skbryanart

[skbryanart]

Happy Halloween everyone!!! Still chugging through the inktober/Drawtober prompts slowly, even if I’m way late. I’ll get to them all eventually, I promise!

[skbryanart]

Inktober/Drawtober Day 3: Night Owl

[skbryanart]

Inktober/Drawtober Day 2: The Frog Witch!

[skbryanart]

Inktober/Drawtober Day One: Pumpkin Head!

[skbryanart]

Hello! :) I wanted to ask you something, as I am a huge admirer of your style and, although I have tried any times, I can't figure out how you do it. How do you shade your drawings? Do you do it all on one layer or use clip layers set to multiply or what?? Thank you :3

basic stuff

[skbryanart]

My Art Got Stolen, Now What?: A Guide For Artists

Aka “That little f*cker stole my art and I am not okay with it.”

The follow up to my Guide For Reporting Stolen Artwork and Get Consent, Kids

If you haven’t heard by now, I’m just someone who hates stolen artwork and those who do the thieving, literally has run out of fucks to give, and knows a thing or two about copyright law and will fight you on this.

NOTE: THIS ALSO WILL CONTAIN A FEW HELPFUL TIPS FOR ARTISTS WHO GIVE PERMISSION TO DUB!

In the weeks I’ve been reporting stolen artwork to artists, it’s really broken my heart to realize just how many of them didn’t know what rights they have when it comes to their artwork simply because it’s fanart. Like…nooo…

If you are an artist–be it of traditional/digital pictures, videos/photos, words (prose/poetry), music, or a voice actor–you have rights to your work.

For the sake of conciseness, I will only be referencing traditional/digital art throughout this post.

No one can use your artwork without your permission. Even fanart cannot be used by the company/creators of the show WITHOUT YOUR EXPLICIT CONSENT. Otherwise, it’s theft. YOU OWN THE ART. YOU MAY NOT OWN THE CHARACTERS BUT THAT PICTURE IS YOURS. YOU DECIDE WHERE IT GOES, WHO CAN USE IT, HOW, AND WHEN.

Note: selling fanart is a different monster altogether and that’s not what this is about. I’m not even gonna go there.

Wellp. This is my art and I sure didn’t put it here.

You have three options:

Do nothing

Talk to them - ask them to get permission next time, make them credit you

Flag – DMCA TIME. Don’t know what this is? I gotchu fam.

DMCA stands for Digital Media Copyright Act. Also known as a copyright claim. In short, if you’ve ever used something that was copyrighted and got told to take it down by the website or had it removed by the website, then you’ve been slapped by a DMCA report. Those are legal actions and should be respected and obeyed.

If you’ve ever flagged a video for having your content, reported stolen artwork on tumblr or anything else, odds are you were filing a DMCA takedown.

Personally, I would always recommend DMCA. If you wanna go route 2 that’s fine, I won’t judge you. From my point of view, however, that person didn’t have the fucking courtesy to even ASK YOU. Why should they be allowed to reap the benefits of your hard work? 

Well…they might not have known…they’re just kids…

I stole a doll from a thrift store when I was 3 and my mama sent me right back inside, crying, to apologize, and give it back. From then on, I knew that taking things from the store was wrong. You’re never too young to learn right from wrong.

A DMCA might be just the thing to teach that whippersnapper not to steal artowrk. Especially if they’re already refusing to cooperate.

I don’t want to start trouble…

They stole from you. They started it.

Ok but…DMCA reports want my full name and address!

Yeah, probably. But this is a legal action…so why are you surprised?

Many people on the internet want a degree of anonymity, I understand that. The internet is a dangerous place. But DMCA take downs are legal actions. Companies need to do everything they can to ensure honesty. If there’s a dispute, they might need to contact you for further info. If things end up getting heated, someone needs to be able step up and own up to the claims–though I’ve never heard of it getting this far for stolen artwork on youtube. Otherwise, people would flag videos left and right just because they don’t like them. I mean, they already try, but DMCA is much more serious and they’re forms are intimidating enough to scare off the filthy casuals.

DMCA is one of the only weapons you have to defend your rights. Take it or leave it.

I’m not a US citizen… (or the thief isn’t)

That’s okay! Most websites where your stuff could be reposted ARE based in the USA and, therefore, are under the jurisdiction of USA copyright laws.

HOW DO I FILE A COPYRIGHT CLAIM???

Youtube

Tumblr

Deviantart

Pintrest

Instagram

For any other websites, just google the website name plus DMCA.

IF YOU ARE A DUBBER, LIKE ME, AND ONE OF YOUR DUBS GOT STOLEN, WORK WITH THE ARTIST AND THE VOICE ACTORS TO REPORT IT. ALL OF YOU CAN FILE A COPYRIGHT CLAIM ON IT. You as the editor, the artist obviously, and the voice actors since they “appear in the video without their consent” ;) you’re welcome.

If someone reposts a song cover or an amv you made, you can DMCA those as well even though you don’t hold copyright to the original material. You made the video. You have some rights to it still. …But if the original content owners say something to you, shut up and listen your ass might end up in court.

Tips for Artists Who Get Dubbed

Rule 1 in my field: ALWAYS COVER YOUR ASS!

…kay wait. I think “wrap your cables properly” is rule one. Rule 2 then. But it’s a good rule and it applies everywhere.

If someone comes to you asking to dub your work, this is what you should do:

State your answer clearly. If it’s a no, you don’t have to explain why but it might be a good idea.

State how to credit you, provide links if you want

State that they cannot monetize it. This is important.

State any place where the artwork may not be posted

Ask for links to the finished product, maybe even the username they plan on posting under.

Finally, TAKE SCREENSHOTS OF THE CONVO AND SAVE THEM. This way you can know who you gave permission to and who you did not, as well as if they violated the terms of your agreement.

By giving them consent, you are basically entering a contract together. Screenshots are your evidence of the contract just in case the original is lost. Failure to comply with your terms is a breach of this contract and you can take action against them.

In summary: YOU HAVE RIGHTS. People can be little shitheads who steal and you have the power to kick their ass legally. The law is on your side. Also, COVER YOUR ASS.

[skbryanart]

Many have been asking for a process post on Isabela here so I though I might as well since it’s been a while :0

[skbryanart]

Do you have any advice to pass onto beginning artists? Love your art !!

thank you so much!! ^^

well, I don’t think i have anything to say that others already haven’t but here are some things that i would tell my younger self and myself at the moment as an important reminder:

- don’t expect everything you draw to be astonishing - especially if you’re a beginner. Don’t push yourself to create finished masterpieces, your learning process should consist mainly of sketches, studies and doodles. It’s okay if they’re bad, it’s okay if they look nothing like what you had in mind. That’s normal and part of the whole process. It might sound a little discouraging but it will make you improve, I promise. Allow yourself to make mistakes!

- do studies and use references - at the beginning I considered references as cheating, I thought that artists were there to create whatever they wanted out of their minds. This is not true! You’re not a machine, you’re not supposed to know everything. References are here to help you, but you need to know how to use them. Here are two videos that teach you how to do it. Of course building your own visual library is incredibly important too and that’s why you should do studies! I think it would be better to focus on one element (form, anatomy - you can divide it into parts as well, lighting, perspective and so on…). If you want to study let’s say leg muscles, go and find a dozen of photos on the internet of different legs and analyse them. Break them down into simple shapes and draw these shapes, think how they’re connected together, take notes! This might be tiresome but I believe it’s worth it.

- practice the smart way! - please watch these videos, 

- don’t rely on talent - whether you’re considered as a “talented” person or not, talent won’t do your job, ever. It might make you learn a bit quicker, but hard work is the key here. I don’t believe in talents that much, tbh. 

- don’t compare your art to other’s people art - I know that it’s hard not to do that when we have so many incredible artists around, but try to treat their art more as a motivation, a goal to achieve, rather than something that discourages you.

- study other people’s art - again don’t try to compare yourself but analyse their works. What makes them so good? Is it the anatomy, the lighting? The atmosphere they created or the colors they chose? Study their art, but be careful - don’t copy them right away or you might find yourself copying their mistakes instead.

- listen to what others have to say - here is the list of my favourite youtube channels that focus mostly on digital art:

1. Ross Draws - one of my favourites, his videos are like a ray of sun, so funny and cheerful. He shows different approaches to illustrations, drops some very important tips and his art is goals.

2. Proko - well I think we all know this one, very useful and informative, perfect place for studying and learning fundamentals, especially anatomy. 

3. Istebrak - TONS of imporant informations, tutorials, paint overs and critique hours. Incredibly useful and the host’s attitude towards drawing is very down to earth. 

4. Kienan Lafferty - this is my recent discovery, so I haven’t watched that many videos, but you’ll find in-depth voice over processes, tutorials and tips. 

5. Sycra - again, very famous channel, tons of tutorials and speedpaintings, some very valuable advices and good attitude.

6. Ahmed Aldoori - beautiful, colorful art and amazing style. You’ll find tutorials, speedpaintings and a heathy attitude towards drawing. Plus the host’s voice is just made to be listened to. 

7. JJcanvas - one of my fave concept artists, you’ll find very atmospheric mostly landscape speedpaintings.

8. FZDSCHOOL - this is another super popular channel, over 80 videos of tutorials, advices and speedpaintings that are super useful. Focused on concept art.

9. sakimichan - sakimichan’s paintings in time lapses

10. LevelUp - over 70 sessions with different, famous artists. Real time video processes and tutorials, paint overs and critique hours. 

whoa, I didn’t expect it to be this long, sorry! And please remember that I am not a professional, I’ve never even taken an art class, I just think that these things work for me. They might not work for you and that’s why you should find your own way of learning. I still hope you’ll find this helpful, though! ^^

Good luck! ⊂((・▽・))⊃

[skbryanart]

My 3 Unfortunately-Secret Programs for Illustrators

There are a few programs I use on an almost daily basis as an artist and illustrator which I find invaluable, but that seem to be unfortunately more secret than they deserve to be. Which is too bad, because they solve a lot of small workflow problems that I think a number of people would find useful!

I’ll keep this list limited to my big three, but it is organized in order of usefulness. (And incidentally of compatibility, as the latter two are Windows-only. Sorry! Please do still check out PureRef though, Mac users.)

1. PureRef

PureRef is a program specifically designed to make it easier to view, sort, and work with your references. I actually put off downloading it initially because it seemed redundant– couldn’t I just paste the refs into my PSD files? Indeed, the only real barrier to working with PureRef is that learning the keyboard shortcuts and the clicks to move around the program takes a little while. But getting over that hump is well worth it, because it has some distinct advantages over trying to organize your refs in your actual art program.

Firstly, you’re no longer bogging down your actual PSD file with extra layers, nor having to fight with said layers at all– PureRef has no layer panel, so you never have to scramble to grab the right one. All images you paste into the program retain their original resolution data, so you can resize, rotate, crop, etc as needed without distortion. If you find yourself needing to adjust the values, color, etc of a ref image, you can just copy paste it into Photoshop, make your adjustments, and copy paste it back into PureRef.

The other great advantage is that you can toggle the program as ‘Stay On Top’ and keep it above Photoshop (or whatever else)– which was always a problem when trying to make a reference collage in a separate PSD file. I find that I just don’t look at my references as much as I should when they are on a second monitor, and this solves that problem.

I’ve used it religiously for about a year now, creating a new PureRef file for every illustration I do, as well as a few for specific characters, cultures, or settings in personal projects. As you can see in the example above, I like to sort my images into little clusters or ‘islands’ of specific content, so that I can easily scroll out to see the entire reference map, then zoom in to the relevant cluster easily.

There is one big tip I would suggest for using this program, if you have the harddrive space: As soon as you get it, turn on the ‘Embed local images in save file’ option. This will make your PureRef files bigger, but you’ll never have to deal with a ‘broken link’ if you move around the source files you originally dragged in.

2. Work Timer

This is such a simple little app that it doesn’t have a very formal name, though I think of it as ‘Work’ or ‘Work Work’ (for some reason.) It’s a timer that counts when your cursor is active in any (of up to 3) program you set it to count for, and stops counting when you change programs or idle. No starting, pausing, stopping, or forgetting to do any of those three things.

I use this one to accurately track my hours, both to inform myself and for commissions or other client work. At the end of a work session, I take the hours counted and add them to the hours I’ve already spent on that image in a spreadsheet.

I have it set to count my three art programs (Photoshop, Painter, and Manga Studio), so based on the settings I use, it doesn’t count time that I spend doing relevant work in my browser (such as looking up an email to double check character descriptions or ref hunting), so to counter that, I set the ‘Timeout’ option in it’s menu to 360. This means it will count to 360 seconds of cursor inactivity before it considers me idle and stops counting. Since it instantly stops counting if you switch to ‘non-work’ a program, I figure this extra time just about cancels out relevant time that it ignores in ‘non-work’ programs by counting an extra minute or so when I walk away from the computer to grab some water or what-have-you.

3. Carapace

I use Carapace the least of these three, since my work doesn’t often have a need for creating perspective lines. But when there is architecture involved in something, this proves invaluable in simplifying that process.

Carapace lets you copy paste an image into it, and then drop in vanishing points and move them around to create perspective lines. (Though you’ll want to scale down your full res drawing or painting a bit to avoid lagging the program.) Like with PureRef, fighting the shortcuts is the worst part of it, though for myself it’s more of an issue in this program because I don’t use it often enough to remember them. Still, it gets the job done, and it’s easy to adjust the points to feel things out until you get them ‘right’. Then you just copy and paste the grid back into your art program and you’ve got that information to use as need be on its own layer.

Of course, using Carapace isn’t a replacement for actually knowing how perspective works– you still have to have a sense of how far apart the vanishing points should be placed to keep things feeling believable. But it sure does save you a lot of trouble once you do have that knowledge.

So, there are my big three recommendations for programs to help your art workflow. I hope people find them useful– if you do, please share so that they climb a little higher out of their unwarranted obscurity! And if you’ve got a favorite tool like this that I didn’t cover, feel free to share it in the comments. I know I’m curious to see what else is out there, too. Also, if Mac users have any suggestions for programs that fill similar functions, feel free to share there as well!

My Website  •  Store  •   Commissions  •  Instagram   •  Twitter  •  Deviantart

[skbryanart]

Your work is amazing! I'm looking through your dragons and it's inspiring how pretty they are! Do you have any tips for lighting on all those scales?

Thank you! Any kind of tips? I’ve been thinking of making a tutorial/guide on scales, but i’ll list some things right now that seem important for the lights. (basics and very Photoshop-specific things alike)

     1, Material/texture references

I often look at my turtle’s scales, she’s my most valuable scale reference. Little dragon sculptures are useful too. Any kind of fish is good for iridescence. If you’d like leathery scales, try lizards. If you want metallic scales (or some other inorganic material), e.g. gold, pull a bunch of photos of genuine gold bars out of Google. Additionally you can look up refs of specific lighting conditions, because light affects color. I still use refs as a safety net for the important things, because there is always room for improvement/failure. D:

     2, A technique for preparing scales

Constructing the forms and drawing the scales is very monotonous when you want to put all of them in space properly. I don’t really have a shortcut for it, but refs and rough, quick construction lines make the job easier (see pic above).

For painting the scales: just paint their shapes with a single color on one layer, then lock their transparency and paint on them (i ditch the sketch, if i had one). I do the same with the shading on another Layer set to Multiply, normally. You can neatly compartmentalize anything like this. I keep a LOT of layers, dozens for color corrections, highlights and small details and tiny miscellaneous fixes, so i can modify them individually easily. There is more than one way of doing it, this is just my way.

     3, Random tips

- On gold-like scales i like to paint some highlights with opaque bright yellow on a new layer, set this layer’s style to Outer Glow, set that glow to a richer yellow on about 20% opacity and set the effect to something like Soft Light or Overlay. Experiment with it, it’s what i always do too to hit the sweet spot.  - As always, knowledge of colors, lights, shading, materials, textures, perspective, tools, painting techniques, etc. are universally helpful, not specific to just scales, but books could be/have been written on these subjects.- If you think you are done with the scales, sleep on it, and if you still like them after that, you win at life.

I hope some of this is useful.

[skbryanart]

How to Draw a Wave Row 1 & 2 Row 3: Left (by Diana Huang), Right Row 4 Row 5 Row 6

[skbryanart]

African Painted Dogs have always been a favorite of mine. I just think their coat colors are so beautiful Watercolor on watercolor board 

[skbryanart]

REALLY IMPORTANT - NEW PAYPAL UPDATE - PLEASE READ

THIS NEEDS A HELLA SIGNAL BOOST - PLEASE SPREAD THIS UP

EVERYONE needs to start using Invoices. This is very important. Paypal has recently updated their TOS and it’s something that everyone should pay attention to. “10.3h If you violate the PayPal Acceptable Use Policy, … you will be liable to PayPal for the amount of PayPal’s damages caused by your violation … You acknowledge and agree that $2,500.00 USD per violation … is presently a reasonable minimum estimate of PayPal’s actual damages … PayPal may deduct such damages directly from any existing Balance in the offending Account or any other Account you control.” DO NOT SEND PAYMENTS AS “GIFTS” You will be risking your commissioners account and that is really really bad. Artists, REQUEST PAYMENT THROUGH INVOICES. It lets YOU control how money is sent. Commissioners, DO NOT SEND PAYMENT unless you send it through “for goods and services.” If your artist requests ‘send as gifts’ BEFORE you send payment, tell them about the $2,500 fine per violation, as they probably do not know about it. Yes, paypal fees suck, but it’s better to have a few dollars missing than to get fined $2,500 for a $20 purchase.

[skbryanart]

Horse doodle while bored in class lol

[skbryanart]

For your newer pieces, such as magic lesson and betrayer, what program(s) did you use to draw them in; sai or photoshop or both or other? Also if you really don't mind can you share your brush setting for the program(s) you used? Lastly, do you have any advice for achieve a more paint like look? Sorry for burying you with questions. Ooh, forgot to say LOVE YOUR ART, I really like the atmosphere your art give off.

Hello! thank youu I’m glad you do!! ;; I’ve been using only photoshop for a few months now mainly because of the brushes, the ones i use the most are Hannes’ brushes, it’s a really complete set and i love it

it would depend on what style of painting you are going for but for a general rough paint like look my advice outside of brushes would be

work with 100% main opacity on your brush

use only one layer, or fewer layers, merge it all from time to time

hand pick your shades 

don’t blend too much (this smudge tool by mezamero is great i love it)

simplify in bigger strokes, detail with smaller ones where needed

avoid airbrushing

work with rough sketches or sketch with big strokes to plan your lighting and general shape and no lines

please keep in mind I’m no expert and i’m also new to this, there is no right or wrong way to do these things tho, test it out and find what’s comfortable for you. brushes play a huge role in style, not only because of the finish but they also change the way you draw when you use them, play with brushes! these are just some things to try out and train yourself and hopefully it will help you find your way, have some Solas brush example for good luck

[skbryanart]

Rocks! Row 1, 2 & 5 Row 3 & 4 Row 6 & 7

[skbryanart]

What to say when an artist quotes your commission higher than you expected:

“Thank you for the quote, I’ll keep it in mind and get back to you sometime when I’m able to commission you!”

“That’s a little out of my budget for the time being, but thank you for your time. I’ll contact you again if/when I am able to pay!”

“I appreciate the quote, but i’ve decided to wait on the commission, thank you!”

“I understand your prices and that they are fair, but I am unable to afford this for the time being! Good luck on the rest of your commissions.”

What NOT to say when an artist quotes your commission higher than you expected:

“WAHHHHHHHHHHH”

“@-@ Holy crap that’s expensive!!”

“Could you maybe give me a tumblr follower discount? :3”

“Your prices are too high!!!!”

“Really?? Just for a sketch? I could draw it for half that!!”

Treat artists like human beings. We gotta eat too. Commissioning an artist is not different from any other contract work. You’re not going to ask your dentist for a discounted root canal or tell your contractor his cabinets are too expensive, don’t ask artists to change their prices because you perceive them as too high. More than likely, an artist taking commissions from the internet are drastically under charging themselves already. Please be respectful and understanding that art is a skill and not a favour.