I've done some snap shots of process in the past but never a full tutorial. I recently got some good feedback on my anime alters and thought I'd make some step-by-step instructions for those interested.
First, the tools. I currently use Golden Fluid Acrylics, #2 and #3 round brushes (which are pretty versatile), and a 0.3mm Permanent PENSTIX.
A really quick way to get characters on cards is to carbon transfer them. I have a BFA in art and consider myself a pretty skilled draftsman, but if there's a faster way of doing something, you should use it.
Basically you take a scaled image of the character, cover the back with heavy graphite (4-6B pencils do nicely), cut out the image, tape it down, and trace.
I laid down a quick base coat first. Nothing pretty, just some fast strokes so I could see my lines.
And...
Next is just laying in color, layer by layer. The more patient you are, the better the result. I tend to lay like colors down together, so there's less mixing involved.
The final step simply requires putting in the outlines. I try to spend extra time on this step because it's what makes a really graphic style, like anime, pop. You can really see this between the previous image and the final one.
Finally you end up with this:
I hope this helps those starting off, or just looking to improve. Feel free to check out my other work linked in my sig.
Awesome, Klug. I do pretty much the same thing only I've been using actual transfer paper, and I think just using graphite the way you do would work better.
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The cards don't end up heavier at all. Erasing takes up a lot of valuable time. It can be difficult to cover up anything with red or yellow (as they tend to be pretty translucent), but as long as you lay down a base coat you're golden.
Great walk-through. I use different brands, but for cartoon stuff it's exactly the same process. I love painting and drawing as much as the next guy, but there are some jobs that tap into other skill sets. And lately, with the prices that altered Anime cards are selling for on ebay I think it's good to show people what's going on with those cards from start to finish.
It's the same normal paper I printed the image on. The pressure of the pencil when you're tracing transfers the graphite (on the reverse side) onto the card. Simple as that.
Great walk-through. I use different brands, but for cartoon stuff it's exactly the same process. I love painting and drawing as much as the next guy, but there are some jobs that tap into other skill sets. And lately, with the prices that altered Anime cards are selling for on ebay I think it's good to show people what's going on with those cards from start to finish.
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! What are you, a buzz kill???
Seriously, the prices are pretty astounding, but as far as I can tell it's been mostly for CK's stuff, which is intriguing. Other anime stuff I've seen is still 15-30
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Worldwake Gameday (Limited)
It's the same normal paper I printed the image on. The pressure of the pencil when you're tracing transfers the graphite (on the reverse side) onto the card. Simple as that.
Wow! Thanks for the tip! This DEFINATELY Helps me with my painting. Mine is all freehand
Very nice tutorial, Klug, the carbon transfer technique is really a handy thing.:thumbsup:
Are Golden fluid Acrylics really worth the money? I've been using Talens Amsterdam so far and think the paint is def okay, but I sometime I have the feeling I have to work a lot to achieve a certain outcome.
Every once in a while I hear someone saying how good Golden acrylics are, but whenever I look at the price, it's like "holy mother of god..."
Wow! That carbon transfer thing is pretty handy. I'm gonna raid the store for some graphite. Any tips on how to get the print out at the right size? I'm guessing trial and error has alot to do with it. Cheers.
Wow! That carbon transfer thing is pretty handy. I'm gonna raid the store for some graphite. Any tips on how to get the print out at the right size? I'm guessing trial and error has alot to do with it. Cheers.
I usually just find an image of the card I'm going to alter online, then change it to the correct card size (8.8cm x 6.3cm I believe, or 3.5 in x 2.5 in) then place the image 'm going to paint onto it onto the card and print it out.
Granted this is all much easier with something like photoshop, but I think you can do it in paint, too.
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Tournament Victories:
Indianapolis Regionals 2009 (Standard)
Worldwake Gameday (Limited)
@ Klug, Sir you are right. Excuse my noobiness, ok then a 6b pencil it is. Am loving your alters and many thanks for the tutorial again! I'll work on the photoshopping too!
Very nice tutorial, Klug, the carbon transfer technique is really a handy thing.:thumbsup:
Are Golden fluid Acrylics really worth the money? I've been using Talens Amsterdam so far and think the paint is def okay, but I sometime I have the feeling I have to work a lot to achieve a certain outcome.
Every once in a while I hear someone saying how good Golden acrylics are, but whenever I look at the price, it's like "holy mother of god..."
You get what you pay for. I don't use fluid acrylics, but I can tell you that I have used various paints for 15 years and I always come back to Golden.
I'm terrible at freehand drawing, but I used this method with a regular 2B pencil to make a dragon token that I'm proud of. I'll be sure to use this from now on.
You get what you pay for. I don't use fluid acrylics, but I can tell you that I have used various paints for 15 years and I always come back to Golden.
Well, I guess I have to try Golden acrylics as well. Did a little research and found out that products from Golden are much cheaper in the UK than in Germany, so I just have to look up a good online store and go for it.
First, the tools. I currently use Golden Fluid Acrylics, #2 and #3 round brushes (which are pretty versatile), and a 0.3mm Permanent PENSTIX.
A really quick way to get characters on cards is to carbon transfer them. I have a BFA in art and consider myself a pretty skilled draftsman, but if there's a faster way of doing something, you should use it.
Basically you take a scaled image of the character, cover the back with heavy graphite (4-6B pencils do nicely), cut out the image, tape it down, and trace.
I laid down a quick base coat first. Nothing pretty, just some fast strokes so I could see my lines.
And...
Next is just laying in color, layer by layer. The more patient you are, the better the result. I tend to lay like colors down together, so there's less mixing involved.
The final step simply requires putting in the outlines. I try to spend extra time on this step because it's what makes a really graphic style, like anime, pop. You can really see this between the previous image and the final one.
Finally you end up with this:
I hope this helps those starting off, or just looking to improve. Feel free to check out my other work linked in my sig.
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Worldwake Gameday (Limited)
See my alters here: http://s132.photobucket.com/albums/q16/jimmy2do/Cards/
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Quotes in blog.
WUBRGPauper Battle BoxWUBRG ... and why I am not a fan of Wayne Reynolds' Illustrations.
Question though, the carbon transfer...how does it work exactly? I mean, is it normal paper? or is it tracing paper of some sort?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsjKsaxbnds <- Me.
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Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! What are you, a buzz kill???
Seriously, the prices are pretty astounding, but as far as I can tell it's been mostly for CK's stuff, which is intriguing. Other anime stuff I've seen is still 15-30
Indianapolis Regionals 2009 (Standard)
Worldwake Gameday (Limited)
See my alters here: http://s132.photobucket.com/albums/q16/jimmy2do/Cards/
Wow! Thanks for the tip! This DEFINATELY Helps me with my painting. Mine is all freehand
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsjKsaxbnds <- Me.
Trades! Alters! Oh My!
Legacy: WUBRGDredgeGRBUW
EDH:BG Nath of the Guilty GearGB (defunct)
BUGDamia, Toolbox of Stone GUB
-Guild Wars 2-
Server: Fort Aspenwood
Character: Anarchy Stockingu - Lvl 80 Asura Engineer
Are Golden fluid Acrylics really worth the money? I've been using Talens Amsterdam so far and think the paint is def okay, but I sometime I have the feeling I have to work a lot to achieve a certain outcome.
Every once in a while I hear someone saying how good Golden acrylics are, but whenever I look at the price, it's like "holy mother of god..."
My gallery of altered cards
I usually just find an image of the card I'm going to alter online, then change it to the correct card size (8.8cm x 6.3cm I believe, or 3.5 in x 2.5 in) then place the image 'm going to paint onto it onto the card and print it out.
Granted this is all much easier with something like photoshop, but I think you can do it in paint, too.
Indianapolis Regionals 2009 (Standard)
Worldwake Gameday (Limited)
See my alters here: http://s132.photobucket.com/albums/q16/jimmy2do/Cards/
ivanpei - Graphite is just normal lead in pencils. I assume you have that lying around...
Facebook.
Alters Blog.
You get what you pay for. I don't use fluid acrylics, but I can tell you that I have used various paints for 15 years and I always come back to Golden.
WUBRGPauper Battle BoxWUBRG ... and why I am not a fan of Wayne Reynolds' Illustrations.
Removing Gaea's Revenge without DOJ:
or is it too light?
cause 6b is not something you can just pick up at any store either.
jeez, now i want to get back into this habit
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Alters Blog.
Well, I guess I have to try Golden acrylics as well. Did a little research and found out that products from Golden are much cheaper in the UK than in Germany, so I just have to look up a good online store and go for it.
Thanks for the answer, Galspanic!
My gallery of altered cards
http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?t=380755