How to Make a Tattoo for "IMVU"
IMVU is an instant messaging virtual universe that connects people from all corners of the world. Users sign up and create avatars to use when chatting with each other and they can fully customize their avatar however they would like. When creating a tattoo for an IMVU avatar, you have to create a tattooed skin. You just need to load your favorite skin template into a photo editor that allows editing separate layers. The first time you look at a skin template, it may be a little intimidating. The skin template won't look like actual skin at all. This is because your avatar's skin is in 3D (it wraps around your body), but you'll have to edit it on a 2D platform. Imagine taking the skin off your avatar and then laying it flat on the ground so that all of the skin is facing upward.
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Instructions
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Launch your photo editor and open your skin template. If you don't have a skin template, go to the IMVU marketplace, browse for a skin design you like and select it. Once on the skin's product page, scroll down to see the template. Right click on the image and save it. Then click the "derive from product link" at the bottom of the page to load the template on to your avatar. You will see your avatar skin in a preview window.
The right arm will be in the top right corner and the left arm will be in the top left corner. The hands will be underneath the arms, and the body will be in the center of the canvas. The neck and legs will be at the bottom of the canvas.
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Right click on the "Background" layer on the right side of the screen and select "Layer from Background." Change the Layer name to "Layer 1" and press "OK." This will make it easier to follow.
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Open the "Layer" menu at the top of the screen and create a new layer. The new layer will automatically be called "Layer 2." Click on this layer to make sure it is highlighted.
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Select the "Paint Bucket" tool from the tool bar and select black as your color.
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Click in the middle of your template to fill the layer with black. You won't see any changes to your template, but the layer will be shaded black on the layer tool bar.
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Open the "Layer" menu and create another layer.
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Select the "Paint Bucket" tool and select white as your color. Click in the middle of your canvas to fill it with white. You will see the changes take place on your canvas. It will be completely white. This is where you will create your tattooed skin. Click on this layer to make sure it is highlighted.
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Slide the "Opacity" bar down to about 50 percent. You will now be able to see the skin template (Layer 1) underneath your canvas.
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Click on "File" and open the image or design you would like to use as your tattoo.
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Select the "Move" tool from the right side of the screen; click on the tattoo file you just opened and drag it onto your skin template.
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Position your image where you would like it to appear on your skin. You can simply click the edge of the image and drag your cursor to resize it. Click in the middle of the image and drag your cursor to move it around on your skin.
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Select the "Text" tool from the right side of your screen and add text to your skin if you want to create a text tattoo.
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Click on your white layer and slide the "Opacity" up to 100 percent, and hide Layer 1. Click on the eyeball next to the layer to hide it. No other layers should be hidden.
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Open the "File" menu and save your file as a ".jpeg" image. You can also use the "Save for Web" option if you'd like. Just make sure to save the file as a ".jpeg."
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Go to your IMVU preview window and click on "Opacity" to open its folder. Click on the file you just saved.
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Click on the "Apply Changes" button. You will see your newly created skin on your avatar in a few seconds.
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Save your design if you are satisfied with it. You can also go back to your photo editor and tweak some changes.
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Tips & Warnings
Adobe Photoshop is one of the preferred editing platforms on the Web, but you can download the GIMP photo editor for free from its website. It is almost just as advanced as Photoshop.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images
