7 replies to this topic

[whatabout_paul]

The forums have been open for a while and I've browsed this section the most. There are some great artists among us here and everyone who's posted anything has inspired me to dust off my pens and re-discover my Photoshop skills (or lack there of). I don’t have much of anything to show at this stage but I was really wanting to ask for help on where to look for NiGHTS references, Photoshop or Illustrator colouring tips and just general computer drawing hints and tips.

Here’s my monstrosity. It’s been shamelessly copied from an official image. Not traced I hasten to add, I just tried drawing what was in front of me.



I’ve actually scanned it, attempted to line it in Photoshop and even colour it. All I want to do now is shade it a bit and make it look spick and span before I post the final version. I’ll probably do a few of these until I get the hang of this drawing NiGHTS thing. When I think I’ve got the old style down I’ll attempt the new one. I really wish I’d started doing this 11 years ago but remembering back to 12 year old Paul who could barely draw the Mega Drive style Sonic I don’t think I stood a chance.

Thanks in advance for comments and the like.

Oh, and once again I'd like to thank everyone’s greatness for inspiring me to try this again. There’s some wonderful pictures in this forum and it’s a pleasure to view the many styles and creations.

[Wrenreele]

NiGHTS references.

I just think the inking needs a little work, other then that, this is a great start!!

[whatabout_paul]

Thanks for that! I learnt a lot drawing this. I coloured it in before I had chance to read your reply and it was only after I noticed a few problems. Firstly when I was drawing the line art in Photoshop I forgot all about the white buttons on NiGHTS's waste. Secondly the yellow jacket is supposed to meet the diamond on the chest. The diamond should be larger anyway and there should be some white. It’s the first time I’ve tried to shade like this at all using the burn and dodge tool… in places it looks alright but I’d do the horns differently next time.

I’ve been scouring the net for tutorials on how to do all this and found one or two. If anyone knows of any anywhere I’d love to see them.

It’s far from greatness but I’m counting this as a ‘test’. I think I will sort the drawing out and go over the entire process again just for practice’s sake.

Ahhh, It's good to be drawing again!

[KiloTango]

Agreeing with Chlorine, avoid dodge and burn as your primary shading things. It oversaturates the colours and gives a very artificial look if it is overused. It can be fine, but it's best not to get into a habit of using it too much.

Also, as a general tip, when you are colouring, think about where the light is coming from and use that to work out where the lights and shadows go. Imagining the image as a 3D object, not a collection of flat shapes will help there as well. It seems like your lightsource is on the left here, but his eye is highlighted as if it is to the upper right. Getting consistant lighting can really help your colouring.

(Also, minor quibble... he seems to have 5 fingers on one hand and 4 on the other. )

[Huruyami]

for a first try thats quite good! i want to be drawing again but my tablet's pen broke. :sob:

[TRiPPY]

Much better than my first go drawing him Keep it up, he's so much fun to draw I'm glad this place inspired you.

[Huruyami]

Yes that was way better than my first try....Good luck with your arty exports!

[KyraWolf]

Nice job. 8D So much better than my first attempt.

My NiGHTS had a neck. xD *SHOT*