How to continue after knowing the basics..

[lowen.f]

Hi,
I've been using photoshop for quiet some time now and know pretty much all the tools and lots of ins- and outs.. I also have some basic illustrator knowledge... Now my problem is this, I would love to make images like these guys do:
://: Neil Duerden ://: Illustrate The Future ://:
depthCORE.com (take a look at the art packs)

But everytime I start with an empty canvas, there's no inspiration and I don't know where to begin or where to start off... Sometimes I create something but then I'm not happy about it or nothing comes out of it and I start over again.. like a circle.

If people ask me If I should make something for them and they explain what they want, I usually don't have much of a problem creating it.. But when I look at those guys their images, I wished I could create something like they do, but keep getting lost at what or how I should do something..
Any of you guys had this problem and how to overcome it?

[Toon]

I would suggest following a few illustrator and PS tutorials when you've done enough you'll soon see that most of those showcase pieces are made up using a maximum of 10 different styles. Don't try making a complete piece, spend time perfecting simple styles one of the best is trying to combine 2 objects that don't really have any unique link just as a test piece.

Graphic Design Links / Search results for tutorials

[Zaoris]

Knowing the tools isn't really enough for Illustrator or Photoshop. If you want master them, you have to practice hard, try lots of tutorials and sometimes just go crazy trying different styles. Maybe it sounds hard, but lots of practice, endurance and ambition gets you to mastery :)

[simpletouch]

yeah i use Good-Tutorials / Photoshop Tutorials + Flash Tutorials for my tutorials its pretty good! it helps me when im stuck! and take loads of photos and work with them most of my work is based on photos and i merge them together and create scenes etc just basically be creative find the creation

[lowen.f]

thx guys for the tips.. I guess I just have to keep working hard. I really like your advice Toon, it gives me a sense of direction of what I should do. Soooooooo, thx again and if anyone reading this has some other advice, please share :)

[dannynosleeves]

Originally Posted by Toon

I would suggest following a few illustrator and PS tutorials when you've done enough you'll soon see that most of those showcase pieces are made up using a maximum of 10 different styles. Don't try making a complete piece, spend time perfecting simple styles one of the best is trying to combine 2 objects that don't really have any unique link just as a test piece.

Graphic Design Links / Search results for tutorials

some good advice. I'll have to try that.