Campaign art by Malessa

[Malessa]

Thanks Siridar, I saved that site to favs. I usually check out google.com for real life picture references too.

I'm not sure if coloring my dragons will help them, lol...It will be something I'll probably work on next week, since I'm getting ready for working over the weekend.

I've been experimenting with some of the gadgets on PSP, to be able to color my sketches, not only faster, but with the same, or even better quality. I still have a few quirks to iron out, but I'm having alot of fun.
I've discovered a way to make the chainmail, which WAS an "oh no, chainmail armor". Now that I discovered a few tricks, it is NOW an "all right, chainmail". Matter of fact, it's so easy, I kinda would like to do a whole bunch of characters wearing it, lol. I'll share my discovery, just in case y'all curious. If you look at the half-orc, barbarian's chainmail, it has become quite simple to do. I don't know how similar the other programs are to PSP, but I'm sure some of the functions will act the same.

1) I always select out each part of picture to layers, so have the chainmail piece by itself on own layer.
2) Then I used the retouch tool, on "color to target", using a dark gray color.
3) Then I went to the images catagory and select 'effects', and then chose 'other', and used the "hot wax coating".
4) Then again under images catagory, under effects, I used the "tile", then played with the adjustments, and VOILA! Instant chainmail!

Upon seeing some of the adjustments on the tile effects tool, I noticed it could also be used for scales, like for a dragon! Definately something I will keep in mind for later use.

 

[cthuluftaghn]

kerbumpski

 

[Malessa]

Art Question

Ok, I may or may not have mentioned, but I never took any art classes or any art schooling, not even in high school, etc. So I don't know the details of alot of things. Which finally leads to my question. How should I sign my pics? I usually just slap my initials MD, but I noticed alot of you and other artists write your full name and the year. Is this just a personal preference, or is there reasoning behind this?

Since I'm getting into more drawings, I would like to know which would be in my best intrest and why? In fact any other tid bits, do's and don'ts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and responses.....

 

[Siridar]

I think initials are just fine, although it's not something I've ever thought of.

As for adding a date it helps to keep track of your progress.

That's how I see it anyway.

 

[astralpwka]

Hey Malessa!

Yor name protects your artwork. That way you don't have to slap a large copywrite or trademark on it, its protected (it should be protected anyway, but your name is security).

The only advice I've ever been told is to make sure that your signature is not so intrusive as to detract or distract from your artwork. In other words, make it fit in to the composition, even better if you have to search a bit for it.

Hope that helps!

 

[Malessa]

Thanks guys!

I'll get started on making a new signature for my artwork. As far as what I've already done, it was for fun and doesn't really need to be changed, or does it?
I definately appriciate the imput, and I'm glad I'm finding out now! Better late than never! Thanks again guys

 

[Malessa]

Here is a cleric I did for someone. I kinda like how the superior attitude came out in his expression.

 

[Malessa]

Cleric in color.

 

[Malessa]

Just fooling around pic......

 

[Malessa]

Here is the rough sketch of Medusa. The dude on the side, I didn't do a very good job drawing him, but that was because I knew he would be turned to stone, lol. Then I decided I would move him to background, so he wouldn't take any attention away from her.....
Just wanted something to work on scales with so I can eventually try a cool dragon pic......Still got a long ways to go.....