The official X-Manips thread

[newwaveboy87]

Not to eat up bandwith.

Wolverine is much more difficult. Shades of gray with a blending o him breaking out of glass. Combination of brushes+fixed hues+sharpening+contrast levels.

done.

Great example of a photo I cleaned and enhanced. Look at the original and compare it to each other. The one on the left is the "Enhanced" photo by me and the other is the original source.

Blurs+Saturation depleting+constrast+Brightness

embossing the clear text. Done.

a lesser person would've backed away. but you've put your money where your mouth it. you've got my respect.

 

[Jennifer Walters]

Damn....sorry...just has to be said. Eric is just hot in that picture.

 

[ComicQueen]

lol well, at least she didn't criticize my crappy work.

I'm not saying this to be mean, I'm giving tips so you can watch out for those things. Artwork isn't like Fan fiction, it's much more complicated and is a visual. With Fan Fiction you have the luxury of covering it up but with Artwork it's exhibited to the world to see and critique. You better be damned good before you start exhibiting your stuff or else you'll be ridiculed.

Take my advice if you want, it's there for you to use or not. I've been working with photographic stills for a while so that's why I know how to manipulate, colorize and shade them however I want.

All crappy work can be re-worked but there have been some examples on this board that are painful to look at. No offense. I know not everyone is going to be a professional graphic artist on here but I do find it very silly and offensive when someone CLAIMS to be a graphic artist and is displaying the most crappiest work I've seen.

I'm not a graphic artist by profession, this is just a hobby.

 

[C_T]

Storm with short hair.

Love the shirt, I want one for X-Mas.

Use layers for the hair and tint.

PS. Same for the eyes. Duplicate layers, fix the opacity and blend. Color Burn if you want Phoenix Eyes but in this case of Storm I'd use a blend of filters like Glaussin Blur and Dodge tool.

Thanks for the CC. I'm new to this photoshop thing. I'm learning though. Oh.... here's the original photo.

 

[BT18]

Halle looks best with long, straight hair.

Just like most chicks.

 

[ComicQueen]

Thanks for the CC. I'm new to this photoshop thing. I'm learning though. Oh.... here's the original photo.

No problem let me know if you need any further help.

That is a great photo to work on of Halle. I think you have something really good here that just needs some fine tuning.

As you see with the photo clip I took from your manip the hair doesn't even look like hair. It appears to be too smudgy and unrealistic. Try duplicating the layers from the master and then tint the hair, you may also have to tweak the contrast but do so sparingly. You want to make sure her hair comes off as white not bleeding gray or other colors. Another trick is to duplicate the layer of hair then tint it to a yellow or a really off-yellow blend it (using the opacity feature) with the white layer and it should come off much more stunning and realistic. You may have to color burn the edges but that should give you a really nice hair style. In fact, I like this image so much I may work on it if you don't mind?

Her eyes should be dramatic. Try using the dodge tool to bring out some of the white in her eyes. If it leads to another color of brightness then undo. Often times, stills eye whites don't brighten the right color and require you to whiten them with a touch of the smudge brush. Since Halle's eyes are very black, you will have duplicate layers (I cut around the eyes so that it's only the eyes in tha layer then zoom in and out to make sure you capture the iris correctly. Once you have done that, try dodging around the iris to see if it brightens any if that doesn't work then use the Brighthness feature to bring out the iris more and use contrast accordingly. Once you can see the iris in the eye brighten it enough to colorize. Colorize to a bright blue. Capture the saturation to the right levels. Brighten it again then you should have achieved what you need for dramatic white eyes. I tend to go blue to white because they are prettier but you may have to go from yellow to White or Brown to white. It's all up to you.

PS. don't forget to sharpen!

 

[Lazmarquez]

I'm not saying this to be mean, I'm giving tips so you can watch out for those things. Artwork isn't like Fan fiction, it's much more complicated and is a visual. With Fan Fiction you have the luxury of covering it up but with Artwork it's exhibited to the world to see and critique. You better be damned good before you start exhibiting your stuff or else you'll be ridiculed.

Take my advice if you want, it's there for you to use or not. I've been working with photographic stills for a while so that's why I know how to manipulate, colorize and shade them however I want.

All crappy work can be re-worked but there have been some examples on this board that are painful to look at. No offense. I know not everyone is going to be a professional graphic artist on here but I do find it very silly and offensive when someone CLAIMS to be a graphic artist and is displaying the most crappiest work I've seen.

I'm not a graphic artist by profession, this is just a hobby.

Constructive Criticism is completely welcome in any form, and I thank you for your honesty. It's much appreciated and I'm sure that many poeple will appreciate the tips on their Images.

In response to your recent reply to my Magneto/Bridge Manip, I totally understand your critique, and don't think that I don't see my own flaws, because as they say: "you are your own worst critic". but I will once again state, that I do these at very high speeds, not because I'm rushing, but because sometimes I get bored at work and have the urge to share a Photo Manipulation that comes to mind spur of the moment. I don't have all day to work on one, and I assure you that If I did, they would be a lot more. But I don't have the luxury of that, and must make due with my limited time. That is why some of my manips, in your opinion are sloppy, or hit and miss. I look at these boards as a place where I can simply post an image, in which I am forced to use low quality images of a movie that came out over 3 years ago..
And I enjoy it, just as everyone else here does, because they can simply put their mind to work, even if they aren't Photoshop Geniuses, but they're having fun and expressing their passion.

They may be as you say: "painful" to look at. But why does it have to be painful? They should be appreciated for what they are. We are all here for a common purpose, to show and express our admiration for X-Men and it's Movie Franchise. And I have said time and time again, that it is pure hypocricy to spout words of belittlement to those you find to not be as skilled or perfectionate as yourself. We are here to accept things and people as they are, flaws and all. Just as the lesson of X-Men procliams.

This is in support of all the others here, on this board, posting their Artwork. I myself in fact AM a Graphic Artist and have been for quite some time. I work for a company In New York, and I'm sure that If I had the resources and time that say, FOX Graphic Artist's had for X3, I'd make much more quality work. But like I said, and this is in no way taking your CC for granted, but just respect the love for these characters that everyone has equally. Here, we should all be treated like Artists.

 

[ComicQueen]

Constructive Criticism is completely welcome in any form, and I thank you for your honesty. It's much appreciated and I'm sure that many poeple will appreciate the tips on their Images.

In response to your recent reply to my Magneto/Bridge Manip, I totally understand your critique, and don't think that I don't see my own flaws, because as they say: "you are your own worst critic". but I will once again state, that I do these at very high speeds, not because I'm rushing, but because sometimes I get bored at work and have the urge to share a Photo Manipulation that comes to mind spur of the moment. I don't have all day to work on one, and I assure you that If I did, they would be a lot more. But I don't have the luxury of that, and must make due with my limited time. That is why some of my manips, in your opinion are sloppy, or hit and miss. I look at these boards as a place where I can simply post an image, in which I am forced to use low quality images of a movie that came out over 3 years ago..
And I enjoy it, just as everyone else here does, because they can simply put their mind to work, even if they aren't Photoshop Geniuses, but they're having fun and expressing their passion.

Absolutely!!!

That's why I mentioned in another post, I realized you were doing this at work so you didn't have time to spend on this. It does require alot of time to tweak these images just right, especially if you are amatuer. If you know Photoshop, Fireworks, Paintshop, After Effects or various other programs you won't have to spend too much time with it because you'll already have in your mind what exactly it is you want to do to the photograph. Artistically speaking I think everyone here should always place "Pride" in their work. Passion yes is definately important as well but you don't want to squander all that effort for something that is "half-baked". Most importantly, if you are your own worst critic.

As I said before I don't mean any offense by my statement which is why I'm giving tips on how to improve them. If I was being malicious I could have been much worse. I want the artist here to aspire not digress or stay in the box they are confined to.

They may be as you say: "painful" to look at. But why does it have to be painful? They should be appreciated for what they are. We are all here for a common purpose, to show and express our admiration for X-Men and it's Movie Franchise. And I have said time and time again, that it is pure hypocricy to spout words of belittlement to those you find to not be as skilled or perfectionate as yourself. We are here to accept things and people as they are, flaws and all. Just as the lesson of X-Men procliams.

This is in support of all the others here, on this board, posting their Artwork. I myself in fact AM a Graphic Artist and have been for quite some time. I work for a company In New York, and I'm sure that If I had the resources and time that say, FOX Graphic Artist's had for X3, I'd make much more quality work. But like I said, and this is in no way taking your CC for granted, but just respect the love for these characters that everyone has equally. Here, we should all be treated like Artists.

Ugly or bad images aren't pretty to look at. It's not like a story where you can just skim through it and take what you want. Artwork is a different medium that you must be at least good or don't bother at all. Maybe I was a little to harsh but I wasn't doing it out of malice, I was doing it to critique. Some like it some don't but I always give ways for them to improve.

I am not taking away anything you do professionally. My curious question is if you are a graphic artist then you would know better than I to post anything that is subpar. I personally wouldn't post anything on this board unless it was my final image. It's an image that I want my admirers to really enjoy as much as I do.

Also, not to come under fire, as you have been a graphic artist for some time then you would be much better than I at this sort of thing. Your artwork would be flawless from my eyes as I'm not a graphic artist. All the things I pointed out wouldn't have surfaced even with time constrants for an experienced graphic artist. I'm not here to state you aren't, trust me, I've met some GA's that don't always excel at their jobs. I'm just saying those things I pointed out shouldn't have been there.

You would also have spent the time to do it because of your passion. I know I do and it's not my profession.

In the end, if you don't want anyone critiquing you then you shouldn't post it but by your standards feedback is only good if it's praise instead of criticism. hmmmmmm.... sound hypocritical to me.

 

[Demon Within]

Damn....sorry...just has to be said. Eric is just hot in that picture.

Your a girl!?!?

 

[ComicQueen]

lol well, at least she didn't criticize my crappy work.

Didn't realize you had any???


Look at this crappy Icon I did a while back.

Oh and look at this crappy poster I did for Constantine's "Origin Sins" fansite a while back

Awful!!! It's like Photoshop exploded

Thankfully, I've grown with the programs and my creative side.

Less is more.

 

[Lazmarquez]

Absolutely!!!

That's why I mentioned in another post, I realized you were doing this at work so you didn't have time to spend on this. It does require alot of time to tweak these images just right, especially if you are amatuer. If you know Photoshop, Fireworks, Paintshop, After Effects or various other programs you won't have to spend too much time with it because you'll already have in your mind what exactly it is you want to do to the photograph. Artistically speaking I think everyone here should always place "Pride" in their work. Passion yes is definately important as well but you don't want to squander all that effort for something that is "half-baked". Most importantly, if you are your own worst critic.

As I said before I don't mean any offense by my statement which is why I'm giving tips on how to improve them. If I was being malicious I could have been much worse. I want the artist here to aspire not digress or stay in the box they are confined to.



Ugly or bad images aren't pretty to look at. It's not like a story where you can just skim through it and take what you want. Artwork is a different medium that you must be at least good or don't bother at all. Maybe I was a little to harsh but I wasn't doing it out of malice, I was doing it to critique. Some like it some don't but I always give ways for them to improve.

I am not taking away anything you do professionally. My curious question is if you are a graphic artist then you would know better than I to post anything that is subpar. I personally wouldn't post anything on this board unless it was my final image. It's an image that I want my admirers to really enjoy as much as I do.

Also, not to come under fire, as you have been a graphic artist for some time then you would be much better than I at this sort of thing. Your artwork would be flawless from my eyes as I'm not a graphic artist. All the things I pointed out wouldn't have surfaced even with time constrants for an experienced graphic artist. I'm not here to state you aren't, trust me, I've met some GA's that don't always excel at their jobs. I'm just saying those things I pointed out shouldn't have been there.

You would also have spent the time to do it because of your passion. I know I do and it's not my profession.

In the end, if you don't want anyone critiquing you then you shouldn't post it but by your standards feedback is only good if it's praise instead of criticism. hmmmmmm.... sound hypocritical to me.

I, in no way, want this to be a negative discussion, because you know I have taken your critiques in good spirit and have taken your advice on my works. I am a graphic artist and pride myself in my abilities. But people each have different interpretations of what "flawless" is. You may not like something that others may enjoy. That is the beauty of art. That not everyone sees eye to eye. I am in no way perfect and even my better work is always not good enough for me, but sometimes, as is the case with these boards, I don't feel as though I have to put the work of my lifetime up. I'm not putting that up with the intention to "Wow" anyone, but because I like to share some fan-made manips that I thought would be interesting to fiddle with. I always state that, as well, that most of these are just things I have "fiddled around" with. Nothing to be taken seriously, and It is not a part of my portfolio, to judge my abilities. Most of the people here seem to enjoy them, and thats what makes my day. I do these wallpapers for others who enjoy the imagery.

I'm not perfect, but I know my work isn't complete trash either, and I'd like to defend my work in saying that it's definetly not bad. It's not bad for the subject matter, and It's not bad for the time I spent making them.

In closing, you stated I have a level of hypocricy for not being able to take critique, but I know I have been welcoming of your critiques, and They do not bother me. Some comments made had urked me, and I decided to reply, That's all. Let's not take ourselves too seriously here. It's a Message Board.

 

[ComicQueen]

I, in no way, want this to be a negative discussion, because you know I have taken your critiques in good spirit and have taken your advice on my works.

My comments were never intended to take this into negativity but your reply was a little snarky which I understand. I don't think you've received criticism until now.

We can debate as long as it's friendly. No harm no foul, eh?

I am a graphic artist and pride myself in my abilities. But people each have different interpretations of what "flawless" is. You may not like something that others may enjoy. That is the beauty of art. That not everyone sees eye to eye. I am in no way perfect and even my better work is always not good enough for me, but sometimes, as is the case with these boards, I don't feel as though I have to put the work of my lifetime up. I'm not putting that up with the intention to "Wow" anyone, but because I like to share some fan-made manips that I thought would be interesting to fiddle with. I always state that, as well, that most of these are just things I have "fiddled around" with. Nothing to be taken seriously, and It is not a part of my portfolio, to judge my abilities. Most of the people here seem to enjoy them, and thats what makes my day. I do these wallpapers for others who enjoy the imagery.

Forgive me if I'm a little *****y but these aren't abstracts. The excuse or reasoning you are using here is "Art is in the eye of the beholder". Yes, of course it is but we aren't picasso's either. When something is good it's good. There are intentional abstractions within the photos that will blend correctly or don't. When working with Stills the thing all manippers have to be mindful of is not to over saturate photographs with abstract brushes or textiles that don't blend together. You probably know that more than I so I won't go any further.

Blurred sloppy imagery, bad scaling, etc... These aren't purposely done to perfect the images. They were just mistakes or errors on the artist part. It's all apart of growing which is why I posted my previous crappy artwork on here. Take my Rachel Weisz poster, it has way too much in it. Even as an abstract manipulation it's horrific! This is where I grew from there but I didn't do it alone I watched other artists imageries and I started paying attention to detail. Detailing everything I do, not rushing because that is what led to the horrors you see above.

Now the Eric Bana photograph is good because I already knew the programs and my creative side is much more stronger than it was a year ago. I've always been able to do good image work but now I believe I've grown beause I had Nazi Art Teachers (ala net art-friends) who pointed me in the right direction and gave me some very brutal feedback.

I'm not perfect, but I know my work isn't complete trash either, and I'd like to defend my work in saying that it's definetly not bad. It's not bad for the subject matter, and It's not bad for the time I spent making them.

In closing, you stated I have a level of hypocricy for not being able to take critique, but I know I have been welcoming of your critiques, and They do not bother me. Some comments made had urked me, and I decided to reply, That's all. Let's not take ourselves too seriously here. It's a Message Board.

It is a messageboard but it's also Artwork and I think if you are going to take up designing or have an interest in it you should also do it correctly. I don't want to support people that don't want to place effort into their works. I want to see good "stylized' artpieces because this fandom really really really needs it.

I think what does concern me is that people tend to throw around titles like a dirty rag yet prove they are anything but what they claim. This is not targetted at you this is at anyone that believes they can slap a title on themselves. They should really think about what that profession encompasses as a whole. I'm at the tip of the iceberg of what graphic artist really do. In fact, my best contributions are just mediocre compare to the work I've seen in the design houses. Although, all of them have said "I have excellent potential" which is possibly one of the best compliments I've received.

My assumption is that most graphic artists would be far harsher than anything I could ever dish out.

 

[Lazmarquez]

I'm cool with it, you're entitled to your voice, and I am mine. I just say we all continue posting our work and hopefully we'll all improve with time.

And ComicQueen, feel free to join us all. This small debate has actually sparked my curiosity. I'm sure your fan art would be great

 

[ComicQueen]

*image supplied by C_T*

C_T

I went the opposite of the white shirt instead. Adding the bolts and her name logo.

Enjoy

 

[SuperBoon]

-SB

 

[ComicQueen]

Good Job SB

Reminds me of this though:

 

[SuperBoon]

^^I haven't actually seen that particular image before.

I took the idea from Wolverines belt buckle in this picture :-

Hence the leather background and brass/gold shield in my image.

-SB

 

[duo_gabo]

is there an Anna Paquin/Rogue Manip?????

 

[ComicQueen]

is there an Anna Paquin/Rogue Manip?????

Are you requesting one or what?

There can be one if you like.

 

[ComicQueen]

^^I haven't actually seen that particular image before.

I took the idea from Wolverines belt buckle in this picture :-

Hence the leather background and brass/gold shield in my image.

-SB

Oh I see, that's a great job you did on it.

Is there a way you can fuse the X3 logo font onto the 3 in this logo?

just curious if it would blend in right or not.

 

[SuperBoon]

^^ I don't know CQ, (I don't know an awful lot about Photoshop, All my images have been made using 3D Studio Max, CG software) but what I will say is feel free to give it a go!

- SB

 

[ComicQueen]

^^ I don't know CQ, (I don't know an awful lot about Photoshop, All my images have been made using 3D Studio Max, CG software) but what I will say is feel free to give it a go!

- SB

You're using Maxon??

I'm using it now to do some special tooning project. I'm also incorporating LightWave and Maya as well as Bodypaint *which is also Maxon*

Awesome to find another CG user here.

 

[SuperBoon]

I have been using Max for a few months now (Great bit of software ), I'm still working my way through the tutorials, I have done a few other logo's (there in the fan-art section of the community forum). There is also a very talented Maya user on the forum goes by the name Nicklogic, if you wade through a few of his posts you should be able to find a few things that he has done, one of my personal favorites is his DJ Doc Ock video - check it out if you have the time!


-SB

 

[duo_gabo]

Are you requesting one or what?

There can be one if you like.

Actually im kinda requesting one....so pls...

 

[SuperBoon]

Taken from this image (The one that was taken down!!)

-SB