photoshop

~~Busy.~~

can I use photoshop to CREATE artwork?  Let's say I wanted to draw a bear, could I do that on photo shop and then add colors and woodsy background?  Google was overwhelming and unhelpful.

If not, what can I use?

TheDuckis

technically yes, but if you've never used it before you're probably better off just grabbing something from google images.

DG1

Agreed. Photoshop has a pretty big learning curve. Start with google images and work from there.

How realistic does the bear need to be? Sometimes a bear in Paint is pretty awesome.

(see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yihq8BIhL9c - I think that is so freaking cool. Easy. And creative.)

~~Busy.~~

I found Corel Painter. It seems to do what I want.  Now I need to find someone with it before I fork over $75.  I'm going to write a children's book and need to make the art.  More updates as they progress.

DG1

you're writing another book?

~~Busy.~~

DG, I have to strike while the iron is hot.  I got a great idea for a kid's book.  It's easy concept but I need to get the art right.  Worste case scenerio I give them out as gifts to my friends.

GBCK

You might look at GIMP.
It's a free photo-editing program.  Not to bad, IMO
http://www.gimp.org/

TheDuckis

So yeah, it'll have to be original artwork if it's a book. But, I'm pretty sure for children's publishing, you submit a concept, and if they like it they'll help you find an illustrator.

~~Busy.~~

Thanks for the tip.  Duckis, I doubt a publisher would talk to me since they get so many unsolicted book idea.  I figure I'll write it and draw it and then submit a "finished" work or I can sell on Amazon via word of mouth and hope it gets attention.  I have a few other ideas too.

TheDuckis

Hmm, my subscription to Writer's Market lapsed, but even in the non-subscriber section it's pretty clear that children's books shouldn't be illustrated before you find a publisher. You're better off focusing on a really well-written pitch letter.

~~Busy.~~

Thanks for the tip D.