After a reading through many comments on certain recent contests, I realized that there was a common theme. Younger artists or artists that don't possess big programs like Photoshop or Corel or think they have no access to a scanner feel like they're automatically excluded.

In response to that, I wrote this. It lists off various different solutions to this "problem." Please note that in no way am I suggesting that the only way to win a contest or become a respected artist, one must convert to digital artwork. I am a huge fan of traditional style and encourage each and every one of you to pursue it. These are just alternatives to Photoshop or the like for those who wish to choose it...


I first started out as a digital artist on oekaki. For those who don't know what it is, it is a great online drawing program that is completely free and has a plus of being easily viewed by your peers who are usually more than happy to give you tips on how to improve. A good starting place for this is Oekaki Central ( [link] ) However, if you're like me and you like small, more personal boards you might want to try Bara-chan's oekaki ( [link] ) Bakaneko's oekaki ( [link] ) or my personal friend minxy's oekaki board ( [link] )

The best thing about oekaki is that most have at least three different versions to choose from. Oekaki bbs I believe is the original form (don't quote me on that I really have no idea XD ) which I, personally, find easiest to use for pixel artwork. Shi Painter is a little more advanced but an extremely useful program. It takes some getting used to, but once you get it down you can do almost anything in there that you'd be able to do in Photoshop (to be honest, sometimes I like Shi Painter better!) And finally, Paint BBS is sort of a mix of the two above, but much less advanced then Shi Painter.

However, please remember that because oekaki boards are a public service and are often times run on someone's personal budges, pay mind to the rules (usually listed towards the top) and be respectful to the other artists. You might also want to take note whether the board you draw at allows unfinished work or not. Many boards do and some even have a special section specifically for sketching out ideas or if you think you may not be able to complete the work. Some boards will even promote your artwork to a different board if they see fit, other boards will even allow you to upload your finished work even if it was not originally apart of that board, just note to not take advantage of this feature if it is available.

Now, I know a lot of you out there aren't too keen on the idea of displaying your art fresh off the stove like you do in oekaki, and that's what I like about this nifty little program called GIMP ( [link] ) Like oekaki, it is completely free, however it has quite a bit more features to it than oekaki which is a huge plus. And before you feel like you're being too cheap or whatever, I'll have you know many respected artists use this program, even some around DA (a good example is skye-of-cydonia she even has a tutorial in there for you :] [link] )

I, personally, do not use GIMP simply because I really just don't need to, but I have used it before as well as have many friends and family members that do use it constantly and it is definitely worth it!

Here's another fun little program for you. I'm sure a lot of you have seen some of the crazy cool pixel animations floating around here (these [link] being some of my favorites) Well those types of works can easily be done in a program called Easytoon which you can find simply by searching the name on Google or you can try this link here ( [link] I've yet to find an official site for it so if anyone knows of one, feel free to let me in on it :] ) It works just like a flip book but using layers instead of pages and is a great tool for the aspiring animator to practice his/her skills.

Last but not least is the issue of accessing a scanner. For those who are not aware of this, most local libraries actually have an easy, public-access scanner on hand and some will even provide you with a disc to put your file on or at least will let you upload it to the internet. I've met so many wonderful artists who didn't even have their own computer and could only share their art in this manner, so trust me, it does work (just the same as if you had one at home) You might also want to try your school, they often have scanners they don't mind if the students use. Copy shops are another place, but that can get kind of pricey and I'd only recommend it if you have a very large piece to scan or you just want an extremely well done scan (say if you're selling prints or something)

As apart of the scanner issue, and in consideration that a contest brought up this issue, I want to remind traditional artists that you are NOT excluded from anything since the introduction of digital artists. Most of the traditional artwork I've seen by skilled artists who have mastered their craft are mind-blowing and a whole different world above many digital pieces. So, please, while it's important to try and understand all mediums, continue to practice and sharpen your skills in traditional artwork. A scanner is almost always available to you, and while the tools can get rather pricey, you can always find discounted supplies or websites that sell the same stuff for much cheaper (and remember, if you are or have a friend in college, take advantage of them ;] School shop art supplies is brand new but WAY cheap!)

In conclusion, I feel like I should touch-base on the age issue. While age will give you much needed experience, it does not always make you a better artist. For instance, cataclysm-x is only a few months older than me yet she is on a COMPLETELY different level than me (I've always prided myself as pretty handy with the old graphite but DAMN man!!) The truth is, it's not age that makes the artist, it's the dedication, and keep in mind that everyone learns differently. Take your time, get to know your artwork and yourself. If you keep at it and really dedicate yourself to it I PROMISE you, you will achieve the status your looking for (another helpful hint: don't be too harsh on yourself. If you draw a picture that you think is completely badass, don't be afraid to boast about it and don't let anyone bring you down ;] )

Things you can do to get better:
Carry a small sketchbook around with you everywhere and draw what you see
Enter contests and competitions (mostly for fun, try not to get too caught up on winning ;] )
Seek out and don't be afraid of constructive criticisms. There is a very distinct line between criticism and bashing so if someone says something about your picture you don't like (in the sense of "you could change etc. etc....") try to come at it with an open mind.
Take classes. A LOT of classes (they really do help!)
Make friends who are also artists and help them a long their journey, you tend to find a thing or two about yourself in the process.
Look at all different types of artwork. Try to break them down and really understand them.

Welp, that's all for me. Hope some of you can find this useful in someway. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask me. I'm glad to help in any way possible ;]

Here's some tutorials for the programs/techniques I mentioned above:
Shi Painter:
[link]
Oekaki:
[link]
GIMP:
[link]
Various other tutorials both traditional and digital in different formats/programs:
[link]