Making skins

[TX-Copper]

Um....this post probably won't even get replies, but here goes anyways.
Anyone able to offer advice/tips on how to even start making a custom skin??  I'm like a newborn child when it comes to anything technical here, as i'm sure everyone was at one point.
If there is already a post somewhere here, please forgive and maybe direct me to it.  I have seen some of your custom skins, and think it would be nice to make some of my own...sporting my name....all that kinda stuff.
Some web page links specializing in this would be much appreciated too.
Pls help...wouldn't you like to see the development of someone clueless turning into greatness, and say "yes...I helped that child get to where he is today.....:  

 

[LW_Tornado]

I'll answer, get with me on UBI and I'll give you some awsome links Tony T gave me for newb skinners, and then youre on your own , lol, cuz I DONT skinn anything cept animals ;)TX-TornadoBlue 3TX TO

[Seeker]

First of all, you need a paint/photo editing program that will work with .psd layered files. Adobe has some excellent ones...photoshop and paintshop. Or, you can try a free program call The Gimp. It will do virtually all of what photoshop can and works with the .psd format. Free download here: http://www2.arnes.si/~sopjsimo/gimpYou will then need to download the layered templates. Look for .psd template files from http://www.il2skins.com . These are your blueprints for skinning. The layers make it simple to paint individual elements of the aircraft without affecting the rest. TXsquadron has kindly uploaded several templates to Il2Skins and also at Skinners Heaven: http://www.1java.org/shThose site have some very good links and resources. Also, the folks at UBI will gladly help and will respond much quicker than us. Check out the PaintSchemes Forum at Ubi: http://forums.ubi.com/messages/overview.asp?name=paintschemesOnce you have your skin painted save it as a .bmp file at 8 bit (256) color into your paintschemes folder in FB. If your program doesn't have 8bit as an option (mine doesn't) you can convert them with Irfranview using the batch conversion tool. http://www.irfanview.comThat should get you started. I just started skinning myself and it really is fun once you get the hang of the program. If you have any more specific questions feel free to ask.  Good luck and enjoy!TX-SeekerBlack 4

[LW_Tornado]

Yo Seek , I have some other awsome links if youd like to check em out ;)S~T-Dawg

[Seeker]

Can't check em unless you post em. I'd appreciate it. ThanksTX-SeekerBlack 4

[TX-FlightRisk]

Tornado skinning animals and not posting links....that boy just plain worries me to death sometimes LOL.....S~TX-FlightRisk Black 3

[TX-Copper]

Thanks alot guys.....new I could count on you all for a heads up.  I have adobe.....have lots lol (believe in shareware!!), and ill get the template dl'd, and give it a whirl.Hmmm...mebbe I can make one showing my dept.'s decals...

[LW_Tornado]

Here you go ladies.http://pub82.ezboard.com/b1ejavahttp://www.1java.org/sh/http://www.sturmovik.com/il2skins.htmhttp://www.flugzeugwerk.net/xsonst.htmHope these help  :)S~TX-TornadoBlue 3