The Texturize Bible (original) (raw)
Behind the cut, you will find a comprehensive guide not only to this community, but to the world of textures at large. Learn about making textures, uploading your textures for download, finding suitable file hosts, downloading from DeviantArt, as well as using tags in this community. Please read the important sections, especially the updated posting guidelines. Consider this a FAQ page: if you have questions about anything related to this community that is not answered here, or need an answer clarified, please leave a comment here.
Thanks, and happy texturizing!
About this Community
Posting Guidelines
What information should I include with my resources when posting?
Can I link to posts in a friends-locked or members-locked journal?
Tag Usage
Frequently Asked Questions
About this Community
What is this community for?
Texturize is a texture-resource community created for the purpose of our members sharing finished texture products and texture-making resources for download by our users. This community was designed to give resource-makers an outlet to display larger textures and to encourage the posting of materials to be used in texture-making processes.
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What are textures?
Textures, in this instance, are graphic files that emulate the properties of textures. In a broader sense, and quoting Wikipedia, texture refers to the properties held and sensations caused by the external surface of objects received through a sense of touch. This can be applied to paint, rock, soil/dirt, scratches, fabric types, and many other materials. Textures (when referring to the graphics) are prized images for embodying these types of sensations, and are used especially in the grunge or "wicked worn" movement of graphic design. (back to top)
Who is moderating this community? How can I contact them?
This community is primarily moderated by
hermintage. Her maintainer sidekick is
How do I receive posting access?
Posting access should be automatically granted as you join this community. However, if you were a member before the membership format of this community changed to open format and still do not have posting rights, you will need to temporarily leave the community and then rejoin. If you are still having issues, please contact
Are there guidelines for taking textures?
While you are not required to formally do anything as a member or watcher of this community, each individual resource-maker has his or her own set of rules and guidelines that you should adhere to. At the very least, if you appreciate the texture-maker's work or use the materials in making your own resources, comment telling the user that you have done or are doing so. This encourages resource-makers to continue their ventures in providing quality resources, and that keeps this community alive. Things you might want to remember when taking resources:
Comment with appreciation or link to a product/graphic made with the user's resource they posted. This shows you care, and enjoy their work.
When you save the .zip or folder to your hard-drive, rename the file to include the maker's name so that you can credit in the future - if they have not already done this for you. Read more about crediting a resource-maker.
Do not redistribute any links that you find here in other communities or on your own journal. While Texturize is not wholly responsible for the misuse or abuse of resource guidelines set forth by our users, we will back a community member if a dispute of this nature arises.
Posting Guidelines
What can I post in this community?
This is a resource community dedicated to textures; that is to say, image packs, .zip files, and other downloadable files containing .JPG, .GIF, or .PNG texture graphics for use in graphic projects.
You may also post other resources usable in making final textures, such as materials (fabric, etc.), stock photos, and other scans.
Posts searching for textures are now allowed in this community. Please remember to tag these posts as "search". (back to top)
What can't I post in this community?
To reiterate: this is a resource community dedicated to textures; files should be dedicated textures or graphic resources that may aid one in crafting new textures. If you post non-texture graphics for resource purposes, please consider sharing example textures for use along with the post. In short, we favor texture posts above all others, but recognize that gradients, brushes, and other art may be used in the making of textures and will not ban them from this community. When you post a non-texture resources, please tag it as "materials" or "other".
Please refrain from posting resources that require a payment of any kind before downloading. Payment can refer to comments, stars, actual monies, joining a mailing list, or downloading the resource only after sharing your resource. We consider that spam and it sucks. (back to top)
How often can I post in this community?
Please do not post more than twice a week, especially if you are posting similar styles of resources. When posting multiple resources, please place extra previews behind a LiveJournal cut. (back to top)
What information should I include with my resources when posting? What is required for this community?
Texturize recommends that you provide all of the following information (though you are only required to provide the top three), when abstracting your resources:
A preview graphic, not exceeding 350px, giving the users a tease of what they can expect when downloading the resource.
A direct link to the download URL: if possible, keeping the click travel to three pages or less. Click travel refers to how many pages the users must visit before they can download the resource. Disable comments and defer users to a different page for leaving comments if this is a concern.
Type of Resource: Please briefly describe what these resources are (textures, stock photos, patterns, materials, other).
File name: Include the file extension (.zip, .jpg, .gif, .pat, etc.) and your username in the name to provide a triple KO of information.
Download size, in pixels (for example: 1024x768)
Download size, in MB or KB (for example: 85KB).
Download provider: with each download location (URL) provided, please include the hosting service (such as DeviantArt, Sendspace, etc).
If your preview graphics include this information, you must abstract this information in a verbose manner (i.e., written out). This information is considered an accessibility issue: if your preview graphics disappear, your users will not know what they are downloading. Users with slow connections need this information in order to determine whether or not the download is worth their time and effort. For an example of this type of posting format, please visit this post.
For ready-to-use HTML, please copy and paste the information in the following text-area:
Can I rights-protect my textures or other resources?
It is possible to copyright-protect your resources under a fair use contract. You can do this by two methods: simply linking to a fair use rights policy that you create yourself in your journal or on your Web site, or obtaining a fair use rights license through Creative Commons. If you are hosting your resources on DeviantArt, you are now able to opt to include a Creative Commons fair use license agreement during the submission process. It is good practice to alert your users that such an agreement is in place (DA will do this automatically for you). To see an example of a resource which uses a fair use license agreement, visit this Deviation. (back to top)
Can I offer textures on a server with password protection?
Yes. In fact, if you do not host your resources through DeviantArt, it is recommended that you use password-protection on your servers or server accounts. Please friends-lock any posts in this community that provides passwords to archives (this is the only instance in which friends-locking a post is allowed; please read about linking to locked posts elsewhere). Texturize cannot be held responsible for misuse or abuse of passwords distributed in this community; however, if you have an issue with a user regarding passwords, the moderator will attempt to help you recover lost or stolen information if possible. Please contact
Can I link to posts in a friends-locked or members-locked journal?
No. Posts found linking to a friends-locked journal or community will be deleted. Texturize is about promoting textures for public consumption: forcing users to join a community or friend a journal simply to download one or two resources does not invoke the values of free public domain. End of discussion. (back to top)
Where can I host my textures for download?
There are no guidelines to your limitations on where to host your downloads. One of the best hosting services on the Internet for artists is DeviantArt. Basic account are free, and subscriptions offer extra features. Other options are file sharing sites such as MediaFire or Sendspace -- the downside being that, when download limit is reached, you will need to remember to upload your files again to prevent broken links. Wikipedia has a fabulous comparison chart of one-click file hosting service providers. Also, for more personalized and stable media storage (though most always for a price), you can register a domain with a file hosting provider. (back to top)
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Tag Usage
What are tags? How do I tag my entries??
Tags are keywords used to briefly describe a LiveJournal entry. When posting to Texturize, please remember to tag your entries! This helps the maintainers keep busy with other things such as promoting the community or making textures of their own. Tag your entries by inserting the keywords associated with this community in the "Tags" field when you update. If you have forgotten to use the tags, simply click on the icon shown after the entry has been posted and you will be directed to the Tag Management Tool. For more information about tags, please see LJ FAQ #226: How do I tag my entries? Where can I manage my tags?. (back to top)
What types of tags are there in this community?
Texturize utilizes many different tags to identify and categorize its entries. Seven of those types of tags refer to types of textures or texture-making resources; 2 of these tags are admin or moderator-use tags only; the rest have been created to allow users to find better search results when visiting this community. Not sure why tagging is important? Please read An Argument for Tagging. Below is a list of the tags available in this journal and proper usage.
Tags
!style (b&w): Black & white or grayscale textures
!style (birds - other shapes): Using shapes; textures featuring the bird shape
!style (boxy frames): Box framed areas for images
!style (cloud - sky - rainbow): Using cloud or sky images; rainbow-esque shapes or rainbow photos
!style (colorful): Using more than one color
!style (decorative): Using graphic flourishes, or simply flourishes without a texture background
!style (floral): Exhibiting flower icons or floral patterns
!style (frames): Using lifelike frames
!style (gradient): Resembling gradients
!style (grunge): Exhibiting worn or aged qualities
!style (light): Resembling faded or colored lights
!style (lines - plaid): Using repeating lines or plaid patterns
!style (monochromatic): Using only one or two colors
!style (muted): Referring to a darker version of primary colors
!style (nature - photo): Created using real-life photos of nature or other objects
!style (newsprint): Mimics newsprint text
!style (notebook): Mimics notepaper or journal pages
!style (objects): Real-life objects
!style (paper): Paper scans or mimicking the quality of paper
!style (patterned): Patterns for download, or using patterns other than lines & plaid
!style (pixelated): Created using MS Paint, or exhibiting a "Digital" feel
!style (polaroid): Scans or created polaroid films
!style (retro - vintage): Displaying vintage or retro trends
!style (scrapbook): Features many polaroids, or mimics scrapbooking papers
!style (scratched): Dusty, scratched textures, often black and white
!style (simple): Without ornate flourishes or grungy qualities
!style (smokey): Exhibiting smoke plumes or dusty sratches
!style (splatters): Blood, ink, and other splatters
!style (swirls): Using swirly additions
!style (text): Displays handwritten or tiny text
!style (vectorized): Akin to swirls, displays vectorized-type, non-floral flourishes
!style (woodgrain): Mimics woodgrain or wood as if cut lengthways
#frequently asked questions: Policies & policy updates
links: Links to resources hosted on sites such as DeviantArt
materials (fabric): Materials for creating textures; fabric scans
materials (misc/scans): Materials for creating textures; miscellaneous scans
materials (patterns): Materials for creating textures; pattern files
mod posts: Announcements from the moderators
search: Posts searching for a particular type of texture
textures (icon sized): Textures; icon sized -- 100x100
textures (large sized): Textures; large sized -- over 800x600
textures (medium sized): Textures; medium sized -- between 100x100 and 800x600
textures (miscellaneous): Textures; specifically, posts containing several sizes
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Can I add new tags to this community's existing tags?
Technically, no. Only maintainers and moderators have permissions to create new tags in this community. However, if you feel that a tag is missing, please feel free to suggest its addition here. If you would like to lend a hand in the tagging upkeep of this community, please feel free to contact Meredith. (back to top)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find textures?
To find graphic textures, you can filter this community by its tags. You can also search for other resource communities, which you can find on LiveJournal by searching the interests for "textures" or something similar (try "graphics" or "photoshop" as well). If you are hoping to make textures, look no further than around you. Texture inspiration is everywhere: the brushed metal of your computer screen, the leafy plants in your garden, the asphalt on which you drive. Take your digital camera out for a few spins and see what happens. Textures are the detailed markup of a lot of our sensations, and they can be found in the most unlikely places -- all you have to do is open your eyes. (back to top)
What are textures? How do I use them?
Textures, in this instance, are graphic files that emulate the properties of textures. Though already answered above, it seems as if this is a commonly misunderstood type of graphic resource. Below, find a comparison chart of several resource types.
Type of Resource Program Used Application File Type Gradients (Example) Graphic programs or other photo editing programs Applied with the gradient shape tool, used to add shading and color depth to an image Distributed as image packs or .GRD Brushes (Example) Depending, Photoshop or specific graphic program in which the brush file was created Applied with the brush tool to add effects of texture, patterns or other Distributed as image packs or .ABR or .JBR Patterns (Example) Usually graphic programs, but also used in Web development to add patterned backgrounds to Web sites Used to create tiling backgrounds, an easy way to create a "textile" effect in any graphic Distributed as image packs or .PAT files or .PDF reference files for use in other programs Stock Photos (Example) Graphic or other photo editing programs Most commonly applied as a new layer when working with blending; can also be used to create brushes, textures, or other resources Usually .JPG, .TIFF or .PSD Textures (Example) Graphic or other photo editing programs Most commonly applied as a new layer when working with blending; can also be used to create wallpapers, borders, and add other decorative flourishes or depth Usually .JPG, .PNG, or .GIF If that does not completely answer your questions on using textures as opposed to other resources, please see this tutorial which addresses the question with examples of specific instances on using textures.(back to top)
What are materials? How do I use them?
Materials are a varied breed of graphic resource. Generally, materials refer to stock that can be used to create other finished products, such as headers, banners, Web site layouts, desktop wallpapers, or anything you choose. For the purpose of this community, materials refer to patterns, stock photos, gradients, brushes, and anything that can be used to create textures or finished products and distributed for download. If your terms of use state that a user cannot use the resource when creating other resources for distribution, please do not tag the item as materials. (back to top)
What are image packs? Can I load them like I load brushes?
Image packs (or packages) are .zip files loaded with .JPG, .GIF, or .PNG files created for the ease of users downloading an entire set. Image packs can not be loaded like brushes directly, unfortuantely, but it is easy to define an image as a brush for future brush-like usage. Simply open the image (File > Open) and select Edit > Define Brush. When prompted, name the texture if you choose, and then select "OK". A more complex method of using actions to define entire packs of textures can be found at
grrliz_icons in this tutorial. (back to top)
How do I make textures for download?
A simple way to make textures is to find stock photos with a grunge or otherwise distressed look, and then manipulate them in Photoshop. Try starting with 100x100 textures to really get a feel for the process. If you are interested in aged and weathered textures created from Photoshop Presets, please see the following tutorials:
Cameron Moll's Wicked Worn Look Series
Grrliz's Aging Process Tutorial
Grrliz's Torn Paper Tutorial
If there is a tutorial that is not listed here and you feel is relevant to this section, please leave a link to it in the comments. Once you have created your finished textures, save the .jpg files in a .zip file and upload them to your favorite host. (back to top)
How do I credit a resource-maker?
Crediting a resource-maker is not only a nice way of saying thank you, but it helps other graphic artists to find the resources that you used. Crediting is easy, and can be done by several methods. Some users post an entry to their LiveJournal listing the resources they use in their graphics, and link back to it each time they post. Other users will list the specific resource-makers with each graphic post or resource post. Either way you choose to do so, please try to list not only the resource-maker but a link to the specific resource for download. Linking to some users' graphic journals can be frustrating if they are an accomplished resource-maker, and not everyone has the time to wade through each entry looking for just what they want. (back to top)
Are textures rights-protected? When shouldn't I use textures I find?
Some textures are rights-protected (read about protecting your textures), and you should read the terms of service carefully before taking textures. It is probably a bad idea to simply use textures or stock photos that you have found via Google: often, these photos or images are not intended for use outside of the particular Web site they appear on, and the producer of the photos could have serious objections to their work being used elsewhere. To avoid any legality issues, try to stick to materials and textures that you find in forums such as this, that have been specifically created for the use of texture-making or graphic arts. (back to top)
What is DeviantArt? How do I download from that site?
DeviantArt is an art and graphic forum that allows its users to post and promote their own work with most of its features and services free of use. DeviantArt is a great resource for finding graphic resources as well as hosting your own. When you visit a Deviation page, such as this, you will be able to download the file by clicking the computer monitor icon and the Download link. You can only download an item from the Deviation page, not a user's gallery. For more information about DeviantArt, its services, or how to use DeviantArt features, please visit its help section rather than asking questions here. (back to top)