Ben's Animated Avatars

benjamminbrown

Welp, I think that the Waluigi portrait is more or less done. I'll see if I can put together a GIF with those originals included. It'd be fun to see if I can make Wario and Daisy ones as well.

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

Here's a version that's usable as an AV!

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

@MetaMario:

All good to hear! A bigger ava would be super, actually.

So… I tried scaling your AV a little. My goal was to scale the foreground more than the background while scaling up as much as possible, but the final result is not as different from the original as I wanted. The original is 500x358 pixels, and what I've done is 500x450 (I was trying for 500x500, but blending the backgrounds became a little difficult at that size).

[hide][/hide]

If you want, I can just clip the sides of your AV off so that it is more square. It'll look much bigger on the forums that way.

Or I could clip more of the sides off of this scaled one.

Let me know what you think!

Here's what they'll look like back-to-back when they get scaled by the forum to a width of 150 pixels.

Original

Edit

MetaMario

@benjamminbrown:

Welp, I think that the Waluigi portrait is more or less done. I'll see if I can put together a GIF with those originals included. It'd be fun to see if I can make Wario and Daisy ones as well.

Ooh, that'd be something. Waluigi came out great!

So… I tried scaling your AV a little. My goal was to scale the foreground more than the background while scaling up as much as possible, but the final result is not as different from the original as I wanted. The original is 500x358 pixels, and what I've done is 500x450 (I was trying for 500x500, but blending the backgrounds became a little difficult at that size)

...

If you want, I can just clip the sides of your AV off so that it is more square. It'll look much bigger on the forums that way.

Or I could clip more of the sides off of this scaled one.

Let me know what you think!

The new size is perfect! Just a little bigger, all I wanted. Thanks again, man!

benjamminbrown

@MetaMario:

Ooh, that'd be something. Waluigi came out great!

Thanks!

Actually, I already updated the first post with the GIF, but it's only partly done. Luigi and Rosalina are going to need a little work before I can add them, but they'll probably be in within the next few days.

I also want to lighten up Waluigi's purple a bit so that it's bright like the other colors.

@MetaMario:

The new size is perfect! Just a little bigger, all I wanted. Thanks again, man!

Glad I could help! Enjoy :)

MetaMario

@benjamminbrown:

Thanks!

Actually, I already updated the first post with the GIF, but it's only partly done. Luigi and Rosalina are going to need a little work before I can add them, but they'll probably be in within the next few days.

What I really like is every Mario all-star having their own color. At the end, it'll be a rainbow cycle of Nintendo's finest~

Deviant_Mugen

That All-Stars-style Waluigi came out great, Ben! I'm definitely adding that to my collection and might use it as an avatar soon (even though Meta was the one that requested it :ninja:). Keep up the great work…

MetaMario

@Deviant_Mugen:

That All-Stars-style Waluigi came out great, Ben! I'm definitely adding that to my collection and might use it as an avatar soon (even though Meta was the one that requested it :ninja:). Keep up the great work…

If you want, you can use it. Cool with me. :D

benjamminbrown

@Deviant_Mugen:

That All-Stars-style Waluigi came out great, Ben! I'm definitely adding that to my collection and might use it as an avatar soon (even though Meta was the one that requested it :ninja:). Keep up the great work…

Help yourself! I put it on the first post because it seemed like Meta was letting it go up for grabs.

If you want still versions of that cycling AV, then just let me know, I can easily cut out individual portraits.

Thanks for the encouragement, I really appreciate it!

Robby

Did Mario used to look more pixely? Or is that just my imagination?

benjamminbrown

@Robby:

Did Mario used to look more pixely? Or is that just my imagination?

He was definitely more pixelated before. I've been updating my old AVs using the xBRZ pixel scaling algorithm where appropriate. Only three of the CT ones have actually been updated, the rest are still pixely.

If you like the pixel look better, then I can put copies of each version in the first post. Trouble with using those algorithms is that they do make the image slightly more detailed, so I sometimes have to reduce the number of colors in the image just to get it to fit in the file size limit.

Robby

I was gonna say I liked the nostalgia feeling of the pixel version better, but… seeing them side by side its hard to say.

Smooth is probably better on that one.

They're also totalyl desynche don mine so it looks like they're alternating goign up and down, which is neat.

benjamminbrown

Thanks for the input, Nosferatu Robb!

I agree, it's hard to say which is better. I like the pixellation, but if I have to scale up more than 2x then I think the algorithms do a little better while keeping some of that old 16-bit feel with the colors.

Jabra

So there is a thread for your avatars, huh. I like them all, my favorite being Robo and the star-grabbing Mario you had for a while. That one was really cool.

Also +1 for nostalgia pixels!

benjamminbrown

@Jabra:

So there is a thread for your avatars, huh. I like them all, my favorite being Robo and the star-grabbing Mario you had for a while. That one was really cool.

Also +1 for nostalgia pixels!

Thanks, Wolfman!

Alright, alright, you guys have convinced me. I'll put the pixelated versions back in the original post so you can pick your choose.

My next project was going to be the Piranha Plant from SM64, but I have to say that I'm getting a little intimidated by Blender, which I have never used before. I mean, I know that 3D rendering is difficult, I've demoed parts in SolidWorks before, but I honestly don't even know where to start with this guy. Usually I can play around a little before I have to start looking up tutorials, but I didn't even know how to import the .obj files at first.

I think that I'm probably a little out of my depth, but I'm going to keep at it anyway.

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

Hey, visitors, thanks for checking out my GIFs!

Now, I've got a couple questions for y'all:

How is the first post loading for you? Are all the GIFs appearing to run smoothly, or are they starting to get laggy?

If lag is becoming a problem, then I can try to spread them out to separate pages of this thread and provide links to them in the first post. Also, I could replace them all with links to whatever image upload site I'm using, but I sort of like that they show up immediately when you open the spoiler tag.

Let me know what you think, and I will format the thread accordingly. Thanks again to all of you who have visited, and especially to those who have given feedback! Please, feel free to use these AVs as you wish. Requests are always welcome, too.

Galaxy 9000

Just entered to say that these GIFs are amazing. Keep up the good work!

The first post loads quickly for me (but I'm probably not a good example since I'm on an outrageously fast University Internet Connection). I can tell you that once a lot of avatars get under those tags though, it will start to bog down someone with a slow internet connection.

A way to compress what's viewed on the first post though, would be to upload the GIF to a site like Imagebam. Make the thumbnail size whatever, but use the GIF format. Then use the BBCode that it gives you after the upload, and it'll appear as a still image in the post, but once clicked on will go to the site and appear as a GIF.

benjamminbrown

@Galaxy:

Just entered to say that these GIFs are amazing. Keep up the good work!

Will do, good buddy. Thanks for the encouragement!

@Galaxy:

The first post loads quickly for me (but I'm probably not a good example since I'm on an outrageously fast University Internet Connection). I can tell you that once a lot of avatars get under those tags though, it will start to bog down someone with a slow internet connection.

A way to compress what's viewed on the first post though, would be to upload the GIF to a site like Imagebam. Make the thumbnail size whatever, but use the GIF format. Then use the BBCode that it gives you after the upload, and it'll appear as a still image in the post, but once clicked on will go to the site and appear as a GIF.

Thanks for the advice, and I like your idea. The filesize of each GIF is quite small (they're AVs after all), so I'm not really that worried about them loading slowly. What's really going to become a problem is that they're all going to start animating very slowly depending on how fast your GPU/browser combo is. I've already started to notice that the playback is getting slow when I visit the thread with my smart phone, so I figured that others must be seeing that as well.

I've been using imgur so far, let's see if they do a similar thing.

Test:

Schweet! It works!

Alright, I'll update the original with these when I get the time.

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

Neat! Imgur keeps track of all sorts of statistics about your viewed images. Now, I'll be able to tell which ones you all are viewing the most (and least)!

Aw yis. I'm excite.

benjamminbrown

Next up: Korosensei

edit: Latitudes and Longitudes

benjamminbrown

First variation, done!

Rogues' Gallery

@benjamminbrown:

First variation, done!

http://i.imgur.com/rsTijQk.png

Fantastic Work, Benjammin! Next, try doing the Blank expression where he's like (._.)

Oh, and since you don't mind me coming to you for help, could you please tweak my White Rabbit Avatar for me, if you possibly can?

It's the eyes that need changing. The entire Sclera (whites of the eyes) are a Very noticeable Pink color, which unfortunately makes my Avatar look like he's incredibly high on Cannabis.

I know the original Disney film had the same eye color, but could you change the pink eyes to a proper white?

I have another, much tougher, request of you concerning my Avatar, but I'm not sure I should ask.

benjamminbrown

@Rogues':

Fantastic Work, Benjammin! Next, try doing the Blank expression where he's like (._.)

Oh, and since you don't mind me coming to you for help, could you please tweak my White Rabbit Avatar for me, if you possibly can?

http://www.arlongpark.net/customavatars/avatar15012_333.gif

It's the eyes that need changing. The entire Sclera (whites of the eyes) are a Very noticeable Pink color, which unfortunately makes my Avatar look like he's incredibly high on Cannabis.

I know the original Disney film had the same eye color, but could you change the pink eyes to a proper white?

Here's a slightly more sober bunny, hopefully he won't be running quite as late as that last one.

I couldn't find that exact purple that we used for the outline last time, so I tried to replicate it. I've also made the outline a little less harsh. Is it all a little more to your liking?
Considering all of the drugs/narcotics references in that story, I wouldn't be surprised if that rabbit is supposed to be high as fuck on… something.

@Rogues':

I have another, much tougher, request of you concerning my Avatar, but I'm not sure I should ask. http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/3497/2e0sr50th.gif

Please, do go on. I like requests!

benjamminbrown

Second Movement

Rogues' Gallery

@benjamminbrown:

Here's a slightly more sober bunny, hopefully he won't be running quite as late as that last one.

Thanks for clearing that up!

@benjamminbrown:

I couldn't find that exact purple that we used for the outline last time, so I tried to replicate it.

This is the Dark Purple color reference that I provided with you in the original request. Speaking honestly, I prefer the dark & harsher outline. @benjamminbrown:

Considering all of the drugs/narcotics references in that story, I wouldn't be surprised if that rabbit is supposed to be high as fuck on… something
:ninja:
[HIDE]

[/HIDE]

@benjamminbrown:

Please, do go on. I like requests!

Well, the thing is, could you, if possible, change the clothes the Rabbit is wearing to different colors? or would that be too complicated?

Like the Red Coat to more of a Blue/Dark Blue? (Here are Some Samples)

And the Yellow Vest to more of a Darker shade of Wrought Iron Grey (to differentiate between the lighter Grey shorts that he is wearing, which you don't need to change.)

Would that be manageable?

benjamminbrown

@Rogues':

Well, the thing is, could you, if possible, change the clothes the Rabbit is wearing to different colors? or would that be too complicated?

Like the Red Coat to more of a Blue/Dark Blue? (Here are Some Samples)

And the Yellow Vest to more of a Darker shade of Wrought Iron Grey (to differentiate between the lighter Grey shorts that he is wearing, which you don't need to change.)

Would that be manageable?

How's this?

Are you sure that the vest/jacket combo isn't too dark? I can lighten it up a little or try to up the contrast so that the highlights are a little brighter.

I can also change the color of his shirt and/or pants if you want. Just let me know!

Rogues' Gallery

@benjamminbrown:

How's this?

http://i.imgur.com/fziJPWe.png

I'm continually impressed with your GIMP Wizardry, Oh Great Browner of Benjammins.

@benjamminbrown:

Are you sure that the vest/jacket combo isn't too dark? I can lighten it up a little

Yeah, please do that.

@benjamminbrown:

I can also change the color of his shirt and/or pants if you want. Just let me know!

I think I'm going to get a little carried away here.

Basically, the New pants/vest/Bow tie colors are completely fine. No need to change those, it's only the outer coat that could use some tweaking.

Hmm, going by this chart for the different shades of blue, I would say the current coat color is closest to either a "Duke Blue" or a "Navy Blue".

Could I please have a comparison change to more of a "Persian Blue"?

Lastly, there's still some Yellow on the upturned Coat collars. Could that please be changed to a "Pakistan Green"?

I'M SO SORRY FOR ASKING SO MUCH OF YOU!!

PLEASE HAVE MERCY!!

benjamminbrown

Really, I have fun doing this, so no need to thank me so much!

Here's the next cut, let me know if you think it needs a little more tweaking.

Rogues' Gallery

@benjamminbrown:

Really, I have fun doing this, so no need to thank me so much!

Here's the next cut, let me know if you think it needs a little more tweaking.

http://i.imgur.com/aeKktBm.png

Um….Uh....(trying to think of things that need tweaking because it's already so perfect) M-Maybe a little Darker for the Green?

benjamminbrown

@Rogues':

Um….Uh....(trying to think of things that need tweaking because it's already so perfect) M-Maybe a little Darker for the Green?

Done.

Too dark?

edit: I thought it was too dark so I eased back a little, I think it looks p. good now.

Rogues' Gallery

@benjamminbrown:

Too dark?

Er…Yes.

:/

There has to be a middle ground here!

benjamminbrown

@Rogues':

Er…Yes.

:/

There has to be a middle ground here!

Haha, I edited it a little. Is it better now?

Rogues' Gallery

@benjamminbrown:

Haha, I edited it a little. Is it better now?

Once Again, Thank You Benjammin.

You Rock.

benjamminbrown

Not a problem, it was fun!

Now, which Korosensei face next…?

Rogues' Gallery

@benjamminbrown:

Not a problem, it was fun!

Now, which Korosensei face next…?

Here's some Korosensei charts for you!

[HIDE]
[/HIDE]

benjamminbrown

Rogues' Gallery

^
It's one of the Seven Mysteries of Arlong Park Forums!

What are the other six…?

benjamminbrown

@Rogues':

What are the other six…?

That, my friend, is the 8th one. :ninja:

benjamminbrown

Tweaked the vanishing post a bit.

Now, the only way to distinguish this from a normal post is if you look at it in the CP9 theme.

Epoida

@benjamminbrown:

Tweaked the vanishing post a bit.

Now, the only way to distinguish this from a normal post is if you look at it in the CP9 theme.

switches to CP9 theme to check it out Oh yeah, the text isn't as clear and outlined in white, but it's still a pretty neat trick. :)

The avatars you create are great as well; your ever-changing Mario avatar is fun to watch! Keep up the good work.

benjamminbrown

@Epoida:

switches to CP9 theme to check it out Oh yeah, the text isn't as clear and outlined in white, but it's still a pretty neat trick. :)

The avatars you create are great as well; your ever-changing Mario avatar is fun to watch! Keep up the good work.

Thanks, Epoida!

I've slowed down a bit lately because of other commitments, but I hope to get back to work on the Korosensei and Mario portraits soon.

P.S. I love the sig.

Rogues' Gallery

@benjamminbrown:

I've slowed down a bit lately because of other commitments

Are you still Busy? To busy for poor, poor Rogues'?

benjamminbrown

@Rogues':

Are you still Busy? To busy for poor, poor Rogues'?

http://www.taesports.com/images/smilies/Death__s_New_Toy_by_ItchyBarracuda.gif

Whatcha need, ol' Roguey, ol' pal? I'd be happy to help.

Rogues' Gallery

@benjamminbrown:

I'd be happy to help.

Heh. I know that somewhere in the back of your mind you're thinking "Jesus Christ, Now what does he want? STOP BUGGING ME!" :ninja:

@benjamminbrown:

@benjamminbrown:

No frustration, this is a lot of fun for me :)

@Rogues':

Oh? Then I'll make sure to give you plenty of practice…..with a lot of requests!!! Mwahahahaha

:devil: :devil: :devil: :devil:

DUN-DUN-DUUUUN!

Bring it .

Hey, at least I'm a repeat customer!

@benjamminbrown:

Whatcha need, ol' Roguey, ol' pal?

Signature Change!

How good are you at replicating text? Like looking at a image with a specific text font/style and making a (near) exact copy of it?

benjamminbrown

@Rogues':

Heh. I know that somewhere in the back of your mind you're thinking "Jesus Christ, Now what does he want? STOP BUGGING ME!" :ninja:

!! The thought hadn't even crossed my mind.

Hey, at least I'm a repeat customer!

And I SUPER appreciate that. :D

Signature Change!

How good are you at replicating text? Like looking at a image with a specific text font/style and making a (near) exact copy of it?

Hmm. I've never made a font before (like a font that you could load into a text editor and then type whatever you want with).

But, if you can tell me exactly what you want written, and you can also show me a sample of the font that you want it in, then I don't see why I couldn't at least try to put something together for you. So, what are you thinking?

Rogues' Gallery

This post is deleted!

benjamminbrown

@Rogues':

http://oi62.tinypic.com/2yvpglv.jpg

This Font Type Here. Do you think you could replicate it? Not just the Font, but also the Curved Lines that are directly above and below the text?

The Font Type is exactly what I'm looking for (but not those words, I want it to read "OCTOPUS'S GARDEN" instead).

What do you think?

I wouldn't be surprised to find that there's a font like that out there on the intertubes already, and duplicating the decorative flourishes shouldn't be that difficult.

Give me the weekend, and I'll see what I can do for you.

Do you want it to appear as if it's on two plaques, like in that photo? With a line down the center?

Do you also want those trident-looking details to the left and right of the text, or would you prefer something else?

Do you want the text on a transparent background, or do you want the background to be a solid white/gray, like in that photo?

Sorry for all the questions, but the more details you can give me now, the better my first attempt will be.

Rogues' Gallery

@benjamminbrown:

I wouldn't be surprised to find that there's a font like that out there on the intertubes already, and duplicating the decorative flourishes shouldn't be that difficult.

Oh. I initially left out the decorative flourishes because I thought that they would be too difficult to duplicate and didn't want to sound too demanding or overbearing. But if you don't mind, then that would certainly be a nice addition.

@benjamminbrown:

Give me the weekend, and I'll see what I can do for you.

~~Take as much time as you need, I wouldn't want to rush you.~~

@benjamminbrown:

Do you want it to appear as if it's on two plaques, like in that photo? With a line down the center?

~~Nope.~~

@benjamminbrown:

Do you also want those trident-looking details to the left and right of the text, or would you prefer something else?

Something else. Instead of those trident-looking details to the left and right of the text, could you please replace them with these trident-looking details to the left and right of the text? (but rotated sideways like the other trident design).

@benjamminbrown:

Do you want the text on a transparent background, or do you want the background to be a solid white/gray, like in that photo?

~~Transparent Background, Please.~~

@benjamminbrown:

Sorry for all the questions, but the more details you can give me now, the better my first attempt will be.

~~Don't mind it all, I should have been more specific to begin with.

Oh, and for the words, add a "THE" in front of "OCTOPUS'S GARDEN", Please.~~

Rogues' Gallery

This post is deleted!

Rogues' Gallery

Hey Benjammin, I wanted to give you an important update and let you know that I've been thinking things over and decided NOT to go with the request I asked above (I thought of something else, much, much more simple and original that I'll still need your GIMP expertise to help with) so please disregard everything in my posts above and whenever you're around, let me know and we can get this done!

Thanks.

benjamminbrown

Hummmm… So, I've been wanting to make some new things, but haven't been able to settle on a single project, yet.

There aren't any games that I've played recently that I want to make an homage to.

And there have been some pretty excellent shows - Rick and Morty was great (I was a late comer to that phenomenon), and I'm really enjoying the new season of JJBA. Maybe I'll make something based off of them. I'm also thinking of revising my GIF Avatar post in the Help Subforum and moving it over here... One day.

--- Update From New Post Merge ---

@Rogues':

Thanks.

Anything you have in mind that you might like? I'm in need of a creative outlet.

stark2210

Well thank you so much. hope you well to make more.