Newbies at Photoshop

[Mitsuki]

...Like myself. Alright, I think I posted it in the right section. If not...well, let's not go there.

Well, I recently got photoshop - last week, in fact. I've made a couple sigs but they are just for practice purposes, so I won't bother posting them here. Maybe later, when I do create my own sigs/avatar thread.

Anyway, so what's this thread all about? It's for newbies at photoshop to post up their current work and seek advices from members are who are experienced with the program. They can ask any questions, from what type of brush to use, how to make cool borders, to what kind of cool effects should be used in a particular stock, etc.

Of course, it is encouraged that you post a picture of your current work so that the others can get an idea of what your signature/avatar looks like.

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So, to get this started, I shall post my 3rd signature.


Here is the original stock that I worked with:

(With border)

Now, I need help with the border. I was trying to make it darker but clearly failed. Any suggestion? Also, background. Aye, I need some special effects, but don't know how to do it. >.> Lighting could also use some help.

I am trying to aim for more earthy tones, so that is why the coloring isn't so flashy and bright.

 

[Dark Adonis Wilt]

Here's a tutorial I made for you Suki, I call it photoshop coloring for dummies ! I hope it helps and I will be making many more tutorials on how to do cool stuff in photoshop for new users!

http://www.finalfantasyforums.net/tutorials/coloring-tutorial-17631.html

 

[Fusionist]

Help with pixelation(spelling?)

Since Mitsuki made such a broad thread, I thought it would be okay to ask for help here rather than make a new thread.

Anyways, my computer is being a bitch about accepting PS CS3 into it's life, so I only have PS CS2.

That said, I understand it's easy to increase/decrease the size of an image, but is there a way for me to decrease the pixelation of the image? I don't have a clue.

Thanks!