Feb 07 Contest Discussion

[T Paul]

Add your comments, questions or general discussion about the Contest entries here. This is also a great place to share your techniques or ask others about theirs.

Most members are eager to hear comments/suggestions about their entries, so please take the time to help each other out.

[Lorraine]

I just started playing with vectors this past week, and don't have a clue as to what they are or what I'm doing.

But I found a site that lists links to tutorials for creating vector images in Photoshop and want to share the information hoping that it might be of some help.

http://www.vexels.net/tutorials.php

Lorraine

[T Paul]

Learning vectors isn't the only challenge. Remember:

* 12 Color limit plus black, but user's choice.
* No gradients or mixed colors. Solid colors only.

[T Paul]

To make my life easier, you will need to list your 12 colors in your entry thread so I can verify them and see if there are any extras (wink).

Such as…RGB 204,255,51 or HEX ccff33

THANKS

[T Paul]

TIP:
I’ve received several questions about using Illustrator’s Live Trace or Photoshop’s Posterize to create your images. This works as an excellent starting point to create a vector graphic, but doesn’t create a very convincing final image. Also remember that this ISN'T A FILTER CONTEST.

From the LiveTrace/Posterize phase, I suggest that you then use the pen tool or lasso tool to trace along the color shapes creating layers for each color and fill with a solid color. This will eliminate all those jagged and fuzzy edges created with the filters and create a truer vector-style image. Simply using the magic wand to select the color from the filter layer won't eliminate those jagged edges; you have to draw the paths yourself. Once all your layers are created, delete or turn off your trace layer and you should have an excellent final vector image.

[T Paul]

TIP:
Save your entry as a GIF file.

When you save an image as a JPG...even if it is of a 12-color image, it can/will create other colors as it averages pixels (part of the compression).

[tranjsaic]

Crap I just wasted alot of hours. I guess I missed the part where it said the photo was supplied.. lol, damn Im half way done with my piece too.

[Doug Nelson]

http://revision3.com/pixelperfect/pentool

[Cassidy]

Thanks doug, but doubt it will help much, some wonderfully gifted artists I see so far

[T Paul]

Some excellent entries so far, but there is still plenty of time for more!! So don't fear the pen tool--give it a go. Once you get comfortable with it you will find that it is a great selection tool with a wealth of possibilities!!

~T

[T Paul]

A few links:

Tutorial: Paths and the Pen tool

BASIC CONTROLS OF THE PEN TOOL

Pen Tool with Paths

Vector Tutorial

[lilsip]

I've had Illustrator for years and struggled all that time to find its usefullness. This contest and the "Imitating a Scanner Darkly" tutorial have made me realize I LOVE Illustrator!!! Thanks for posting it!

[T Paul]

That's what I love the hear! Now where is your entry

[lilsip]

It's coming... my excuse is a 3 year old and a 6 month old.

[T Paul]

Excellent excuse!