Photoshop tips:
#1 The Thumbnail.

I've told you at least a hundred times.

The 'Navigator' window in Photoshop, or 'Layers' in ShiPainter Pro, shows a small version of what you're drawing. This gives you a good idea of what your pic looks like without straining your eyes on every detail. Sometimes, the success lies in there. Here, on dA, the thumbnail whether or not someone will want to look at your pic. Sometimes, a bit of contrast doesn't hurt, but you don't necessarily have to shy away from your color scheme.

Make sure to built your piece all over before going into details in a specific place; just in case you have to rearrange anything, it's a good idea to lay down base colors and make sure the composition is pleasing.

#2 Flip your pic.

*flip* *flip* *fli- *shot*

Image>Flip Canvas horizontally. This is a quick and easy way to get a new perspective on your pic without having to wait until morning to see how many mistakes you made on your finished product.

Basic Drawing Tips

#3 Triangular/Rule of thirds Composition.

The Egyptians had the right idea.

You may have heard of the 'rule of thirds', and might be wondering, what exactly is this? The rule of thirds is dividing your canvas during sketching into nine congruent rectangles/squares. Place points of interest, or contrast at any point where lines intersect, especially leading the eye toward these, like a path or mountain valley. If you have a landscape or environment, it is a good idea to apply this.

Strong composition usually comes in triangles; place points of interest/subjects in a triangular position so that the eye is led through a composition. All good composition is is leading the eye through the pic slowly and absorbing the greatness of your work.

#4 Shapes.

Squares, triangles, ovals, and circles.

Art teachers have said that it's easier for some people to recognize shapes without having their common sense interfere by trying to draw a reference that's upside down. You could practice this yourself to try to get better at recognizing shapes.

Tracing photos is another great way to start recognizing shapes, common poses, and general anatomy. All it takes is some tracing paper, or just computer paper and a window. When you start to recognize the different shapes that make up a human form, use this as a good sketching tool. Lay out the shapes first, then build bones, muscles, and skin around that.

#5 Good References.

DeviantArt>Resources>Stock Images

It isn't just having references, it's having good references. Look for photos that are lit well, not with flash, so that features are flat. When having an animal reference, make sure the pose is not awkward; maybe it's a photo, but when you draw it, it might not look as natural. ie. a wolf in half step so that the legs are crossed: a better photo would be a wolf in step with a paw or two raised, a more natural and common pose that is not only convincing, but eye-pleasing.

#6 The Negative Factor.

Something to strengthen your poses.

One of the most important factors in general drawing, this won't be the last time you see this. It's quite confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, use it to strengthen your picture's composition. Positive shapes are shapes that physically take up space, so, as you've probably guessed, negative shapes are space where nothing is. If you have your hand on your hips, you'll notice a triangle shape is formed. This is a negative shape. Deep contrast with negative shapes can really solidify a pose.

#7 Matching Backgrounds and Subjects.

Swamps, waterfalls, deserts, mountains, and forests.

When you're stuck for these, consider the concept for your drawing; if you have a character, this may be a part of them, or just be merely where they are. Think of it as saying something your character alone can't say. It could be a swamp, full of vines, dark, strangling- it could be bright and free. It might not be the piercing glare of a char that chills a viewer, but the menacing shadows and the dark stormy sky.

#8 Depth.

Can you see me now?

Depth is one of the most important things in making a convincing background and composition. The key to depth is perspective and color choice. Towards your horizon, or farther away, colors start to fade a little, they are not as sharp. Colors farther away also reflect a cooler tone than those close up.

For example, if you had two barns, and you were to paint one close, and one a little ways into the distance, it might be a wise choice to paint the close one red, and the far one blue. It might be very hard, but you could switch those colors; the red, though, must be muted and not bright, and the blue would probably need to be a little brighter. You can apply this to generic backgrounds by making trees lighter, and blending with the distance more as it goes farther.

#8 Relax.

Art is meant to be a hobby, an art. Treat it like that. Loosen up and enjoy your art. Be positive. Draw something amazing. Visualize what you want your piece to look like when you finish, or if you are don't know for sure, breathe deep and let your first strokes be graceful. (something I learned from Andriod Jones, and it's helped me a lot ;])