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!

[lilsip]

See? Told you I'd turn it in on time, teach.

[T Paul]

Time to vote!

[Swampy]

Is there a gallery for this contest?

[T Paul]

No gallery unless someone offers to put one together.

[Swampy]

I put up a gallery. View it HERE

[T Paul]

Thanks Swampy!!!

[irshgrlkc]

How come my image isn't included for voting? Was it that bad? :P

[Swampy]

My appologies, Kerry! Thank you for letting me know. It's now fixed.

[T Paul]

Don't forget to vote! Only a few days left.

~T

[irshgrlkc]

No problem. Thanks for taking the time to set up a gallery Swampy.

[T Paul]

Congratulations to all that braved the vector contest!!! Some very impressive entries and great job to all! And the best thing is that EVERYONE VOTED for the first time!!! THANKS!


The Feb Contest Prize goes to lilsip. Excellent work!


Top 5
lilsip - 50
luciachan - 36
cazubi - 31
splata - 24
cyber cat - 24
wooden bender - 16

[Janet Petty]

Let me be the first non contestant to congratulate lilsip.

I only got 1/2 done before time ran out. Those who entered deserve a special congratulation for finishing as well.

Great job all.

Janet

[Cyber Cat]

congratz lilsip

[lilsip]

Hey thanks guys!!! I really appreciate the great feedback. A lot of hard work went into yall's entries- good work everybody! Maybe now I won't feel like such a newbie on the site, make myself a little less scarce.

[cazubi]

Congratulations lilsip. Well done.

Cathy