Here's a handful of change I've been carrying around for a while:

When using coloured pencils, don't underestimate them. You've been using them all your life, yes, but they aren't just little-kid tools. It's time to take them seriously now.
Layer them. Lightly at first. Then blend them. A little bit of pressure can go a long way, especially when it comes to getting rid of those pesky white flecks.
Avoid using black to shade and white to highlight. It makes things look a little bland. Use colours for shading, especially complimentary colours. It'll bring your picture to life. And try using bronze to shade, as well - it makes almost -anything- look awesome.
Keep your pencils sharp, especially when you're doing detail work. Though when you're putting down the first few layers, it is a good idea to use a dull pencil, because then you don't get much streaking even if you're a little sloppy.

Mm.... That's all for now. ^_^

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You've already said 'Yes' in your mind....

Furry-Paws! Fun 'simulation' game: [link]

Drinking paint thinner + posting on forums = bad, mmkay?

- Slips an old arcade token into the jar. -

When coloring hair in Adobe photoshop, it's best to do it first before any other coloring, with your layer set to multiply. That way, you can simply color it very scruffily, not worry about going over those precious lines, and erase all the mess afterwards.

Hair has more than one color, it has more than two also, it has about four at the least... Go for the midtones in your hair first, and then, do your darker tones next. Blend them all together with a smudge tool of about 55%, before adding your lighter tones... Blend these with Smudge tool at the same strength... Then use the eraser tool ( At about 60% ) to do your silky white highlights... Simple lines across the whole hair, smudging them in where you think they need it. Finally, then you can erase the rest. It'll look awesome, as long as you remember to keep the light source from the same angle at all times!

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LOL.

'bout a half penny for right now. too lazy to think of anything at this particular moment.

tip: when you're "finished" with a lineart piece, and you dont much care for it, dont crumple it up and throw it away. invest in a file cabinet or a box of some kind and keep them. shuffle them under your bed or in a cupboard and forget they exist. a few months/years later, rediscover them. you'll be able to see them in a completely new light. if you cant, give them to an artsy fartsy friend- preferably a bored one. i was on the recieving end of such a thing and came up with my piece Shatterfly- something completely new that influenced my way of thinking. either of these techniques will help freshen your approach.

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rabidwire.com

Suppose I could toss in what I got in my pocket, although admittedly, I'm broke!



The camera does not make the photographer, first off.

...and get out there and experiment. Take pictures of everything and everyone, even if you end up not liking the results. Its good practice and even if you end up sticking with just one type of photography or one particular subject, having experience in other areas will help you tremendously.



Don't be afraid of people staring at you strangely, when you experiment. Just stare right back, and then continue with their work. They may not see what you are doing, or understand, but that doesn't matter.

Oh, and always wear a neck strap with your camera, especially if its the only one you have/really expensive. Worth it to get a good one, too.

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You like broken stuff? | Waste not, want not | Choose my next rental!

is there any type of issue with a typical wrist strap- the type that comes with the camera?

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~rabidwire
i'm listed! *deviant-stock *goodstocks ~StockCity

Meh, I don't like those. Too flimsy.

Get a good one. Mine cost twenty bucks, but I bet I could tow a car with the bloody thing. That camera is not coming from off my body unless I want it to.

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You like broken stuff? | Waste not, want not | Choose my next rental!

I feel like throwing in the jar a penny thats not mine, but it is the best thing i can do at the moment, im at work, and i shouldnt visit dA here (the boss prohibited us ).

Color Theory - The Basics - [link]
-From SteelDolphin - [link]

ah hah, but is the method of attatchment any different between digital and film cameras? if so, i may consider it. i'll at least be getting a sturdier wristband because i have small hands and i tend to take pictures in the car.

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~rabidwire
i'm listed! *deviant-stock *goodstocks ~StockCity

*Spits in the Jar and walks on...*

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And remember, If you're going to commit suicide with an Axe -
You'd better get it right the first time.
~
Also on Tv - ~claustrophobic ~The-Dark-Arts

They are usually the same, nowadays, and if not, there are usually ways to adapt them to fit properly.

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You like broken stuff? | Waste not, want not | Choose my next rental!