A Focus Outside Signatures

So I've been revisiting the graphics section over the past couple of days and I'm really impressed by the continued activity in the section.

I have, however, noticed that a lot of the graphics work, and in particular the SOTM competition, is focused mainly around Sythe-based graphics; signatures, avatars, UIs and threads.

I was wondering what the take-up would be on some image manipulation: taking a base photo(s) and turning them into something different. The area of design is really quite extensive and ranges from making a photo look aged to putting animals in buildings (something interesting I recently saw by an up-and-coming photographer).

I have taken a particular interest in this over the past year (being a photographer) and would be more than glad to run some tutorials.

Image manipulation is a good way into graphic design as it teaches you all the tools you could possibly use in Photoshop and Lightroom along the way. It's really a back door into commercial design.

If the take-up was good I'd look at running an image manipulation competition - where participants are given a base image and asked to manipulate it in the most creative way possible using renders and other photos. I'd be happy to look at getting my media company to sponsor it with prizes; cash or donations to Sythe on behalf of the winner.

Hopefully this is something than can further stimulate the graphics section without affecting the uptake on the existing SOTM competition which is doing very well in itself!

What are your opinions?

 

This seems to be a great idea! I'm sure the majority of GFX creators here would like to learn something new. I appreciate the help you're offering.

 

Sounds awesome, I love seeing such work. I'm not into design myself but I could vote and stuff

s/o /r/photoshopbattles/

 

Thanks! One of the great things about image manipulation is that it's not always something new - it's often a case of learning to fully utilise tools that you have used in other ways in the past!

Haha, glad to know I'm not the only one ghosting that reddit.

 

Mhm it's quite fun to see the creations on there

 

I think that is what is mostly made on forums because that is where the demand is, people don't tend to request photo-manipulations but if you are good at it there is money to be made for sure (Off the internet).

For example I always see canvas prints in galleries, and this art is literately made on Photoshop, printed in high quality on to canvases and sold for thousands..... And I don't mean reproduction canvases from original paintings

I would love you to teach me some photo-manipulation as my girlfriend is getting into photography and it would make an awesome partnership if I could do the editing

Here is something that I did with one of her shots, let me know what you think/how I can improve!

http://imgur.com/a/Q5YMk

 

I agree. Image manipulation is probably not profitable on Sythe; nevertheless, it remains a great way of getting into design and learning your way round Photoshop. Some of the skills I use in my own photography are those that I take to my office with me and apply to clients' work and, although this is in media, I'm sure it's also something that can be applied to work on Sythe such as signatures.

Indeed, there's nothing better than getting involved with the other half's hobby! Maybe she'll even let you use the camera one day?

I like what you've done and overlaying images is the first step in image manipulation. Have you ever considered using masks to refine edges?

 

I'm always interested in furthering my understanding, every bit of work you do you kind of level up your skills, and you can really see the difference even after doing 10 jobs.

Ahaha I doubt that she would ever.....

+ I think I did use a layer mask here, it was a long while back but it looks as if it just had a very large feather on it could have blended it a lot better for sure in hindsight.

Maybe you should make some tuts? maybe you could get a tutorial thread going that would be sick for some of us who are still getting to grasps with PS

 

Tutorials are definitely something I'm interested in. I'd have to get together some resources for you to follow with first, but maybe one a week is definitely manageable!

 

To be honest, there are a ton of awesome tutorials all over the web.

Maybe we could just make one where we shared tips/tricks and tutorials that really helped us grasp some of the techniques

 

Yeah I guess so. Or maybe pick out and refine existing tutorials?

 

I'd participate. Sounds fun.

 

Even though I've only done free graphics for a few people, I can tell you that a lot of people in the GFX section are probably sick of doing the typical particle effect and thrausi. This would probably interest a lot of people, especially with a prize incentive.

 

I don't know if I'd be able to find the time to participate given I never seem to be able to find it for SOTM but I'd certainly be interested.

 

Awesome!

That was my thinking exactly. And what would a competition be without prizes?

I think one great thing about manipulation is that you can start something and continue it when you have a few minutes here and there. It's not always the same with signatures; I find it hard to come back to a piece after a day and continue in the same or in a good direction!