• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 20:57
CEST 02:57
KST 09:57
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
Code S RO4 & Finals Preview: herO, Rogue, Classic, GuMiho0TL Team Map Contest #5: Presented by Monster Energy4Code S RO8 Preview: herO, Zoun, Bunny, Classic7Code S RO8 Preview: Rogue, GuMiho, Solar, Maru3BGE Stara Zagora 2025: Info & Preview27
Community News
Firefly suspended by EWC, replaced by Lancer1Classic & herO RO8 Interviews: "I think it’s time to teach [Rogue] a lesson."2Rogue & GuMiho RO8 interviews: "Lifting that trophy would be a testament to all I’ve had to overcome over the years and how far I’ve come on this journey.8Code S RO8 Results + RO4 Bracket (2025 Season 2)14BGE Stara Zagora 2025 - Replay Pack2
StarCraft 2
General
Firefly suspended by EWC, replaced by Lancer Jim claims he and Firefly were involved in match-fixing How herO can make history in the Code S S2 finals Rogue & GuMiho RO8 interviews: "Lifting that trophy would be a testament to all I’ve had to overcome over the years and how far I’ve come on this journey. Code S RO8 Results + RO4 Bracket (2025 Season 2)
Tourneys
[GSL 2025] Code S: Season 2 - Semi Finals & Finals WardiTV Mondays Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament $3,500 WardiTV European League 2025 Sea Duckling Open (Global, Bronze-Diamond)
Strategy
[G] Darkgrid Layout Simple Questions Simple Answers [G] PvT Cheese: 13 Gate Proxy Robo
Custom Maps
[UMS] Zillion Zerglings
External Content
Mutation # 478 Instant Karma Mutation # 477 Slow and Steady Mutation # 476 Charnel House Mutation # 475 Hard Target
Brood War
General
ASL20 Preliminary Maps BW General Discussion BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ Recent recommended BW games FlaSh Witnesses SCV Pull Off the Impossible vs Shu
Tourneys
[Megathread] Daily Proleagues [BSL 2v2] ProLeague Season 3 - Friday 21:00 CET Small VOD Thread 2.0 [BSL20] ProLeague Bracket Stage - Day 4
Strategy
I am doing this better than progamers do. [G] How to get started on ladder as a new Z player
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Path of Exile Nintendo Switch Thread Beyond All Reason What do you want from future RTS games?
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
Vanilla Mini Mafia TL Mafia Community Thread
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine UK Politics Mega-thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread Vape Nation Thread
Fan Clubs
SKT1 Classic Fan Club! Maru Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
Korean Music Discussion [Manga] One Piece
Sports
Formula 1 Discussion 2024 - 2025 Football Thread NHL Playoffs 2024 TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
A Better Routine For Progame…
TrAiDoS
StarCraft improvement
iopq
Heero Yuy & the Tax…
KrillinFromwales
I was completely wrong ab…
jameswatts
Need Your Help/Advice
Glider
Trip to the Zoo
micronesia
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 33636 users

Photoshop tips?

Blogs > Raii
Post a Reply
1 2 Next All
Raii
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
Philippines194 Posts
March 21 2011 18:37 GMT
#1
Hey there. I'm extremely new when it comes to photoshop and the like. New as in I just started 2 hours ago. Here's my first work:
Click me!
+ Show Spoiler +
I tried achieving a comic-book 3D effect, although I think it isn't evident at all (noob alert lol)


Can anyone give me tips to improve, or at least recommend some really cool sites with photoshop/paint.net resources?

Thanks!

Interesting comeback. How long did it take you make one?
RedLuck
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
Canada253 Posts
March 21 2011 18:43 GMT
#2
Ahh, the good ol' noob days. I remember those.

I suggest looking for a good graphics community where you can share your work and ask for C+C (comments and criticisms). That's how I started and it helped immensely.

Unfortunately I haven't been active on a gfx community in ages so I can't suggest any, but I'm sure google can help. :D

Dont give up and dont get discouraged!
If you say "plz" because it's shorter than "please," I'll say "no" because it's shorter than "yes."
Raii
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
Philippines194 Posts
March 21 2011 18:45 GMT
#3
Okay! Thanks for the suggestion. Comments on my work? Don't worry I can take criticisms
Interesting comeback. How long did it take you make one?
lac29
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
United States1485 Posts
March 21 2011 19:19 GMT
#4
It really depends on what effect you were trying to produce. I dunno what tools you used but keep on practicing and check out youtube for some pretty good tutorials. I just finished an intro class to photoshop/illustrator/indesign and there are a ton of stuff I still don't know. What I do know is that you need to master layers for photoshop and the pen tool for illustrator.
RedJustice
Profile Blog Joined February 2011
United States1004 Posts
March 21 2011 19:25 GMT
#5
Eh, deviantArt often has tutorials and brushes and things like that in the Stock Images and Resources section. Of course, it can be of work to sort through everything to find what you actually need. Otherwise, google is your friend, haha. I find the best way to learn is to just say to yourself-- here's what I want to make-- and start making it, and then whenever you can't figure out how to do something, look it up. Also, just clicking a lot of buttons to see what they do has always been helpful to me...
CombatWood
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States40 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-03-21 19:38:56
March 21 2011 19:31 GMT
#6
Clicked on the picture ... way better than I can do already haha. I'm only pro at putting a specific part of the male body into people's hands and near their mouths.

Um, the edges on the character are a bit off/vary. Some areas is just black, others there's a slight highlight outline(the outline shows on the lower right portions of his left arm, torso, and leg.

That is the only real issues I have. The text and background seem a bit off as well, but I'm not really sure since I have no formal art training, so I don't really know the theory behind that sort of thing.

Other than that, just keep working at it. Everything takes time if you want to be good at it.

Edit: These may be pretty old and not exactly what you need, but apparently I still had the links from when I first started using PS. http://elitebydesign.com/how-to-master-photoshop-in-just-one-week/
ChrisXIV
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
Austria3553 Posts
March 21 2011 19:33 GMT
#7
I don't know if you wanted it that way, but there are several white pixels around the character, that make it look like a sloppy cut-out.

Also, depending on the effect you want to achieve, you might want to look at color composition, as that really sets the mood of whatever you do.

The letters of the text seem...bland. Left upper corner also isn't ideal in most cases - depending on how much you want the viewer to focus on it. And adding even a small shadow gives it more "power".

x|x|x
x|x|x

x|x|x

The eye focuses mainly on the two vertical/horizontal lines, if you don't force a focus by other means.
"Just stay on 1 base, make a lot of shit, keep attacking. It doesn't work? Keep attacking." -Chill
mizU
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
United States12125 Posts
March 21 2011 19:34 GMT
#8
What version of photoshop are you using?

I have a collection of tutorials in jpeg format, maybe I'll upload them here.
if happy ever afters did exist <3 @watamizu_
guMmiwormz
Profile Blog Joined April 2008
United States312 Posts
March 21 2011 19:49 GMT
#9
For basics, i'd suggest you start by learning how each tool and filters.. etc actually work. Too many people just find tutorials and copy them without actually knowing how they're creating what they are.

good places to start would be

http://www.good-tutorials.com/tutorials/photoshop
psdtuts.com (a bit more advanced tuts)
Asha
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
United Kingdom38198 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-03-21 20:01:48
March 21 2011 20:00 GMT
#10
http://psd.tutsplus.com/ <-- wonderful site

I'd suggest you start working through their great introduction to photoshop as a starting point:

http://psd.tutsplus.com/sessions/photoshop-basix/

It's a (free) 14 part video series with downloadable source files/resources, and teaches you the basic tools and skills that make up the core of your photoshop usage. From there you'll have a decent understanding of how to use photoshop to do a variety of image editing and design tasks, and you can comfortably branch out into more advanced tutorials, or simply use that knowledge to start experimenting on your own to produce a few things ^^

Have fun!
Raii
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
Philippines194 Posts
March 21 2011 20:04 GMT
#11
Thank you for all the input! You're all of great help!

Oh and sorry if it looks like a cardboard cut-out. I'm still practicing blending and rendering techniques. Plus, I have no idea what every tool does atm. Most of what I did earlier were purely the results of trial--and-error.
Interesting comeback. How long did it take you make one?
Coagulation
Profile Blog Joined July 2006
United States9633 Posts
March 21 2011 21:12 GMT
#12
hey not bad at all man.

like others have said you really have to go into "attention to detail mode" when it comes to off color pixels along edges. there are many many many techniques you can use to get rid of them. not all of them will work for every situation. its kind of a pick whats best for each type of area your trying to clean up.

the most basic would be a 2 pixel eraser brush and just zoom in and clear them 1 by 1 this is extremely time consuming but effective against straight edges and what not.

try using a burn tool to darken the stray pixels. try messing with settings to get a nice blend. Burn tool is an extremely importantf for painting depth and detail in shapes.
it also works really well on gradient areas or soft spread areas that cant be touched with a eraser easily.

Sometimes i use a trick that helps give edges more depth and a softer flow copy paste the entire character ( make sure hes seperate from background - using layers is important!) and use a Gaussian blur filter set it at about 1.5 on the bottom copy
you should erase areas of the blurred bottom layer that are more closer to the viewer and have more of a sharper focus in the picture and tweak it untill eventually the backside and far away edges have a softer look and then merge the layers together.

little tiny tricks like these are what make up the bulk of photoshop skills.
theres usually always multiple tricks to tackle any problem and employing them correctly often separate a beginners piece from a professionals piece.
InRaged
Profile Joined February 2007
1047 Posts
March 21 2011 21:36 GMT
#13
On March 22 2011 06:12 Coagulation wrote:
the most basic would be a 2 pixel eraser brush and just zoom in and clear them 1 by 1 this is extremely time consuming but effective against straight edges and what not.

While doing so I would highly recommend to work with the layer's mask and not the layer itself.

Here is the tutorial: link (I haven't actually read it, but it looks like a fine article on the matter)
Count9
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
China10928 Posts
March 21 2011 21:48 GMT
#14
Google photoshop forum signature tutorials and find ones that you like, then completely copy what they say and do A LOT OF THEM (<---- this is where a lot of people fail, they copy 2 and think they know everything. At least go double digits). Signatures are small, compact, and it's not as overwhelming to see how they put their composition together and why they use certain layers/effects. After that, move on to just learning individual effects that you may want and do a tut or 2 (certainly not as much as sig tuts) on large pieces.
Raii
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
Philippines194 Posts
March 21 2011 22:12 GMT
#15
Alright! I'll update once I finish a newer one.
Thanks for all the input. Really I'm browsing 25 tabs at the same time [all tuts] lol
Interesting comeback. How long did it take you make one?
lac29
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
United States1485 Posts
March 21 2011 22:49 GMT
#16
On March 22 2011 06:36 InRaged wrote:
Show nested quote +
On March 22 2011 06:12 Coagulation wrote:
the most basic would be a 2 pixel eraser brush and just zoom in and clear them 1 by 1 this is extremely time consuming but effective against straight edges and what not.

While doing so I would highly recommend to work with the layer's mask and not the layer itself.

Here is the tutorial: link (I haven't actually read it, but it looks like a fine article on the matter)


I def agree. A newbie mistake, or more of a work flow mistake, is to alter your original when you should be doing non-permanent alterations. Learn to use masks!
Coagulation
Profile Blog Joined July 2006
United States9633 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-03-21 22:57:47
March 21 2011 22:56 GMT
#17
just dont forget to experiment with your own style and techniques
sometimes thats the best way to learn is trial and error.
just pick a tool and doodle around with it and try to get different results and see the dynamics that can be applied to it.

some other handy tools to learn
generate clouds filter ( to make textures and surface area depth)
Pattern filters or clone tool ( to create large areas of texture fast)
Masking + area selection ( to edit precise areas of pictures)
Blur tool for (creating blurred edges to build depth of field or movement and many other effects.)
Layer types (multiply + overlay are 2 most common and very useful)
and my favorite is the burn tool. use it for shadows and lighting in a snap.


disciple
Profile Blog Joined January 2008
9070 Posts
March 22 2011 12:39 GMT
#18
my tip is not to read any tutorials yet. dont use any filters or premade effects. one of the most common mistake ppl make in the beginning is trying "to make something cool". Grab a hold on the basic tools, see how brightness/contrast color balance and levels work. you will build on it with time have fun
Administrator"I'm a big deal." - ixmike88
mel_ee
Profile Blog Joined August 2003
2448 Posts
March 22 2011 13:27 GMT
#19
-make things into 72 DPI (this is the resolution when u make a new document)

-when u stretch images or do any resizing, if u want to keep it uniformly the same, hold SHIFT while u drag to make an image smaller or larger.

-the "[" key and the "]" are usefull for zooming in and out. there are other shortcuts also but I think this and "v" are used the most. "v" is the select tool
Behold the bold soldier, control the globe slowly proceeds to blow swingin swords like Shinobi
wbirdy
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
Singapore335 Posts
March 22 2011 14:37 GMT
#20
tip: change the font! keep it simple, small, not too attention-grabbing. this will keep the focus on the stock render. right now, your text is sticking out like a sore thumb.
become legendary
1 2 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Replay Cast
00:00
2025 GSL S2 - Ro8 Group A
CranKy Ducklings147
EnkiAlexander 91
Liquipedia
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
RuFF_SC2 4
StarCraft: Brood War
Artosis 829
ajuk12(nOOB) 19
Icarus 6
Dota 2
LuMiX2
Counter-Strike
fl0m6281
Heroes of the Storm
Khaldor185
Other Games
summit1g10634
shahzam1345
C9.Mang01124
JimRising 506
ViBE226
Maynarde183
Trikslyr58
Mew2King55
ToD11
NeuroSwarm1
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick1150
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 14 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Berry_CruncH296
• Hupsaiya 103
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• Azhi_Dahaki21
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
League of Legends
• Doublelift5046
Upcoming Events
Wardi Open
10h 4m
Replay Cast
23h 4m
Replay Cast
1d 9h
RSL Revival
1d 9h
Cure vs Percival
ByuN vs Spirit
RSL Revival
2 days
herO vs sOs
Zoun vs Clem
Replay Cast
2 days
The PondCast
3 days
RSL Revival
3 days
Serral vs SHIN
Solar vs Cham
Replay Cast
3 days
RSL Revival
4 days
Reynor vs Scarlett
ShoWTimE vs Classic
[ Show More ]
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
4 days
SC Evo League
5 days
Circuito Brasileiro de…
5 days
Sparkling Tuna Cup
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Proleague 2025-06-11
2025 GSL S2
Heroes 10 EU

Ongoing

JPL Season 2
BSL 2v2 Season 3
BSL Season 20
KCM Race Survival 2025 Season 2
NPSL S3
Rose Open S1
CSL 17: 2025 SUMMER
Copa Latinoamericana 4
Murky Cup #2
BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025
ESL Impact League Season 7
IEM Dallas 2025
PGL Astana 2025
Asian Champions League '25
BLAST Rivals Spring 2025
MESA Nomadic Masters
CCT Season 2 Global Finals
IEM Melbourne 2025
YaLLa Compass Qatar 2025
PGL Bucharest 2025

Upcoming

CSLPRO Last Chance 2025
CSLPRO Chat StarLAN 3
K-Championship
SEL Season 2 Championship
Esports World Cup 2025
HSC XXVII
Championship of Russia 2025
BLAST Open Fall 2025
Esports World Cup 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall Qual
IEM Cologne 2025
FISSURE Playground #1
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2025 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.