Making pixel images look realistic.

[ladygweneviere]

Need help to get pixel images to look more realistic. Specifically ones of people/avatars. I am trying to learn Photoshop but it is challenging and takes more time then I have right now. I already really know paint net really well and would like to know if I can make these images more realistic and how. Anyone that can help me it will be very appreciated.

[pdnnoob]

I'm not understanding what you mean by "more realistic."

Do you have an image you can share for clarification?

[ladygweneviere]

I want to take something like this....And make it look as much like a real photo as possible.

Edited May 4, 2013 by ladygweneviere

[Ego Eram Reputo]

With all due respect - the model here looks like a teenaged fantasy.  Overlarge bust, unnaturally slim waist, strangely elongated legs, cartoon eyes and the shoulders of Maria Sharapova.  Making this look 'real' is a huge undertaking.

 

Would you be better taking a photo of an actual model and adapting it to suit your needs?

 

That said, this tutorial might be of interest: http://forums.getpaint.net/index.php?/topic/12937-how-to-airbrush-like-a-professional-lets-try-this-again/

[ladygweneviere]

Thank you all for your input. And I can not use a real model for this. I am editing these pics for a friend from a 3d chat site. Just trying to make them look a nice as I can.

Edited May 3, 2013 by ladygweneviere

[Ego Eram Reputo]

The jagged edges should be softened.  If the model is on her own layer, then try the AA's Assistant plugin or BoltBait's Feather to do the external edges.  Internal jaggies might be minimized with one of the blur tools.

 

Make the eyes a bit smaller.  They look great - but are just a mite too large.  Try selecting the eyes individually and using the Move tool to shrink them.

 

The shoulders need to be less square, and I'd put a bit more 'meat' on her legs (possibly shorten them?).  For both of these I'd try Pycrochild's excellent Liquify plugin.

 

The lips are too narrow. Widen them a little - unless you want a 'pout'

 

Pants look sprayed on.  They need hems, seams and a few folds to make them look realistic.

 

I'd replace the top item of clothing with something a little less revealing.   It's a chat site - you want them intrigued, so don't show them ALL the goods

[ladygweneviere]

Thank you again. I will try these tips.

[doughty]

Hey guys, you're drooling.

 

Image is 262px × 847px and so it needs to be re-sized - per forum rule #29

[ladygweneviere]

I am not home right now. I will re-size it as soon as I am. Thank you for reminding me.

[ladygweneviere]

Image size is edited.