Welcome to the Thirteenth issue of Stockilicious

Index
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1 - Thumbnail Feature and Stock Tips - Ready-To-Use Backgrounds
2 - Stock Tutorial of the Week!
3 - Stock Contests
4 - Forum Activity
5 - Monthly Stock Project
6 - Support Stock Stamps!
7 - Chatrooms
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FEATURES AND TIPS:
Ready-To-Use Backgrounds are basically stock images that need little to no extra work done on them. They can be created in rendering programs, a combination of different stock images put together or a mix of rendered images, brushes and photos in the one file. Any way you look at it - the purpose of a RTU Background is that all you need to do is add your focus of the artwork you're making (models, animals, objects, textures etc) and it is ready to go.
RTU Backgrounds are great for people that aren't sure how to properly blend the various levels of a normal background (sky, land, sub-earth etc) to make it look how they want it to. They're also good for people that aren't sure how to mix images to a specific theme - like surreal or sci-fi and so on.
A few of the most created RTU Backgrounds seen on dA use stock images that include stormy clouds, thrashing waves, decorative balconies, ornate staircses and full-moons.



TIPS FOR MAKING READY-TO-USE BACKGROUNDS:
Remember your layers. Layers are one of the most important things in making an RTU background. You can dull the saturation on certain parts, change lighting, add brush effects and blend images together a lot easier if you keep the layers somewhat separate from each other before flattening.
Choose stock images, or renders, that can fit a theme. If you're wanting something to fit a fairy theme then choose nature shots that have a mystical feel to them. 'Light Rays' brushes to come through the gaps in the trees, a few sparkles and a beautiful sky addition all fit well together. If you're going surreal then try putting in a few things that wouldn't usually 'fit' in the real world.
Keep the resolution as high as you can get it. If you're piecing together different 'levels' (sky, land, sub-earth, trees, waterfalls, archways, etc) then try and lengthen/widen the scope of your image without having to 'stretch' the resolution to fit.
The Copy-Stamp (Photoshop) tool can come in handy for people that know how to use it. Paste in a picture of (for example) a rocky outcrop. If you want to stretch the rocks out further along the image choose parts of that image and copy-stamp it where you want the rocks to extend.
If you don't want dramatically changing lighting in your image try changing the lighting in each image first to match before
putting them on the one file. Its harder to change lighting when the image has been flattened. Another way to do it is just change the lighting in certain layers so you can match it up easier as you go.
Don't just stick to one theme. A stormy sea background gets done a lot. Try mixing themes together and trying different styles. If
you're fond of the 'storm' backgrounds then also throw a few 'sunny day' backgrounds in as well just to break with tradition.
If you're making your backgrounds from bits and pieces of other people's stock don't forget to credit them! It is also a good idea
to CHECK whether or not they allow people to make their stock into new stock works. Some stockers don't allow it, so rather than make a fantastic backdrop and upload it to dA only to have someone ask you to take it down again you should always check first!
Don't be afraid to reuse certain parts of your backdrops. You may find that artchway you've used is just perfect with a different
sky or a different texture on it. Just remember to notify the original stock owners each time you use their piece.
Pre-made Backgrounds are just like their own piece of art - you're just waiting for someone else to put their own spin/finishing
touches on it. This doens't mean your RTU Background has to be perfect but it will make people want to use it more because it is less work for them.
Textures. Textures are GOLDEN. Use a layer over all, or even better- certain PARTS of your background, to give it a better feeling of depth, exposure, age and more!


STOCK TUTORIAL OF THE WEEK:

Seeing as how I have a lot of stockers on my list that are constantly asking for constructive critique and help with how they do their stock, I want to draw some more attention to the bundle of Stock related Tutorials that have been submitted to deviantart - most of them are by long time stockers that have found a few simple ways to make their stock just a little bit nicer and more useable for artists.
If you want to see the tutorials I've collected check out the journal here: [link]

THIS WEEK: Stock Costume Tutorial by ~DelightfulStock


So you're a stocker, ey? You want some simple and effective costumes that aren't going to cost your half your pay cheque and can easily made with some of the items you have around your house an in your wardrobe. This is your first stop! Mixing and matching your current clothes and throwing a few sheets in to boot... you're on your way to making a whole new and wonderful costume collection. Its only limited by your imagination. So get to it!


STOCKER CONTESTS:

Its not just about the prizes! Stockers get to see all the lovely artwork made with their stock and a set theme in mind. If you have a stock contest you want promoted, drop me a note with the details

is hosting a Victoria Francés Contest
Details: [link]
Deadline: 25 July 2007

& are hosting Dark Summer Nights Contest
Details: [link]
Deadline: 1 September 2007

Don't forget my Avatar/Stamp/DevID Contest is still running! It will be ending in July!


FOCUS ON THE FORUMS!:

The StockArt forums are located here: [link]

A place for stockers to promote their contests, artists to request specific stock, ask for help finding stock, discuss stockart in general and much more! We go a little silly sometimes but don't let that scare you off! Just remember what we're about - STOCK!!

Costume Exchange Program?: by *LadyEdanaStock. Do you have costumes you could put in the costume exchange program? Then drop by this thread! Since stockers tend to pay for costumes out of their own pockets and/or spend hours making them, this is a great idea for people that are willing to share their costumes with only the price of postage!

Welcome To The Stock Art Forum: by ^LawrenceDeDark is a great starting place if you fancy dropping by the Stock Forums! There are tips on making requests and using the main search to help you find exactly what you're looking for from the stock gallery and a couple of links to help you credit stockers for the resources you use.


MONTHLY STOCK PROJECT:
Whoever you are, whatever kind of resource you upload - check out and join in on the monthly challenges to both
Stockers and general Resourcers.

Get featured in the Monthly Newsletter, find inspiration in a simple phrase or theme and join in with other stockers in a throw-together collaboration!

We are half-way through this month's challenge so start submitting your stock/resources for the PRIMAL challenge! If you want to join in, drop by the journal and see what is going on and try your hand at something new and inspiring for the artists to use! July Challenge closes July 31!!


SUPPORT STOCK:

Want some more stocky love in your news section? Loooove seeing new and awesome resources you never would've found without the news?

Support Stock News! Stamps courtesy of ^LawrenceDeDark (and muchly needed, I might add )


And if you want to check out the ALWAYS up-to-date list of Stock News being submitted - check out =stocknews and support us by posting the stamp (made by ~pyerflystock) in your journal


And now for a few random stocky stamps that you and post in your journals!



CHAT WITH US:

Don't forget that stockers chat too! A few haunts the stockers visit are below:
#StockTalk | #TheHarem | #StockThumbnailShare
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PREVIOUS ISSUES:
_{Vol 1: Perspectives (MC)
Vol 2: Lighting (MC)
Vol 3: Characters (MC)
Vol 4: Fight Stock
Vol 5: Requests
Vol 6: Portraits
Vol 7: Backgrounds (Real)
Vol 8: Nuuuuuudes
Vol 9: Stock Packs
Vol 10: Poses (MC)
Vol 11: Couples & Groups
Vol 12: Horror Hour (MC)}

Good to be back in the land of the living.
Now be prepared for more pimpage of the stocky kind!
-Demonic