Not a request...well mostly.

[HawkAmazon]

Request for view's please, as i've seen some pretty awesome sig's around here i figured i'd have a go at my own with mixed result's.

So my question is from the sig below any advice on using photoshop cs3 to make it better?

since it's my first try i think it didn't turn out as bad as it could have but help would be apreciated.

Hawk

[PMS Anarchy]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Graphics Design :)


As far as your first signature, its really not that bad. There are a few things you want to focus on when making a signature.

* Flow - This is the transition between effects that creates a smooth, even, and un-cluttered travel of your eye a crossed your signature. You want to make sure that your effects follow this flow, otherwise your eye gets carried away with all of the effects before you, and cannot focus on the transition.

*Composition - This is where you place your effects. Even if your making a fantasy signature, the effects still need to convince your critics that there is a purpose for that very effect, in that very spot.

*Typography - This is basically the position of your text (If you decide to use text). Using the text to create an effect is hard, but is a crucial part of a signature. Make sure you think of the text as a effect necessary to the piece, as it is. Keep it close to the focal (To keep the eye from jumping all over), and make sure it blends and fits well with the overall theme of the signature.

*Colors - Colors are also important as they are almost the first thing a person recognizes. This is what determines the general emotion given off by a signature. Dark, harsh colors usually give off the emotion of rage or anger. Softer, lighter colors give off a gentle and relaxing emotion. However, you can use these to your advantage and create some very unique signatures.

*Depth - Depth goes along with composition as it makes the people viewing your signature almost believe it is possible or real. Signatures that are flat and have no depth, are generally not appealing to look at. By blurring things that are further away, and sharpening effects/images that are closer to view, this can help create the illusion of depth.

*Lighting - Lighting also can help with depth and is also a crucial part of composition and creating a great piece. Make sure you pay attention to your focal, and the basic physics of light. If a part or portion of your focal (Your main focus in the signature) is brighter than the rest, obviously the light source (Where the light is coming from), is in that general area. Darkening areas of your effects that coincide with your lighting, can give off the effect that it is under something and is casting a shadow, thus creating depth.

*Size - Make sure you are sizing your canvas correctly, for the focal you are using. An over-sized signature can feel empty and almost forces you to fill it with necessary effects, throwing off your flow. Try keeping your canvas size to a maximum of 450x300, this way you are not forced to fill it, and keeps the effects nice and compact, and helps keep the flow.

*Focal Position - Focal position is a hard thing to explain as it really depends on the focal you are using or are going to create. My #1 rule is to NEVER center your focal. This instantly makes it harder to create flow, as its smack dab in the middle of your piece. Always center it off to one side, as you have done here.


So basically what i have to say about the tag is it is a nice try for your first tag. Keep up the good work and never stop! As far as tips, i would make the canvas size smaller, and make your focal a bit bigger to help fill up the space. Also work on your text, keep them the same overall color as your signature, and try to keep them near the focal. Your colors seem a bit over contrasted as well, try not to use colors that are overly bright. I am really excited to see more from you. Hope this helped! ^_^

[HawkAmazon]

Thankyou for the great response. I'll keep practicing with your points in mind.

I'll be sure to use your advice on my next one.

Hawk

[PMS Royal Cutie]

lol anarchy that was a longggggggg message lmao

[HawkAmazon]

Long reply's are the best kind, usually it's just a 'yeah that's ok and a little list of what to work on', like have a clue what half of it means.:mvconfused:

Since i have no talent for art and no experience with photoshop lol or any other program was alot of help. :mvsmile:

Hawk

[TechIsCool]

another thing i would say is your optimization make the image look bad you have it down to 40.62 KB just dont optimize it down so far that you start to lose your text

http://techiscool.com/Pictures/Snagit/10.41.53%20AM00.png