Some Tips on Improving Stuff Like This

[Weeda]

Okay, I really doubt I'll be posting here often on account of my self-conciousness and, you know, lack of skill, but before I stop posting for another 6 months or so, I was hoping for some tips on how I could improve my photoshop work on stuff like this.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i41/Ladnav/SunglassesLady2.jpg

*Something to keep in mind when looking at this: I don't own a wacom or anything of the sort. I'm broke.*

Granted, my drawing needs work too, but I'll work on that too.

I could pick out several things that are wrong with this that need to be addressed (including the lopsided breasts and the horrible edges that make the layers obvious), but I'll just leave that to the people who know what they're talking about...

Oh, but one thing I do want to know: How can I get the lines around things such as the nose to seem sharper and more realistic?

[toole]

The darker colors on her face, get those out of there,

actually looks like you're dodging/burning a lot..

use real colors !

[bumskee]

I really think this sort of complex painting requires lot more than few advices to get right. It's a long process, I know this probably isnt the answer you have been looking for I don't think there's short cut.. I think first step would be try and do some simple studies.. simple objects. simple shapes.. simple colours.. and slwoly build up your skills. Painting obivously is lot more than just learning photoshop. You could NOT use soft edge brushes, coz at your stage it's an excuse to hide flaws. Check out some sketchbooks here in CA, you'll notice how people do studies and then apply those to their creative stuffs.

good luck.

[Peskykid]

I've worked professionally in illustration/digital colouring using photoshop for nearly 12 years and only in the last 4 months have I started usuing a tablet (I think I might be a little slow...!) If you're not using a tablet then my advice is that the path tool is your friend. Use in in conjunction with feathering and quick mask. You illustraion will be driven by creating the right selection areas.

It will also mean you'll have to plan your illustration carefully. Decide on your light source and remain consistant with it. The one advantage you will have using paths over a pen is that it forces your hand when it comes to defining shadow and light - it naturally pushes you toward making them sharper. (which I personnally prefer - I think creating peices that are too soft with the airbrsuh is an easy trap to fall into)

That said I'm digging my new tablet! - Now if I can just learn how to control it enough to write my own name neatly.....