Steel Cage Water Cooler

Saw this suggestion and thought it might be worth a try? So here's an off topic Cager thread where you can ask questions, chit chat and talk smack without hijacking a battle. What do you think?

Great idea - thanks Rob. Now I have a place to bug Nikki.

Great idea, Rob. OK, I'll fire off a newbie question (as I mentally prepare for the first battle sometime down the road--can't do it now...on a deadline...):


First Blow: Someone builds a blow that contains, say 12 layers when all is said and done, and they're ready to send it off.


Question 1: All the layers should be left when sending it off, correct?


Second Blow: The opponent recives the 12-layer file, crafts their return volley based on varoius element(s) from the previous layer(s). Let's say they use 7 more layers to create their work.


Question 2: When they send it back, from what I understand, it's OK to flatten the original 12 layers, yes?


Question 3: What about the 7 layers they used? Merged into 1? Left as 7? The reason I ask was this line from the SC FAQ post:


"In each blow, a single layer is added to the original .psd. Elements of the subordinate layer must be visible. Blows that entirely conceal the lower layer will forfeit the match." (emphasis mine)


That was a bit confusing to me...am I on the right track, or am I missing the mark?


Thanks!
Mike

(Edited on 2010-01-21 07:34:23 by mrod)

okay Jamie! That actually made me choke on my coffee. HA!

@Mike you've totally got it!
It is considered good form to leave your layers open. It elevates the level of play by letting you focus on creativity, composition and style without the time-consuming grunt isolation work. It also multiplies the learning experience by, like, a bazillion by seeing how other people achieve effects... Shows off any tricks you may have up your sleeves, too.

However- it is well within your rights to merge them. Just depends on how you want to play, and what you want to take away from the experience.

The single best advice i can offer someone new is- play with suemack. It will define your cage outlook for the positive.

Cool, thanks Rob, this is exactly what I meant! (spins around, looks at the water cooler in disappointment wishing it was beer) Big place ya got here!

Thanks, nbodine. Apprecaite the answers sage advice.


suemack, eh...hmmm...it's always good to learn from a master...I saw her battle with Ryuneo...wow! For both of 'em!


Mike

yes, well- you make a good point. That battle was bigtime wow.
Perhaps she's outgrown her gentle leadership.... for supermegahotshot ?


I should have just said- the hardest part is working up the nerve to jump from the sidelines into the ring. But you can do it!


you'll only regret the wait.

I'm sure that's true. Gotta get a free-lance article finished and off my plate, make sure my day job duties are under control, and then...

Yeah what Nikki said, just jump in, but do make sure you have some free time, the cage is a real hour sucking vortex!

..hmm this water tastes funny.

Hey Tony! Whattya think? Couches are a bit dusty, but it's the only room they had!

Some photos on the wall and a fresh coat of paint would make a big improvement..and what are these stains from on the floor? Looks like jelo.

Wow, gross, ask Rob, he had the only set of keys last night!

Yay, this is what the cage needed

Nice Shoes Nikki. What you doin down here in the dungeon?

(don't look at the soles... i think i may have tracked in whatever's on the floor.)


I was thirsty... and you?

Whoa, blink and you miss something really important like ........... wow those are nice shoes Nikki!


So good to see everyone here Thank you so much Nikki *hugs* and @ mrod ....Mike, thank you *blush* ... master, that was Ryan's doing, he is such an incredible artist it brought out the best in me.  The best advice I ever got was to get in there and have a go.

Go Sue!! 

While we are all here discussing, I would like to hear some feedback regarding battle judgments--suggestions? Things you love/hate about judgments? Things we could improve, add, remove to help you hone your skills and progress as a cager/designer? Please, as far as im concerned, feel free to take a shot and give me some insight on your opinions. I love to hear input!

I love the comments! I find them helpful, encouraging ..... they tell me where I got it right, they help to pinpoint the areas I need to work on.