Best Software for Hero Art?

[Vanguard00]

This poor forum seems a bit ignored, and since I didn't think my question(s) really belonged in a genre-specific location (and it would be lost amongst the other "nongaming" threads), here is where I came.

I've surfed the various "images" threads and I've pulled out a few references, but I'd like to see the topic discussed in greater detail. I would like to know the best software to use if I wanted to learn how to make my own character images.

For example, some people use templates and then add color and detail. What do you use?

Other people manipulate existing images to make their own heroes. What do you use?

And apparently, some of you REALLY artistic folks out there simply draw your own from scratch, all on the computer.

My artistic ability right is such that if I had a template and I hand-drew details, then colored it with ink or pencil, I wouldn't embarass myself. I wouldn't win any awards, but no one would giggle outright.

Obviously you should be able to make superheroes or space aliens or fantasy dungeoneers or what have you. Short of being a great artist, what computer programs are you guys using out there? What's good about it? What's bad? How does it compare in usefulness for cost? Tips or strategies you can share?

Thanks in advance for your time, folks.

[ChaosDrgn]

I'm currently using Photoshop CS. Sometimes with poser, other times with
DC hero templates you can find off the web.

[Starwolf]

It depends on how lazy I am feeling.....

I use Poser, Hero Machine, Comic Artist, scanned images, and/or downloaded images. I typically use Paint Shop Pro to edit the images. Of them all I like the results from Poser the best.

[Vanguard00]

Okay, Paint Shop Pro and Photoshop CS I've heard about. Are they user-friendly, or do I need the "xxx for Dummies" book to go with 'em? I mean, I've used the absolute basic versions of Paint and Photoshop, but never for anything...um...well, creative. Basic image manipulation only (turn, enlarge, crop, etc)

And Poser I have absolutely no experience with. Izzat a good program?

I'm not trying to be dense or anything but rather get some good recommendations so I can invest in some software.

[Starwolf]

Paint Shop Pro is distributed as shareware. It can be used with very little effort, however, it also has many advanced features. That said there are several great "XXX books for dummies" that give step by step tutorials for PSP.

Poser is a 3D modelling program. It loads a nude "Model", sort of liek a high res paper doll. You can then edit the shape, texture, clothing/costume, props (like weapons), hair, facial features, etc. Once your model is dressed you can use poser to "pose" your image, or even animated it. There are many built in poses that you can apply to the image with a single mouse click. The 3D images produced are as good as the best video game images, and can be exported in several graphic formats (I use jpg).

[Starwolf]

Poser images are also available on line that can be downloaded and edited. Asw well as a wealth of props, costumes, body shapes, etc. Some images are free and others need to be purchased. But the base program comes with a nice selection.

[Blue]

Software I use...
Corel Photopaint (Currently v. 11). I got into it because I wanted to do web graphics years ago and couldn't afford a full blown copy of Photoshop. Photopaint handled the same plugins but was considerably(!) cheaper. I've stuck with it even though I can afford PS now.
Poser (I think I have v. 5). I don't use it much because I just never got the knack of it. In some regards it's easy to do 3D modeling; In others it was hell. I'm sure once you know what you're doing it's a breeze. I never made it to that point. But I use it sometimes for getting down a basic pose, then I print that and draw my own picutre from it.

Other things that will help
A Scanner. I use it for my drawings, but it can also be used to scan photos from books and magazines or straight from the comics, of course.
A Pen-mouse. I don't use mine much lately, just settling for using a mouse, but these do give you a greater degree of control.

Skills to focus on...
Masking. Figure out how the masking tolols in your program work. Once you are able to select specific areas of your drawing to work with at a time, you make your life SOOOOoooo Much easier. (A mask is an area of your picture that can be manipulated, sparing the rest of the picture from being messed up). Masking also helps with cutting and pasting. If you can mask just the head, it's easier to pull that off and paste it on some other hero's body.

Templates...
Hero Character Templates. Right here in the hero online store for just under 10 bucks you can download a PDF file with tons of 3D "Poser" style outlines that you can print and edit, or you can sample the graphic and paste it into your graphics program to edit.
Bruce Timm style Templates. Art inspiration for the Batman, Superman and JLA cartoon series', a brief Tutorial on mimicking that look can be found here: http://formula119.com/eqtaa/tutorial_menu.html

There's more, but I don't have the links on my work computer here.

[ChaosDrgn]

I did this is poser the other day. I don't like the shoes though :(

<warning: big picture>

for some other things I suggest going to www.3dheroes.com or www.sturwurk.com to see what Poser can do.

[bblackmoor]

Bruce Timm style Templates. Art inspiration for the Batman, Superman and JLA cartoon series', a brief Tutorial on mimicking that look can be found here: http://formula119.com/eqtaa/tutorial_menu.html

Wow, that's a great link. Thanks.

For some "Timm-style" examples, check out http://users.ev1.net/~kryptcom/. The link you gave actually includes a link to a sub-page of this site, but this is the main page, which has links to other sections. Very cool site.