a Google search for GIMP tutorials and you will find a lot of resources.

[? Izanagi]

Aww, that's too bad. It'd be great if I could of gotten help and advice, directly from experienced gfx'ers and the like. Especially, if there's a forum, full of 'em.

Oh well, I shall keep stalking YouTube videos for the know-hows and the internet for tutorials! xD

P.S. Your right, they really do help. ^^

[Clark-R]

? Izanagi,

Being a graphic designer is a very satisfying hobby and profession. GIMP is a very good alternative- it even has a majority of the capabilities compared to Photoshop. However, it will take more steps and manipulative techniques to mimic industry standard software. I have found that Adobe's rendering processes are much more effective.

If you're interested in becoming a designer, I fully recommend Adobe programs; as they correlate into a suite. Almost every professional designer uses multiple programs (PS, AI, IN, etc) for so many purposes. Personally, my expertise lies within Photoshop and Indesign.

As far as GIMP, I have approximately a year of experience with it. Even if it is open-source, it is a VERY powerful program. I have even seen very successful designers use it to create works for high-end companies. It just lacks in the 3-D rendering capabilities and variety of plug-ins.

If you're willing to learn, tutorials are great. Many designers could say they've graduated from the University of Google (hah). My graphic design passion fired 10 years ago and I have learned all of my technique online. I even pursued a higher education in visual communications and STILL learned more from online & contacts.

I'll be honest though, it's not about a degree or even a few tutorials. It's about having a drive and accomplishing the learning curve by yourself. You get to a point where you teach yourself- through experimentation. You'll find the greatest challenge is producing the creativity that your mind projects.. Without drafting and planning, your work hardly ever comes out correctly (sometimes better).

Ultimately, it takes a hunger & passion to rise above all that inspire you. Your final goal is to be an inspiration. Challenge yourself, it may be difficult, but we have all started somewhere..

[Zachary Guerrero]

Apr 17, 2015 19:42:58 GMT -8 Clark-R said:

? Izanagi,

Being a graphic designer is a very satisfying hobby and profession. GIMP is a very good alternative- it even has a majority of the capabilities compared to Photoshop. However, it will take more steps and manipulative techniques to mimic industry standard software. I have found that Adobe's rendering processes are much more effective.

If you're interested in becoming a designer, I fully recommend Adobe programs; as they correlate into a suite. Almost every professional designer uses multiple programs (PS, AI, IN, etc) for so many purposes. Personally, my expertise lies within Photoshop and Indesign.

As far as GIMP, I have approximately a year of experience with it. Even if it is open-source, it is a VERY powerful program. I have even seen very successful designers use it to create works for high-end companies. It just lacks in the 3-D rendering capabilities and variety of plug-ins.

If you're willing to learn, tutorials are great. Many designers could say they've graduated from the University of Google (hah). My graphic design passion fired 10 years ago and I have learned all of my technique online. I even pursued a higher education in visual communications and STILL learned more from online & contacts.

I'll be honest though, it's not about a degree or even a few tutorials. It's about having a drive and accomplishing the learning curve by yourself. You get to a point where you teach yourself- through experimentation. You'll find the greatest challenge is producing the creativity that your mind projects.. Without drafting and planning, your work hardly ever comes out correctly (sometimes better).

Ultimately, it takes a hunger & passion to rise above all that inspire you. Your final goal is to be an inspiration. Challenge yourself, it may be difficult, but we have all started somewhere..

Honestly the best answer I could have said. You can learn a lot from GIMP, and it's a good thing to have in your back pocket, but if you want to really get the best results and possibly make Graphic Art a profession, go with industry standard software. you with PS CC you can pay monthly for it, so it isn't a huge price point up front and you get to use proven software to hone your craft. learning takes a long time, but just like anything else, having the know how and ability to use it like an extension of who you are is what really makes you valuable.

I got my degree in multimedia design from ITT Tech and honestly most of my classes, I passed in that days assignment as soon as I walked in the door and then slept through the lectures. I found out how they taught was directly out of the book so I'd finish my assignments ahead of time so that way I had more time to read through tutorials and watch other artists create on YouTube and then mimic their technique. It takes time, but when you start seeing people noticing your artwork and sharing it with their friends it's really rewarding.

GOOD Graphic Art is something that you can't be taught, mainly because just like any other art form it is something that comes from inside. Every piece of work that you do has a little piece of you that comes with it. If not for your individual style and flair it wouldn't mean anything. I don't know if you have tattoos, but if you want a good tattoo, you don't just go to some random guy and hope for an amazing piece of work. Because every tattooer is different and has a unique style it's best to find an artist with a style that you love because when s/he tattoos, a little piece of that artist is going to be ingrained in your skin for the rest of your life. You choose them because they are good, and they are good because of the experience that they have and their unique style. 

TL;DR Use industry standard software and develop your own style. It takes time but it's worth it. 

[Kami]

Apr 22, 2015 8:41:32 GMT -8 Zachary Guerrero said:

GOOD Graphic Art is something that you can't be taught, mainly because just like any other art form it is something that comes from inside.

I don't disagree with the rest of your post but I take massive massive issue with this sentence.

Good design can absolutely be taught. Telling an aspiring designer -- or any sort of aspiring creative-type -- that 'good' work is inherent and unteachable prevents them from learning and pushing their boundaries. When they hit a creative block, this statement will teach them that this is their limit: it's not good, so that's it, because it comes from within them.

I know that it's probably not your intent to do this (or at least, I hope), but this advice is so harmful to creative types.

Style cannot be taught. It's something that is developed over the years through experience and experimentation. I think that what you meant. But don't tell newbie designers that goodness at the craft is inherent.

[Zachary Guerrero]

Apr 23, 2015 21:54:39 GMT -8 Kami said:

Good design can absolutely be taught. 

Style cannot be taught. It's something that is developed over the years through experience and experimentation. I think that what you meant. But don't tell newbie designers that goodness at the craft is inherent.

I agree completely, Thanks for saying that. Technique is inherent to learning the art, which is why you learn and that's what makes you good. Learning your style takes time and nobody can teach you that.