retired_Craig

I think i get it, but could you elaborate a little?

ladyfinger007

I think that joed means that you can use the vector mask function of photoshop to mask some pictures.

As for the scorpion, it is a good start! The pen tool is definitively not the easiest one of the pack! Make sure that the legs are more curved and spikey, like most tribal works are.

The Coach

Sorry, I don't do in "little"

So I'm showing you now in more detail how to create a mask using vectors.
[list][*]Make sure that the layer that contains the background is not locked[*]Select the pen tool and check that paths is selected (screenshot #1)[*]Use the pen tool to create a closed path around the lock (#2). No need to be to precise. You'll see later on how to adjust the anchors and handles.[*]Now select Layer/Add Vector Mask/Current path; Photoshop will create what we call a mask, in this case it's called a vector mask (#3).[*]Again, use the pen tool to create a closed path to hide what's left of the background (#4)[*]Use the Direct Selection Tool to move the anchor points and handles, to increase the accuracy of any of the two paths (#5). Make sure that you zoom in.[/list:u]

The strong point about vector masks is that you can easily adjust the mask! You can also easily mirror the mask, so that you can select the background only.

Be aware though, vector masks are not very suitable for fine details like hair for example.

I added a small copy of the original padlock in case you want to practice.

Have fun! 8}

retired_Craig

do you mean something like this

tell you what though, I REALLY need to get an optical mouse!!!!!!! My old roller-ball just isn't cutting it anymore!! [honesty]

retired_Craig

hey everyone, Thanx for the help you have shown me, I really do appreciate it!! [righton]

From what I have learned here, would have taken me a month of sundays to figure out on my own! Thanx for that "little" tute on vector mapping! Now I can do more with this beautiful prog!!

Thanx again!!

retired_Craig

here is something that I came up with that tends to look more like a "Tribal" than the scorpion does! Personally, I like the backgraound effect -- I think it looks like something you might see at a SPENCERS in you loacal MALL!

Actually, I was trying to create a sphere with the whole thing but haven't been able to figure it out to make it look like a 3D ball -- It keeps on looking like crap! I used the 3D sphere filter, but can't seem to make it work right!

If any one has an idea, let me know. I still have the original PSD file to work with!

I'l keep working on it!

retired_Craig

Hey guys, kinda figured it out on my own. Anyway, here is the thing I was working on. An Avatar that I wanted to use at another site (Iwas gonna use it here, but there is a file size limit -- 10K, and my avatar file size is 30K. I know its small, but I think you'l like it!

retired_Wick3d

I read this thread just now and I am impressed by your progress. It so nice to see people lika you adopting new techniques and getting good results. Keep up the good work [righton]

Perhaps your avatar would be even cooler if you didn't rotate the lightbursts and added a few more steps in the rotation. Now it is close to blinking...


/Moltas

retired_Craig

I like that idea!!! Keep the background stationary, rotate the top and keep the lens flare where it is!! I'll get to work on that right away!

AND thanx for the encouragement!! Sometimes that's all it takes -- along with a hint to something else!!

8[ Did anybody find GORT yet? 8[

retired_Craig

Something is wrong -- when I did the lock, it worked! Now, I try to do the lock and instead of the lock staying -- IT hides and doesn't stay!

what is going on?