Computer Animation Arts

Episode 60 from Feng Zhu - a demonstration of digital painting-  in real time.

Something new from concept artist Feng Zhu...

Go here for a quick tutorial on building custom organic brushes in Photoshop - courtesy of Flooby Nooby .

If you're not doing so already, you need to 'enrol' at concept artist Feng Zhu's online school - his Youtube channel that features many de-mystifying demonstrations of digital painting techniques.  The two episodes featured below are just the tip of this concept art iceberg.  It's important too that, as well as choosing role-models and running mates from within the CGAA community itself, that you get into the habit of following the blogs of industry professionals.  If you're truly serious about one day competing with these talents, it pays to heighten your awareness now of what it's going to take to make it.  A good start would be to follow Feng Zhu's blog - which you can find here.  

Hello all first years!!! Wanted to say good to meet you all last Friday, I was impressed with your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn Photoshop, some of you from scratch. First lesson is always a little heavy on shortcuts and explanations about the process but as we move into the next few weeks we'll begin working more specifically on how to use custom brushes to create some great effects for your individual hybrids. Just wanted to ask you all to make sure you bring all the photoshop work you've done so far and all the sketchbook work too, so we have something to work with on Friday. Look forward to seeing how you're all progressing this week.. Draw! Draw! Draw! 'Photoshop' Phill

Something new from freelance illustrator, sculptor and sessional lecturer, Phill Hosking, who teaches digital painting on CGAA.  As of Friday 23rd September, 'Photoshop Phill' will be back at UCA Rochester working with the new first year on their debut project brief.  We're looking forward to having him around again.  Pens and tablets at the ready, ladies and gents... Be sure to follow Phill's blog here .

I just finished watching this 3 part tutorial by Feng Zhu on character sketching and it's absolutely great! It's all in Photoshop and everything is kept basic but the results are brilliant! Part One: Part Two: Part Three: I REALLY recommend this for anyone that struggles a little when it comes to character design after silhouettes, and anyone who wants to know how to use textures in your design too. Watch them, you'll definitely get something out of it! :D

If you haven't found your way there already, I suggest anyone who is anyone bookmarks Feng Zhu's Youtube Channel - a mouth-watering resource for video tutorials, in which Zhu demonstrates the ins and outs of his much admired design and digital-painting workflow on a whole range of specific subjects. Many thanks to Feng Zhu for sharing - it's a gift.

Concept artist Feng Zhu demonstrates use of silhouettes in working up innovative creature designs - really accessible and hands-on. Check it out, and be sure to follow the Feng Zhu Design blog here.

More step-by-step digital painting tutorial stuff from CGAA lecturer, Phill Hosking - go here .

CGAA lecturer, Phill Hosking has just posted some step-by-step breakdowns of a digital painting he's in the business of working up: go here for stage one and browse 'newer posts' for the rest, or click on the 'tutorial' label as listed on Phill's blog, Thanks for sharing, Phill, Much appreciated :D