I had to do some photo stiching today. Since time was short and there was some distortion I decided to see if there were any free tools that could save me some time.

I found ICE at Microsoft Research and it did the job fine. You can see the two original images above and the stitched panorama. Took only a couple minutes automated crunching and spit it out.

I like finding little artwork 'gems.' It seems most of the oohs and ahhs are reserved for big budget video games. Still, I have seen some very nice work in many casual and adventure games.

It's a good idea to look for inspiration in as many different places as possible so check out the link for a look at some nice -and often overlooked- artwork.

The Art of Casual Games II

Lynda.com has a free 24 Hour pass offer available. Not sure how long the offer will be around but if you have a day with some free time then you should sign up and watch some of those free Blender, Photoshop, Illustrator or other tutorials free! There is some great stuff there and I feel lucky to have access to a subscription provided by my job. Well worth a look. 

Check it out >>

I found an interesting site by chance today. It is called Issuu and it seems to have a lot of free content. Try a search for Illustrator, Photoshop, Artist or Games for example and there seems to be free magazines. books and other documents. It'll take my a while to sort it all out but figured I'd post it so you can explore too.

EASEUS Todo Backup is a complete solution providing backup to image and disk clone, regardless of your partition or even whole hard disk. This backup software is free, trustworthy and easy to use. This free backup software allows you to back up all your important documents, photos, music, emails and program settings using a simple but smart wizard-driven interface to storage device. EASEUS Todo Backup can image the full functional Windows systems. Once your system is crashed or need to reinstall, you may restore it from the image, and maybe a few minutes later, you will gain a pure and full functional Windows system again.

A few simple steps, and you’re up and running. EASEUS Todo Backup then takes over, managing each backup task in the background.

Easy-to-use wizard-driven interface

A tree-view partition list allows you to see all the partitions that are in a backup task and the new files that will be stored in the next backup session. EASEUS Todo Backup will start automatically and can be accessed from the system tray.

It’s Free

No strings attached. No ads or pop-ups. Just access to EASEUS Todo Backup, a secure, safe, dependable backup solution. Free for unlimited backup with one partner.

Jorge R. Gutierrez is a Mexican animator, writer, director, and self-proclaimed troublemaker and cartoonista. Along with his partner and wife, Sandra Equihua, he created the acclaimed animated television series El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera for Nickelodeon. Gutierrez and El Tigre have been honored with five Emmy Awards and two Annie awards.

I have a subscription to Lynda.com yet hadn't really noticed this Creative Inspirations series before today. It is fantastic. Even if you don't have a subscription you can watch the first 3 videos free and I recommend you do just that.

The files are private by default but you can also drop stuff into a "Public" folder and right click on any file in that folder to get a url and share that file. Just as cool there is no configuration involved. Simple 1-2-3 install and ready to go.

This program comes with 2GB free or you can buy additional storage. It is endlessly useful to share files and folders, work with team members, backup important files and more. The features don't stop there either so be sure to check out the Feature page when you get to DropBox. Big thumbs up on this excellent service.

FilterForge has a new Beta out which is really impressive! You can take a look here

.They also have a 50% discount on the current versions - not sure how long it will last but it is an awesome tool.

There are a few sites featuring historical posters of various types which you may find interesting as reference for designing period games, textures or other art.

Here are a few to get you started.

If you know of other good resources please send me an email and I'll add them to the links section.

The promotion ends on January 3, so there's not much time left! I've seen some great titles from $3-$6 and am rounding up a few myself.

Some critics have said the story is 'simple' and reminiscent of one movie or another but that is not a fair statement. The story touches on elements of the 'universal story' and so of course we recognize bits. But that really doesn't matter. The story is solid and masterfully told. The cg and 3D effects are superb. The colors are vibrant. The character and environmental design incredible. The animation is smooth and believable. The Na'vi have a depth that evokes an emotive response.

Did I notice any flaws?  I could nitpick one or two tiny items but I won't. You know why? Because 8 hours after seeing the movie I'm still thinking and writing about it. The movie works as a whole.  This is something that has to be experienced. Sit back and enjoy it. I know I'm going to do something I almost never do -go see it a second time at the theatre.

Be sure to check out the 3D version if possible as it really added to the experience.

Official Avatar Movie Website >>

1. Animation Background Layout: From Student to Professional - This book is available directly from the authors web site. It was the only book I could find when I was in school that talked specifically about creating background layouts for animation. I found it very useful.
2. The Animator's Survival Guide - We used this as a text book in school and paid $100 plus for it. At under $20 it should be on the shelf of every animator. The acting, dealing with weight, timing and other issues can also provide insights useful to other artists. Two thumbs up.
3. Understanding Comics - Scott McCloud is an awesome and insightful fellow. I am still digesting bits of wisdom from several of his books about comic art. The knowledge found in these books will be of use to every type of creatives and I recommend them heartily.
4. Art & Fear: Obervations on the Perils & Rewards of Art Making - As a budding artist filled with doubt about my ability, the quality of my art compared to others - even about calling myself an artist- I found this small book enlightening.
5. The Illusion of Life - Two of Disney's original animators give a unique behind the scenes look at the history and processes that drove Disney art & animation. The included, insight and content make this a book worth having.
6. Film Directing: Shot by Shot - I used this book in animation school and loved it. If you are involved in animation, film or possibly even comic books I think you will find the information on planning and visualizing shots.

Some of these books seem to be aimed at a narrow audience but I have found that if you abstract any good idea or process - down to the primitive building blocks - you will discover truths that can be applied to many other situations.

I should say these are books actually on my shelf. There are many others on my have to get list.

Here is a quick preview image I made with the brush set.

I'd love to hear from you if you use these as it will help decide the direction of any future brush packs I develop.

As always, your feedback is welcome to help me to improve future offerings.

This texture was created using the brushes in the set.

If you use them be sure to tell me what you like and what you don't - it may influence future additions.

I found these gems while looking for an alpha mapped tree for a quick mock up. I saw the artist has some extensive collections on TurboSquid but had some free samples on ShareCg from 2 years ago. I wanted to give the artist a plug but couldn't find his name. If anyone knows the artist's real name and web site please let me know and I'll post it here.

There seem to be a few more items than what is posted on this link. You have to search through the TGA files on ShareCg to find them.

Check it out here>>

See the Top 40 rated Photoshop brush packs from DeviantArt.