Let me first inform you that this Tips are not mine, I just stumbled this useful tutorial in http://www.theotaku.com/fanwords/view/35597/13_tips_on_vectoring/ and since it's really helpful I decided to repost it... Hope you enjoy it...

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I’ve been a vector artist for two years now, and after writing some tutorials on vectoring, I thought about writing some tips for those who want to take up vectoring. These may sound simple, but it’s amazing how many people ignore them or realize they are useful when it’s too late.

This article can be considered a mini-tutorial; please don't hesitate to ask if something isn't clear.

Shape layers = layers containing shapes that are created by selecting the "Shape Layers" option of the Pen Tool; they do not lose their sharp quality upon enlarging.
Raster layers = normal layers, on which brushes and paths (created with the "Paths" option of the Pen Tool) can be used together; they become pixilated upon enlarging.

1. The Pen Tool is your friend.
Everyone says you can't vector without it. I don't know whether this affirmation is true or not, but the Pen Tool is definitely very efficient and easy to use. Don't be scared by the complicated tutorials on the Internet. Keep looking until you find one that explains everything down to the smallest details or ask someone about it.

2. Choose images you like.
My advice is to choose an image you like, since you'll be looking at it a lot. If it's a request from someone and you don't really like it, find a part of it you like and concentrate on that while doing the other parts.

3. Have patience. Lots of it.
There's a saying which goes "Rome wasn’t built in a day". Vectoring is a long process; it takes up a few hours, days, weeks or even months, depending on the difficulty of the image and the spare time you have. Unless you're quick, it'll take a while to finish your vector. That's why you'd better get a cup of coffee, a soft pillow for your bottom and lots of patience. You're gonna need them.

4. Start easy, work your way up to difficult.
Most artists weren't born talented at vectoring. It's not shameful to practice or start with easy images. For example, if you're an absolute n00b and barely found out where the Pen Tool is, the result of a battle between you and a black & white manga scan is obvious. So instead of taking on a "challenge", settle for a colored, good quality image for starters. If you fail at your first attempt, try again. If you fail at a difficult scan, things won't look too bright for your self esteem.

(Left: artwork by REI, Right: image from "Fairy Cube" manga)

5. Arrange your workspace to fit your needs.
When you open your graphics editing program for the first time, there are a lot of small windows with various options on the screen. Sure, they're useful, but they're also shrinking the "free" workspace considerably. Since at first you don't know which ones you'll need more often, you'll have to practice a while. Then, you can eliminate the windows you don't need or use frequently. For example, I only have the "Layers" and "Tools" windows.

6. Enlarge the image as much as you can.
It's always easier to work with a larger canvas because you can shrink the vector however you want. This is useful for vectors with a lot of raster layers. As for shape layers, the outlines will get thicker if you enlarge them, so that might also be a disadvantage if you want to use it as a close-up (thinner lines look more delicate).

7. Zoom in at least by 200%.
You found an image you want to vector and opened it in your editor. The best way to obtain precise lines is to zoom it at least by 200%. Your lines might look huge, but when you switch back to 100% they will look more delicate and accurate. You'll find this method very useful when vectoring images with small details, like jewelry or eyes.

8. Name and group your layers properly.
Alright then, this is particularly useful when you've got a lot of layers to work with. For example, if you're vectoring a character, you have separate areas: face, arms, legs etc. Putting the respective layers in groups makes everything look tidier and it helps a lot when you need to find a specific layer. Furthermore, groups can be hidden and displayed, so you won't have to scroll down the long list of layers until you find what you're looking for; instead, just open the group which contains it.

9. Use as few raster layers as possible.
One of the differences between shape and raster layers is that raster layers become blurry and pixilated when enlarged, while shape layers maintain their quality however you change their size. If you plan on making a real vector, shape layers are highly recommended. Sometimes, raster layers can be used for adding glows to the image and, since they are already blurred, won't look bad.

10. Use gradients for more complex shading.
OK, so now you got the basics and made a vector with base coloring, shading and/or highlights. But you're not satisfied with what you've got and you feel like something's missing. What is it? The shading – it bugs you. You've seen vectors with colors in gradients and liked them. Why? Well, using gradients for shading makes the vector look more complex, as opposed to the traditional cel shading, which can sometimes look cartoonish.
In Photoshop CS2: for gradient shading, right-click on your layer, go to "Blending Options...", then "Gradient Overlay" and select your gradient from the list (or make your own).

(Vector by Sweetdevil, original image from "Beast Master" manga)

11. Ask for assistance if you encounter a problem.
No one will chop your head off if you ask for help. They might even feel proud that you asked them. I suggest asking experimented vector artists, since they tend to know better what they're talking about. If someone's rude, don't give up! Contact someone else.
Looking for online tutorials can be helpful, but some people don't know how to or can't explain things clearly. If you know someone who can show you how to vector in person or in real time (through instant messages), don't hesitate to learn from them. It's the easiest way and you can bug them until you know you got it ^_^

12. Improvise!
This is when you start to need some experience in vectoring or drawing, since improvising makes great use of your imagination. You start off with just vectoring an image, following the lines the artist drew. But with time you aren't satisfied with only copying what someone else drew, you want to enhance that image! Whether it's adding a bracelet or changing some hair locks, improvisation is appreciated and welcome – think of a breath of fresh air on a hot day. It also shows you now your way around your program and can exploit it as you desire. This way you can modify parts you do not like and end up with something that fits your taste.

13. Find your style.
You're a relatively experienced vector artist now. You've vectored a lot of images and know what type of artwork you like. Vector by vector, you'll start noticing a pattern of changes you bring to the original artwork. This is your style. If you've looked at vectors from different artists before, you'll know what I mean. One makes an abstract background, another uses thin outlines etc.
In my case, it's the eyes. I can't stand simple eyes, so I enhance them as much as I can, adding lots of details like shines and shadows.

I hope you found this article useful and will benefit from it, if you decide to explore the world of vectoring. It's very important to respect these tips, since they will help you on your way to perfecting your artwork. Everything here is written from personal experience.
Please share your opinions, ideas and tips here. Thank you for reading, and see you next time! ^_^

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As for me I'm still learning, Here's one of my latest works

(It's my movie Fan Art, not the actual character's appearance for this is just her Chibi...More of my Fan Arts at newbeme.deviantart.com)


Studio Ghibli Movies are definitely endearing so I just cant help to get hooked with their flicks.

It has been few months now Since I watched this flick but I still decide to make a review for it.

The film was good and captivating just like most of the Ghibli movies. However I believe that it is not Diretor Miyazaki's best.

Well it may not be the best but I strongly believe that it is another worth watching movie of Studio Ghibli.

It has a decent plot, lovable characters, cute story and good elements.

I'm gonna give it a 7 out of 10 rating.

Having watched several Studio Ghibli movies like Spirited Away and Howl's moving castle, I thought that this film would be another out of this world magical story too...

Also, I found the title intriguing so I decided to watch it.

Well I was really wrong about my expectations for the flick isn't fun filled after all.

However I have to commend the film's effectiveness... Cos it was able to connect to its viewers and move its audience...

I was amazed how the story was told considering that it was presented as an animated feature.

I was honestly teary eyed when the film neared to its end...

A very sad yet effective story...

It has been few weeks now Since I was able to watch this flick.

Truly, Hayao Miyazaki's stories are captivating.

Well honestly, I was expecting less from this film for it was released in the 90s.

I though that since Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle are much more recent, there's no way that Princess Mononoke could be better than the two mentioned films.

Well, I am happy for I was wrong... The film has a very good story, a strong plot and it is full of values.

It's among the best animated movie I've seen for years...

Indeed, It is the kind of animated film that is worth your time...

9 out of 10 for me

Hayao Miyazaki is real genius...

Again, He was able to catch his viewers wildest imaginations.

The plot is good, direction is good, the characters are endearing.

This movie for me is as interesting as Spirited Away. (I much prefer Spirited Away though)


If you enjoyed watching Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away, I'm sure you will enjoy this flick too.


7.5 out of 10 for me

This is my first year to celebrate my birthday away from my family. I'm getting older now and I'm living independently for almost a year. I know and I'm expecting that in the coming years things will change and some things will never be the same again.

I'm thankful to our good Lord for adding another year into my life. I am also grateful for all those blessings that He is bringing. Few more years and who knows? I might be a daddy then. But of course I'm not rushing things out and I'm still patiently waiting and praying for God's plans including of course having a relationship.

Now, I am already 22 and I am happy. Honestly, I am excited for the lessons that I'm gonna learn in the coming years. I'm continuously praying for our good Lord's leading in my life. May I always be guided by God's wisdom, truth and grace. Truly, I am nothing without Him. He's been so good and faithful to me though sometimes I still have some lapses. Truly there's no greater love than His.

I love you Lord. May you continue to lead me and may You always be glorified in everything that I do.

Well, I have a friend on a Christian Social Network and I've read on her profile that this Film, "Spirited Away" is one of her favorites. Since I was kinda into animated and cartoon movies I decided to watch this flick too.

Well, what can I say?. The film is really good! It is indeed an awesome masterpiece!

Though it made me quite confused in the beginning, I really appreciate how the whole story was made. The details were perfectly built together.

I am really amazed by the concept and the splendid imagination of the people behind this movie.

And if I have to describe the movie in a word...The word for me will be "Awesomazing"! haha... You better check this film yourself? 9 out of 10 for me.

(I even created a Chihiro vector art that you can view on my deviant art gallery...http://newbieme.deviantart.com/gallery/ <- LINK)

Last December, This returning film of the blockbuster movie director James Cameron hit the big screens in the Philippines. I've heard several extremely good comments about this movie and those comments made me more excited to watch it. I also checked the reviews in IMDB, and I was amazed on how avid movie goers gave this film overwhelming positive reviews. In fact the entire first page of reviews in IMDB tells about how awesome and how great this film is.

And so I planned to watch Avatar. But since the Christmas Season is the time of the Metro Manila Film Festivals (MMFF), MMFF movies were prioritized in movie theaters and Avatar was not showed until the end of the festival.

With my friends, i was able to check it. And it's also my first time in a 3D Theater so I was really looking forward that it would be a very great movie experience.

Well, if i have to say one thing about Avatar all that I can say is: "This Movie Blew Me Away".

I was so amazed and fascinated by this movie. The actors are good, the concept is great, the plot is awesome, the CGI effects is superb, and the direction is amazing. Everything about this movie is almost perfect. I also have to mention how details were given importance (the Pandora world and its creatures are perfectly detailed that they will make your jaw drop, hehe) and I so loved it.

There's a lot of great things about this film and they are too many to mention. And If I'm gonna rate it on a scale of 10, I'll give an 11/10 rating for it. The movie still lingers on my mind and I wonder when will this end (chuckles). Now I know why it is on the 2nd position of the World's Top Grossing Movies of all time. It is indeed Extremely Fascinating!!!

Finally, after three long years, me and my best buddies, Aldrin and Marino were able to hang up with each other again. When I was in high school these two friends of mine were the ones whom I was always with. We used to call ourselves as the WAPOs (from the word guwapo which literally means handsome). Well, I can say that I befriended these two great guys cos they are men of attitude. When we were in high school, we used to be good boys. We don't smoke, we don't drink liquors and of course we don't use drugs (chuckles). We were also students who never had a single failing grade in any of our subjects. This is why I can somehow say that I am proud to have them as my friends. They were good and responsible. ( I'm not that sure if they're still the same til now though, hehe ) Anyway, I wrote this blog entry to say that I was really glad that again we were able to spend few hours together. With Marino's girlfriend, We went to Ermita Hill (a popular tourist destination in the town of Baler) and ate burgers and coke. We also visited the Sabang (a beach with long stretch of gray sand and is a popular surfing spot in Aurora), we had a lot of talk, and I believe we all had fun. I just hope that we will still have bonding moments in the future no matter how old we are. Aldrin and Marino are my true friends whom I always treasure. I thank the good Lord for having good friends like them.

Last December 18, MobEntServ or Mobile Entertainment Services (the company where I work) conducted its Christmas Party. Since organizers of the event were thinking to make it a fun filled celebration they decided to require a presentation per department. In my department, my boss decided that I together with my friends Emmanuel (who happened to be our junior web programmer), and  Marcelino and Salvador (who are currently our interns) will be the ones who will do the presentation. At first, we had a hard time in deciding what to present (are we gonna dance? sing? or act?), but then we come up with the decision that we'll be doing the F4-BOF medley performed by the Kanto Boys in ASAP not so long ago. We really had fun that night. Though it was not easy for us to do that hilarious dance and lip sync act, I believe we somehow did a great job (chuckles). However, I am hoping that I won't be a part of another presentation in the future. I believe that experience is too much for me and I won't do the same thing again (hehe).

                                                    
Training for Victory is a 10 week program of the Victory Christian Fellowship in equipping members to be disciple makers and fishers of men. Last Sunday December 13, after almost three months of class, me and my batch-mates finally received our certificates as graduates. We are the first batch of graduates of the Training for Victory. It was really a great experience to be a Training for Victory student. Personally, I learned a lot. I learned more Biblical principles, I learned to have a longer time for Bible reading, and I can say that now, I am  more equip in sharing God's love and salvation to others. However, I am praying that it won't end there... I believe that my application of what I have learned is more important. And so, I am continually praying that may God strengthen me more and may God give me more wisdom and courage in sharing His words. I hope and pray that I can be a fruitful discipler as years come, and may I continue to be a stronger Christian who truly seeks God's will and honors Him in every little way...May God be glorified

                                              
It has been six months now since I started to work as a junior web designer here in Baguio City. As I worked here, I found the Victory Christian Fellowship or simply known as VCF or Victory. It is is a megachurch based in the Philippines and a founding member of the Every Nation Churches and Ministries, a worldwide movement of churches. Personally, I can say that VCF is a church that is really concerned with the growth and maturity of its every member. The church offers several programs and trainings for spiritual growth and maturity,  discipleship and evangelism. When I was in college, I was involved in a campus ministry that taught me the importance of being an authentic Christian and the importance of sharing God's love to other people. And because I see Victory Christian Fellowship as a church that is really dedicated in Honoring and Making Disciples, I was more encouraged to really be involved in this church. I started to attend a small group (or cell group as many churches still call it) and eventually joined VCF's ushering ministry. I was amazed by the church members' faith and dedication. Indeed, I can say that they are authentic Christians who wanna glorify God in every little thing that they do. They give their time and efforts wholeheartedly, they give their financial support generously, they support missions and relief operations, and they are concern for the growth of each other. This is no wonder why the church is growing fast. In VCF, members are taught not just to be seat warmers during Sundays, they are taught that it is not just the pastor's role to share the gospel and to make disciples. They are deeply challenged to live a life worthy of their calling. And I am happy to see that a lot of members understand this. I believe that God really blessed me by letting me be a part of this fellowship. Through victory, I came to know God more, I really learned a lot, and now I am more encouraged to live to give God glory and to breathe to give Him praise. I pray that may the good Lord bless this fellowship more and may it be a blessing to more and more people. May God be glorified

                                                                   
I am Earnest A. Gonzales. Presently, I work as a junior web designer in MobEntServ (Mobile Entertainment Services - Baguio City). I graduated last April 17, 2009 in Central Luzon State University (CLSU) with the degree Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. I am a CLSU alumnus, and i am somehow proud of it. Well CLSU might not be the best institution in the whole wide world but this institution helped me a lot to be a better me.

Personally, I did not want to study in CLSU. First, because geographically it is a university away from malls and places where you and your friends can hang-out. Secondly, the university is quite huge that you have to walk at least few kilometers a day when you go to class unless you have personal vehicles or you have alloted money for your tricycle fare. And finally, as I studied there i have learned that there were corrupt staffs in the university who were trying to make money out of the students' payments. This is why I said to myself before that if ever there would be an opportunity for me to study in a better institution I'd rather transfer than to stay in CLSU. However that opportunity never came, and after four years I  finished my units in the academe.

But I must admit, as years pass for me in CLSU, God made me realize that studying in CLSU isn't bad after all. I got involved in a student organization ( Christ in Central Luzon Campus Ministry or simply CCLCM ) where I've learned a lot, I earned a lot of unforgettable experiences, I made a lot of friends, I became a student leader, I learned to be more independent,  me and my team mates won in a university wide student psychology congress, I was also sent to regional web designing contest, I'd been to many places because of my friends in the campus ministry, I had a lot of fun and finally because of my involvement in the campus ministry, it led me to the point of my conversion,  I came to know Christ.

Truly CLSU will always have its spot in my heart, though I've said before that I don't wanna study in CLSU I ended up being grateful that I was able to study in this great institution.

Truly, the Lord is so good and gracious. I thank the Lord for his goodness in my sister's life. Last November 29, at 3 PM, my sister May Anne finally gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Maxene. Maxene is the first grandchild in the family, of course she is my first niece. This is why I just can't express my gladness with words and so as my parents, and my other siblings.

Her parents named her Maxene after the shuffled letters of their names, My sister's name is May Anne and her husband's name is Alex.

Well I dont know what else to say, all i know is i am very happy that finally I am an uncle now...Yipi...Praise God