beginner

[fighting foo]

Hi everyone!

As you can tell from the title im a beginner in the world of digital art and this website.
Though as a budding artist im totally blown away with what ive seen, and want to start producing some of my own pieces.
I know your all probably busy but i dont suppose anyone would have some tips on where to start, like software and other stuff. It would be much appreciated!
Thanks

fighting foo

[Mirana]

Most of the info you'd look for will be stickied at the top of individual forums. If you want to know about Photoshop and Painter, check out those forums. If you want to learn art techniques, check out the Art Discussion section, etc. Use the "search" tool in the forums or the wiki at the top for additional info.

G'Luck!

[fighting foo]

Thanks very much! Didnt have a clue where to begin

[tensai]

Forget about software for a while, instead get some cheap simple hardware like pencil and paper (perhaps a pen) and focus on drawing itself. There's some tutorials and links to books up there that will help you with getting to know and practice the more essential drawing principles.

Have fun.

[fighting foo]

thanks tensai, sound advice. Creating a sketchbook at the mo, so hopefully will get them on here soon

[feifeicreate]

I'm not sure if you just start drawing or you're transfer from paper to digital. If you just start to learn how to draw, I agree with tensai, you really don't need all those fansy expensive programs. Go to attend a beginning drawing class, get a pencil and start drawing whatever.

if you're making the transaction from traditional medium to digital, I say start with Photoshop and Wacom combination. It's not cheap, but totally worth it. If you have some extra money, get Corel Painter.

As for where to start, check out the community activity board, you can create characters, creatures, enviornment, and other stuff. They have wonderful topic every week. If you're like me who need the motivation of positive critism and a deadline to work, that's where to go.

[ArtZealot]

I'm gonna side with everyone else. At the very least practice up with sketching with a good old pencil and paper. It's hard to explain but i'm of the opinion that having a basic understanding of something traditional really pays off for someone who uses digital.

[fighting foo]

thanks for all the replies everyone, and especially feifeicreate i'll have a look at the wacom tablets!

[Blue]

When beginning your career as an artist, you must first do the traditional voodoo dance to appease the gods. For this you must shave your head then glue a goat's pubic hair to it. Then, you must pierce your nose and poke your wacom pen through. It is recommended at this point you soak your feet in a vat of urine, to guarantee the spirit's take your favor, because the last step is to run around in circles naked chanting the teaching of Bob Ross while drenching your body in the menstrual blood of a senior citizen.

Remember, happy trees, enchanting mountains *splash blood* misty meadows and more happy trees...

[fighting foo]

thanks blue got round to soaking my feet in urine, just off to the post office to find an oap...

[Black Spot]

When beginning your career as an artist, you must first do the traditional voodoo dance to appease the gods. For this you must shave your head then glue a goat's pubic hair to it. Then, you must pierce your nose and poke your wacom pen through. It is recommended at this point you soak your feet in a vat of urine, to guarantee the spirit's take your favor, because the last step is to run around in circles naked chanting the teaching of Bob Ross while drenching your body in the menstrual blood of a senior citizen.

Remember, happy trees, enchanting mountains *splash blood* misty meadows and more happy trees...

Knew I'd forgotten to do something.

[conti]

Check out Andrew Loomis. He has amazing books that I still constantly read to help me understand form, composition, and so on. It's a good refresher for everyone and a great learning tool. Hope that helps.