Any art students here?
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I've decided to start studying art and graphic design so that I have better visual skills. My weapons of choice are all Adobe products, such as Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, etc. and there's no trouble finding learning resources for using the tools. It's the actual art education that I need. I'm completely self educated in techie stuff and anything else that I care about, so that's the way I approach learning rather than going to university classes. My largest problem at the moment is that I don't even know how to ask the right questions to help me find the learning resources I need. For example, I'm currently reading a book on artistic techniques via Photoshop. Along with software usage stuff, he touches on concepts such as the vanishing point, strong diagonals, objects / people facing in versus facing out of an image, etc. For anyone who spent 5 minutes in an art class, these are probably such obvious baby steps that they're laughable, but for me that's the level of education I'm looking for - basics, i.e. Art 101. Even so, I still don't know enough to bring up the right kinds of books via Google or Amazon. While I don't possess the spark of the great masters of art, I'm not without creative talent in a variety of directions, drawing included (was a cartoonist and sketch artist when I was young - just not a ver good one). I figure if I could start grounding myself in the fundamentals of composition, drawing, colors, design, etc. then I'll progress at a decent enough rate. Just don't know where to find these elusive basics. Anyone have any book / magazine / web site recommendations that provide high school level basics for those with an artistic urge? College level stuff is okay as well, provided I can first learn the fundamentals that are assumed at that level.
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting Services -
I've decided to start studying art and graphic design so that I have better visual skills. My weapons of choice are all Adobe products, such as Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, etc. and there's no trouble finding learning resources for using the tools. It's the actual art education that I need. I'm completely self educated in techie stuff and anything else that I care about, so that's the way I approach learning rather than going to university classes. My largest problem at the moment is that I don't even know how to ask the right questions to help me find the learning resources I need. For example, I'm currently reading a book on artistic techniques via Photoshop. Along with software usage stuff, he touches on concepts such as the vanishing point, strong diagonals, objects / people facing in versus facing out of an image, etc. For anyone who spent 5 minutes in an art class, these are probably such obvious baby steps that they're laughable, but for me that's the level of education I'm looking for - basics, i.e. Art 101. Even so, I still don't know enough to bring up the right kinds of books via Google or Amazon. While I don't possess the spark of the great masters of art, I'm not without creative talent in a variety of directions, drawing included (was a cartoonist and sketch artist when I was young - just not a ver good one). I figure if I could start grounding myself in the fundamentals of composition, drawing, colors, design, etc. then I'll progress at a decent enough rate. Just don't know where to find these elusive basics. Anyone have any book / magazine / web site recommendations that provide high school level basics for those with an artistic urge? College level stuff is okay as well, provided I can first learn the fundamentals that are assumed at that level.
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting ServicesPerhaps these people might help you http://psd.tutsplus.com/[^] I also understand that sitepoint.com has purchasable download of a photoshop book.
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Perhaps these people might help you http://psd.tutsplus.com/[^] I also understand that sitepoint.com has purchasable download of a photoshop book.
Hi, Richard. Thanks for the link (it does look interesting), but your post pretty much provides the polar opposite of what I was asking about. I'm not looking for a book on how to use photoshop, I'm looking for an education in the principles of art and design, the same as if I were drawing with a pencil and paper.
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting Services -
I've decided to start studying art and graphic design so that I have better visual skills. My weapons of choice are all Adobe products, such as Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, etc. and there's no trouble finding learning resources for using the tools. It's the actual art education that I need. I'm completely self educated in techie stuff and anything else that I care about, so that's the way I approach learning rather than going to university classes. My largest problem at the moment is that I don't even know how to ask the right questions to help me find the learning resources I need. For example, I'm currently reading a book on artistic techniques via Photoshop. Along with software usage stuff, he touches on concepts such as the vanishing point, strong diagonals, objects / people facing in versus facing out of an image, etc. For anyone who spent 5 minutes in an art class, these are probably such obvious baby steps that they're laughable, but for me that's the level of education I'm looking for - basics, i.e. Art 101. Even so, I still don't know enough to bring up the right kinds of books via Google or Amazon. While I don't possess the spark of the great masters of art, I'm not without creative talent in a variety of directions, drawing included (was a cartoonist and sketch artist when I was young - just not a ver good one). I figure if I could start grounding myself in the fundamentals of composition, drawing, colors, design, etc. then I'll progress at a decent enough rate. Just don't know where to find these elusive basics. Anyone have any book / magazine / web site recommendations that provide high school level basics for those with an artistic urge? College level stuff is okay as well, provided I can first learn the fundamentals that are assumed at that level.
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting ServicesThe principles of design are where you start[^] Once you know these terms, looking up the rest with google is easy. In the media you have chosen you will use all of them. Use these terms to look up books. Other concepts to look up are Chiaroscuro (light to dark), and perspective
If I have accidentally said something witty, smart, or correct, it is purely by mistake and I apologize for it.
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Hi, Richard. Thanks for the link (it does look interesting), but your post pretty much provides the polar opposite of what I was asking about. I'm not looking for a book on how to use photoshop, I'm looking for an education in the principles of art and design, the same as if I were drawing with a pencil and paper.
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting ServicesJust trying to match some of your needs, including those little extra's that you might not have a need for. :) In the same theme as the link given also have a look at http://pshero.com/[^] and http://www.photoshopessentials.com/[^] But if my links etc are no good, ignore me!
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I've decided to start studying art and graphic design so that I have better visual skills. My weapons of choice are all Adobe products, such as Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, etc. and there's no trouble finding learning resources for using the tools. It's the actual art education that I need. I'm completely self educated in techie stuff and anything else that I care about, so that's the way I approach learning rather than going to university classes. My largest problem at the moment is that I don't even know how to ask the right questions to help me find the learning resources I need. For example, I'm currently reading a book on artistic techniques via Photoshop. Along with software usage stuff, he touches on concepts such as the vanishing point, strong diagonals, objects / people facing in versus facing out of an image, etc. For anyone who spent 5 minutes in an art class, these are probably such obvious baby steps that they're laughable, but for me that's the level of education I'm looking for - basics, i.e. Art 101. Even so, I still don't know enough to bring up the right kinds of books via Google or Amazon. While I don't possess the spark of the great masters of art, I'm not without creative talent in a variety of directions, drawing included (was a cartoonist and sketch artist when I was young - just not a ver good one). I figure if I could start grounding myself in the fundamentals of composition, drawing, colors, design, etc. then I'll progress at a decent enough rate. Just don't know where to find these elusive basics. Anyone have any book / magazine / web site recommendations that provide high school level basics for those with an artistic urge? College level stuff is okay as well, provided I can first learn the fundamentals that are assumed at that level.
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting ServicesI would also study color psychology. This will help you create moods with your work - which is what art is all about. Also, if it's for the web, I'd recommend some texts on usability. And lastly, I'd recommend some reads on color science and different color space models so you understand just how they work in real life (photons) and how they are implemented on computers, printers, et al (phosphors, LED, etc.). I wish I had specific texts to refer to, but my know-how came from years of dealing with it rather than just one book. So, I ain't got one! I'm a total geek in the artsy side of computing. It's what got me into programming in the first place, so if you do come across a great read I'd love to know about it.
Jeremy Falcon
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Just trying to match some of your needs, including those little extra's that you might not have a need for. :) In the same theme as the link given also have a look at http://pshero.com/[^] and http://www.photoshopessentials.com/[^] But if my links etc are no good, ignore me!
Great stuff, man, and it's all going on my resource list for once I get past the newbie stage. Thanks!
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting Services -
I've decided to start studying art and graphic design so that I have better visual skills. My weapons of choice are all Adobe products, such as Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, etc. and there's no trouble finding learning resources for using the tools. It's the actual art education that I need. I'm completely self educated in techie stuff and anything else that I care about, so that's the way I approach learning rather than going to university classes. My largest problem at the moment is that I don't even know how to ask the right questions to help me find the learning resources I need. For example, I'm currently reading a book on artistic techniques via Photoshop. Along with software usage stuff, he touches on concepts such as the vanishing point, strong diagonals, objects / people facing in versus facing out of an image, etc. For anyone who spent 5 minutes in an art class, these are probably such obvious baby steps that they're laughable, but for me that's the level of education I'm looking for - basics, i.e. Art 101. Even so, I still don't know enough to bring up the right kinds of books via Google or Amazon. While I don't possess the spark of the great masters of art, I'm not without creative talent in a variety of directions, drawing included (was a cartoonist and sketch artist when I was young - just not a ver good one). I figure if I could start grounding myself in the fundamentals of composition, drawing, colors, design, etc. then I'll progress at a decent enough rate. Just don't know where to find these elusive basics. Anyone have any book / magazine / web site recommendations that provide high school level basics for those with an artistic urge? College level stuff is okay as well, provided I can first learn the fundamentals that are assumed at that level.
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting Serviceshttp://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/[^] might have what you're looking for. They have a lot of technical stuff for 3D related classes, and some things like: http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/category/160/Illustration---Foundation[^] http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/category/163/Painting[^] http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/category/166/Industrial-Design[^] Their videos tend to focus on the actual artistic technique or concept, as opposed to "heres-how-to-use-Photoshop-in-21-days". I have the one on Practical Light and Color and found it really useful. In fact this one: http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/product/323/Basic-Perspective-Form-Drawing[[^](http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/product/323/Basic-
Perspective-Form-Drawing "New Window")] might be just what you're looking for.¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! Personal 3D projects Just Say No to Web 2 Point Blow
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I've decided to start studying art and graphic design so that I have better visual skills. My weapons of choice are all Adobe products, such as Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, etc. and there's no trouble finding learning resources for using the tools. It's the actual art education that I need. I'm completely self educated in techie stuff and anything else that I care about, so that's the way I approach learning rather than going to university classes. My largest problem at the moment is that I don't even know how to ask the right questions to help me find the learning resources I need. For example, I'm currently reading a book on artistic techniques via Photoshop. Along with software usage stuff, he touches on concepts such as the vanishing point, strong diagonals, objects / people facing in versus facing out of an image, etc. For anyone who spent 5 minutes in an art class, these are probably such obvious baby steps that they're laughable, but for me that's the level of education I'm looking for - basics, i.e. Art 101. Even so, I still don't know enough to bring up the right kinds of books via Google or Amazon. While I don't possess the spark of the great masters of art, I'm not without creative talent in a variety of directions, drawing included (was a cartoonist and sketch artist when I was young - just not a ver good one). I figure if I could start grounding myself in the fundamentals of composition, drawing, colors, design, etc. then I'll progress at a decent enough rate. Just don't know where to find these elusive basics. Anyone have any book / magazine / web site recommendations that provide high school level basics for those with an artistic urge? College level stuff is okay as well, provided I can first learn the fundamentals that are assumed at that level.
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting ServicesChristopher Duncan wrote:
uch as the vanishing point, strong diagonals, objects / people facing in versus facing out of an image, etc.
Are they really "art" concepts? I thought they were always concepts of graphics and drawing which are even taught in Engineering classes. For drawing concepts, my recommendation will be: The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain[^]. Or better attend their workshop. For design, I will recommend the Non Designers Design Book[^].
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Christopher Duncan wrote:
uch as the vanishing point, strong diagonals, objects / people facing in versus facing out of an image, etc.
Are they really "art" concepts? I thought they were always concepts of graphics and drawing which are even taught in Engineering classes. For drawing concepts, my recommendation will be: The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain[^]. Or better attend their workshop. For design, I will recommend the Non Designers Design Book[^].
Rama Krishna Vavilala wrote:
For drawing concepts, my recommendation will be: The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain[^]. Or better attend their workshop.
I bought that book for my ex-gf but I never read it myself. That sucks, I kinda wish I had it now so I could read it.
Jeremy Falcon
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The principles of design are where you start[^] Once you know these terms, looking up the rest with google is easy. In the media you have chosen you will use all of them. Use these terms to look up books. Other concepts to look up are Chiaroscuro (light to dark), and perspective
If I have accidentally said something witty, smart, or correct, it is purely by mistake and I apologize for it.
Yeah, looks like good seeds for searching, thanks!
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting Services -
I would also study color psychology. This will help you create moods with your work - which is what art is all about. Also, if it's for the web, I'd recommend some texts on usability. And lastly, I'd recommend some reads on color science and different color space models so you understand just how they work in real life (photons) and how they are implemented on computers, printers, et al (phosphors, LED, etc.). I wish I had specific texts to refer to, but my know-how came from years of dealing with it rather than just one book. So, I ain't got one! I'm a total geek in the artsy side of computing. It's what got me into programming in the first place, so if you do come across a great read I'd love to know about it.
Jeremy Falcon
Good suggestions, I'll let you know if I find anything that looks interesting.
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting Services -
http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/[^] might have what you're looking for. They have a lot of technical stuff for 3D related classes, and some things like: http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/category/160/Illustration---Foundation[^] http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/category/163/Painting[^] http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/category/166/Industrial-Design[^] Their videos tend to focus on the actual artistic technique or concept, as opposed to "heres-how-to-use-Photoshop-in-21-days". I have the one on Practical Light and Color and found it really useful. In fact this one: http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/product/323/Basic-Perspective-Form-Drawing[[^](http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/product/323/Basic-
Perspective-Form-Drawing "New Window")] might be just what you're looking for.¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! Personal 3D projects Just Say No to Web 2 Point Blow
You're one of the guys I was hoping to hear from since given all the cool 3d stuff you've been doing you obviosly have way too much time on your hands a good foundation in art. :) Thanks!
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting Services -
Christopher Duncan wrote:
uch as the vanishing point, strong diagonals, objects / people facing in versus facing out of an image, etc.
Are they really "art" concepts? I thought they were always concepts of graphics and drawing which are even taught in Engineering classes. For drawing concepts, my recommendation will be: The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain[^]. Or better attend their workshop. For design, I will recommend the Non Designers Design Book[^].
I'll check it out, thanks. [Exits whistling, "now if I only had a brain..."] :-D
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting Services -
Christopher Duncan wrote:
uch as the vanishing point, strong diagonals, objects / people facing in versus facing out of an image, etc.
Are they really "art" concepts? I thought they were always concepts of graphics and drawing which are even taught in Engineering classes. For drawing concepts, my recommendation will be: The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain[^]. Or better attend their workshop. For design, I will recommend the Non Designers Design Book[^].
Rama Krishna Vavilala wrote:
Are they really "art" concepts? I thought they were always concepts of graphics and drawing which are even taught in Engineering classes.
Um...NO. Engineering classes for design teach how to depict things. Art design teaches how to create things. The distinction is that the science of how things look is shown up to the point of functionality for engineering. For artists they keep going until the item becomes something.
If I have accidentally said something witty, smart, or correct, it is purely by mistake and I apologize for it.
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You're one of the guys I was hoping to hear from since given all the cool 3d stuff you've been doing you obviosly have way too much time on your hands a good foundation in art. :) Thanks!
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting ServicesYeah, well, you know how it is, I've got nothing better to do with my time I'm just very disciplined in how I use my free time. :)
¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! Personal 3D projects Just Say No to Web 2 Point Blow
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I've decided to start studying art and graphic design so that I have better visual skills. My weapons of choice are all Adobe products, such as Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, etc. and there's no trouble finding learning resources for using the tools. It's the actual art education that I need. I'm completely self educated in techie stuff and anything else that I care about, so that's the way I approach learning rather than going to university classes. My largest problem at the moment is that I don't even know how to ask the right questions to help me find the learning resources I need. For example, I'm currently reading a book on artistic techniques via Photoshop. Along with software usage stuff, he touches on concepts such as the vanishing point, strong diagonals, objects / people facing in versus facing out of an image, etc. For anyone who spent 5 minutes in an art class, these are probably such obvious baby steps that they're laughable, but for me that's the level of education I'm looking for - basics, i.e. Art 101. Even so, I still don't know enough to bring up the right kinds of books via Google or Amazon. While I don't possess the spark of the great masters of art, I'm not without creative talent in a variety of directions, drawing included (was a cartoonist and sketch artist when I was young - just not a ver good one). I figure if I could start grounding myself in the fundamentals of composition, drawing, colors, design, etc. then I'll progress at a decent enough rate. Just don't know where to find these elusive basics. Anyone have any book / magazine / web site recommendations that provide high school level basics for those with an artistic urge? College level stuff is okay as well, provided I can first learn the fundamentals that are assumed at that level.
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting Services -
Rama Krishna Vavilala wrote:
For drawing concepts, my recommendation will be: The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain[^]. Or better attend their workshop.
I bought that book for my ex-gf but I never read it myself. That sucks, I kinda wish I had it now so I could read it.
Jeremy Falcon
Jeremy Falcon wrote:
I could read it.
Reading the book is not enough, you have to devote some time and practice. I wish I can attend one of the workshops.
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I'll check it out, thanks. [Exits whistling, "now if I only had a brain..."] :-D
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting ServicesNow, if you want to know about cartoons, screenplay, cinematography: I have book recommendations for those too :). I developed a brief fascination with several of these arts and crazily read several of the books. Of course, reading book can just get you to know some concepts (which was my aim) and it is the practice which is required more.
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Now, if you want to know about cartoons, screenplay, cinematography: I have book recommendations for those too :). I developed a brief fascination with several of these arts and crazily read several of the books. Of course, reading book can just get you to know some concepts (which was my aim) and it is the practice which is required more.
Yeah, I'd love to read that stuff, thanks!
Rama Krishna Vavilala wrote:
Of course, reading book can just get you to know some concepts (which was my aim)
Mine, too.
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Copywriting Services