BlOps II Emblem Primer

So, I've had a number of compliments on my playercard emblems (Thanks! I'm flattered), and also a number of requests for instructions on how to make your own. This is going to be long, with lots of pictures, so if you're interested, CLICKY CLICKY.

So, the thing to realize when you're making an emblem is that your tools are a bunch of preset shapes and colors, so you need to think about the image you want to make as a bunch of shapes stitched together. Let's start with something simple, like a bowling pin:

So, as you see, the major shapes are two ovals connected by an hourglass shape. Let's see how this method of thinking applies to a pony:

I've also tried to illustrate a little bit the next important task: identifying what goes on top of what. For our bottom layer, we have most of his mane on the left side of the image; it all falls behind his head. Next, we're going to need an oval with a flattened end for his head and muzzle, as well as a rounded rectangular shape for his neck. On top of that goes the bottom of his beard, as well as his eye and the mane in the right side of the image. Finally, his mustache goes on top.

Now that we know what layers we have to work with, we can really start breaking the shapes down:

So, one important thing to realize is just how much of each bottom shape will be covered up by shapes on higher layers. In this case, it means I only really have to worry about the top and left edges of the shape I'm using to make the bulk of this part of the mane; the rest will be covered up by other parts of the image.

Remember: Fitting the preset shapes to the ones you need is WAY easier if you use the free scale tool you get by clicking the right stick!

Here's the finished Jeff Letrotski:

And that's basically it. The only other advice I have is don't be afraid to use reference images, even stuff you've drawn out using another method to make it a little easier to see what exactly you have to break down. Good luck!