OS-tan Collections

OS-tan discussions => OS-tan Fan-Fics, Comics and Fan-Stuff => Topic started by: NejinOniwa on June 11, 2008, 04:24:28 AM

Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: NejinOniwa on June 11, 2008, 04:24:28 AM
While I was scourging through the library of OS-Tan pictures on N-OS, i realized that there's an enormous amount of otherwise fairly well-made pictures, that are blatantly pixelate or otherwise poorly finished.

THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!

Therefore, I say, LET US COMMENCE...THE SHOOPAGE.

As a first example, THIS...
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g239/NejinOniwa/OS-Tans/2k-tan_fowaly-1.png)
went to THIS...
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g239/NejinOniwa/OS-Tans/2k-tan_fowaly-NED.png)
in just about one hour. I loevs my gimp.

More to come as we find moar stuff! Anyone else who has had a good go at shoopage, bring 'em up! I'll also get up more stuff as I scourge, crawl and edit moar.

SHOOP DA WOOP~
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: VonDaab on June 11, 2008, 04:40:35 AM
They're pixelated because they're made with an Oekaki software,
and because the original artist has chosent to do it so. Oekaki has aswell the ability to do "blurry" lines better called "anti-aliasing".

I know you want to make them better, but using blurr and smudge tool for that isnt the best way. Most of the lines look distorted and missplaced, or othervise just crappy. If you want to "improve" this drawing, I suggest redrawing(tracing) it.

IMO,
What you're doing here now, is ruining the artists original impression of the drawing.
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: C-Chan on June 11, 2008, 10:33:03 AM
Well I do have to agree with VonDaab -- not really sure if I want to call it improvement since the original artwork might have been left like that intentionally.  The pixelation certainly lends it a degree of sharpness that's lost with the blurring -- and while your version does lend it a degree of photorealism, that's not always desirable when creating Anime images.  :(

At best, I would probably say you're "collaging" a preexisting piece of work to suit your own tastes.  :P

On the other hand, I don't waste potential where I see it.  If you DO want to improve some pictures lying around, I've got half-a-million scrap art drawings that need shading, highlights, detail adjustments, or just basically Lotz of Love.  :D

Here's a Wii-tan that I abandoned when RenRen disappeared from the face of the earth:

http://ostan-collections.net/imeeji/albums/userpics/10570/Wii.png

And here's the ORIGINAL SAUCE for the Thai ME-tan that was an old commission work for someone [who eventually backstabbed me]....

http://ostan-collections.net/downloads.php?view=detail&id=67

Take your pic -- it's not like I'm ever going to go back to them again, so you're free to add any improvements you want.  ;)
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: Darknight_88 on June 11, 2008, 11:51:00 AM
Sorry Nejin. I know you started this with good intentions, but...
Quote from: "VonDaab"What you're doing here now, is ruining the artists original impression of the drawing.
This.

Quote from: "C-Chan"
Thai ME-tan
I remember giving this a try in PS. After some time I gave up.  I can't find it anymore, I guess I deleted it at some point =/
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: NejinOniwa on June 11, 2008, 01:27:39 PM
Hey, no worries. I expected this anyway. Also since there's quite a few pixel artists around here, I guess I shouldn't really flaunt my RAGE about it, but really, it's just SO unnerving for me to see pixelate images. But I guess there are other ways of improving things, and other things to be improved.

Btw, with all the things everyone around here has worked on and abandoned, there should be enough stuff to fill up an entire section of abandonware imagery...it might be a good thing to gather a few things to start off from, no? At least, that's what I think.


Also.
QuoteWhat you're doing here now, is ruining the artists original impression of the drawing.
What I'm doing here is, frankly, trying to smoothen out the blocky design of the original to something more to my liking, while improving my own skills in the affected area. It's improvement on two levels. Besides, in the internet these days it's well known that anything you give out to public view and download can and WILL be messed with in various ways...including shoopage.

And while I agree that sharpness is a thing to strive for in anime-type imagery, one can ALWAYS, and easily, get too much of the good. Pixelate-type images fall under just that category, at least in my eyes. I'm not saying it's bad drawing - but every time I see a pixelate image, I think, "there's another work by a user who didn't finish his job". Pixelate means, to me, unfinished.
Improvement in the way of touching these up is, to me, improvement, and nothing else. Just as I get sad when seeing movies, animu and books ending..."wrong". And as the storywriter I am myself, I can't help but trying to finish the stories that were abandoned. As with these works of to me unfinished art, which I just can't leave lying.

Ah well. Enough of ranting. Up for the calls then:

How many of you have got (and how much) unfinished images lying around with no hand to draw the last touches on them? I propose we cobble them all together and create an "unfinished" gallery of its own. That way, those wanting to can pick them up and try carrying them into goal, and away.

Anyone on it?
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: C-Chan on June 11, 2008, 02:35:06 PM
QuoteAnyone on it?

You mean besides me and my Scrap Art gallery?  ;)

I have a Sonata-san animated GIF just BEGGIN' to be go home with you.  ;D
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: Bella on June 11, 2008, 02:36:00 PM
I can see where you would want to modify these images; while I have nothing against them, and actually like how that modded 2k-tan came out, I do agree it might be more productive to work on unfinished pictures.

I certainly have a few things I wouldn't mind seeing get done, but that I have just got no interest in completing. I would be very grateful if someone wanted to finish them, though :)
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: NejinOniwa on June 11, 2008, 02:49:57 PM
So. Scrap art, check. Now editors, because while I might be a tireless demon and sleepless to a fault, I've still got the same 24 hours a day that you have. I can't do this all alone, can I? ^^


In any case, I need something to keep me up tonight - since I just slept 3 hours last night, and I'm starting to get tired already - so if you'd like, post your scraps up for the take, and I'll have my pick.
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: C-Chan on June 11, 2008, 03:17:21 PM
First salvo.... ^__^

http://ostan-collections.net/post-51594.html#51594

Start it nice and slow,... see what youz got.  ^.^
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: NejinOniwa on June 11, 2008, 03:48:36 PM
I guess I'm more comfortable with raster graphics right now, so I'll work on the Wii one, then. See what I can get done in 1 hour...starting...NOW!

*flashes away*
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: Aurora Borealis on June 11, 2008, 04:29:39 PM
I'm working on revising the Thai ME-tan picture right now!
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: CaptBrenden on June 11, 2008, 04:48:02 PM
Okay, as far as this grand improvement project goes, I am for one against it in anyway shape or form unless the original artist gives express permission for us to do it.  In the case of C-Chan offering up his scraps for completion, thats wonderful! But going through the gallery and modifying works we feel dont meet the cut, thats a differnt story. I agree 100% with Vandaab that your ruining the artists original intention. I would no more approve of touching up images in our gallery then I would going into galleries in rome and touching up the pictures there.  

I also feel that it would be a very bad idea for use to potentialy offend our japanese counterparts and the original creators by modifying their works and essentialy telling them that "your doin wrong."  I feel that this whole project, if not limited to works where the artist gives persmission, could blow up in our faces.

I know I seem to have a doom sayers perspective on things, but thus far we have managed not to clash with the original creators enough to cause problems and Id like to keep it that way. There is a line out there somewhere, and we wont know we crossed it until its too late. Best not take too many steps towards it now, while we are well off.
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: NejinOniwa on June 11, 2008, 05:03:11 PM
Which was what I meant in the first (or, well, second) place - take OUR OWN PRODUCED scraps of art to the salvage grounds and make do with them.

Also, technically, unless someone's put a copyright on it, it's Fair Game, so to say. (and for me, it is anyway =w= ) Besides, I don't see a reason for any of the "original creators" to neither be known to us, nor be likely/able to view them in their modified form, if that was the case. I strongly doubt any of them ever even knew of this website, and if they did, I doubt they'd come here; and IF they still did, I doubt they'd care much. Especially if we do old stuff. Easy targets. (Wait, what am I saying here!?)

Oh well. 1-hour Improvement, successful or something? I think so.

From THAT to THIS in one hour, plus a few minutes for postage. Tax not included.

Added after 2 minutes:

So basically - no really intercepting changes so far, just added some basic shading and depth stuff to it, also edited the eyes and face a bit for a more "alive" look. I think I started experimenting with GIMP gradients halfway through. It saved me a great deal of time.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: CaptBrenden on June 11, 2008, 05:12:58 PM
you know, just because something is legal doesnt mean it wont piss people off.  We are in the buisness of not pissing people off.  As an artist, I know I would be offended if someone modified my works because the didnt feel they were good enough. I mean, for instance that picture of 2K you claim to have "improved." As VanDaab said, its Oekaki, its a limited program. Its a testimate to the artists skill that they were able to create such a stunning peice of work with such limited resorces. Its a marvalous peice of work.  You smuched the hell out of it because you dont like pixel lines?  thats like adding dinosaurs to the monalisa because you think it would look cooler that way.  

As a gallery/collection site, it is not our buisness to improve upon others works.  We were created to honor those peoples works and put them up for display so that a larger audiance can view them.  Our contributions to the OS tan fandom is by creating new pictures and tans, not modifying them.  (just remember how our japanese counterparts went ape shit when dejavu decided to change NTs design because they didnt like it)
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: Bella on June 11, 2008, 05:24:56 PM
Yo, Nejin-san...here's an unfinished, unpublished picture I worked on back in Sept. of 2007. It's of an older RSX 11-tan. I dunno if you want to work with something so old, but you can try fixing her up if you'd like.

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s320/BellasOS-tans/fornejin.png

Only huge anatomical problem I see is her neck; if you could chop that down it's look better. Her hair might look better as a dark gray or black, too, and her eyes should be blueish. Thanks  ;010
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: NejinOniwa on June 11, 2008, 05:34:55 PM
I'll see if I can do something (good) about it, Bella-san.


Capslock, I'm not really agreeing with you there. In my opinion it's more like taking an EEE and building a more powerful Atom-powered ULPC from its concept. The EEE has limited hardware, but a wonderful concept; with better hardware upon this concept, the end product can be improved. I can agree with you that my "improvement" wasn't the smoothest one either, but that's solely due to my (questionable?) skill and inexperience in handling the materials I have.
I mean, seriously. How many people out there do you think make vectors, wallpapers, crops and edits, et cetera, editing and building as they wish, improving the image from the original concept?
That's a lot many, I tell you. And except for the occasional shout at poor results - and if you were to yell at me for this here, I wouldn't protest that much - there's no whining heard from the original creators. The SOS-Dan imageboard for example. MANY MANY a wallpaper, vector, refurbish or improvement in other ways, but not a single complaint what I've seen.

Cheer up, mate, and get loose of the deadlock!
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: SleepyD on June 11, 2008, 06:57:42 PM
huho~ interesting debate here.

I'd have to side with the captain with a few additional qualifications:

A person who puts his/her artistic works on the internet must be aware that he/she can't really control how it spreads, if it spreads at all.
If that happens, the artist must be prepared to either defend his/her own copyright or be prepared to just let it go.  Each choice has it's own advantages and disadvantages to the artist.

Still, most artists post their art online when they are satisfied of their work, and believe that it is more or less completed, unless there's reason to believe otherwise.
Having someone change the art is more or less a slap in the face saying "you suck." And maybe it does, but the artist felt it was done.  There are works of mine that I thought were great back then, but now look horrible to me.  This isn't a legal barrier in any sense at all, it's really just the principle of it all.  There's no respect.  Now, very substantial edits to an original work can actually be a good thing.  Kinda like, "you've inspired me to do this Artist Guy," instead of "Artist Guy, you should have done it this way! MY way!" Although there is no black and white here.

Now there is such a thing as collaboration art, where two (or more) artists work on a piece.  Usually, from my experience it's artist1 => lineart, artist2 => color.  In that case, small edits to each others work can occur, and things like Nejin's edit still keeps the essence of the original work. I don't think there would be a problem, since both artists are aware of each other's work and respect each others work (I hope).

My personal opinion on the 2K-tan thing?
I particularly like the original style, but I see you didn't like the pixels.  So I must object to that, but to each his own. It's drawn in an oekaki style. It's a doodle (oekaki = doodle). Sure, some people can do amazing things with oekaki given enough time, but most people don't spend more than a few hours tops.  There's no desire to go get a better program and improve upon it.  You open the applet in your web browser, finish it in one go, and you're done.  It's a sort of skill and a wonder to see how well people can do with simple tools.  Actually, it's kinda like the Tegaki E thing that people are getting into recently. (Does that thing even have an eraser? good gawd.)

With regards to image edits in general, I see more edits on screenshots, official art, and wallpapers than anything else.  These, I think are fine, since they're supposed to be spread around the general public anyway, with little repercussions to the original artist. It's when it comes to individual, amateur artists and editing their completed work (one that someone invested a lot of time in) that I see bit of a problem.  Although artists must recognize it's inevitable on the internet, particularly if you're popular in some way.  If so, they should learn to accept it.

So yeah.  "I disagree, but you do have a point" kinda thing Nejin.
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: C-Chan on June 11, 2008, 09:42:55 PM
Well I think you've already had your earful of reprimands for one day, so no need to add more than I've already done above.  'Fice to say, you're willing to learn from your mistakes and move on, and I thank you for your understanding in this very sensitive manner.  

Just as an FYI, the EeePC is not the best example in the world, since Asus really wouldn't care less about private hardware enhancements, and I'm sure could even find grounds to sue you if you sold models with unauthorized modifications.  Often times improvements are not desired so much as control of one's presumed "intellectual property".  

On a genkier note, I've very happy to see that you're a man of your word and did in fact improve the Wii-tan picture.  If RenRen were around today, I'm sure he'd be happy that more people were interested in his design.  Not sure how much you've practiced after FOSA, but it does seem you've done a lot better with shading.  Hopefully you'll learn enough to teach me a thing or two about GIMP -- quite frankly, I can't get used to that program (prefer Krita).  :D

In any event, I'm a teacher first and foremost before I'm an artist.  If you're still interested in practicing image improvements, I've just SAUCED a whole bunch of my old scrap art (and some not-so-scrap art) over in the SVG gallery.  The latest can be found here:

http://ostan-collections.net/downloads.php?view=detail&id=111

http://ostan-collections.net/downloads.php?view=detail&id=112

http://ostan-collections.net/downloads.php?view=detail&id=113

http://ostan-collections.net/downloads.php?view=detail&id=114

http://ostan-collections.net/downloads.php?view=detail&id=115

http://ostan-collections.net/downloads.php?view=detail&id=116

http://ostan-collections.net/downloads.php?view=detail&id=117

http://ostan-collections.net/downloads.php?view=detail&id=118

http://ostan-collections.net/downloads.php?view=detail&id=119

Even though you're not comfortable with vector graphics, you should still use the SAUCE files to reexport the images to much larger PNG files -- that should make modifications in GIMP significantly easier.

Don't worry so much about me, as I'm not adverse to making my work transparent to anyone willing to learn.  In fact, when posting these, all I see are a never-ending stream of broken promises -- while that makes me very depressed at my own inadequacy, it's also a bit therapeutic too.

Perhaps my promises will see the light of day, however late,....  -v-
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: Aurora Borealis on June 11, 2008, 09:48:19 PM
Thai dress ME-tan revision complete! (although I still cannot draw braids, even after looking at many reference pictures >__<)

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/CaptainMiko/ThaiMErevised1.png)
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: C-Chan on June 11, 2008, 10:08:56 PM
Why thank you Aurora-hime!  ^v^
It's amazing how much a little shading and lighting can work wonders on a crappy vector sketch -- indeed, she looks "new and improved".  ^^

Incidentally, Darknight said earlier that he may have lost the work he did on this earlier.  Might not be the same thing, but I did find his old suggestion pic in the original thread:

(http://img465.imageshack.us/img465/5305/meopinionle1.jpg)
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: Darknight_88 on June 12, 2008, 01:35:31 AM
Boxy ME-tan was boxy :D
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: NejinOniwa on June 12, 2008, 08:32:28 AM
2 things.
First, Inkscape's built-in export function doesn't work when you use its GUI. Meh?

Second, when I opened the Export window, the path in the field was either a /home/ path, or a C:\Dox\Ren-Chan\ path, so I guess .svg's store their location in their info too, do they?


Anyway. I'll pass on the animations, I think, but the rest are safe and ready down in \COMPILE\, so I'll get on them asap. Then again, I've got some packing to do today, and I'll be gone over the weekend, so that might not be very fast anyway - but still.


(Also, the EEE example was a bit clumsily put forward. I need to get better in making others understand me.)
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: Bella on June 12, 2008, 08:17:06 PM
I forgot to comment on your Wii-tan modification, Nejin--nice job! After seeing this, I'm sure you can really do some incredible stuff with drawings that would otherwise be shuffled under the rug and forgotten...

As for the ME-tan...wonderful, Aurora! I always liked that vector sketch, and you've really spruced it up. I have found that braids are pretty easy to make; here's a tutorial from DeviantArt:

http://fc02.deviantart.com/images2/i/2004/07/8/6/Braid_tutorial.jpg

It's basically cross-hatching.

QuoteIn any event, I'm a teacher first and foremost before I'm an artist. If you're still interested in practicing image improvements, I've just SAUCED a whole bunch of my old scrap art (and some not-so-scrap art) over in the SVG gallery. The latest can be found here:

Oooh, I'm already working on Amiga-sama in that ME-tan/Miggy ballroom gown picture...

Quote2 things.
First, Inkscape's built-in export function doesn't work when you use its GUI. Meh?

Second, when I opened the Export window, the path in the field was either a /home/ path, or a C:\Dox\Ren-Chan\ path, so I guess .svg's store their location in their info too, do they?

It works fine for me...but it will save any exports and/or files in a default Inkscape folder deep in your hardrive if you don't specify a different folder. Go file>export bitmap> then assuming the bitmap export window comes up, click browse> then when the select a file for exporting window comes up, click recently used folders on the left hand side. Choose one of your folders where you want to save the images, and it'll export there.
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: Aurora Borealis on June 18, 2008, 04:03:56 PM
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/CaptainMiko/linspirefreespire4koma_revised.png)

Revised version of the Linspire + Freespire 4-Koma. Added shading, gradients in Linspire-tan's and Freespire-tan's hair, got rid of black strokes around eyes and retouched a few details.
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: Bella on June 21, 2008, 01:11:40 PM
QuoteRevised version of the Linspire + Freespire 4-Koma. Added shading, gradients in Linspire-tan's and Freespire-tan's hair, got rid of black strokes around eyes and retouched a few details.

O...M...G...

I am new at this "worshiping" thing, at least worshiping mere mortals. But here goes nothing!

*worships and grovels at Aurora-sama*

Thankyouthankyouthankyou! I've always loved this 4 koma vector sketch, I am so happy to see it finished! While all the characters looked great before, you have put the icing on the cake! While I'm no huge fan of Linspire or Freespire-tan, they are looking beautiful! Excellent job!
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: C-Chan on June 23, 2008, 03:05:44 PM
QuoteRevised version of the Linspire + Freespire 4-Koma. Added shading, gradients in Linspire-tan's and Freespire-tan's hair, got rid of black strokes around eyes and retouched a few details.

@.@

.
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*leaps up with gratitude*

AURORA-HIME!!!! MARRY ME!!!!!!!!  ^V^

*goes off trajectory slightly and hits wall*

But seriously, I can die in peace now.  ^___^
Thank you Aurora-hime for fixing up this old raggedy thing.  I certainly LOVE how you fixed up Lin-chan and Free-chan's hair!  ^.^

Speaking of which, do you plan to upload this to your own gallery?  Since you finished it for me, it's only right that you post it up in your portfolio.  I usually just label them as "collaborative works". ^^
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: Bella on June 24, 2008, 05:59:58 PM
How strange...I just saw an online marriage proposal at this other forum I visited :P

But no! You can't marry Aurora! This could interfere with my worshiping her!

*carries Aurora-hime off on thrown*
Title: The OS-Tan Art Improvement Thread!
Post by: NejinOniwa on June 24, 2008, 06:04:17 PM
SOMEONE! HOLD THE PIGGY, HE CAN'T CONTROL HIMSELF ANYMORE!!!
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH-HOOOMMMMMMMMMMM!!! *gears up for massive body-slam*