Welcome to the Eighteenth issue of Stockilicious

Index
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1 - Thumbnail Feature and Stock Tips - Stock Tutorials
2 - Featured Stocker
3 - Featured Club
4 - Forum Activity
5 - Monthly Stock Project
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FEATURES AND TIPS:
So many stockers out there aren't even aware that there are tutorials out there aimed at stockers to help them grow and expand in their craft. Although there are a few rogue stockers lurking around, linking myspacefacers to tutorials then slinking back into the shadows - there are a lot of people out there that still don't get the hint.
If you fancy getting better at what you do, or want to start a stock account but you're just not sure how, then I've got a MOTSA of tutorials with YOUR NAME ON THEM!

General Stock Guides:


Model Stock SpecificTuts:


Camera Use & Area Set-Up:


Preparing You Stock Images:


TIPS FOR WRITING TUTORIALS:
K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple, Stupid! Seriously, if you go into too much detail you will start to lose people. If you need to go into 'detail' then don't be afraid to compare what you're saying to something that happens in every-day life.
Bullet points and section breaks are golden. Rather than rattling on and on so your paragraph runs the entire length of the page break it up. For each point you want to make in your tutorial either bullet-point it or make a section. If you talk all about applying make-up in one part then put that in one section and make different 'oints' within that section. Then the same for costume, pose, expression... etc.
Write what you know. The last thing you want to do is write about something you don't have a full grasp on. If your specialty is night-time photography and motion shots then write about that. If you're not so good at those, then steer clear.
Netspeak. Don't go there. Leave it for the chatrooms. When you write a tutorial you want to be clear and understandable. Though it is fun to throw a little bit of n3tsp34k in there sometimes its best not to write the WHOLE thing or even the majority of it in this fashion.
Make It Fun. There's nothing worse than reading a tutorial that makes it sound like a chore. People will be more likely to just go about it the way they were before. Even if its just throwing a joke or two in there it can hold your reader's attention and make them want to learn more.
Get Feedback. Before you post or after - doesn't matter. Feedback will help you be prepared for your next tutorial If you want to write about a certain way you do things don't be afraid to ask other people (through your journal, the forums, chat... etc) and ask how THEY do things. That way, you can add their feedback to your tut or the description saying 'If you don't like my way you may want to try this...'. Tutorials are about being as helpful as possible.
The Right Category. Stock doesn't currently have its own tutorial category but that doesn't stop us! Most of us put our general stock tutorials in the Miscellaneous section but that all depends on the main focus of your tutorial. If its to do with the camera use - put it in a camera/photography category. If its to do with costumes then I'm sure there is a category for that too. Just remember to browse before you go whacking it in any ol' place.
Make it Readable! Don't over-do the fonts. Keep it clear. Cursive fonts are fine in general, as long as they are easy to follow. Also, for a background - keep the contrast and try and keep the colours plain. Burning eyes are not part of the exercise


FEATURED STOCKER:
A new little section to showcase a particular stocker each week. Its not just because I LOVE their stock - but because of how useful it can be and just how generally amazing it is! You will be kicking yourself if you don't take a few moments to check them out!

This week: ~TrollKidsStock
Gorgeous wedding gowns, kids playing in the garden, some nature shots and a little bit of Lust thrown in and you'll have stumbled upon a great new gallery brought to you by ~Studiohq. Classic stock photos in the cemetery for the Corpse Bride look could be just what you're looking for. If not - how about something lighter and more fun - pinwheels and bright yellow flowers. Or maybe a funfair? You've got it all here waiting for you to find it!



FEATURED STOCK CLUB:
I don't like to play favourites with clubs but sometimes there's one that stands out that you've really got to check out.

This week: *StockArchive gets the honours!
Seeing as how there are hundreds to thousands or stockers on dA (active or inactive - doesn't matter) it is hard for anyone to keep track of what accounts they find interesting, ones they've used, and others that are just waiting to be discovered.
StockArchive updates weekly and already has a massive listing of stockers and resources, carefully categorized and listing what each stocker specializes in and a very quick run-down on rules by the use of key system. Definitely worth a look.


FOCUS ON THE FORUMS!:

The StockArt forums are located here: StockArt Forums

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!!

How do you feel when the head is not used?: by ~Nissun. In general we can't really fault manippers for manipping our stocks but that doesn't mean there hasn't been some debate, or rules made, about using the WHOLE model in art and not just parts of them. Models as mannequins? Yay or nay?

Dedicated Stock: by *sd-stock. When artists are allowed to request stock they can feel a little special (I know I do ) so when a stock artist straight up offers not only to do something to your theme but also DEDICATE the set to you... you know you've struck gold. This is one thread you'll really WANT to be a part of if you're a keen stock-watcher.


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!

This month's challenge topic was suggested by ^Hanratty-Stock (thank you, Fifi). 'What is this awesome² challenge?' I hear you ask? Surreal, baby!! That's right. Everyone is so gosh-darned obsessed with Surrealism lately why NOT make a challenge about it? Its the challenge dreams are made of. Literally.
September Challenge closes September 30!!

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PREVIOUS ISSUES:
Vol 10: Poses (MC)
Vol 11: Couples & Groups
Vol 12: Horror Hour (MC)
Vol 13: Ready-to-Use Backgrounds
Vol 14: Technology
Vol 15: TV & Movies
Vol 16: Kids Stuff
Vol 17: Unknown Stockers
Stockilicious Index!

And there we have it for another week!
Tune in for the NEXT STOCKILICIOUS... featuring Male Model Stock!!!
Demonic