In response to several questions I received asking how the Nikki Sprite artwork is created, I put together this mini tutorial.
First, the scene is composed and rendered in Poser. In most cases I render two versions of each panel. The first render includes the characters and the background. Then I remove the background and render only the characters. The images are saved as 32-bit PNG files:
Both images are then loaded into Photoshop for post processing. I created my own custom Photoshop action to make the black lines. My script generates the outlines on a separate layer that I can later flatten back onto my image. Because I rendered the characters without any background, I am able to output much cleaner outlines around them:
Going back to original renders, I then run some image processing actions to improve the color and contrast. I use ShadowPlay Actions (available from Renderosity) followed by another custom script I created to tweak the brightness/contrast. I use different action sets for the background and character renders:
The outline layers are then added on top of the processed images:
The background and foreground images are then flattened into the final panel artwork. The image below shows before and after pictures:
Although this may sound like a lot of work, most of my time is spent composing and rendering the base images in Poser. It actually only takes a few minutes to process the renders because I’ve automated all of the post work as a few simple-to-run Photoshop actions.
-TKD
Ok just downloaded DAZ and am looking for basic how to tutorials along the lines of a “DAZ for Dummies” which, for some reason, they don’t seem to have written. Any suggestions for locating a very, very basic how to book?
I use Poser rather than Daz Studio, so I can’t give specific recommendations. I will say that I’ve always thought that DS has the more polished interface between the two programs. Since the base Studio and the base Daz figures are all free, it is an excellent way to get into the 3D world. When I began revisiting Poser, I bought a couple of books but ultimately found that there was more useful information online (for no $$). For instance, I googled “Daz Tutorial” and found this beginners guide: http://www.tuitzone.com/DazTut.html.
Hope that helped! -TKD
That photoshop action for making the black lines is something I haven’t seen before. I couldn’t find a tutorial on it either. Could you explain how it’s done? It Would be very handy.
The black line actions are not something that I want to go into detail on since they are somewhat convoluted -not to mention a proprietary technique. Try taking a look at the Toon Actions package on Renderosity. It may do all that you need or at least serve as a good basis for creating your own action set and it only costs $7.00. Toon Actions was written by Adam Wright, who also authored ShadowPlay Actions, which I highly recommend.
Thanks
The end result looks almost… cell-shaded.
Maybe I’ve just been playing too much borderlands.