My Top 5 Challenging Graphic Comms

[katekat]

Ok, so we all know about buffy_icons and buffyicons and buffy_graphics right?  Places people go to post their artwork, to share it with the lj community.  They're awesome.

But this year there were a couple of comms created that were more than just a forum for shared work.  And they have a special place in my heart because of that...

fic_banners (modded by kargrif )

Why fic banners rocks my socks?  Because anybody can go and request a banner for their fic!  Because artists make "I'm open" posts and get requests to do artwork for specific fics.  Because it's all about sharing the love!



manippers (modded by noaluvjames)

Why does manippers do the tango? Because, not only is she hugely talented herself, noaluvjames totally encourages the people of this comm to develop their manniping skills and share their work with each other. She posts bases to try and experiment with, challenges to challenge yourself with, and lovely awards to the challenge winners. And she's always willing to offer advice and encouragement via feedback.



buffy_banners (modded by kargrif)

Why does Buffy Banners rock?  Because Kargrif is slowly trying to encourage more people out there to try their hand at banners, to get more artists involved with mediums beyond the icon size.  They just started offering banner challenges, and I think it's going to be fabulous to see new art (as well as some of the great btvs digital artists) posting there


awmpdotnet (created/maintained by awmp)

Why does awmpdotnet kick butt?  Because, even though it's a closed community, this is where awmp posts tutorials and resources and beautiful icons.  Seriously though, I've learned more about lighting from the common sense tutorials, more about how to use the photoshop "transform" tool from the adorable (and very well thought out) how-to's, and discovered what an action set is - and awmp even generously shares those too for people who want to see how a graphic artist's mind works.  I consider this site far better than icon_tutorial, and it helps that Awmp even uses Joss verse examples!



darker_spike (modded by sexymermaid and so_sharlemaine )  [closed community - must be a member]

Why does Darker Spike boogie the night away?  Well, I doubt this is the first time you've heard of the comm, but if you haven't, you should know that it's one of the most encouraging places for new artists to share their work.  Heck, it doesn't even have to be spike related - many of the challenges are open to ALL characters (although if you do Spike art, this is definitely an audience who will appreciate it).  The greatest part -- besides the consistently cool ideas for challenges, the high traffic, the daily recs list to new art and fic you might not find yourself -- is that this is one of the most supportive feedbacking communities I've ever had the pleasure to be a part of.  Something about the generous nature of the mods, or the environment they've created, but it's a great place to post your first manip, a great place to show your favorite work, and all around fun.

Comments

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

I love being a part of darker_spike! And, as one of the folks who post the rec lists, it's nice to hear that they are appreciated!


Gabrielle

[spikeslovebite.livejournal.com]

i always make it a point to check the rec list every day...i'm afraid i might miss something LOL ya'll do a fabulous job!

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

Thank you!


Gabrielle

[katekat]

they are more than appreciated! you are awesome at putting together really interesting and unusual things and it's always a must read for me!

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

Gosh! Thanks! It's great to know that my rec lists matter!




Gabrielle

[yourlibrarian]

I'm so glad you made this post. I was thinking with my previous communities post how much a graphics one was needed, but I don't know enough about them to do so. Save the last community :>

you should know that it's one of the most encouraging places for new artists to share their work

I love that about DS. The challenges are inventive and constant and there's always something wonderful to look at.

[katekat]

my pleasure lady! i'm a little graphics mad, so i think i have a couple more forthcoming (although we'll see how if my energy levels keep up with my intentions).

i love that about DS too - it makes all the difference in the world, you know?

[(Anonymous)]

*hugs you tight* thanks for recc'ing, i'm hoping that everyone will start to be more involved with fic_banners again, as things have tended to slow.

[kargrif.livejournal.com]

ugh, in case you didn't know, that was me, lol, *kicks lj for logging me out*

[katekat]

i thought it might be you! (consider lj kicked!)

and i know for me the end of the semester just kicked me in the teeth, but i was actually thinking about making a post very soon. don't worry, it'll get going again, i'm sure!

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

I spend a lot of time at awmp's community, learning. I'll definitely bookmark the other communities although I'm not ready to make manips. Thanks for reccing!

[katekat]

my pleasure! i hope even if you don't feel ready yet, that you'll maybe find some inspiration at these places!