Final Result

About This Tutorial

• Technique: Digital Painting
• Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
• Estimated Completion Time: approx 2 days
  

[ Project Tools]

• Graphics Program: Photoshop CS3
• Additional Tools: Pen Tablet, and Pencil on Paper Sketch, Free Paper Texture Source
• *Read entire tutorial before attempting…

Step 1: The Sketching Process

My sketching process started with a series of mini sketches to develop the general composition for the twitter playing card idea. Jotting down notes next to the sketches helps me to keep in mind some major factors to the design such as color, body position, texture, and symbolism.

During this initial process, notice two sketches that stand out? Mini sketches A and B look like the same female figure but in different body positions. Once I realized this, it immediately reminded me of those moments when all of us, no matter how strong or powerful, show our gentle side. With this thought in mind the design now tells a story of a powerful female figure coming to life through a moment of vulnerability.

With a solid understanding of  the idealized composition, create a much larger, cleaner, and better detailed sketch of the goddess, to later scan into Photoshop. After cropping the sketch, copy and paste it into a (1200 x 2000) document at 300 dpi.  Make a duplicate of the sketch, flip it both horizontally and vertically to imitate the playing card effect. This initial duplicate will serve as a place holder while you continue forward with the design. Using the Marquee tool, create a border (on a separate layer) atop both sketches, using a 5 pixel line and dark blue for color. Use the pen tool to connect both sides of the border with a 5px diagonal line to separate

Step 2: Beheading Your Queen

I’m admittedly not the best at character recreation but playing cards use the exact same figure of royalty for both sides of the card. Because of this, duplicate the sketch layer again to have it serve for the guide of the second queen coming to life.

Using the Lasso tool make a selection around the head of the queen connecting to the top of her neck. The queen should be looking up at the area where the twitter bird will be, so right click to free transform and rotate the head upwards. Repeat this process with her lower jaw to create parted lips, and also with her eyebrow to create a surprised expression.

Here’s a side by side comparison of the queen’s initial expression to her expression coming to life. If the white empty space where the sketch has been cut bothers you, feel free to use the Stamp tool to cover over that space, and be sure to clean any lines affected by the cuts with a small round brush. I’ll refer to the separate sketches as Queen A (untouched) and Queen B (altered sketch) for the duration of the tutorial.

Step 3: Drawing Queen B’s Arm & Twitter Bird

Create a new layer atop the Queen B layer. Using a small round hard brush (5 px) at around 20% opacity, begin to sketch and form the arm for Queen B. Queen B’s arm should be reaching up delicately so her robe will also move upward into the picture. Because of this you can use a small, low opacity eraser brush to erase parts of the sketch where her robe is still lowered.

Creating yet another new layer, sketch the outline for the twitter bird. It can remain close to the original or as personalized as you want to make it.

Subtlety is the best policy for a design like this. You can create a lot of expression and body language with minimal alteration to Queen B. The gif animation below shows how subtle the movement has changed from Queen A to Queen B and yet the substantial difference it has made.

Step 4: Adding Texture & Sketch Adjustments

Copy and paste an image of textured paper and free transform it to re-size and fit the document. Group the sketches to layer atop the paper texture, setting their blend modes to multiply to have the outline of the sketches come through.

With the paper layer selected go to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation and enter +6 Hue, -30 Saturation, and +40 Lightness to lighten the look of the paper.

Now with Queen A’s layer selected, go to Image > Adjustments >Levels and enter 0, 0.60, and 240 to the respectful input levels. This will help to darken the line weight of the sketch because it will remain a part of the final design. Allowing the original sketch to show through makes the design appear from an earlier time when items were reproduced by hand.

Step 5: Coloring in Queen A and B

Use the pen tool to begin tracing sections of Queen A to fill with solid color (make sure the color layer is beneath the sketch). Continue this step for Queen A’s skin and wardrobe, as well as for the twitter bird. If the edges of the shapes appear too harsh, use the Blur Tool to soften them.

Hide the color and sketch layers for Queen A and repeat this process with Queen B on a new color layer.

Step 6: Digitally Painting Queen B

Using these solid colors as a base for Queen B, start your digital painting of her coming to life.  A small, soft, round brush with low opacity was used for the duration of the painting. A sense of realism starts by giving the queen dimension, so be sure to capture the curvature of her features by making the shading rounded to appear voluminous.  Alternatively, using the blur tool helps to smooth out any rough sketch marks as Queen B comes to life.

Continue painting the additional features of Queen B including her wardrobe and headdress. As you progress through the painting, hide the sketch layer for Queen B and work on cleaning the final image up. It’s expected to take some time to digitally paint Queen B, so feel free to pace yourself during this process.

Step 7: Painting The Twitter Bird

Once you’re finished painting Queen B, move onto the twitter bird. Sketch in a couple of quirky details to add your own personal style to the more recognizable twitter bird.

The Twitter bird is essentially the reason why the Queen is coming to life so it’s important to make it appear cute and inviting.

Step 8: Finalizing The Playing Card

To finish the playing card, we must flip the digital painting of Queen B using Free Transform. Fit the Queen B layer into the border so that it rests on the diagonal line in the center. Use a combination of a small round brush and the marquee tool to fix the area of hair where it falls a little short.

To finish the playing card, use the Text tool to create the “T” using a traditional looking font type such as Baskerville Old Face. Create a duplicate layer of the finished twitter bird and set these layers into a group. Make a duplicate of the group, and with the group selected flip the it to reflect on the bottom of the card.

Twitter Playing Card version #2

After looking at the design for some time, I like the digital painting of Queen B on top as opposed to Queen A. This can be easily done by going to Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal, repeat these steps to then flip the card vertically.

And there you have it! A quirky Twitter playing card, reminiscent of  foreign art is coming to life right before your eyes!

What You’ve Learned…

This is certainly not a strict step by step tutorial for how to create a digital painting, for it’s a process that requires intuition and exploration of what’s best for your piece. Here’s what you’ve learned…

• Making notes next on your initial sketches can aid in your design’s development.
• Always be open to the potential story that can come out of your designs.
• You can learn how to bypass shortcomings by taking advantage of Photoshop’s many tools.
• Feel free to play with slightly different versions of your design until you’re satisfied.

More Tutorials Coming Soon!

I’ll definitely be bringing more design tutorials to SexiDesign so be sure to keep a look out for them. If you have any question or concerns about this tutorial feel free to comment below!

Keep It Sexy Sugas…

Resources

• Free Paper Textures – Source Site

Link Love for the week of September 6-10, 2010

This week was an in depth look into some of the most popular marketing techniques around. Learn subliminal Photoshopping tricks from the pros and what makes innocent slogans go naughty.

Check out the link love from this week…

Popular Posts This Week from SexiDesign

When Sexy Meets Cuddly Design: The Snuggie Sutra – Learn the not-so-ancient art of Snuggie Sutra, “erotic fun for your blanket with sleeves.”

Recommended Reading From Around The Web

• (article via @Nenuno) Interview: Melody Nieves of SexiDesign
• (article via @oneextrapixel) 69 Sexy and Explicit Advertisements: See It Creatively
• (article via @designerdepot) Stop Designing Aesthetics, Start Designing Emotions

Sexy Tweeples

This week’s awesome Tweeples from around the web. Tweet them a hello courtesy of SexiDesign. Want to be featured in next week’s round of sexy tweeples? Let me know @SexiDesign!

• @MelodyNieves (me!)
• @Eckstatic
• @NebulaArts
• @JThompsondesign
• @badlvillemojo
• @alvinthethird
• @pablolarah
• @writer_sheri

Keep It Sexy Sugas…

Stock photography is so sexy…

Stock photography has been used by artists throughout history to contribute to their art in some form. Some artists use it as references for poses, while others incorporate stock photos into collages and photomanipulations. The opportunities are truly limitless and the internet has become a major platform in connecting artists to new resources.

Stock Photography Sites

Here are a couple of stock sites that I currently use for inspiration and stock resources. Designers often also use these sites for an array of graphics like post images, stock for client work, and personal pieces.

Shutterstock

(image source)

Shutterstock is a royalty-free stock photography and vector art website. You can find an array of stock photos from all different categories including business, abstract, and backgrounds. The site is also home to real professional photographers for quality photos. As a participant in their blogger partnership program, I’ve gotten an insiders look into their wonderful collection, so be sure to stay tuned for tutorials, reviews, and articles utilizing Shutterstock’s resources.

Stock photos from Shutterstock are best for:

• Professional quality photos for websites, brochures, and other business materials
• Stock Photo references for artists for modeling and poses
• Quality Stock photos for photomanipulations or additional artwork
• Blog post images and photo inspiration

Sxc.hu

(image source)

Sxc.hu is one of the beloved free stock photography sites many aspiring designers use, allowing users to take advantage of thousands of submitted photos with little limitations. Beware, however, that many of the photos are taken from amateur photographers, resulting in lower than photo and subject quality.

Stock photos from Sxc.hu are best for:

• Personal art pieces
• Photo references for artists for pieces/to practice technique
• Blog post images and inspiration
• Photomanipulations
• Stock photography for design tutorials

DeviantART.com

(image source)

I am admittedly a DeviantART junkie. Some of the most inspiring stock photography can be found on the site made from it’s creative users. I’ve personally used their stock for references for my digital paintings. However, beware to read the guidelines of the users from whom you will use the stock from. Some users like mjranum are open with their rules, while others forbid to use for commercial use.

Stock photos from DeviantART are best for:

• Personal artistic pieces: photomanipulations, practice sessions,  etc
• Drawing references for aspiring artists
• Stock photo references for additional artwork

Sexy Stock Photography

DeviantART and Shutterstock are the best sites in particular to find professional looking photography with a sexy element. It’s also beneficial to practice design principals as well as drawing techniques with these photos to better your skillset.

Artists looking for a sexier edge can bet that these sites will provide classy and artistic references of the human form. Some users even submit stock that appeal to fetish and fantasy. Provide your imagination for the resources you need are already at your door.

Stay Tuned…

Be sure to check back for future posts where I show you how to pick photos from these sites which leave a sexy subliminal impression on your viewers!

Keep It Sexy Sugas…

Resources

• Shutterstock.com
• Header Image – Shutterstock
• Sxc.hu
• DeviantART.com

Link Love for the week of June 7-11, 2010

This week was a look at another round of sexy body art, and the ad campaigns that make Chicolate chocolate so damn sexy.

Check out the link love from this week…

Popular Posts This Week from SexiDesign

Creative Zodiac Sign Body Art – Discover the artist behind this series of deliciously sexy body art photography through optical illusion.

Recommended Reading From Around The Web

• (article via @designerdepot) – How to Design Your Business Card
• (article) – 68 Clever and Creative Candy and Pastry Ads
• (article) – Clever Condom Advertisements – 61 Prints

Recent Guest Posts From SexiDesign Author, Melody

Check out these recent guest posts written by yours truly,  featured on some of your favorite design sites.

Sexy Tweeples

This week’s awesome Tweeples from around the web. Tweet them a hello courtesy of SexiDesign. Want to be featured in next week’s round of sexy tweeples? Let me know @SexiDesign!

• @MelodyNieves (me!)
• @alvinthethird
• @JarvisA
• @robertoblake
• @callumchapman
• @colaja
• @doggdaze
• @echoenduring
• @pablolarah

Keep It Sexy Sugas…

…show off your sexiness with an official certificate and banner approved by SexiDesign!

Certificate Of Sexiness

With the launch of SexiDesign’s New Facebook Landing Page, comes a new feature with the “Certificate of Sexiness.” As a loyal fan and follower, show off your sexiness with an official certificate approved by SexiDesign. Consider this a little gift from me to you for all the wonderful support and feedback for the site thus far!

Download Your Certificate Of Sexiness

You can display your sexiness in two available formats (.zip file);

• Print PDF to sign it
• Place PNG circle banner on photo(s) (requires PS or other editing program)
• Included is a README.txt file with instructions on how to submit your photos to SexiDesign’s Facebook Fan Page.
• Click to download .zip file

Submit Your Fan Photos

Feel free to take a picture of yourself with a signed certificate, or use the alternative banner to upload picture’s to SexiDesign’s fan photos album. Take a look at the “ReadMe.txt” file for any help in this process.

I look forward to seeing everyone embracing their inner sexiness!

Keep It Sexy Sugas…

…I challenge you to type your name with one of these fonts! [wink]

Dingbat Fonts

Traditionally used in typesetting, dingbats have also become known for their common use for computer fonts. A dingbat is characterized as an “ornament, character, or space,” and often displays a picture in replace of recognizable font letters.

The World Wide Web has an awesome collection of dingbat fonts out there. Whatever your little hearts desire can be your next font type including funny, classical, and even some sexy.

I can only imagine how a designer would creatively utilize the following fonts but boy would I love to get a hold of those designs! Hell, you could probably learn a thing or two from these fonts [naughty grin].

Sexy Dingbat Font Gallery

Images courtesy of: dafont.com

Resources

• Dingbat – Wikipedia
• Dafont.com – Free Fonts

Link Love for the week of March 29- April 2, 2010

This week was a lil play of catch-up for SexiDesign’s Twin-up Of The Month series, providing you with February’s design process as well as the TOTM for March. Stay tuned to new development in this series beneficial for all artists in the art and design community.

Check out the link love from this week…

Popular Posts This Week from SexiDesign

Decoding Sexy Design: Megan Fox – Learn more about the benefits of Identity Redesign–no logos here…

Recommended Reading From Around The Web

• -(article via @DesignJuices) Discover the Best Design Communities on Facebook
• -(article via The Daily Beast) The Rise of Islamo-Erotica
• -(interview via @admixweb) Interview: Chad Engle, Editor of Fuel Your Creativity

Resources From Posts

• Biography of Makan Emadi – Official Website
• Islamo-Erotica Gallery – Makan Emadi Official Website
• Learn More about SexiDesign’s Twin-ups Of The Month

Sexy Tweeples

This week’s awesome Tweeples from around the web. Tweet them a hello courtesy of @SexiDesign!

• @MelodyNieves (me!)
• @MrRyanDee
• @nomad411
• @spacepuddle
• @OllieJDesign
• @BabyBoyKharim
• @JohnAguiar
• @FredRockz
• @gplingerie
• @doggdaze

Keep It Sexy Sugas…

SexiDesign Fans and Followers are the sexiest, of course…

Benefits of Becoming a Fan on Facebook

SexiDesign’s Facebook Fan page allows me to update you on everything going on in sexy design as well as interact with readers. Subscribing to this blog has it’s obvious benefits but lacks the interaction value, other benefits include:

• Updates on new posts and news at SexiDesign
• Updates on new tutorials
• Updates on new videos from my AWalkInMyShoes YouTube Channel
• Photo Gallery of current Twin-ups (Twitter pinups) Of The Month
• Lot’s of luv from me, Melody–SexiDesign’s author
• Author/reader interaction
• Updates on my personal sexy designs
• Updates on future posts and other sexy news from the industry

What Happens If You Don’t Become A Fan On Facebook

• You and I can’t share sexy jokes with one another
• A little part of me dies in sorrow…
• “I’m taking sexy back” –revoking your sexy pass
• You can’t “like” my new posts, or place sexy comments on them
• You won’t have access to tips to improve your own sexiness
• Unicorns will cease to exist…

Or Follow @SexiDesign on Twitter

I have much love for my @SexiDesign followers on Twitter. And as a fellow tweeter I engage in ongoing discussion–spreading the word of sexy design, declaring tweeps as “sexy tweeples,” and sometimes making naughty confessions.

The “something is technically wrong” robot is so hot lol  – @SexiDesign

So, if you’d like to delve into wondrous conversations with me, or just say “hey” then make your choice below…

• Become a Fan of SexiDesign on Facebook
• Follow @SexiDesign on Twitter
• Add Melody on Facebook

Keep It Sexy Sugas…

Link Love for the week of March 8-12th, 2010

This week was the introduction of a mini tutorial for the steps involved in creating a romantic coloring book using Adobe Photoshop and InDesign. SexiDesign also took a look at some inspirational jewelry from an unlikely source. More is definitely to come in the next couples of weeks for SexiDesign, so stay tuned luvs for new sexier posts!

In the meantime, check out the link love from this week!

Popular Posts This Week from SexiDesign

- Learn to create a fun coloring book gift for a loved one or friend. Great as an early plan for next year’s Valentine’s Day gift, create a meaningful yet inexpensive present as a subtle reminder of your relationship.

Recommended Reading From Around The Web

• (Photography via @DesignJuices) – Glasses Are Sexy: A Collection Of Sexy Ladies Wearing Glasses
• (Photography via @Colaja) – Timeless Photography By Milan Josipovic
• (Article via @HollyLamarche) – Interview: Brian K. McDaniel of bkmcdaddy Designs

Resources From Posts

A roundup of this week’s resources from posts you may have missed!

• Biography of Jeni Benos – Official Website
• Pistol Petals Jewelry – Official Website
• PDF Download: George and Melody Fall In Love, Coloring Book.

Sexy Tweeples

This week’s awesome Tweeples from around the web. Tweet them a hello courtesy of @SexiDesign!

• @MelodyNieves (me!)
• @JohnAguiar
• @JThompsondesign
• @GritFX
• @Colaja
• @FredRockz
• @fudgegraphics
• @AidanOXP
• @doggdaze

Keep It Sexy Sugas…

Link Love for the week of March 1-5th, 2010

This week was the release of the brand new twitter pinup of the month (twinup), which featured a lovely valentine’s day themed design for February. SexiDesign also put on a thinking cap in investigating a new insurance commercial icon. Check out more from this week!

Popular Posts This Week from SexiDesign

America’s Love For The Progressive Insurance Girl – Learn more about actress and comedienne Stephanie Courtney. The bubbly personality behind Progressive Insurance’s favorite customer service representative has made a name for herself making tricked out name tags sexy. Discover the tell tale signs of her allure..

Related Links From Around The Web

• (article) – That Girl From The Progressive Insurance Commercials - Huffington Post
• (article) – The Strange Allure of the Progressive Insurance Girl – Austin360.com

Resources From Posts

A roundup of this week’s resources from posts you may have missed!

• Flo (Progressive Insurance – Wikipedia
• Official Facebook Fan Page of Stephanie Courtney
• Beautiful Mokume Gane Wedding Bands – SexiDesign
• Mokume Gane – Wikipedia
• Damascus Steel - Wikipedia

Sexy Tweeples

This week’s awesome Tweeples from around the web. Tweet them a hello courtesy of @SexiDesign!

• @MelodyNieves (me!)
• @FredRockz
• @designblend
• @bkmacdaddy
• @LaGraphixGirl
• @Creative_Guru
• @Eckstatic