I think filters are just tools to spice up your image or to make it easier to make one. I admit, I use filters a lot as I'm not a professional artist, but those filters reflect my ideas and imagination. I don't just apply a flame filter and leave it as that and then add some text or pictures. I mix and match to come up with my final art work. If it's the opposite, THEN there's something wrong. I don't think everyone can build a fancy image from scratch, so that's where filters come in. So I see nothing wrong with them.

i see no harm in using filters once in a while....

but too much of anything is good for nothing.


Also....to tell you the truth.....things made with basic photoshop tools look more complete and in place than the ones made using filters.

filters are not customizable to the fullest extenet.....

For example ....ur making a picture of a Starry night with Mountains ans Trees......its fine to use filters to make stars , a moon or whatever.....but it will be silly if u use filters for the WHOLE project.

Remember...FILTERS ARE MADE TO ENHANCE WORK and NOT TO MAKE A PERSON LOOK LIKE A PROFESSIONAL WHEN HE'S NOT.

In my last image (the ODYSSEY one)....i used just 2 Filters.-- One for the Large Star and one for the Comets(Motion Trail).

I did not use a SINGLE other filter.....

The Planet was created in 3DsMax4.

Yeah, I think filters are ok in moderation, sometimes you'll need a particular filter to get a desired effect or to modify something, but the problem is that a lot of people get into the habit of relying way too much on them and will end up using them to create art, when in fact all they've done is clicked a few buttons.

I've seen it so many times when someone will slap a bunch of distortion filters together and will think they've made this abstract masterpeice, then everyone's like "whooa, that's so cool doood!!" :rolleyes: Filters are also really easy to spot for the most part, you can almost look at an over-filtered piece and litterally count and see exactly what filters were used...this makes it look very amateurish...

Remember, there's alot more to making good looking art than having "funky" effects...think composition, flow, colour combinations, originality....

I love filters. They make it heaps easier. I still feel better when an image of mine is made with brushes tho.

Originally posted by g-14
I love filters. They make it heaps easier. I still feel better when an image of mine is made with brushes tho.

I have many effects/filters but I only use Flaming Pear Flood the most............It's damn cool..............and mixing the colors......

Originally posted by crackerz


I have many effects/filters but I only use Flaming Pear Flood the most............It's damn cool..............and mixing the colors......

hehe..well, that's better than having the Flaming Hoop, lol :D

shinji: where do u get those GREAT anime pics

here and there, sometimes the net, but usually the picture quality sucks...so usually I scan them from my personal collection...like off of DVD and CD covers, etc..

You can get good pics at www.animeboards.com and then follow the links at the top of the page.

thanx i love anime

Them????I mean filters!

What do you guys mean by filter ? Just filters or just those that aren't in the basic photoshop ? Because those basic filters are very useful (the blur filters for instance)...

Originally posted by ZePenguin
What do you guys mean by filter ? Just filters or just those that aren't in the basic photoshop ? Because those basic filters are very useful (the blur filters for instance)...


I think when they say filter's they're reffering to more of the distortion type filters etc, I think so anyways, since those seem to be somewhat popular around here...also some external plug-ins that kinda create art for you, can't say I like those too much..:(

You're right though, some are very useful....I couldn't live without 'gaussian blur' and the 'lighting effects' filters..

Well then i don't use any external one, i think you don't need these things, maybe some could be useful, but the few one i tried weren't really interesting, so...basic photoshop is enough, it will take some time before i can use it to its full capabilities anyway ;)

In my humble opinion.....'masking' is photoshop's greatest feature...the airbrush tool is nice too. :)

i couldn't live without Gaussian/Motion/Radial blur and Lighting effects.

:mrpimp:

I'm in quick mask mode constantly, then brushing or erasing what I don't need. Selective color is good as well. I love to colorize something then go back and use color balance. That's how I get my colours. Blur and smudge tools are cool as well. But working in layers is the key. I'm just learning but I'm having fun as I go that's why I think if filters help it's ok. Just as long as you don't overdo it, which I have been guilty of in the past. ha:crazyboy:

problem isnt with filters thats the base of photoshop

the problem is PLUG-INS and/or ADDONS which i hate when people use em, I do fair job nothing less. If you wanna be cheap get one of those.

There is no problem using filters and there are cool effects like blur lighting effects texturizer and more that are very useful!;)