Introduction

Hey there, everyone! Welcome to this awesome tutorial on creating a space-ship image. Whether you’re a beginner or already have some experience, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Getting Started

To begin, we’ll need a picture of dimensions 200 x 290px. You can use software like Gimp to create this image. Start by adding a guide at the middle (50%) to help with alignment.

Building the Basic Shape

Let’s start by creating the basic shape of the space-ship. We’ll use tools like rectangles, ovals, and the lasso for more complex shapes. The process involves creating a selection and filling it with color. Don’t worry if it sounds a bit challenging at first – it’s definitely worth giving it a try!

Utilizing Paths for Curves

For the front shape, which has curves, we’ll use a path. Paths can be a bit tricky for beginners, but they offer great flexibility. We’ll convert the path into a selection and then fill it with color. Remember, we’ll be creating and modifying basic shapes throughout the process.

Cutting Circular Shapes

To create circular shapes on rectangles, we’ll follow these steps:

1. Select and fill the rectangle.
2. Make an oval selection on one edge.
3. Move and resize the oval selection as needed.
4. Use the “suppr” key to remove the oval shape, creating a circular cut-out (e.g., the back of the space-ship).

Adding Wings

To create the left part of the wings, we’ll make an oval shape and suppress parts of it using rectangular selections. This will be done on a new layer. We can then move this part to our drawing using the moving tool.

Cutting and Shaping the Front

For the front section of the space-ship, we’ll use a combination of rectangles and ovals to cut and shape the desired form. We’ll follow the same process as before: creating paths, converting them into selections, and filling them with color.

Layer Management

To maintain flexibility and ease of editing, we’ll create each part on separate layers. This way, we can move or modify individual components easily. If desired, you can paint all the shapes in grey.

Saving and Exporting

Once we’re satisfied with our design, we’ll save the file in the XCF format to preserve all the layers. To use the image elsewhere, we can export it as a PNG or JPG file. Remember, PNG allows for transparent backgrounds, while JPG does not.

Adjusting Proportions and Mirroring

When mirroring our drawing, the proportions may appear distorted. In such cases, we can undo the mirror operation and follow these steps:

1. Select the oversized part.
2. Cut it and paste it as a new layer.
3. Move it slightly towards the right with the moving tool.
4. Remove what is beneath the center line.
5. If necessary, lengthen the space-ship by moving the back section downwards (select the appropriate layer).
6. Fill any remaining blank space with a rectangle.
7. Mirror the image again.

Adding Shadows

Now, let’s focus on adding shadows to our space-ship. This can be a bit challenging, but we’ll break it down into two categories: hard shadows and soft shadows.

Hard Shadows

To create hard shadows, we’ll use the aerograph tool. Prepare the aerograph with the right size and pressure and select the appropriate shade of grey. Instead of drawing directly, we’ll create a path and use the aerograph tool to follow the path. Guides can be helpful for drawing straight lines when needed.

Soft Shadows

For soft shadows, we’ll use a lighter touch with the aerograph tool, applying minimal pressure. It’s recommended to create the shadows on a new layer for easy adjustments. Remember to remove any excess shadows outside the space-ship. If needed, you can use a mask, although it may be challenging for beginners.

That’s it! You’ve successfully created your space-ship image. Now you can take your skills to the next level and explore more advanced techniques. Remember to have fun and let your creativity soar!