Banner Artists United (B.A.U)

[Violet]

Welcome to Banner Artists United!




Our goal is to satisfy our customers and bring together a decent community of sig artists. Together, we will improve our skills and learn from the flaws. This is also an attempt to bring life to the club and art sections, so we thank everyone who's willing to participate.

Icons
These images that represent our club belong in your sigs:


(By Mistress Sheena)


(By Unknown Entity)


(By Violet)




To become a member of the Banner Artists United Club, we request that you please kindly take the time to fill in our application. It will allow us to assess your ranking and whether you are truly dedicated to being a part of this group. (I would also like to note that all future abbreviations of B.A.U will stand for Banner Artists United.) Please also read my second post to find the application and information about the club/rules.

Members
Leaders
Violet(founder)
Djinn
Kilala
Mistress Sheena

Artisans(leader: Djinn)


Journeyman(leader: Mistress Sheena, Violet)

Andromeda
Unknown Entity
Confession
Freya
Anachlirium
Meier Link
Treize
Raider
SacredAngel13

Apprentice(leader: Kilala)

Armageddon
RamesesII
Gilgameshed_up

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

Current Homework


--------------------------- -----------------------------

(Journeyman only)
Cutting Imagery v.2

Instructions:
Now that I know what some are capable of, I will post harder images for you to cut.
http://s.bebo.com/app-image/79251907...meRoseGirl.jpg
http://clip-sub.com/wp-content/uploa...i-kurokami.jpg
http://www.madman.com.au/wallpapers/...1_270_1024.jpg
http://blog.nonlinearmatters.com/ass...gankutsuou.jpg


CHALLENGE:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kBw_SL-yzD...d1024x2bn4.png
http://dailywallpaper.de/desktops/anime/anime-art-39281


--------------------------- -----------------------------

(Apprentice Only)
Tutorial-Getting to Know Your Tools: Photoshop 101 for Dummies!!! (a noob tutorial) - KHInsider Forums

Instructions: I want you to answer each question with at least 3 sentences at minimum in your own words.

SPOILER!!:

Quiz v1:

1. What is Opacity and how do you use it in photoshop?

2. What are Layers and how do they work?

3. How do you apply images?

4. How do you change the colors and/or brightness of an image?

I recommend that you have your program opened up for this and view the tools as the tutorial explains every item. When you're done answering all questions, post them in this thread and I will grade you.
------------------

If you want to do previous assignments we've accomplished, check the archives in the Social Group. If you aren't a member in the SG, let me know.

[Violet]

Application:

Application form for Banner Artists United.


Why would you like to become a part of B.A.U?

Would you be interested in helping others improve their graphical skills?

Would you be willing to let us help improve your skills?

Have you any experience in creating signatures?

If answered yes to previous question, which program do you use?

We would also like to ask you (if you hold any sig making skills) to submit a sample of your work here:


The ones in charge will decide which rank you belong in. Good luck to everyone applying, we look forward to you joining our team <3.

Ranks:

Ranks are based on difficulty. Apprentice is for those just starting out in sig making. Journeyman is for those who have moderate ability but could still use improvement. Artisan ranks are the best of the best on this forums, and do the harder assignments.

Rules:

-If you aren't interested in joining the club, please don't post in here without my permission.
-You will respect everyone of their time. Fairness is an important factor.
-You can only be active in this club if you have 50 posts or more and plan to be a permanent resident of this forum.
-No spamming. Spamming isn't just one-lined sentences, but also a constant nagging of an unanswered request. You will be warned.

Activities:

*Homework- ALL ranks will be assigned homework by their rank leaders. For Journeyman, we will supply you images for the banners we tell you to make. The assignments will range from banners, avatars, and altering/cutting out pictures in your program. For Apprentice, you'll be assigned simpler tasks and quizzes. Artisans will be given the harder assignments, such as making full banners and being graded on them.

Grading/Feedback/Judging- All assignments/banners that you create for the club will be graded by people who spontaneously volunteer. I will make sure they aren't just flame baiting or spouting nonsense. That will NOT be tolerated. Also, these people don't need to be members. They will be required to offer every sig a critique(Graded from a 1 to 10 scale) The points will then be added up to decide on your grade(F, C, B, A, A+) If you want to know more about this, PM me.

*Sig Contests- Like the previous sig contests, there will be more to come in the future.

If you have any ideas or think something in the club could be fixed/improved, be sure to speak up about it! Also, don't be afraid to ask questions!

[Andromeda]

I can join if you would like. Though I'm a little more free spirited when it comes to making banners for people. I used to do a lot back when I first joined, but things got busy. But I've been feeling the itch to use Photoshop again. You can see my latest work in the avatar/banner request thread since I don't think the forum likes you uploading the same stuff.

My style varies quite a bit. A lot of times I tend to prefer simplicity over something that is ornate and detailed. But I do that as well from time to time. I come from an art background, Bachelors of Fine Arts, though its not the traditional art degree. I do 3D work. But I've got the background and time to help out others to improve. So long as they don't mind me being long-winded.

Though I might say that just because someone doesn't end up with requests for X weeks, doesn't necessarily mean they are in great need of improvement. They just might not be as popular as others. One thing that I can see happening, is the people that everyone knows and in the right circles with will get most of the attentions while the lesser known people possibly of equal or maybe greater skill are ignored. It happens a lot in the real world. So it might be a matter of advertising rather than improving them.

But like I said I'm a bit of a free spirit. I'll come and go in my moods. If nothing else I can give two cents. ^^;

[Mistress Sheena]

Yeah, I talked with Violet about this club last night, and I was under the impression that she'd automatically put me in the list, but if I have to fill out an application, I will do that also.

My style varies depending what I feel like doing, but I mainly have a set resolution for banners that I make. I've lately gone for the banners that pop out the characters.

[Djinn]

Originally Posted by Andromeda

Though I might say that just because someone doesn't end up with requests for X weeks, doesn't necessarily mean they are in great need of improvement. They just might not be as popular as others. One thing that I can see happening, is the people that everyone knows and in the right circles with will get most of the attentions while the lesser known people possibly of equal or maybe greater skill are ignored. It happens a lot in the real world. So it might be a matter of advertising rather than improving them.

I've noticed most banner requests seem to come from more newer members, so these "circles" shouldn't really matter too much. Or hopefully that is the case. I agree with the advertising thing, i only really thought about it for a few minutes last night but i'll try and come up with something to give all the people with threads a decent chance of getting requests... if you have any ideas feel free to share them.

Also i wouldn't worry about simple banners Andro, i like the same thing when i make ones for myself. The idea was to get a lot of different styles into the club to make the whole critique thing more indepth.

[Mistress Sheena]

Why would you like to become a part of B.A.U?
To add to the small pond of banner artists and contribute my style of banner making, and see if anyone has anything to say about how I make my banners.

Would you be interested in helping others improve their graphical skills?
Of course. If I spot something that they could improve on, I'll say something about it. ^^

Would you be willing to let us help improve your skills?
Yes. I'm sure there's a small window of somewhere in my repertoire that needs improving.

Have you any experience in creating signatures?
Uhm... I'll go ahead and say... Perhaps? =D

If answered yes to previous question, which program do you use?
Photoshop CS4

We would also like to ask you (if you hold any sig making skills) to submit a sample of your work here:
*Points to Signature*
http://i31.tinypic.com/10qzzb5.png

[Unknown Entity]

Why would you like to become a part of B.A.U?
I enjoy making banners, and playing around with Photoshop. I can't say I have the best Photoshop program to work with, but I make use of what I have to entertain me and hopefully make something worthy of a place in a sig.

Would you be interested in helping others improve their graphical skills?
I can do what I can. It will be easier to help once I have a better program, but I'd love to help in anyway I can.

Would you be willing to let us help improve your skills?
I need improvement, so help would be pretty nice.

Have you any experience in creating signatures?
I've been making them for more or less a year now for me, and others over the web. So you could say that.

If answered yes to previous question, which program do you use?
Ugh... Photoshop Elements 0.2. ><

We would also like to ask you (if you hold any sig making skills) to submit a sample of your work here:

Here we are!:

Or you could go here and check some more out.
And keep an eye on my sigs - they're all done by me. =]

[Violet]

You're all accepted into the club! However, we're going to place everyone in the Journeyman rank for now. It's not a final judgment on your abilities or anything, it's just temporary until we get the club off its feet. So for now, I'm going to be leaving the Avatar/Banner requests thread opened and we're going to work on getting more members.

Also, I've decided on a current activity we can all partake in. Like a lot of sites, they have multiple icons people can choose from that link to their website.

I want everyone to make their own version of our club's icon to put in their sig. Don't make it big like your regular sig, but make it noticeable. You can be creative about it.. make it any shape you want. As long as it says "B.A.U" (or the full title, if you want). Just put it in your sig when you're done. If you don't want to make one, then use another member's icon instead. Your icons will be the main banners people put in their sigs that point to the club.

[Confession]

Oh Hai thar.

I wish to join, if you do not accept, I shall cry. If I cry I will cry a river. If I cry a river, It shall flood, it if floods we'll drown. Please don't make me cry.

Why would you like to become a part of B.A.U?
Cos I'm cool. Practically all I do on TFF is make banners.

Would you be interested in helping others improve their graphical skills?
Sure, why not.


Would you be willing to let us help improve your skills?
I'm a glutton for punishment.


Have you any experience in creating signatures?
Yes, I have made many a banners and entered some contests.

If answered yes to previous question, which program do you use?
Paint.net

We would also like to ask you (if you hold any sig making skills) to submit a sample of your work here:

Theres three samples.

[Meier Link]

Why would you like to become a part of B.A.U?

To express more of my artisitic abilites and also to expand on them.

Would you be interested in helping others improve their graphical skills?

Definantly, even though I don't have the programs that I am use to anymore I would be more then willing to share my expericance with other members who have questions.

Would you be willing to let us help improve your skills?

Yes I would. I use to do graphic design but that was about 10 years ago so I need some refreshers and also some knowlede of what is out there to date.

Have you any experience in creating signatures?

I have made quite a few in my time but nothing as impressive as some of what I have seen here on TFF.

If answered yes to previous question, which program do you use?

Photoshop, paint, Gimp, and Paint.net.

We would also like to ask you (if you hold any sig making skills) to submit a sample of your work here:

As you can see in my sig I created the Evil, Inc Banner plsu 99% of the sigs I have ever used on TFF. Also all of my avis have been my own; it is a given though that I have used the same avi for a long time switching away from time to time yet I always return back to my original. Plus I made MIAB.

[Freya]

After the tournament was cancelled I think I'll join this club. ^^

Here's my application:

Why would you like to become a part of B.A.U?
I enjoy making signatures and such. It's not a good reason, I know, but I really enjoy it and I wanted to take part in the tournament so badly that now I HAVE TO join this club. ^^"

Would you be interested in helping others improve their graphical skills?
If I'm good enough, I'd surely do it. When friends show me their works, I am always ready to say something about it - either good or bad. I'm not a passionate helper, that I have to admit, but I can at least say: "Hey, this isn't good, try to do this-and-that to make it better." Mostly my critic is based on personal things - like colors that don't fit together, the size of a signature, etc.

Would you be willing to let us help improve your skills?
That is one of the reason I want to join. I'm still a noob, there are so many good artists out there. I want to be helped so that someday my signatures will be as great as those out there. x3 I'm fully able to accept the opinion of other people. Perhaps I won't do everything I'm told to do, but I'll at least try.

Have you any experience in creating signatures?
Hmm... It's been a year that I really started to make some, I think. I'm not creating some every week, but when I want to. I've made... I think 50+ signatures by far.

If answered yes to previous question, which program do you use?
Photoshop 5.0 - unfortunately the only one I have. ^^" It's pretty expensive to get a better version and I won't buy one because I'm not using it THAT much.

We would also like to ask you (if you hold any sig making skills) to submit a sample of your work here:
No prob x3~

Firstly: My current signature. .-."

Then a few more:

SPOILER!!:

[Violet]

Confession, Meier, Freya-- welcome to the club, guys!



I've asked Loco to create a sub-forum in Art Discussion for banners. If that plan goes through, it'll be the "Banners and Avatars" place where everyone makes their sig-threads.
Also, I think we have enough people now to do some assignments for Journeyman. So, I'll hopefully have the assignment up tomorrow.

Note: Every Monday may have a new assignment for people to do. There is no deadlines. You don't HAVE to do them, but I'd prefer it if you did to increase activity.

We also have two new icons you guys can put in your sigs. You don't have to use both of them . Check the first post. Gemma finished hers, but she just has to modify it a bit, so I'll put hers up when she's done. If you guys don't know the coding for directing the image to this thread, here it is:
[*URL=http://www.thefinalfantasy.com/forums/clubs/63001-banner-artists-united-b-u.html][img]http://i31.tinypic.com/293vx9v.png[*/img][*/URL]

Remove the *s .. and replace the link between the image tags with the one you desire.

[Violet]

UPDATE: First assignment is up. You have 6 days to complete it. When you've finished your work, please post it in here. The judges that volunteer will offer their feedback in here and give it a rating between 1 and 10. Of course, judges need permission to participate. I will then combine all the ratings together to decide what grade each gets.

Just to make things clear, you don't move up a rank after one measly assignment. I'm still trying to decide how that works. Here's one of my ideas.
-Have it where everyone has to complete a certain amount of assignments in order to do the final test. I'll be keeping all assignments in our archive, so any one who just joined the club can always go there to do the ones they want to practice with. So, like.. 5 assignments. A new assignment will be given after every deadline. At this point in time, the final test is a secret .

Also, I made us a social group for our club. This is going to be THE archive for all assignments/tutorials. I sent everyone an invitation.

[Anachlirium]

Application form for Banner Artists United.


Why would you like to become a part of B.A.U?
--Ann said I could! =P Nah, it'll be a bit of fun and I haven't made many sigs in a while.

Would you be interested in helping others improve their graphical skills?

Would you be willing to let us help improve your skills?
--Indeed!

Have you any experience in creating signatures?
--I've probably made 40-50 of them all up.

If answered yes to previous question, which program do you use?
--Maaaainly Photoshop cs3.

We would also like to ask you (if you hold any sig making skills) to submit a sample of your work here:
--Just look at the signature, I've nothing in folders currently.

[Mistress Sheena]

Homework done.

[Violet]

Welcome to the club, Froggie.

Just wanted you guys to know, I have changed the links for the homework. They were too easy, and I noticed that the links didn't work when I clicked on them. Sooo.. new harder images have been added.

[Andromeda]

Yeah, I was going to say. White backgrounds sort of defeats the purpose of trying to improve when most times you won't be so lucky. Though a solid color background is usually the best to go for since it'll give you less troubles in removing it from its image.

And a real life person...I hate hair and I hate even more cleaning up hair from an image. Its bad enough when you want to green screen. And then you have lighting changes in the hair. Half of the strains are so bleached out by the light it'll make anything jarring that you put it up against. The entire top of the head should just be cropped out since it would be a bad idea to make the attempt to use in a banner.

[Violet]

Well, there's ways of getting around that. I suppose for this assignment, it's a bit much.. as you don't have the special effects and whatnot hiding the mistakes. So, I replaced it with a Fallout image. I'm leaving it at that.

[Violet]

So let's get some conversations going here. What was the first signature you ever made? What programs did you use and what did it look like?

I actually found the first signature I ever made. I didn't think it still existed, but I found it on the previous forums I attended. I was like "wow, this banner stuff is pretty cool. I want to make my own!" So I used MS Paint.. cause it was the only thing I had ^^;. The results were this: http://evolution718.netfirms.com/rinoa_angel.gif Yeah, Rinoa_Angel was my first forum screen name ever. I've improved quite a lot.. haha.

After MS Paint, I switched to Paint Shop Pro when someone sent me it. Then, I went to Photoshop, finally.. and that's what I use now. Fun stuff.

[Mistress Sheena]

I don't remember my very first sig, but I think it was Photoshop 7 that I used and it probably was very simple and had some anime girl on it or some such. I think it was a megatokyo sig because my very first forum name was Piroblaze over here.

And even before here I was on PSM's forums and used the same name.