New to skinning, Vintage Lingerie, and more

[MasterOfSims]

I would so love to make some vintage-style lingerie. The one problem is: I'm a super n00b when it comes to custom content. I've made some underwear (though none of it worthy of uploading!), and eyes and hair, but when it comes to anything more that that (like editing textures) I just can't figure it out... I'd really like to make some girdles, and a bullet bra style bra, though, I know I won't get the right shape because of the meshes. What I really want to make are stockings with a back-seam and a cuban or french heel.

I guess I'm just asking if anyone can give some advice to a clueless n00b. I would just request someone to make some for me, but I'd really rather learn. I've been sketching fashion designs since I was in grade school, and I'd really like to be able to put my design ideas on to more than paper.

A few of the more specific questions I have are:

What photo editing program do you use? My biggest disadvantage is the computer I use for the Sims doesn't have anything other than Paint. I'll definately need to invest in something better, and I want to know what people have had the most success with.

How in the hell do you edit a bump map? I mean, I know you use shades of grey, but that's about it. I don't know how to yeild certain textures (like how to make a flat t-shirt look ribbed).

How can you make materials look shiny, like satin? Is there any way to make something look velvety? I'd really like to use velvet to recreate some of my fav vintage looks (yeah, I have a "thing" for vintage clothes....).

How do you make lace? My Sims need some sexy lace underwear. As I've said, I could download what I want, but I'd really like to know how it's made...

Finally, I'd just like to say that the skinning I've seen on this site blows me away. I mean, the things that I see created on here everyday are just amazing. You guys are true artists.

[poodlescoot]

http://www.gimp.org/ is a free image editing program, so that's good for you. Photo Editing software can be horrendously expensive for a novice, and to be honest, most people who have it at home "borrowed" the disk from work!

If you DO choose to spend some cash, try photoshop elements. it is a "lite" version of photoshop that's "lite" on the wallet. There is usually excellent help on adobe products, and there may even be tutorials in ps elements.

TO make objects shiny, you must play with the filters, and lighting. Most filters are named fro what they do, and in my experience, tinkering is the best way to learn.

Lace can be made using a special paintbrush in photoshop, or, alternatively, you can cut and paste an actual sample of lace from a photo into your project.

For some introductory to advanced image manipulation advice, you should go to http://www.worth1000.com to read step-by step accounts of some techniques.

Hope this helps.

[MasterOfSims]

Thank you so much! I'll definately check out www.gimp.org.

[daveybean]

Another good image editing program that is light on the pocket book and full of features is PaintShop Pro from Jasc http://www.jasc.com