Graphic help Needed!

[Bibbybeth]

Hello,

I was hoping someone may be able to give me a bit of advice in regards to how I can take my work to next level in terms of graphic manipulation.

I think i have the ideas right on paper, i will hand draw my stuff then scan it into photoshop then draw over the image in photoshop then send it to illustrator then send it back to photoshop, but it still looks crap..should i start in illustrator or do i need to just keep practicing and is this something which will take me a few years to master?.. I feel that as I haven't had much training in graphic design i'm kind of 'behind' everyone else in terms of making my images look remotely professional.

liz

I would like it if someone could tell me some basic rules of how to get started..

[Ruthless Cow]

It's not possible to know where your skills are lacking based on what you posted, but your instinct that you need more practice to achieve the look you want is probably the right one - the applications don't do it for you.

Are you taking classes? Do you know people who can crit your work and give you tips?

[steve w]

it's like any other trade/craft.
take some classes and/or do an apprenticeship

[Unitus]

what are you trying to achieve?

photoshop and illustrator are tools. they both have their uses, but without knowing what you want as your end result, it's impossible to guide you to use either.

[scrojo]

hit it with a hammer.

[mikeage]

Can you show an example of your work here?

[scrojo]

I would like it if someone could tell me some basic rules of how to get started..

then.... get started.

honestly. i'm not trying to be a smart ass now. steve w is correct. you are asking for a career worth of advice in a single post.

learn the craft. illustration, design, printing, production........ all ! take the time.

[Carlos Artest]

slap the side of your monitor- might just be extra pixel-y

love tap it

[Bibbybeth]

Reading it back it does kinda sound like that... here are the images below.

Untitled-5 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!mutasssh | Flickr - Photo Sharing!pureg | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

the guy with the tash isn't vectored and i don't like live trace but when i draw over it in photoshop it looks shite!
Guess i need to enroll on a course but the question is which one?? but for the time being i am strapped for cash so can anyone recommend any good online tutorials?

[Bibbybeth]

ooh and I really like Jay Ryans work does anyone know much about how he works?