So... you've decided to become an emoticonist? Well there's a few things I must point out first.

1. If it is not easy, it is not right for you. Don't fight it. If it frustrates you, back off and come back later. If you still can't get it right, try something else. If you try and try at an emoticon while frustrated I promise it will not come out looking pretty.

2. Emoticonning will not automatically make you a popular deviant. That requires luck, hard work and a whole different tutorial.

3. Emoticonning is not a particularly well looked upon form of art. I really hope this will change, but I think it will take a lot more work by a lot more deviants for other artists to realize what we do is not simple.

That being said, if you are still interested I commend you and offer you a few helpful tutorials to get started.

First and foremost, basics:


Notice the shape is a basic 5-2-1-2 repeating pattern all the way around. Please keep with this as that will create a very nice standard in size and shape of the general emoticon database. Of course there are a few exceptions to this rule for purely artistic reason. For example: is only well shown by creating another shape further into the emote.

Secondly, let's get a little more in depth, basic animation:


Animation is so fun. It is how you bring those little round men and women to life. Facial expressions really help, as do colors, but most importantly is knowing how to animate. Thus...

Lastly, here are a few tips to help you progress:


1. Practice. Not only does it make perfect, it also makes your own unique style.

2. Do not be afraid to give up on an emoticon. But a good suggestion is to save the file to edit later, once you have progressed more. As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day. Nor is everyone innately born with the talent to do all in any form of art. You will get better with time.

3. Do not be afraid to suck! Likely you will start out that way, we all do. It's how you make yourself better.

4. Do NOT cheat. Do not steal other peoples emoticons or use "emoticon kits" because cheaters never prosper. You will never get any better than basics if you take the easy way out.

5. Learn your emoticons from the inside out. Building them helps you create a sort of bond. The better you know them, the easier it will be to get the reaction you want. Is he slow? Turn down the framerate. Is he hyper? Bump it up.

6. Look into animation and optical illusions. Not only is it interesting but it will help you more than any tutorial online will. If you learn the basics your emoticons will get better at a lightning fast rate.

7. Do not be afraid to ask for help. I, personally, love to help people. I know a lot of other emoticonsist do. I mean, part of "Emoticonist" is from "emotion" and to do the work you have to have that emotion for it. If you need any help and don't know where to turn, feel free to note me (=psivamp) with your question and I will try to get back to you the best I can. But also know I will not outright tell you step for step but give you basic instructions so you can learn it on your own.

Thank you very much for your time. I hope this helps a few of you to become a little better at doing such a fun sort of art.

As well, feel free to show me anything you make using these tutorials. I love to see beginning emoticonists work and further along emoticonists getting better!