How can I get started as a GFX artist?

I've always been wanting to make sick GFX like a lot of the users do in this forums, examples being kin, moonglare, Karma etc etc.

I was wondering, how can I get started? I've used C4D before as well as Photoshop, having basic knowledge of both.

What sort of programs do you (GFX'rs) use to create those amazing signatures and text? Also how can I get better at being more creative (lol).

 

First learn real GFX. Text signatures will only get you places in the market and is only impressive to people who don't know how to GFX. Taking renders or stocks and creating something totally new out of them is something that takes a lot of time and practice, but really develops your skill and artistic eye.

Also you can't just be more creative. It is not something you learn or can be taught. It is in you.

 

Ok so I should 'train' myself by using renders. However, what programs do I focus on? I know photoshop obviously, but what else?

 

Depends what kind of graphics you want to get into, although photoshop ties into almost all graphics so you want to be strong with PS, If you like text sigs try watching some tutorials for Cinema 4D r13.

If you want to build creativity try getting into traditional signatures,photo manipulations, digital painting etc those take creativity and should help you.

 

Creativity comes itself, most people around here use Photoshop or C4D.

 

What I'm currently doing is getting used to photoshop, making little things here and there trying stuff out and eventually putting things together

 

my advice would be to start drawing, that would be the main thing. And don't limit yourself to programs alone .. you can do photography and use that in your work. You could make your own textures for instance and while you're doing all this i'd suggest you experiment ALOT with Photoshop and read tutorials so you can get the hang of the whole program, which is a very very difficult thing to do when you first start out, just keep at it!

And also write down any ideas you get, so you can maybe later turn it into something nice on Photoshop.