Art Graphics Help (backgrounds)

[cancer]

I have a question regarding graphic design: How do I create banners with complex backgrounds like the ones below: I'd appreciate any help.

NOTE: these banners were created by Keyblade Wielder : )

[IMG]http://i9.tinypic.com/2i7b5np.png[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i5.tinypic.com/4dq33bp.png[/IMG]

[Riku]

[COLOR=DarkSlateBlue][SIZE=1][FONT=Tahoma]Aww.... I appreciate you using some of my works as your examples, cancer. :]

But, I was wondering if you could credit that I made those? Just so that others know that I worked hard on it and made it. Thanks, it's very much appreciated. :D

Anyway, you want help on how to make complex backgrounds? Well, I'd say that everyone has their own version of making backgrounds for their graphics: White, Zeke, jigglyness, me, etc. I think you get to a certain level in order to be truly confident with your own style.

I say try photoshop tutorials and experiment with stamps, filters, whatever you use. That's what I did in order to get my nifty yet wonderful backgrounds.

Needless to say, I don't know why you're asking. Your banners are truly awesome. ;][/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Ezekiel]

[SIZE=1]I have a very different method of doing things than KW: That being, [B]I hate tutorials with a passion [/B] and have never in my life used one.

No offence to KW, I've seen you develop so much recently, so don't take what I say next to heart, yeah?

Tutorials mean you are simply doing what another person has already created. Now, there is nothing wrong with looking at elements of another persons art and using it in your own. There have been times when I've seen sakurasuka or Delta do something magnificent and have then adapted it to my style.

I think the main thing you need to do is not worry about whether or not something will look messy or gross. Slap on layers and layers of textures and brushes, play with filters and with different pallets. The banners you see the likes of KW doing are the products of many failed attempts which you won't see.

I don't think it's possible to sit there and learn how to do it. You just have be patient and work it out yourself.[/SIZE]

[Retribution]

[size=1]Well, it largely depends on what type of "complex" background you want to create.

In KW's first signature you linked, you could easily achieve it through a Gaussian blurred picture and a color overlay. Below is a crude example of what you could do to mimic that effect:

[b]Original Photo[/b]
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/retri_trib/tutorial1.jpg[/IMG]

[b]Upped Contrast and Color Balance[/b]
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/retri_trib/tutorial2.jpg[/IMG]

[b]Top layer Gaussian blurred and Overlayed over the original layer[/b]
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/retri_trib/tutorial3.jpg[/IMG]

Voila.

As for her second signature, that's just a bunch of brushes and pattern overlays with a color balance tossed on top of it all. Experiment, read a bunch of tutorials, and try to incorporate those new techniques into your style. With practice, you'll get polished and original sigs.

Don't be afraid to play around, fail, and start from square one again. Failure is inherent when you're learning something new. But do not give up because it's tough. Stick with it, good luck.[/size]

[cancer]

Thanks everyone, I think I've found the answers I was looking for. I will continue to experiment and try tutorials to become better. I appreciate the help. ;)

[Riku]

[quote name='Retribution][size=1']As for her second signature, that's just a bunch of brushes and pattern overlays with a color balance tossed on top of it all.[/size][/quote]

[COLOR=DarkSlateBlue][SIZE=1][FONT=Tahoma]And I'll be happy as to let you know that those are all my ideas and all my brushes, patterns, etc., Retri. I took what you told me to heart, as well. ;]

Anyway, cancer, as what these two have told you, the best thing to do in order to get your own style is look around at other people's graphics, tutorials (if you would like) and experiment in order to get what you want.

As Jamie kindly said, what graphics you see of mine now was built up on many failed and oddly looking attemps. :/ It's all about patience and time, and also wanting to get better slowly, not quickly.

Good luck on what you learn. ;][/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[sweetdevil]

I found some tutorials recently, maybe these can help :animesmil

[URL=http://www.tutorialfx.com/tutorial-33.html]Beginner Abstract Brushing[/URL]
[url=http://www.tutorialfx.com/tutorial-36.html]Groovy Background[/url]
[url=http://www.tutorialfx.com/tutorial-88.html]Abstract Brushing[/url]