Digital art - critique/comments please

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

08/05/2004 12:26:54 PM · #1

Here's a first stab at playing with PS for something other than retouching photos.

I scanned in a sprocket from my bike, carefully hand edited the mask by hand and then played with a bunch of effects on the layer. Added a black/white background and then smeared it.

Please let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Ara

bmatt17

Canon EOS-600D/T3i Rebel

08/05/2004 12:28:37 PM · #2

i like it, nice 3D floating effect.

digistoune

Canon EOS-20D

08/05/2004 12:36:42 PM · #3

That's nifty!

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

08/05/2004 12:56:27 PM · #4

Thanks for the comments! Here's another I've just uploaded:

Similar technique - please let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Ara

Imagineer

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

08/05/2004 01:36:46 PM · #5

While these may make for some eye candy for some, personally I prefer digital art that cannot be clearly identified as a Photoshop (or equivalent) filter. The moment one detects an obvious layer effect then your sense of authenticity is lost.

My advice would be to use effects sparingly , or at least richly - often using many layers of textures/masks to achieve depth and a more intense feel and vibe.

Please don't let me take the wind out of your sails, but from someone who sees a lot of designers' CVs this is the kind of advice I tend to dish out to those starting out in image manipulation.

Mehmet's work is worth a look as he has uploaded some files that demonstrate this method.

Generally (and it does depend on your intentions of course) I'd steer away from harsh primary colours which can make the work look 'cheap'. Also try to start out with a purpose with a target 'mood' in mind - and experiment madly!

Hope this helps. :)

Kylie

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

08/05/2004 01:48:19 PM · #6

I understand Imagineer's commentary and completely respect his professionalism. On a purely fun note for myself, I love these. I think this sort of thing isn't photography as much as graphic art, but I simply adore playing with it myself and you have done a pro job in my opinion. Very creative, striking and clean. I added the second one to my favorites. I would love to see more - if you don't post them, PM me and let me know you've added them to your Portfolio or whatever. Thanks!

08/05/2004 02:23:05 PM · #7

Originally posted by Imagineer:

Thanks for the comment. I wasn't trying for (or could even achieve at this point) a photorealistic effect - I'm still a PS noob. I think eye-candy isn't a bad start... =]

Ara

08/05/2004 02:24:49 PM · #8

Originally posted by Kylie:

Thanks, Kylie! I have a couple of others that I did at the same time. I'll upload them and add them to this thread in a little while.

Ara

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

08/05/2004 03:24:41 PM · #9

Here are my other attempts:

Thanks for the interest!

Ara

Kylie

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

08/05/2004 03:35:06 PM · #10

Ara - I looked at them in your portfolio and I personnaly love them. I think you are extremely talented and it's hard to believe they are your "first" attempts. Thank you for sharing those very much.

GinaRothfels

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

08/05/2004 04:01:40 PM · #11

I don't find the subject matter of all of them equally appealing, but I think you've done a really good job here. I really like Sun Star and have added it to my favourites.

Pedro

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

08/05/2004 04:05:11 PM · #12

I did these at about 5am yesterday (stupid insomnia). I played around a little in PS, in a way i never really have before. They're nowhere near what I want them to look like yet, but they're starting to get there. Either way I'm learning some cool things.

I agree with Jon in that often simulating reality is the best way to go, but these are clearly not intended to do that. Eventually I'll make one that I like well enough to hang on my wall. not even close to that yet, but we'll see.

Message edited by author 2004-08-05 16:07:48.

08/05/2004 04:20:31 PM · #13

I like your examples, Pedro. Almost makes it look like the sketching was the framework for the shot and not the other way around.