Heh...smudging.

[guardian]

So, this is my very first attempt at smudging the mane and tail. (Yeah, my cutting could be a bit less sloppy too.) I've had photoshop for three or four years and I'm just now deciding to try some equine manipulations. Hahaha. I know. I'm looking for tips and advice here. I believe on part of the tail I could have used a smaller brush size and maybe make it less thick or at least make the strokes less visible/more natural?

[Sango<3]

I know I'm probably not the best person to critique and whatnot but I think it's pretty good! Mm yeah perhaps not as thick on the tail and perhaps use some smaller brushes at the tips of both the mane and tail to make the ends a bit less, harsh.. Not sure if that makes any sense but yeah if this is your first, I can't wait to see more! I don't know if this will make any sense but whenever I smudge manes and tails, I go under the brushes little tab where you choose your brush, and then once I've chosen it, I click 'Other Dynamics' and change control to fade and the number about 200. Not sure if that will do anything but it does on mine.. XD

[guardian]

Thank you very much for your input! I didn't even know there was an "Other Dynamics" thingy. I definitely have to try that out.

[Sango<3]

Lol you're very welcome! I have Adobe Photoshop CS and I would think it would be on other versions.. But yes, I do believe that it well, fades the end of the brush so it like.. well fades. Haha.. Sorry I suck at explaining things. >.<

[guardian]

I have 7.0 and I just looked for Other Dynamics but didn't see it. Lol. Perhaps it is in a different spot. I shall have to search. (:

[Sango<3]

-_- Er, lemme take a screen shot of my little screen, perhaps that will help.. or just prove that I'm dumb. XD

There we go. That is what my brushes palette looks like.. Lol.

[guardian]

-slaps forehead- Oh. Lol. Thank you!!

[Sango<3]

Lol did you find it..? I'm quite bad at explaining things.. much better for me to just show a picture. XD

[guardian]

Yes, I did find it! It was kind of off the the side, where I never would have looked!

[Nia(:]

This looks very good so far!
As for critique, you should use a 1 px brush with a fade of about 60% to make you mane's look more flowy and real.
Try making the forelock a bit longer and wavier.
great job though, really(;