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lithriel

Professional Illustrator
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You! Thanks for everything folks. I am so grateful for the warm birthday wishes. Only one thing can make this day better--A few days ago, I opened a crit session on my blog. To date, only ONE person has posted an image for review. I was really hoping for more so I could give back to the community. Can you help my goal of making ashleywalters.net a place where artists can be inspired and learn? Post an image for review on my blog, facebook page, OR in the comments below by Sunday the 6th and I will give it a professional critique. Thanks guys. You're the best!



*Up to 20 images total
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EDIT: Fixed the link! Go post your artwork for a free crit here: ashleywalters.net/index.php/20…. If you get a cookie error, you can post your artwork on my facebook page .

I turn the big 3 0 on Thursday. In celebration, I want to thank all who have followed me and my art throughout the years. On Thursday I am hosting a critique session for the first 10 followers who post artwork on my blog. Aren't following me yet? It's easy. Just like me on facebook or follow me on twitter to qualify. By staying informed, you can be the first to see my latest blog posts, articles, and artwork while also being eligible for future print giveaways.

Rules:
       
  • First come, first serve
  •    
  • Must be a follower
  •    
  • One image per person
  •    
  • Keep it PG-13
  •    
  • Post your image on my blog
  •    
  • That's it!

I'll post the first five critiques on the 3rd and the rest, a week later on the 10th. I'd like to do crit sessions regularly if possible so be sure to follow my blog for future opportunities.
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10 Time-saving Photoshop Shortcuts for Artists

Did you know the average person wastes a staggering 64 hours a year by neglecting to use keyboard shortcuts? Time is a precious resource. Don't squander it hunting for tools when you could be painting instead. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, the time you invest in learning a few shortcuts will be well worth the added efficiency boost.

Chances are, you're familiar with the universal shortcuts: CTRL + S, CTRL + Z, CTRL + C, and CTRL + V (and if you're not, learn them now), but did you know nearly every key on your keyboard can access a shortcut in Photoshop?The full power of this incredible program is literally at one's fingertips, yet it's often underutilized. While looking at cheatsheets with a dizzying number of quick keys can be daunting, don't let Photoshop's complexity scare you. Start small with these 10 easy time-saving shortcuts for artists.  

1. Brush Tool

Mac: B
Windows: B
Press the letter 'B' and you've found the number one artist shortcut, the brush tool. Pressing one key is much faster than hunting.

2. Toggle Brushes

Mac: , / .
Windows: , / .
Like traditional artists, digital artists use various brushes to paint. Use the period and comma keys to toggle between them with ease.

3. Re-size Brush

Mac: [ / ]
Windows: [ / ]
Painting hair? No need to open the brush panel to get a smaller brush. Just use brackets to increase and decrease your brush size.

4. Increase / Decrease Hardness

Mac: { / }
Windows: { / }
Sometimes you need sharper details than your current brush offers. Increase or decrease the hardness of your brush by using curly brackets.
straightlinePRO TIP: To paint a straight line, select the brush tool, paint a dot, hold down 'shift', and paint another dot off to the side. Photoshop will connect them for you.

5. Select a New Color

Mac: OPTION
Windows: ALT
Don't interrupt your work to find the eyedropper. Just hold down ALT / OPTION to pick a color. Photoshop will then go back to your previous tool.

6. Switch Foreground / Background

Mac: X
Windows: X
Quickly toggle between your foreground and background colors by pressing X.  (Press D to automatically select black and white ).

7. Zoom In / Out

Mac: SHIFT + Spacebar
Windows: SHIFT + Spacebar
A must for the digital artist—zoom in and out instantly by pressing SHIFT + spacebar and scrolling or moving the mouse or down (up zooms in, down zooms out). Let go to revert back to your last used tool.

8. Move / Hand Tool

Mac: CMD / Spacebar
Windows: CTRL / Spacebar
Don't bother with the move or hand tools. Just press and hold CTRL / CMD to move a layer or the spacebar to move the canvas inside the viewport. Release the button to go back to your previous tool.
fillPRO TIP: Fill the canvas (or current selection) by pressing ALT/OPTION + DELETE for the foreground color or CTRL/CMD + DELETE for the background color.

9. Create a Duplicate Merged Layer

Mac: CMD+OPTION+SHIFT+E
Windows: CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+E
Sometimes an artist needs a merged version of layers without flattening the file. Simply press CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + E or CMD + OPTION + SHIFT + E to create a duplicate merged layer on top of your work.

10. Select the Layer Above or Below

Mac: OPTION + [ / ]
Windows: ALT + [ / ]
Press the ALT / OPTION key, then press the right bracket ] to select the layer above or the left bracket [ to select the layer below. Photoshop will automatically circle back around when you reach the top or bottom.

Final Notes

Notice there's no need to select the eyedropper tool (I), hand tool (H), or zoom tool (Z)--even with shortcuts. By temporarily switching to the function of that tool without deselecting your brush you can move much faster. The difference might seem minuscule, but it adds up. Imagine gaining 64 hours a year over a lifetime. The benefits are undeniable.

What are your favorite Photoshop shortcuts for painting? Share them in the comments below.


 

This article is from my art blog, ashleywalters.net. For more like it, be sure to like me on facebook and follow me on twitter where I post art resources and industry secrets for aspiring illustrators.



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The greatest asset of an artist seeking work is an outstanding portfolio. I can think of no other industry in which skill level can trump a degree to such an extent. Self taught? No problem. Prove you know what you're doing and you're hired. But how do you know what to include in your portfolio? Is it really that big of a deal?

Portfolios are an illustrator's resume, and therefore ought to be handled with as much precision and editing—“proofreading” if you will. Wonky anatomy, like spelling errors, can push away prospective employers. Before you show your masterpieces to the world ask yourself if what you've chosen is the best representation of what you have to offer, and soak in these expert tips from illustrators Donald Wu, Neil Swaab, and Chris Oatley:

1. Pick Only Your Best Work

According to children's illustrator, Donald Wu, a “portfolio is only as good as its weakest piece.” Nothing in your portfolio should be less than good. Otherwise clients will question your ability to deliver at the level they expect and that could cost you future work. Start your portfolio with a strong piece, and end it with a strong piece to leave a lasting impression.

2. Less is Better than Mediocre

Aim for ten to fifteen pieces to display—twenty at the most, but only if the work is good enough. “It’s better to only have five incredible pieces, than five incredible pieces and ten mediocre ones,” says art director, illustrator, and instructor Neil Swaab. Focus on quality over quantity, and take the time to create new pieces instead of using sub-par work as filler.

3. Show Professionalism

Showcase your work with care, whether that be in a nicely bound portfolio or a well-designed website. Also important—let your professionalism spread beyond your portfolio into your communications with prospective clients. Disney character designer Christ Oatley shares the industry's number one portfolio pitfall: unprofessional communication. “The animation industry is based on relationships. If we begin every potential relationship with an untidy, misspelled, poorly written, slang-laden communication, the relationship will last about as long as it takes the receiver to click “DELETE.”

4. Show Consistency

There's something to be said of an artist who can successfully execute several different styles, but in a portfolio setting show only the type of work you want to be doing. Hate doing environmental concept art? Weed it out. Not only will your work be more consistent, your style will be too. “An art director wants to know that, when they hire you for a job, they’re going to get exactly what they expect,” Swaab says. “If your work is all over the map, you’ll make the back of their neck hairs stand on end.”

5. Be Relevant

And finally, be mindful of whether or not your work matches the needs of recruiters and contacts. “If you are applying to work as a character designer but your portfolio is filled with logos you did for your grandma’s punk band, you will just waste the time of those generous enough to review your work,” Oatley says. Be sure you have examples of the type of work they need before you present yourself.

So get out those pruning shears and go to work to make your portfolio one stellar experience your clients won't forget. Time to do a bit of weeding myself.

***

Like me on facebook and follow me on twitter for the most up-to-date news and art tips.

twitter.com/ashwaltersart
www.facebook.com/ashleywalters…


Sources:  5 Common Pitfalls Of Concept Art & Illustration Portfolios | Content and Your Illustration Portfolio | How to Build an Illustration Portfolio

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To all my dolling friends, I am going to be deleting all of my bases in the next couple of weeks or so. If you want them, save them now. You are free to distribute them to whoever for whatever reason. Just credit this account. Dolling has been a wonderful springing board to help me into digital illustration and I will forever be grateful for the amazing community that has been a part of my life through the years. I am now at the point in my career where I am ready to move on. I am pruning my account of everything sub-par and plan on redoing my website as well. It's been great though.

If you haven't already, please like me on facebook and follow me on twitter for the most up-to-date news and projects in the works!

twitter.com/ashwaltersart
www.facebook.com/ashleywalters…
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Featured

All I want for my Birthday is... by lithriel, journal

Follow me on Facebook or Twitter for a free crit! by lithriel, journal

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5 Expert Tips for a Stellar Portfolio by lithriel, journal

Heads up Dollers by lithriel, journal