Help a newb with drawing basics

[WebDonkey]

Ive started to design web pages. While Ive got to grips with basic layout and colours, I want to begin creating banners, logos and background images.

Ive started to use photos and just editing those changing effects and fades etc. But I really want to start getting into Graphic Design.

I don't really know where to start really. I'll admit im not the best drawer in the world, but i can sketch ideas ok. But how do i do this on th computer ? I cant really afford a tablet at the moment.

Say for example, i want to draw a cartoony cow, and then colour it and add effects. Where does it all start ? Should I use vectors ? Photoshop ?

Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

[jnstevens87]

Tutorials. You can start with some of Kirupa's tutorials, and just google for photoshop tutorials, or whatever program you want to use. Do as many as you can. I repeat, do as many tutorials as you can. 24/7 if that's what it takes.

And experiment. If you have an idea, like making a cartoony cow, do it. I suggest hand drawing it, scan it in(or take a picture with a digi camera), you could use the pen tool in photoshop, or just use brushes, or whatever you like. If it comes out looking like crap, save it, open a new document and start over. Keep trying untill you get something you're really happy with.

And if you get stumped, ask for help at Kirupa forums.

[WebDonkey]

cool thanks alot !

So after ive sketched and tranferred to the computer, what do I do with that ? Can I like trace it ? Is it best to do that in PS or Illustrator ? or it doesnt matter ?

[jnstevens87]

cool thanks alot !

So after ive sketched and tranferred to the computer, what do I do with that ? Can I like trace it ? Is it best to do that in PS or Illustrator ? or it doesnt matter ?

It depends on what you want to do with it, and what style you're goin for. If you want a vector style cow, use the pen tool in illustrator. If you just want to add some color to your scanned sketch, you can use photoshop.

[iLikePie]

hey donkey, if you're using vector, you should really use illustrator. Some ppl say that photoshop is ok, and it probably is (but i haven't tried it) but i don't think it's really a good idea, because the tools and functionality of illustrator is way better... so if you have it, use it!

my first real "art" stuff (as opposed to design/layout) was all vector - without a tablet, it's hard and quite laborious to try and paint much... it can be done, i've seen some great stuff, but it's SO much easier with a tablet that i decided to stick mainly to vectors until i got one.

[Xero]

If you want to learn how to draw quality work or paint on the computer you must first learn to understand the human body and especially gain an understanding on form. Now im not talking about anime manga stuff... that stuff is just shapes. If you want to learn how to draw in genral is to probably immerse yourself in studies of gwhatever subject you feel strongly about. Just scribble stuff it doesnt matter. Draw your dog in different poses and dont worry about mistakes. Skribble on a napkin or your hand. Just keep drawing. The fastest way to learn actual form is to take life drawing classes. Don't expect to get better just by going to the life drawing classes. You need to discipline yourself to draw all the time. Well im getting a little carrier away but here are some book to give you a direction on where to head.

one is called.

Andrew Loomis: Figure Drawing for All It's Worth
And another great book is Sketchbook for the artist by Sarah Simblett