Tutorial 1

<Sarsa> "How did you do that?" is a question I receive in my inbox frequently after posting a new image. I'd like to take some time to give a few little tips on just how I work my images into completion. Unlike Promo renders where post work is NOT allowed, my artwork is painted and post worked en mass. I enjoy the post work process the most out of the entire creative process.

<Sarsa> These tutorials will not be start to finish images, just handy little pointers for those of you who enjoy my artwork and would like to learn a few new tricks to apply to your own work. For best results using a pressure sensitive pen tablet is recommended.

<Sarsa> Lets work out some bangs. I'm using my image "Death Don't Us Part" For this one I knew I wanted hair hanging in her face. The poor girl just woke up from her grave to wreak some havoc on her surviving partner, and she didn't have time to pretty herself up much. Should I paint each stroke...or find a shortcut? I wanted a shortcut!

<Sarsa> 1) I started with a solid colored rectangle in its own layer.
<Sarsa>

<DAZ_mattw> [Moderator message: if you sent a message to questionbot, and you got a message back that said 'question for questionbot logged', then you DO NOT need to resent it, we have it]

<Sarsa> 2) Apply a gaussian blur of 10 pixels.
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<DAZ_mattw> [Also: note you can click on these images to get a bigger view, it will open in a new window]

<Sarsa> 3) Run a noise filter through set to 65%, gaussian, monochromatic.
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<Sarsa> 4) Motion Blur: 90 degrees and 85%
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<Sarsa> 5) Duplicate the layer, merge down.

<Sarsa> 6) Adust where you would like to see the bangs using edit:transform:scale and I also duplicated the layer, merged down again, and adjusted the brightness because from the blurring that was done it thinned them out.
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<Sarsa> 7) Time to smudge a little. Select your smudge tool at 85%, select a 3 pixel brush and turn all the brush dynamics to 'none' and shape the edges. Then erase extra bits you don't want.
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<Sarsa> 8) Add some highlights and low lights for some dimension using your dodge tool and burn tool. Turn your brush dynamics to stylus, tool exposure to 50%, tool range set to midtones for burn tool, and highlights for the dodge tool. Brush size you can change as you work.
<Sarsa>

<Sarsa> 9) You just made some fantastic bangs!

<Sarsa> Easy!

Questions

<Sarsa> Now we can answer some questions :)

<Lunastar> Can this chat be printed at the end so we have a hard copy of the tuts?
<DAZ_mattw> So everyone knows, we always log and post logs of the chats afterwards. The logs WILL include the tutorials, including images... and should be printable like any web page.

<profotograf> Your newest creation for Hiro is fabulous, are there any more figures like that in the works for David or Luke?
<Sarsa> There is always something in the works...next character out will be based on Aiko.
<Sarsa> More male characters are being considered.

<JamesM> Thats really cool! Do you make up your own tricks or are they passed around?
<DAZ_mattw> [To ask questions for Sarah, please click on 'QuestionBot' on the right hand side, and send your question as a private message. We're try to get as many as we can answered.]
<Sarsa> I make up my own tricks as I doodle around in photoshop.
<Sarsa> Once you start playing around with the tools and learning what they can do to enhance your paintwork, its even more fun

<Lunastar> What inspires you personally and in your work?
<PickersAngel> where do you find the inspiration for your wonderful characters?
<Sarsa> Gosh....so much! Tough question. I love faeries, obviously....
<Sarsa> I have 2 daughters that take dance classes....they inspire my sweet images.
<Sarsa> As for the dark images.....those are messed up dreams coming into my artwork, lol
<Sarsa> Sometimes I get inspired, and I start an image...and it turns out to be something very different then what I was aiming for. It's really a moment to moment process.
<Sarsa> Character work.....again, they take form as we (Thorne and I) work.

<stinkyu111> do you have formal training in design and composition?
<Sarsa> None. I learned the programs on my own.
<Sarsa> took a little time, but I really enjoy what I do.

<Gayle> I have always used PSP--is PS that much better?
<Sarsa> I think so...but thats just my opinion. I am very much in my comfort zone in PS
<Sarsa> I do have PSP, but I dont use it at all.

<ynsaen> how long does it take on average to create a character?
<Sarsa> Depends. Sometimes its quicker, sometimes longer. If I had to set a real time on that...I'd say a good 2 weeks, and thats with Thorne and I both working long hours.

<Liquid Monkey Brain> Do you have a favorite character to create for? And if yes, why?
<Sarsa> My personal favorite is Aiko. I like her because I like how versatile she is....and I feel she poses nicer.

<Angeliqueje> can you tell us a little secret about the making of your pixies?
<Sarsa> I've been asked a lot about those little pixies!
<Sarsa> I've been asked if I will ever release any of the characters.
<Sarsa> I cant do that, because they are really a lot of paintwork.
<Sarsa> I used the base model of Kiki, rendered with no textures
<Sarsa> Some of my morphs, and some by Capsces
<Sarsa> and then I painted them from nose to toes.
<Sarsa> in post.

<Magnatude> Sarsa, I really like your backgrounds, do you use mostly photoshop or what digital paint program do you use? How much background do you do in 3D/2D?
<Sarsa> Depends on what type of image I am doing. Generally I render 2 images.....one with just the figure, one with just the background
<Sarsa> then I put them together in Photoshop, and go from there
<Sarsa> sometimes I do extra paintwork to the backgrounds.....shadows, etc
<Sarsa> and then sometimes I even take 2 backgrounds and blend them together and paint on top of that. It just really depends on what I'm going for....
<Sarsa> and half the time I think I know...but dont until I actually start my postwork, lol
<Sarsa> So the backgrounds are half and half 3d/2d

<Sarsa> Now we are going to run the next tutorial and will answer more questions after.

Tutorial 2

<Sarsa> When I paint clothing on my artwork, I add some abstract detailing to give the look and feel of lacey overlays and/or sheers. I'm going to show you how I do that.

<Sarsa> For this mini tutorial, I painted a dress. Once I have the outfit painted, I can start adding details.
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<Sarsa> 1) In a new layer, I paint a band around the dress using a medium gray color where I want the sheers to hang from.
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<Sarsa> 2) I take a small brush, and paint in a new layer (again with medium gray) the shapes I want the sheer fabric to be.
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<Sarsa> 3) Now I blend in the shapes I painted using my airbrush tool set at a very low opacity (15%), and the smudge tool.
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<Sarsa> 4) Then I take a texture brush that I made to detail things some more with the eraser and the airbrush using the custom brush for both.
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<Sarsa> Here is the .jpg file of the brush I made so that you can make your own brush from it if you desire.
<Sarsa>

<Sarsa> 5) Now I add some dimension to it using the burn tool, Range: Midtones, Exposure: 50%, Pressure: Stylus. And the Dodge tool, Range: Highlights, Exposure: 50%, Pressure: Stylus.
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<Sarsa> 6) Next I play around with adding a shadow, layer settings and opacity, keep in mind, different colored clothing underneath gives different results. I darkened up the dress, and duplicated my sheers layer at 50% and set the layer style to 'overlay' on both layers.
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<Sarsa> I added a layer under the sheers layer and painted in some shadows.
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<Sarsa> After I have on my screen what I like...I clean up edges and then decide to either leave the waist band, or delete it and blend in the edges of the sheers.
<Sarsa>
<Sarsa>

<Sarsa> Voila! Then it's up to your imagination to decorate it by painting in ribbons, jewels, flowers, etc., to finish it off. Enjoy!

Questions

<KYHighlander> what is the best way to deal with the seams in a texture map? deal with them first or save em for last?
<Sarsa> That is a tough one.....seams are EVIL. With skin maps I try to sort out the seams first
<Sarsa> with clothing textures....last.

<Lunastar> Sounds like you love to paint, do you do anything on canvas?
<Sarsa> I used to paint on canvas...and also did watercolor. But since I have found the digital world...I havent went back to it. I enjoy this medium much better.

<Lunastar> What other programs do you use besides Poser and PS?
<Sarsa> I also use Zbrush (morphs and texturing)

<Eliza-Beth> Do you create your skin textures from scratch each time, do you ever use resource packs and if so do you have a favourite?
<Sarsa> I dont use any resource packs....I use photos of my own stock and also from 3d.sk

<DAZ_mattw> [Admin note: if you find your browser getting slower, using the 'Clear Chat' button will often help speed you back up, although it does erase the main chat pane]

<Lucie> How long have you been using photoshop? Your postwork is so impressive, I wanna know how long it will take me to get there! ;)
<Sarsa> Thank you! I have been using photoshop for 6 years. And Lucie :) You are doing a fantastic job in your postworking from what I've seen!

<shylydrya> The lighting in your images is wonderful. It's one of my weak points. Do you have any tips for lighting in Poser?
<Sarsa> I do a lot of my lighting adjustments in post in my images. I have only one light set for poser that I use when making promos that have no postwork.....
<Sarsa> I dont use really super bright lights...and I use cool colors, blues and light pastels
<Sarsa> and I render with large shadow maps.

<DAZ_melijen18> When and why did you first start becoming interested in this kind of art? Have you always been an artist?
<Sarsa> I've always drawn and took drawing classes in high school....and always enjoyed it. I first became interested in digital media 6 years ago
<Sarsa> erm.....7 years ago. It was after my Dad passed away
<Sarsa> and I just needed to get my mind off of that. So dug into something creative.....and found this.

<DAZ_mattw> [For those wondering how to ask a question, click on the 'QuestionBot' on the right hand side, and send your question as a private messages. If QuestionBot disappeared, don't worry - it will be back shortly]

<ryverthorn> Your characters always look so fantastic, what part of the creation process do you like the best and what part do you not like?
<Sarsa> well I can tell you the part I dont like...and thats seams, lol
<Sarsa> I dont know what I like best....I think its just going back and forth with Thorne and watching them turn into the final characters that you see. Sometimes there are so many variations we end up with several characters while working on just one.

<Capsces> Hi Sarsa, I just wanted to drop in and see if some of that talent might rub off, and ask when that faerie book will be hitting the stores? :)
<Sarsa> Oh goodness....you dont need my talent to rub off! :) Lets hope for that faerie book in the next year ;)

<Orio> Hi Sarsa, do you have one good tip to give to beginners on how to fix seams in poser skin textures? One tip you wish somebody gave you when you started?
<Sarsa> Start with the seams first....they are a real bugger to fix at the end if you are shifting your colors on different body parts (legs, hands, feet, etc)

<DAZ_mattw> [Because we got started late, we're going to continue the chat for another 20 minutes at least. If you have a question, click QuestionBot on the right hand side to send it to the bot as a private message]

<DTigerWoman> Hi Sarsa :O) .. How much time each day would you say that you spend at your computer working?
<Sarsa> Way too much, lol
<Sarsa> I do not have good sleeping habbits, and I have 2 girls to chase after......
<Sarsa> during the school year.....10 hours a day
<Sarsa> during the summer.....eh....a little less. :)

<shadow_dancer> do ou use a pc or a mac ? and why
<Sarsa> I use a PC......when I went shopping for computers the sales guy pushed me in that direction...and I've stuck with it since.

<JAriel> You mentioned you found the digital world a better outlet for your artistry. Was(Is) there anything in the canvas world you've found difficult to duplicate in the digital realm?
<Sarsa> I think they are very different mediums.....I like the digital medium better because I like the softness look of the finished piece....or the 'glowy' feel to it.

<Cazcie> when I look at your images, the faces, posture, pose seems to denote almost utter aloneness, dispair,sadness along with the extream beauty in those intense emotions, what inspires you when you begin to create such beautiful imagery?
<Sarsa> I'm not sure.....thats an interesting question....kinda made me think a bit.
<Sarsa> Interesting because....of how you asked...considering it was the passing of my Dad that got me back into the creative process.
<Sarsa> I guess maybe thats the inspiration.

<Orio> what's your next goal? like, a new software you want to learn, or, a completely different and never-before-made character you want to make...?
<Sarsa> My next goal is to learn modeling better than what I know now. I've only modeled jewelry and simple things like nuts and bolts and tubes in zbrush. I'd like to learn how to model more advanced things. But when that will happen....not sure....theres only so much time in the day.

<Bahamuts_Soul> How does it feel to be a celebrity in this community?
<Sarsa> I dont feel like a celebrity at all....I'm really just a normal person that enjoys doing what she does.
<DAZ_mattw> poor Sarah. :) The moderators ambushed her with that one
<Sarsa> yes they did.

<Lunastar> What would you recommend to anyone just beginning? I would love to make a living doing digital art.
<Sarsa> ENJOY yourself.....once it becomes work....its not fun.
<Sarsa> when you are enjoying yourself....the creativity flows.

<Sekai> what type of music do you listen to while creating your work?
<Sarsa> I listen to a variety of things...pretty broad. Evanescence, I like the spookyness of her voice. I also like Celtic music.....haunting echoey stuff.

<skyewolf_images> do you do anything else with your art besides personal stuff and creating characters and textures?
<DAZ_mattw> Just so everyone knows, we won't have time for Sarsa's third tutorial, but we're going to add it on to the chat log
<Sarsa> I sell prints...altho thats on hold at the moment...my site is being redesigned....and I terminated a contract with a company I was working with.

<DAZ_mattw> Well, with a heavy heart, I have to say that this draws our featured chat to a close
<DAZ_mattw> I'd like to thank everyone for showing up, this was by far and away our largest chat event yet
<Sarsa> Thanks for coming everyone....I enjoyed being here!
<DAZ_mattw> and we'd like to thank Sarsa for showing up, taking questions (even the surprise ones!), and making it such an event
<DAZ_mattw> The log will be available in a day or so on the featured chat page
<DAZ_mattw> which is: http://artzone.daz3d.com/index.php?mode=featured_chat
<DAZ_mattw> Thanks everyone! Moderation is off.
<Jolent> Thank you all for such a wonderful chat!!
<outsidethebox> thanks sarsa =D
<Bahamuts_Soul> thanx sarah
<Cazcie> thanks Sarsa
<ryverthorn> Thank you Sarsa :-)
<Valandar> Thx!
<shylydrya> Thank you for sharing your time with us, Sarsa! I look forward to seeing more of your work. =)
<Thunderwave> I'm sorry I missed the first half.
<Orio> bye Sarsa
<phuoclam24> yup many thanks Sarsa ^^
<DAZ_SSS> thanks Sarsa for being so much fun to work with
<Lucie> Thank you Sarah! This was very interesting! :)
<Risika75> Thanks Sarsa :)
<Silverice> Thanks Sarsa
<Sekai> Thank you Sarsa :)
<skyewolf_images> thank you sarsa :)
<rmash1948> Thanks Sarsa!
<Flak> thanks Sarsa - muchly appreciated :)
<gabefinder> Thanks!
<Lunastar> Thank you so much for a wonderful chat. Very informative. :)
<Laksmi> Thanks Sarsa :-)
<Carcinogen06> Thanks, Sarsa.
<Gayle> Thank you so much Sarsa!
<Thorne> Thanks Sarsa ;)
<tfwall> Thanks Sarsa
<Spiritfoxy> thanks Sarsa! :)
<DeeDee3D> Thank you for the chat and the beautiful art you bring us in the 3d communities Sarsa
<Pendraia> Thanks Sarsa
<Caryn> Thanks Sarsa, and the Daz crew for getting you here. :)
<Eliza-Beth> Thanks, Sarsa - the tuts are great, looking forward to seeing the third
<outsidethebox> *waves at thorne*
<stinkyu111> good luck Sarsa
<Psyber Wolf> :)
<Thorne> hi Lissa ;)
<Sarsa> You're welcome...and thank you all for coming!
<outsidethebox> lol i totally see you over there ;)
<DaveMc3D> Thanks Sarsa you did good :)
<Ealdwulf> Thank you Sarsa for being here and sharing those tutorials with us
<Bahamuts_Soul> *E*