GFX Resource Megathread

If you feel there are any more useful Graphics resources that you know of, please post them and a moderator will add them. Also if you find any links to be not working please PM a moderator.​

PHOTOSHOP TUTORIALS

1. http://tagfreak.net/forum/index.php?/forum/22-tutorials/
2. http://www.tutorialized.com
3. http://psd.tutsplus.com/
4. http://www.good-tutorials.com/
5. http://www.photoshoptutorials.ws/
6. http://www.photoshopstar.com/
7. http://www.photoshoproadmap.com/Photoshop-tutorials/
8. http://www.pslover.com/
9. http://www.photoshoplady.com/
10. http://www.photoshopbrushes.com/tutorials.htm
11. http://www.sigtutorials.com/

FONTS

1. http://www.dafont.com/
2. http://www.urbanfonts.com/
3. http://www.1001fonts.com/
4. https://philsfonts.com/
5. http://www.fontspace.com/
6. http://www.fontriver.com/
7. http://www.abstractfonts.com/
8. http://www.fontstock.net/
9. http://www.fawnt.com/
10. http://www.fonts101.com/
11. http://browse.deviantart.com/resources/

BRUSHES

1. http://www.brusheezy.com/
2. http://myphotoshopbrushes.com/brushes/
3. http://www.brushking.eu/
4. http://wowbrushes.com/
5. http://www.photoshopessentials.com/photoshop-brushes/

LIGHTS/FLARES/ETC

1. http://www.escapemotions.com/experiments/flame/#top
2. http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/freebies/photoshop-lens-flare-glow-brushes/

COLOR TOOLS

1. http://www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-theory
2. http://mudcu.be/sphere/
3. http://www.colorblender.com/
4. https://kuler.adobe.com/create/color-wheel/

ICONS

1. http://www.iconarchive.com/
2. http://www.freeiconsweb.com/
3. http://www.iconfinder.com/

Also, always remember google is a great resource for everything specific ​

 

GFX 101​

How does it work?

• Users are encouraged to share their knowledge of digital art through tutorials and guides about different topics ranging from basic uses of tools in Photoshop to specific styles of tag art, photography, etc.
• To contribute and help out the Sythe community, all you need to do is post and explain your topic in depth!
• If you want to post on more than one topic, please create different posts for each topic.
• Post entries should be designed to inspire creativity, not instruct a user into creating a replica of an original artwork.

Why participate?

• By participating, you are helping out this community.
• By participating, you are increasing your own ability and knowledge in the subject you choose to explain.
• By participating, you are further improving on your ability to put your thoughts and artwork into words for others to understand.

Sample Topics

• Basics of photoshop tools (Photoshop 101)
• Basics of photography (Photography 101)
• Basics of tag art (Tag Art 101)
• Typography
• Animation
• Drawing
• Photomanipulation
• Pixel art
• Text enhancement

Entries are welcome below! It's recommended that posts are appealing to the eye (please, no blocks of text). ​

​

 

Thought I'd post a little example of some important criteria that I posted on a far more graphically inclined site, to get things rolling.

>Style













Style requires distinguishable features in the tag itself, showing the artist to be developing their own initiative, rather than following a trend or a 'set' style. This may be through the elements of the actual tag (such as the fourth - mks' tag, where the style of the drawing is quite unique in terms of small details, carefree attitude towards perfect geometry and the combination of tablet painting and smudge), or it can be more through the actual method of creating the tag (such as the first and fifth tags, with the first resembling a typical photomontage, yet the sharpening and perfect lines of the digital elements creating something beyond typicality. The second is once more a combination of usual styles, with photomanipulation being combined with watercolour effects, creating a pleasing result).


>Depth











A common misconception is that Depth is simply about using the blur tool/gaussian blur. Depth is everything from the created atmosphere to the depth of field, and a signature with an emphasis on depth will be able to portray either a photo-realistic scene in terms of blur and aperture, or a clear knowledge in the separation of foreground, middleground and background. As can be seen by tags 1 and 2, depth doesn't wholly require blur - depth can be created through size differences (as done in the first), or as earlier mentioned, through the distinct separation of foreground, middleground and background (as seen in the second).


>Flow













Flow is pretty self explanatory to the extent that I consider a detailed explanation into how the eyes perceive shapes and move along an image, to be unnecessary. Typical flow consists of a focal point which is effectively positioned to either lead to the various elements of a tag (with effective flow showing consideration for the placement of different elements), or with the elements actually emphasising the focal point through direction. Whilst the easiest method of adding flow is to create direct linear paths (as shown in tags 1, 4 and 5), other methods such as creating flow through placement (such as 2 and 6) and through the edges of shapes/elements (such as tag 3) are also possible.


>Composition













Composition is ultimately how a piece of work is composed. Everything from choices in colour, to the placement and positioning (or the juxtaposition of) the focal point, the effects, secondary elements, the background, etc all contribute to the composition, and a well thought through composition will have appeal without needing meaning in the elements themselves (resulting with 'abstract' tags). Simplicity, detail, and the correspondence of various shapes are all various factors which add into the composition of the tag - all of the ones I chose combine a plethora of ideas in regards to composition, in order to be effective.


>Appeal













Appeal is more relative to the person observing the tag, yet it is still only partially subjective - appeal usually comes through general skill, unique methods or unseen ideas being used in a tag. All of the tags shown either excel in the styles they are in, stand out amongst other amazing tags, or simply possess uncommon characteristics making them appeal to me.


>Lighting













Lighting takes into account another important factor to the realism of the tag - the different light sources and their effects. Everything from the actual creation of light sources to the effect the light has (in terms of colour, luminance and relation to setting - such as ambient or spot lighting) on the surroundings needs to be accounted for, to create an effective tag.


>Own Tag Criticised



Whilst this tag attempts to bring elements of realism into an abstract piece (with shadows on a few elements, attempted depth and such), there are a few key issues with the tag at hand. Firstly, compositionally the detailed elements are all driven inwards, causing the focal point to be nearer the centre. This also results with a lot of wasted negative space around the outside of the tag, particularly near the top and bottom (where the background could be elaborated upon, or more elements could be placed). The different colours at the top also draw a lot of attention away from the intended focal point, and the top is too bright for the secondary role it is meant to play in the tag. The lighting could be elaborated upon, with more detail in the lights/shadows, and generally the depth is lacking. The flow is also mildly confusing due to the edges of the shapes contrasting with the directions of the thinner details. On a positive note, the work displays a general understanding of colours. To improve, the main points would be the composition, addition of details and more care with lighting and such.

 

An Introduction to Graphics for Newbies


In this guide you will find the following topics to be covered:

• Introduction
• What Programs Do I Use?
• When Do I Become A Good Artist!?
• Conclusion

Introduction

So what is graphics? Well that's a very broad question for one to ask. There are over hundreds of different types of graphical styles/ways. The most popular you will find on forum boards like Sythe.Org are tagging and C4D graphics. While these may be the popular or 'mainstream' graphics, you should do what you want and consider all forms/types of it and then practice the type that you enjoy the most!


What Programs Do I Use?

There are huuuuge numbers of software developed to help people design. Most of them are unheard of, and some are very popular. The one program which I would personally recommend to use no matter what type of graphic you are making is Photoshop. Photoshop allows you to do things swiftly, easily, and precisely. 99% of accomplished online graphics artists use Photoshop. With that said there are many other programs you can also use as alternatives for Photoshop. One that I personally used before I started out with Photoshop was GIMP. GIMP is an amazing program for beginners to learn the basics; later on they should definitely look into Photoshop. Another popular program used to design graphics is Cinema 4D. This program helps you create the 3D text you may see almost everywhere these days. Not only does it create 3D text but it allows you to take any regular object and take it into the 3D world. However, you must keep in mind that this is a pretty advanced program to work with; don't try to rip your hair out when you don't understand something and you've only had the program for 30 minutes. Below is the list of programs we have discussed.

• Photoshop A.K.A (PS)
• Cinema 4D A.K.A (C4D)
• GIMP

When Do I Become A Good Artist!?

This is the question that I am probably asked the most. One does not become a graphics artist over night. It takes time, dedication, and A LOT of practice. I have been playing around with Photoshop for around 5 years now and I still consider myself lower than an advanced artist. A common misconception is the fact that most people these days just download graphics packs for light rooms and use to those to make a quick buck. If you really want to become a graphics artist because you have the passion for it and not for the money then you would take the time and effort to actually create your own projects and do what you think is right.


Conclusion

With all said and done, I hope you have actually learned something from this very short introduction. If you think that anything stated here is misleading, please contact me. Other than that I really don't have much to say other than keep practicing!

 

Some common GFX terms:

• CnC - Comments and Criticism.
  
• Render - A pre-cut image from a wallpaper or other image commonly used in signatures. (example)
  
• Stock - Any un-cut image. Such as photography or a wallpaper. (example)
  
• Sprite - A render of a pixelated character. Such as "Ash" from the gameboy pokemon or "Ryu" from the SNES Street Fighter. Can be any pixelized character. (example)
  
• Blending - How well the Render has been fitted/matched with the background. Also how the edges of the render flow into the background.
  
• Flow - The overall direction of the sig.
  
• Chaotic - Too much is going on in the Signature and it is very hard to make out.
  
• Vomit - A particularly bad Signature rating
  
• Brush - A downloaded brush from another site commonly used to make signatures, it is used as a tool to create backgrounds.
  
• Brightness/Contrast - Change the settings of your brightness and contrast in your monitor - notice the difference? That's what its referring to. When it's over
  contrasted it means that your contrast is way over the top and it has too much excessive dark spots/black or white light spots.
  
• C4D - An abstract render made in a program called Cinema 4D, also commonly used in signatures.
  
• Whored - Excessive usage of a very beginner tool or such.
  
• Pack - A collection of items.
  
• Font - A different style of text.
  
• Pixel Stretch - A simple signature technique using 1px by "x[vertical wise" of an image and stretching it across the width of the signature.
  
• Blurred - Blurring - when it gets fuzzy, used for adding depth.
  
• Foreground - The front part in a signature, usually blurry, to signify it is "too close" for the lens, or the focus is not on it.
  
• Middleground - The part of a signature/photo where the focus is, where the crisp render is, and where the focal point should be.
  
• Background - The back part of the signature, usually blurry, or made to emphasize the focal point.
  
• PS- Short for Photoshop
  
• GFX - Slang/short for Graphics
  

 

Sythe.Org Hex Color Codes

Due to the increased amounts of questions being asked about the hex color codes of Sythe, I have decided to make this sticky to prevent any future questions & for a quick reference.

Sythe.org's Avatar Area~
#284059

Sythe.org's Content/Signature Area~
#0f1c2b

 

I recently saw a report opened up on Jiwi trying to force him to give away the files he made.

Rights and Explanations:
Wear Rights - When an item is purchased and transferred to the buyer the only rights the person has to the item is the ability to wear it and use it. Can make no claims on the original items and the artist can refuse distribution of materials/PSDs/etc if they are so inclined.

Full Rights - When an item is purchased the purchaser gets all rights to the piece including all the copyrights and ability to resell.

LRO - Learning Rights Only is when a piece is sold or distributed for teaching only.


What is a logo?
A logo is a highly recognizable design element, including text, images, abstracts, or specified colors. At Sythe many people confuse a website header for a logo, and the difference is that a header is web element. It usually includes the logo but it also includes the name and sometimes other information.


Why is this important?
It is important to make the experience of your customers the best. If you can explain their rights and the correct terminology then you can avoid confusion and possible reports in the future. It will expedite graphics process and allow you to go through orders quicker, thus making more money. Finally it will create a more brand conscious consumer, allowing them to also build their business in the long run.

What is a brand?
A brand is the image (read: PR) of your business entity. This includes specific phrases, images, or colors that are related to the entity. It's what people think of when it comes down to the products produced. Would you rather buy say a piece of brand named merchandise or a cheap knock-off? Why would you rather buy the brand name item? Because, generally, it is the quality that is thought of with the brand.


I may add more if this proves helpful.

 

GENERAL GUIDES, HELPFUL INFORMATION

1. http://www.gimptalk.com/
2. http://browse.deviantart.com/resour.../?order=9&startts=1202371200&endts=1202457600
3. http://androidarts.com/art_tut.htm
4. http://www.illustrationclass.com/
5. http://www.blacksungfx.com/
6. http://www.sigtutorials.com/
7. http://www.pixel2life.com
8. http://www.good-tutorials.com
9. http://www.gamerenders.com
10. http://www.tutorialized.com
11. http://www.good-tutorials.com/
12. http://www.globexdesigns.com/
13. http://www.absolutecross.com/
14. http://www.designsbymark.com/
15. http://www.planetphotoshop.com/
16. http://phong.com/tutorials/
17. http://www.gurusnetwork.com/
18. http://www.polykarbon.com/portfolio/default.html
19. http://designforfun.com/
20. http://actionfx.com/
21. http://www.cbtcafe.com/photoshop/
22. http://www.handson.nu/
23. http://www.eyesondesign.net/
24. http://www.pixel2life.com/
25. http://www.learnit2.com/

DEVIANTART

1. http://resources.deviantart.com/tutorials/
2. http://resources.deviantart.com/textures/
3. http://stockart.deviantart.com/
4. http://resources.deviantart.com/fonts/
5. http://resources.deviantart.com/vector/

BRUSHES

1. http://photoshopbrushes.com/brushes/10.htm
2. http://www.freephotoshop.com/html/free_brushes.html

RENDERS

1. http://www.sxc.hu/
2. http://www.imageafter.com/
3. http://planetrenders.net/renders/index.php
4. http://gamerenders.com/

FONTS

1. http://www.dafont.com
2. http://www.eternalfonts.com
3. http://www.fontface.com/main.html
4. http://www.1001freefonts.com/
5. http://www.acidfonts.com/
6. http://www.fontfreak.com/index2.htm
7. http://www.coolarchive.com
8. http://www.highfonts.com/freefonts.asp?f=0
9. http://www.abstractfonts.com/fonts/static_Archive/A_1.html
10. http://www.coolfonts.de/index/
11. http://www.fontvillage.com/default.aspx?font=a

PROGRAMS

1. http://www.adobe.com/downloads/
2. http://www.corel.com/corel/category.jsp?cat=cat4130083&rootCat=cat3610091 (Free Trials)
3. http://www.gimp.org/downloads/
4. http://www.artrage.com/artrage-demos.html
5. http://inkscape.org/download/?lang=en
6. http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/
7. http://www.pixologic.com/zbrush/downloadcenter/
8. http://usa.autodesk.com/products/free-product-trials

PHOTOSHOP
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/main.html

Photoshop is the backbone of the graphics community. Photographers call it the "Devils Camera" because you can pretty much do anything with it (given you have the skill.) PS is what most of the graphic artists use for the majority of their work. If you are looking to start graphic designing, learn this program first.​

3D Landscaping

e-on Vue
http://e-onsoftware.com

Vue is the current leader in landscape generation. It has the combined attributes of Terragen and Bryce, plus much much more. It's a little tougher to learn than Terragen or Bryce, but it's well worth the learning time. It has great animation skills, and doesn't require any plugins to export the terrain to pretty much any other 3d program. This is very usefull when modeling landscapes in other programs. It also has modeling capacities, and is often used to model such things as castle landspaces. Current version: Vue 5 Infinite.​

Corel Bryce
http://www.corel.com/

Bryce is another 3D Landscape rendering program, but it is not a great one. The renders take maybe 5-10 times longer than that of Terragen, and come out not even half as realistic. A perk of Bryce's that Terragen does not have though, is it can be used for abstracts as well. It also has many things, like bushes, and other landscape items, that Terragen does not offer.​

Maxon Cinema 4D
http://www.maxon.net/index_e.html

Cinema 4D is definatly the most user friendly 3D rendering program that is used by the graphics community. It can create abstract, or even professional models with ease (compared to other programs.) It's renders come out nice and smooth. This is a must for aspiring graphic artists.​

Discreet 3d Studio Max
http://www.discreet.com/

3D Studio Max is not as user friendly as other 3D rendering programs, but it is definatly the most powerful. It's MANY rendering options put other programs renders to shame. If you're looking for the best in 3D capabilities, this is your program.​

Alias Maya
http://www.alias.com/

Maya is a very powerful 3D modeling program. This program is used widely in the gaming industry. If you have ever played Final Fantasy X and above, you have seen the great work this program can do. This program is not as user friendly as C4D, but it is definatly easier than 3DS. So, if you would like great quality, with a moderate challenge, here is your program.​

Curious Labs Poser
http://www.curiouslabs.com/

Poser is the ultimate in fast and efficient character design. This program is specifically ment for character design, and animation. The characters you create in this program can easily be exported to other 3d modeling programs, to be integrated into your scenes. If you want realistic characters, and fast, this is what you need.​

Apophysis
http://apophysis.org

Apophysis is a fractal generation program. You can program your own scripts for it as well. Apophysis is a great program to use for textuing your art. Best of all, it's FREE!​

 

This seems to be something that a lot of people ask about and it also seems to be something missing from this section. This post will serve as a comprehensive list of essential programs all artists and designers should use (or at least try.) In addition to the basics there will also be some advanced and even relatively obscure programs to be found within these sites. If you have any recommendations that are not currently listed please feel free to post them and I will edit theme into the OP.* Enjoy!

• Adobe Photoshop CC and CC Products
• Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Adobe CS6 Products
• Essential Software for Artists & Designers
• Top-Rated Software for 2015
• 22 Free Graphics Programs (Plus Photoshop Brushes & Photoshop Plug-ins)
• Free Starter Software from Serif
• More Free Software Courtesy of YouTube
• Canva & Fatpaint

That's all for right now but this list will be frequently updated and expanded.

*Please be sure to check thoroughly before posting a recommendation!

 

If you take graphic design seriously, you should familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts. They cut your work time in half and spare you from a lot of stress.
Many of these shortcuts span across other Adobe programs, if applicable.


CTRL+ALT+Z - Step Backward

CTRL+Z - Undo/Redo

CTRL+T - Free Transform

CTRL+D - Deselect

CTRL+J - Duplicate layer

CTRL+SHIFT+D - Restore last selection

SHIFT+F7 - Inverse Selection

SHIFT+ARROW KEYS - Move selection (in 10-pixel Increments)

CTRL+ARROW KEYS - Move layer contents (in 10-pixel Increments)

CTRL + CLICK LAYER THUMBNAIL - Load layer selection

ALT + SCROLL WHEEL - Zoom In/Zoom Out


Universal

CTRL+A - Select all

CTRL+C - Copy

CTRL+V - Paste


-


Full maps for both PS and Illustrator. Biggups to Zippy.

 

CTRL+A TO SELECT ALL

CTRL + C TO COPY

CTRL +V TO PASTE

 

Oh, just what I was looking for. Bookmarked.


Additional resources
Brushlovers has the biggest variety of private and deviant art brushes collected that I have seen.
Photoshop community
Artfixed Just a lot of pretty brushed handpicked
Skillshare a place to learn gfx

Why are they banned? Does anyone know if Sam Henke from Orlando is still active here?

 

Keyboard Shortcuts

Spoiler: Photoshop

Spoiler: Illustrator