Emoticons...

Making some...

Started by Aneiryu on 13 May 2004, 16:55 UTC · 73 preserved posts

65-107815589713 May 2004, 16:55 UTC

Does anyone know how to make emoticons? I was just thinkin' that'd it would be cool if we had Balto emoticons or something. I don't know if ya' can do it on ketnar's boards though. I'm not even sure it's legal to make 'em for a movie that we never made! lol! Anyway...I think all ya' need to do is draw them and somehow put them in place of the smilies.

Once again...I give reference to the Wolf Movie forums...sad, I know, but I thought that it was cool that they have wolf emoticons of the characters in their movie. :cool:

Thoughts? Comments?

72-106196060914 May 2004, 02:41 UTC

Hmmm, I'm not positive on how to do such a thing or if it is even legal. It does sound like a good idea though, using Balto emoticons for a Balto forum. Seems a sound thing to do to me.

83-106196071614 May 2004, 05:56 UTC

Someone would have to be willing to make and share them. ^_^;

65-107815589714 May 2004, 12:37 UTC

If I can figure it out, I'd gladly make some for TIB. Can't imagine that it'd be too hard to do.

116-106196084614 May 2004, 14:44 UTC

I'd be willing to make some!

Now, one consideration is the file size... I think 40x40 is as small as it could get without making it impossible to see who it is. Problem there is it would put big gaps in between sentences like this:

So, anyways, if the size is good, and everyone likes these kind, I'll make a bunch more. While I'm at it, any special requests or suggested scenes you want me to make?

Just for kicks, here's a 30x30

and a 20x20

I dunno, think it'd be better with the smaller sizes?

72-106196060914 May 2004, 14:46 UTC

Hmmm, I don't think it'd be to hard a task to do. Perhaps we can work on this together, Aneiryu, and thus help each other out to finish this "mission" ASAP?

Ah, looks like you posted just as I was, 27.

Those look good, but are you sure you can't get them smaller than that? What if we actually drew the pictures in a 2D way? Could we make them smaller by doing that?

As far as scenes go, I think we should perhaps make a few different facial looks of Balto and Jenna. (That way both male and female members can have an emoticon to kinda relate too) It those first few are a success then perhaps we could make more?

65-107815589714 May 2004, 15:01 UTC

Sounds good. :laugh:

I like that. Actually, maybe we could make up some originals...maybe of Star or Kaltag or some fan-art type of stuff...but they could be drawings and gifs that move and stuff. I think that's all they are...gifs.

They shouldn't be too hard to make. We could make some pix from the movie itself. Like, take random expressions outta the movie and stuff. But, I think it'd be cool to have random other ones, like confused or goofy or maybe drooling or whatever.

Well, I have no school until August now, so I have plenty of time to work on them... �

�I think I'll start workin' on them today... :;):

72-106196060914 May 2004, 15:18 UTC

Sounds class, I too have school off for the summer (relativally, that is) so I can start making some as well. Where do you suggest is a good place to make these at?

65-107815589714 May 2004, 17:38 UTC

Good question. I'm not sure.

I think what we need to do is make them in photoshop or whatever and send them to Silver, and she can put them up. Or, at least, that's how I think it's done. I don't really know. Is this how it's done, Silver?

When you make them...they should be faces and such. Front views of Balto or Jenna or whomever is what we need. I don't know about the file size. We can experiment with those, I think. Also, when you make them, make sure that they are not dark. If the picture/emoticon is dark, then it'll be hard to see, like those that you've shown us, thelonewolf 27. If they are lighter, they'll be easier to see if smaller than 40x40. So keep this in mind if you want to make your own.

I will be working on a bunch tonight in photoshop and see what I can come up with. :cool:

116-106196084614 May 2004, 19:33 UTC

I can do animated ones with ImageReady, provided someone gives me the individual frames... It may be a good idea to make them brighter, but the only way to get them in a 2D plane at the 20x20 size would be for someone to draw them pixel by pixel. I don't do that very well, but maybe someone else here does. ^_^

As far as getting them up, Silver has to save them on the server, then go into the settings and set them up as default emoticons. Probobly about a five minute job. The main brunt of the work would be drawing them at the 20x20 size. *un-volunteers himself* :;):

65-108225821014 May 2004, 22:35 UTC

Aw man... wedon't get out of school until about halfway through June.

65-107815589714 May 2004, 22:54 UTC

lol! That's one advantage of going to college, Ania!

Anyway...I will try to make some ridiculously small pix and see how it turns out. I've got plenty of time on my hands at the moment. :laugh:

65-108225821014 May 2004, 23:01 UTC

AAAHHH! NOOOO! College, the big scary "c" word!

65-106196054214 May 2004, 23:24 UTC

LOL! I agree with you wholeheartedly, Ania, that's why I'm not going to college.

Balto emoticons sound cool, I know there are some TLK forums that have char emoticons, so why not do something like that here? I could make a bunch of screengrabs, if those would be needed, and edit them.

65-107815589715 May 2004, 13:18 UTC

Heh...College isn't that bad. It's a lot more fun than high school, that's for sure!

Sounds good, Aniu. At the moment, I'm in the process of drawing some pix. Later on I'm gonna put them in photoshop and see how small I can get them and still be able to actually see them. :;):

82-107524931915 May 2004, 17:26 UTC

I think 30x30 would work, not too big but not too small.

Mind having a few other characters as emoticons as well, besides of just Balto and Jenna.

65-107815589715 May 2004, 17:42 UTC

Actually, that'd be great. We could get/make some of Star or Steele or maybe the white wolf if anyone tries.

30x30 sounds about right, too.

65-106196054215 May 2004, 18:34 UTC

I'll volunteer to do Steele and Aniu

. I have virtually every screengrab of the WW possible.

65-107815589716 May 2004, 19:51 UTC

LOL! I bet ya' do!

Uhh...I noticed I cannot put a pic up here...so check out my pix in the fan-art section for my first attempt at this. I don't have a URL for the image, so I can't randomly put the image in. Uhh...I think I need to make it smaller...

69-106279399517 May 2004, 02:47 UTC

I love the idea. I can't wait to start using 'em.

I would say don't go any smaller than 30 x 30 pixels. It may become too difficult to distinguish different facial expressions if they are made smaller. I didn't think that 40 x 40 was too big, but I suppose it is up to those who create them. :;):

65-108225821017 May 2004, 03:27 UTC

Quote (Aniu1983 @ May 15 2004,2:34, pm)

I'll volunteer to do Steele and Aniu

. �I have virtually every screengrab of the WW possible.

I believe you!!!

72-106196060917 May 2004, 15:19 UTC

30x30 pixels sounds good to me as well. Hmm, if the emoticons for the Wolf forums are working good size wise, then why not go and see/ask what size their emoticons are? If it'll work for them then I'm sure it can work for us...

83-106196071617 May 2004, 16:07 UTC

30x30 works best for me, as it was said, not too big, not too small. �I also think it would be a bit much to use the whole body. �After all, we're just after (facial) exprssions. �So everyone's content with just screen grabs from Balto right?

Just let me know who wants to capture what, and who'll do the editing. �Just to be certain and all. ;)

65-107815589717 May 2004, 17:05 UTC

Yeah, actually, I know for certain that their emoticons are bigger than 30x30. I'm not entirely sure how big they are, but the one I just put up looks about the same size as their's. I'll go ask 'em later.

Actually, Silver, I prefer to make original drawings of Balto and the others for the emoticons. The one in my pix thread I drew and colored myself. It is kinda hard to find a good front view of Balto in the movie. Though, screen grabs would be neat, too. I think it would be cool if we made our own as well. I am not discouraging screen grabs though, 'cause noone can perfectly capture Balto's true expressions better than the actual movie. :;):

I suppose it just depends on how they look. My only problem with screen grabs would be that they might be too dark, which can easily be fixed in Photoshop or whatever. I'm gonna continue to draw my own and see how they come out.

65-106196054217 May 2004, 22:51 UTC

LOL@Ania! Yep, 'tis true :;):

I've made a few emoticons, at 30x30 pixels, so take a look and tell me what you think. �If these will work, I can make more.

Hehe, I love this one of Steele:

65-107815589718 May 2004, 01:06 UTC

Hehe...those are cool, Aniu! :cool:

You're right, that one of Steele is great!

82-107524931918 May 2004, 02:08 UTC

How about more emoticons as well? Kind of like what they got at the Wolf forums.

65-107815589718 May 2004, 10:39 UTC

Yeah, RustedWolf_fox, that's actually what I would like, too. That's what I'm trying to accomplish with that one in my art thread, but I can't get the background transparent.

Hey, Silver, I'm curious, do you know the numbers that represent the background colors of TIB? Ya' know, in photoshop you can write in the numbers to create a specific color. I've been trying to match that if I can't get the background transparent. Or, could ya' put a picture up that I can save and copy the color from?

72-106196060918 May 2004, 14:07 UTC

Those are nice, Aniu. I like the one of Steele best, what scene was that from?

116-106196084618 May 2004, 14:28 UTC

The color is #9BBBE0.

72-106196060918 May 2004, 15:45 UTC

Ah, thats very helpful 27, thanks.

65-107815589718 May 2004, 15:56 UTC

Yes, thanks, 27. This I shall find useful!

83-106196071618 May 2004, 19:43 UTC

If you want to finish the drawings go ahead. Once both are done, we can decide which would work best. ;)

83-106196070331 May 2004, 05:33 UTC

Quote (Aneiryu @ May 13 2004,12:55, pm)

Thoughts? Comments?

I like that idea

70-106196059231 May 2004, 10:40 UTC

If no one has already suggested this, I would suggest to cut the characters away from the background and fill the square in with TIB background colour. That way it will be much clearer.

80-108034711801 Jun 2004, 01:00 UTC

I argee wiht you Fluke! We can work together to make our own emoctions for this forum, adn i hope we could make it!

65-106196054202 Jun 2004, 02:14 UTC

Bleh, I hate it when I sound stupid...how do you remove backgrounds from characters in a screengrab? �Despite several attempts, this has perplexed me for months, with ArcSoft PhotoStudio, and now with PSP �

116-106196084602 Jun 2004, 13:58 UTC

To be completely honest, there is no easy way. Sometimes the magic eraser can help, but generally you have to zoom in and do it pixel by pixel with a paintbrush. ^^

65-107815589702 Jun 2004, 14:09 UTC

That's true. Which is why I prefer to make them myself, instead of take them from screenshots and stuff.

That reminds me...I need to make some more...I did one and I have a couple others that I need to color, then I can show you all. :;):

83-106196071603 Jun 2004, 15:00 UTC

Err, not to sound arrogant or anything, but it's quite easy. �Especially if you're working with DVD quality images. �I did that very same thing to create the graphics for this current ikonboard skin. �I currently use photoshop and it's pretty good, and I've seen great things done with paintshop pro too. �

The trick is to use the magic wand or a similar tool (for PSP) to select the background and delete it. �Make sure you also have a transparent selection under the background. �If you're selection tool is really good then you should be able to clean the background away without deleting any of the character. �Just play around with the tolerance levels and you should find a comfortable setting in no time. �I'd also suggest if you're not already working with the full sized image, do so. �Clean away the background before changing the image size. �Once you're done with the background, then add the forum's background color under the image. �You should then having something nice and clean.

Hopefully that helps?

65-107815589703 Jun 2004, 16:45 UTC

Yeah, I knew that stuff, already, but I still am gonna do some originals...mostly 'cause I don't have any screenshots that I can canibalize...without taking them from someones site, at least... :;):

115-108568278503 Jun 2004, 20:11 UTC

It seems to be a good idea, as I think there are too few emoticons on these forums; it misses a laugh one, for example. I don't think I would be of great help on this, as I'm not good at drawing, but good luck for everyone working on it :;):

116-106196084603 Jun 2004, 23:59 UTC

Actually Silver, you're right. I was a little to broad when I said that... What I had in mind was the many transparencies I've had to make where the background and the foreground were mixed with eachother. Say grass and a flower for example. With that kind of a scenario, it is nearly impossible to get a good grab. But, since I wasn't thinking very clearly at the time, I neglected to remember that cartoon have big, bold, black outlines so the magic wand tool does work quite well. Bleh, I need more sleep or a longer attention span. <-- Has the foot-in-mouth feeling ATM. :;):

83-106196071605 Jun 2004, 06:00 UTC

Nah, don't worry about it. At times the outlines merge too well with the background, so cleaning it away has to be done with the eraser. Or at times you need clean up any mistakes with the rubber stamp. However, what we're looking for shouldn't be too hard. ;)

65-107815589705 Jun 2004, 15:54 UTC

*nods* true...true indeed...lol! :;):

Shouldn't be too hard, I wouldn't think...

My photoshop is down ATM, so I can't color my pix right now. And, I have some new pix that I want to color for this project... It should be fixed this weekend...some kinda virus or somethin', I guess...

Eh...whatever...I will have some more soon.

65-106196054206 Jun 2004, 05:22 UTC

Arrgh, I've been struggling with the magic wand tool in PSP, but I haven't been successful, and I'm not patient enough to clear away the background pixel by pixel. Maybe I'm not the right person for the job

65-107815589706 Jun 2004, 12:52 UTC

Wait...are you using the magic wand, or the polygonal lasso tool? The magic wand, IMO, sucks. I love using the polygonal lasso tool, instead. It's more acurate and stuff and looks better too.

65-106196054207 Jun 2004, 03:15 UTC

Oh, I haven't tried that yet. I'll see how it works.

83-106196071607 Jun 2004, 08:16 UTC

Good luck with using it!

Sorry I don't know more about PSP or else I'd be able to help you. ^_^;

65-107815589707 Jun 2004, 12:37 UTC

Indeed, good luck!

Trust me, I love the polygonal lasso a lot more than the magic wand. Yes, the wand is faster, but ya' tend to get those little white dots a lot if coloring, and some of an image's pixels will not be captured, so it won't look right...at least to me they don't, 'cause I am paranoid (sp?) about detail... :laugh:

65-106196054208 Jun 2004, 12:17 UTC

So Aneiryu, how exactly do you work this thing? �Does it all have to be done freehand? �I can't draw, or trace, very well with a mouse...

65-107815589708 Jun 2004, 14:52 UTC

Well, yeah...sorta...it's not an automatic thingy like the magic wand, which is why a lot of people like the wand instead of the lasso. :;):

When in photoshop, does the button on the tool bar look like a round lasso or a jagged one? You probably already know this, but I'll say it anyway...right click on the button and you'll get three choices...lasso, polygonal lasso, and something else that I can't think of off the top of my head... ^^; You want the polygonal lasso 'cause it allows you to outline the pic without holding any keys down or whatever. What you do is you pretty much outline the picture with it. It does require a bunch of clicking and stuff, but it should work pretty well. It's not really like drawing, per say, but it does require a little more patience. All ya' really need to do is outline the picture on the outside of the black line that cartoons have and it shouldn't be too much trouble. And, if you mess up with one spot, then hit "delete" and it'll go back to the previous spot you were at before that... Hmmm...I don't know if this really answers your question or not. Maybe someone else can tell ya' better than me?

65-106196054209 Jun 2004, 06:06 UTC

Actually, that would help, except that I have Paintshop Pro, rather than Photoshop. There is a tool in PSP that looks like a lasso, but I don't think it has three options...

65-107815589709 Jun 2004, 12:08 UTC

Oh...*feels stupid* hehe...PSP? I think ya' need to ask someone else about that one...I don't know how to use it...

Sorry...

But, I wouldn't be surprised if there are similar tools in both programs. Do you have the instruction manual? If so, look up the lasso tool and see what ya' find. :cool:

70-106196059229 Jun 2004, 21:54 UTC

What size is going to be used? I think it needs to be of a decent size to show whatever emotion is needed or it will be unclear. As well as that it can't be too big or it will just be annoying. I had a quick free hand go at drawing one anyway all free hand. I think if the angle was changed to more square on (like the lil Fluke ones I made) then it might be clearer..

69-106279399530 Jun 2004, 03:47 UTC

I think I can be of some assistance for you Aniu. This all refers to PSP 8 (I'm not sure about earlier versions). Click on the freehand selection tool. Then at the top of the toolbar there should be things like "Presets", "Selection Type", etc... Open the selection type drop box to reveal 4 choices. It is set to freehand as default. Experiment with the the other three to see what works best. "Point to Point" will just make straight lines which is the same as the polygonal lasso tool Aneiryu referred to. "Edge Seeker" looks like a straight line, but when you click it will contort to the shape of the edge it is near. This may or may not work well depending on the surrounding color scheme. Then there is the "Smart Edge". This one works basically the same as the Edge Seeker except it is a little more reliable in finding the appropriate edge.

I hope this helps. ^^

83-106196071630 Jun 2004, 15:33 UTC

That's pretty cute, AC. I was just thinking over the matter. Perhaps I should just get some more standard smilies for variety. Then add a few Balto ones to the mix. Good idea, bad idea?

65-107815589730 Jun 2004, 16:46 UTC

Hmmm...that's a good question...I don't see waht's wrong with that idea, Silver. :;):

Sounds fine to me. ^_^

Fluke: Yeah, you have the same idea I have. That's why I drew that one I did in front view. If I can figure out how to get the dumb thing smaller, then I'd be able to make something out of it. But, I'm no good at drawing directly on the computer, pixel by pixel. And, I really like that one there, Fluke! Looks good!

Hmm...to be honest, I've been a little busy lately, and I haven't gotten around to doing more. I have a couple that I drew a little while ago, but I haven't one anything with them yet. Maybe I can get to it this weekend or something... :cool:

69-106279399530 Jun 2004, 20:19 UTC

That's good enough for me. Run it!!

I'd love to give y'all a hand at this, but I work from 9 am to around 10 pm so I don't have too much free time. My undying support will have to do. � :;):

Heh, I lied. Here's something I did in five minutes

This is what some of you may be feeling since I lied to you. If you can tell what emotion it is then it is the right size (which is 40x35). What do ya think?

*Edited 7/1/04 @ 12:22 pm by Echo

80-108034711801 Jul 2004, 20:09 UTC

all right, it looks nice, and i wonder if you would be able to fit it in the emoction and what emtion is that, depressed, mad or sad, i do not really can't tell....

68-108707261901 Jul 2004, 22:55 UTC

I wouldn't mind some Balto-ey emotions... That'll be some fun in TIB... You know?

76-106196064502 Jul 2004, 01:54 UTC

it would be kewl to have stuff like this:

oh and something for July 4th hehe

83-106196071602 Jul 2004, 05:10 UTC

Wow, where did you get those, Long? I'd enjoy something like that. ^^;

65-107815589702 Jul 2004, 14:48 UTC

Those are cool! Where'd ya' get them?

68-108707261902 Jul 2004, 15:14 UTC

How about cool and funny... Really, well, they are

70-106196059202 Jul 2004, 18:04 UTC

Remember with these emoticons we need to have ones that actually mean something like happy �

sad �

�silly �

etc etc there are loads of options rather than just having lots or screen shots.

I got bored so I made some anyway..

76-106196064502 Jul 2004, 18:49 UTC

i got those off of various emoticon sites and stuff XD heheh
-edit- im gonna go look around for some more, these sites i would only recommend using firefox with, some have lots of pop ups which would doom an IE user

65-106196054203 Jul 2004, 23:58 UTC

Those are cool, Long and Fluke. �

"I'd make some "Aniucons" right away, but I'm leaving for Germany on Monday, and I won't be back until the 13th, and I probably won't post until the 14th. �Aw, what am I saying? �I have plenty of time. Thanks for the suggestions, Echo! *Runs off to goof around in PSP 7*

116-106196084604 Jul 2004, 00:12 UTC

Those are excellent Ac! I think we should definately add those to the list. *nods*

65-106196054204 Jul 2004, 01:02 UTC

Argh, it seems that PSP 7 has none of the options Echo mentioned. *sigh* �In order to clear all the pixels from around the characters, I'd have to do it the hard way, or download the free trial of PSP 8.

83-106196071604 Jul 2004, 02:05 UTC

Very good AC, I like them. Perhaps they all can be used.

And thanks Long, I visisted some sites and got a lot of regular emoticon. ;)

83-106196074106 Jul 2004, 23:49 UTC

nifty! the more the merrier ;) :;):

65-107815589707 Jul 2004, 23:24 UTC

Those are awesome, Fluke!