My First Avatar (catmuffin)

[Alien]

http://www.fantasycomic.com/alien/drowmuffin.gif

Turned out better than I'd feared at first, but being my first try, it's probably horrible nonetheless. Any tips for making my next try better appreciated.

[Dallas-Dakota]

1 Try inkscape.

2 Try and make a avatar with Trazoi's guide.

3 ???

4 Profit!

:smalltongue:

[SteveMB]

<-

Turned out better than I'd feared at first, but being my first try, it's probably horrible nonetheless. Any tips for making my next try better appreciated.

The main issue I see is the jagginess of the outer lines. There are ways to smooth that out if you use PNG format (that will support a gradation of opacity levels, not just a binary opaque/transparent distinction). The main downside is that it approximately doubles the file size.

If you have software that will support multiple-layer graphics (GIMP, Paint Shop Pro, probably a few others), you can "anti-alias" the edges (i.e. tweak the graphic so that it has semi-transparent pixels along the edges to smooth them out) by:

1. Create two duplicate layers with copies of the graphic.

2. Slightly blur the lower layer. (A Gaussian-blur tool set to about 0.7-1.0 pixel blur radius should work).

3. Merge the layers, save/export to PNG format. If there are multiple options for transparency, check the file save/export settings to make sure you're preserving "alpha channel transparency" (i.e. each pixel keeps its existing level of opacity).


Edit: An example of a graphic with anti-aliased outer edges, from my gallery on the Erfworld forum:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t291/smbrinich/Erfworld/100px/GreenDwagonFlight100x100.png

[Alien]

Ah yes. Converting to png made it better immediately:
http://www.fantasycomic.com/alien/drowmuffin.png

I did look at the avatar guides, but I have never heard of inkscape or much of the other stuff before, so it got confusing fast. I'll have another look though, and see if I can learn anything more.

Thanks both of you.

[Alien]

A bit too soft again, perhaps, actually. Hrm. But the inkscape might help that.
Not a very inspired avatar though. I can't get no imagination.

[Ego Slayer]

With Inkscape you'll get sharp, clean lines. It's definitely worth a try if you plan on doing more avatars.

Which program are you currently using?

[Dallas-Dakota]

Download Inkscape from here, its free and bug-free. No hidden viruses with it as far as I'm aware. (http://www.inkscape.org/download/?lang=en)

Trazoi's guide, I fully recommend it. (http://www.trazoi.net/tutorials/inkscape/oots/)

Good luck young grashopper.:smalltongue:

[Haruki-kun]

Hmmm....I gotta say, this is pretty damn good for a first avatar. Especially considering you're not using vectors...

[Holammer]

Ah yes. Converting to png made it better immediately.

I did look at the avatar guides, but I have never heard of inkscape or much of the other stuff before, so it got confusing fast. I'll have another look though, and see if I can learn anything more.

Thanks both of you.

Never heard of Inkscape? welcome to the arts and crafts section!
Inkscape is vector based so you build pictures in layers with objects that are basically mathematical shapes that allow seamless scaling and rotation etc. It is rather easy to repose and change stuff without the hassle you'd usually encounter with pixel based. Check the useful links Dallas posted.
Your avatar is very good, the pose of a sneaky (?) Drow makes it stand out despite being relatively simple and if you haven't used vectors it makes it even more impressive. Doing it in MS Paint or even Photoshop is a pain in my humble opinion.
... as this discussion touched Inkscape... Don't listen to the guy in the black robe and the scythe! Lies, LIES I tells ya. *cough* :smallsmile:

[Haruki-kun]

... as this discussion touched Inkscape... Don't listen to the guy in the black robe and the scythe! Lies, LIES I tells ya. *cough* :smallsmile:

I find it impressive that you always reach the thread before Nameless does. :smalltongue:

[T-O-E]

... as this discussion touched Inkscape... Don't listen to the guy in the black robe and the scythe! Lies, LIES I tells ya. *cough* :smallsmile:

Unless the guy actually praises inkscape, otherwise don't believe a word he says.

[Elder Tsofu]

Unless the guy actually praises inkscape, otherwise don't believe a word he says.

No, then it would be really fishy. Just stick to be always nontrusting - can you really trust a nameless thing, hiding in black robes wielding a scythe? :smalltongue:

As a sidenote: I also think it's a good first attempt - and I salute everyone making avatars in paint or such, as the ones who survives the trials usually end up darn good.
For everyone else incscape is a way of making altogether decent avatars without too much effort.

[Ashen Lilies]

*Poofs in.*
If you find Inkscapes or other vector based programs a bit difficult, (I know I do.:smalleek:), Paint.NET is a good choice for pixel programs.

[Return of Lanky]

Or, just use Paint!

All the cool kids are doing it!

...

Look, the token Paint Avie artist has to stick up for the prog, yeah?

Edit: Look! (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33471) There's even a Paint tutorial that kicks ass!

[Wreckingrocc]

I can't get no imagination.Well, at least that means you can get SOME imagination.

[Haruki-kun]

...hiding in black robes wielding a scythe? :smalltongue:

GAH! They'z talking about me! :smalltongue:

I'm messing with your minds.

[Holammer]

GAH! They'z talking about me! :smalltongue:

I'm messing with your minds.

Oy! Saw that one coming!
I have Inkscape running and I'm not afraid to use it... This could totally snowball into a "I'm Spartacus" debacle. :smalltongue:

[Haruki-kun]

Bring it on!!!! :smallamused:

*wishes he didn't have school and stuff.....<.<*

[Holammer]

Bring it on!!!! :smallamused:

*wishes he didn't have school and stuff.....<.<*

Your challenge... Accepted! :smallbiggrin:


http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn217/Holammer/hol-nameless.png

[Haruki-kun]

Holy crap! :smalleek:

I'm gonna need a hood now! :smalltongue:

[Dallas-Dakota]

*wonders*

Should I request......

[Alien]

Wow. That tutorial rules. Inkscape rules.

Through a few hours yesterday and today, I made an old DnD character of mine (http://www.fantasycomic.com/index.php?p=artwork24) into My Second Avatar:
http://www.fantasycomic.com/alien/galanodel.png

[Holammer]

Wow. That tutorial rules. Inkscape rules.

Through a few hours yesterday and today, I made an old DnD character of mine (http://www.fantasycomic.com/index.php?p=artwork24) into My Second Avatar:
http://www.fantasycomic.com/alien/galanodel.png

Looks good for a first try in Inkscape and Trazoi's guide *is* awesome. No doubt about it. Make sure to build prefabs so you can save yourself time. Finished heads, body/torso for female/male etc. With some quick copy&paste you have the framework to a new avatar and it's a time saver too.

[Haruki-kun]

http://www.fantasycomic.com/alien/galanodel.png

This is really good! You might be a natural. :smallbiggrin:

[Elder Tsofu]

I really like how you got the hair - if you do that right the rest sort of comes easy... :smallsmile:

[Omega]

Ah yes. Converting to png made it better immediately:
http://www.fantasycomic.com/alien/drowmuffin.png

Very good for a first avatar! :smallwink:

[Bitzeralisis]

Pretty good for a first. *first wonders about subject's possible age-caused-ability, then possible previous experiences in the art of drawing, then how I would absorb those from his cold, dead body if subject had them.* You saw nothing!
:smallwink:

[Alien]

Thanks for the compliments people. I have made templates for the future.

Any ideas on how to make it better? Even if it's good for a first/second, it's probably not up to scratch compared to experienced people's avatars.

[Holammer]

Thanks for the compliments people. I have made templates for the future.

Any ideas on how to make it better? Even if it's good for a first/second, it's probably not up to scratch compared to experienced people's avatars.
One thing that catches my eye, and no pun intended... Eyes seem a little bit on the small'ish side compared with regular OotS style and Mr Burlew anyway draws Drow eyes as solid white (I myself prefer having them black because they look more alive that way)
Apart from that, your current avatar wouldn't look too out of place in the OotS comic.