Need art tips

[dawnrunner1]

(is this the right place to put this?)
anyway,I need some tips on drawing things on the computer as in making signatures or just art.Most of the pictures i see are made on the computer.what i want to know is how to make good drawings using a mouse, what are some good programs to use,and just some tips for someone who doesn't even know how to make a smiley face

Any help is very useful to me.I just want to be able to make a good quality picture like most photos you see on the internet.

[Rivadog]

Gimp
But first you can try with paint a smiley is easy to draw it should look like
                      
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWxVmkb5zmI&feature=youtu.be

[WhiteLightHeart]

Hmmm...

Well, firstly, I agree with Riva, as Gimp is my personal favorite when it comes to image editing programs. Photoshop also works.

When it comes to art (especially if you're serious about it), I'd recommend getting an art tablet, that way you can draw digitally with your pen and tablet.

However, if you're like me, and left with your program and just a laptop touchpad/computer mouse to draw with, I'd suggest that you try this strategy:
1.) Draw an outline for what character/art you'd like with pencil and paper.
2.) When you're done, scan it into your computer.
3.) Make a second copy of the file, and edit it to your delight.
 - The pencil image will have very fuzzy edges, but at first, just color in the main parts
 - Then you can can darken the inside colors, and go over the outline you drew with the darker shades.

Experiment with this, if you'd like. c: It's the strategy I use for my digital art (like my siggy), and while it's really quite time-consuming, using an outline you drew previously can be a life-saver.

(If you can get an art tablet, though. Do it. XD)

[.General..]

There's 3 art programmes I would thoroughly recommend:

GIMP

Pros - It is easy to use and has many cool features. It is easy to get a professional touch to your art. There is a wide selection of tools and brushes for you to use and makes it fun to just experiment with them.

Cons - Can be a bit confusing to beginners.

If you use this, I'd recommend just experimenting around with it, seeing which bit does and stuff. x3

FireAlpaca

Pros - The lines come out very smooth and you can still get a professional look to your art. It's really simple and easy to use, perfect for beginners.

Cons - Not many features or brushes.

Serif Drawplus x4

Pros - Although you have to pay to get the full version, you can get the free version for it. (Doesn't let you use as many features as the full version) This programme is very good for those who draw with a mouse because you can edit the lines and such that you draw VERY easily, and the lines come out very smooth. So once again, you can get a nice professional look to your art. There are quite a few features to this that are just.. Amazing. It's a lot of fun to experiment with this one.

Cons- You have to pay for full version.

Here are some of my tips:
Before you draw anything, it's best to sketch out basic shapes first before you draw the actual thing because it makes it easier to get the shape of the object so be sure to take advantage of the basic shapes tools that you will find on most art programmes.

Drawing the outline first on paper and then scanning it onto your computer so you can colour it digitally and then go over the outline is much easier.

Do not copy exactly but make sure to use plenty of references! They are a HUGE help.

I'd recommend getting a drawing tablet because it makes drawing digitally soooooo much easier.

Uhhh, and that's it. Sorry if it's a bit too confusing for you but I hope I helped! :3

[dawnrunner1]

Thank you guys! This will help me a lot

[WhiteLightHeart]

You're very welcome, dearie. ^^

Genny gave you a ton of awesome tips, so I hope you find the one that's perfect for you~ Have fun, and I hope to see some of your lovely art someday. c:

[Stargatefan]

What I do is use a Wacom Bamboo tablet and a pen to draw. (It's not a real pen duh) I use Sketchbook Pro to draw, and you can get a free version as well. I do a sketch before doing the lines and stuff, and I use simple shapes. A few things, hope it helps.
     -Stargate

[ritat]

To start with, you don't need to go pro. It's very hard for you. I recommend you to try to draw simple things first.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqon8BQTcK0

Start with this kinds of style and if you try your hardest you will improve. This is my first video I saw and then got interested.

My drawings before:

And after: (BIG IMPROVEMENT)

[OreoHeroz]

@Rita & Stargate: I'm sure this tips will be appreciated, but please don't bump threads. This was dated back in April.

[ritat]

Okay, I apologize. I just thought that the person might look back.