So, the upcoming site update (v5.24) includes a huge new feature: Tutorials! These tutorials will be user-created, multi-step content. I'm working on the categories and subcategories for them, and I would like your input on them. None of these are set in stone, so if you think I should add some, let me know what they are. What I currently have is:

• Traditional Media
  • Pencils
  • Ink Pens / Markers
  • Crayons / Pastels
  • Paints
  • Charcoal / Chalks
  • Other
• Digital Media
  • Word Processors
  • Art Programs - Vector Graphics
  • Art Programs - Raster Graphics
  • Audio Software - Editing
  • Audio Software - Music Composition
  • Modeling Software - Modeling
  • Modeling Software - Rendering
  • Other
• Technique
  • Vector Skills
  • Raster Skills
  • Graphical Layout Skills
  • Composition
  • Color Theory
  • Anatomy
  • Character Design
  • Other
• Informational
  
  • World-Building
  • Other

So, think something needs to be changed, added, or removed? Let me know here.

Thanks!

-- BK

also fanart/fanfic subcategories for some of those

(Oh man this is so cool! HYPE!)

I think you got most things covered. Add "Other" and things that may be sort of fringe or niche can go into that category, perhaps?

I can't give a good example, but you probably see it too ;)

What kinds of tutorials can you imagine that would require a specific fanart/fanfic subcategory?

-- BK

I'm trying to think of more writing-related subjects, but those are less procedural tutorials than summary advice.

With a nod to Ragu, Digital Media → Modeling Software - Modeling , Modeling Sottware - Rendering?

Oh, good additions! Thanks!

-- BK

Good idea! Thanks!!

-- BK

either worldbuilding that needs Fanart/fanfic subcategory as well tutorial of drawing characters in an artstyle from other shows

Hm. I can see drawing characters in a particular style (any style) would be under techniques. Maybe something like a Technique -> Character Design category.

-- BK

(My apologies in advance for any typos, rambles, and incomplete thoughts; mobile Side7 fights me at every keystroke.)

A Video/Animation category would be great. It can include subcats like Basics (free programs that a user might already own, and how to navigate them, to import videos from your phone, trim them, insert clips, and tweak the sound), Animation Software for complex programs, and Application (I guess? Asset Creation, maybe?) for tuts about how to use other types of software to prepare images for animation or as a channel's watermark logo. An example would be using Clip Studio to add rain/smoke/glitter effects or simple blinking to an otherwise static image, or a guide on Adobe Bridge.

Photography should have its own category, and include subcats for understanding Camera Specs, Skills such as developing film, Pro-Tips (preserving high quality resolution in digital photos), and Post/Editing/Photomanipulation techniques. (If a photomanip section is created, please enforce a strict 'no uncredited resources' rule to preemptively stop users from swiping anything they find on google. I know that it's already in the rules, but a reminder wouldn't hurt anyone.)

Under traditional, some categories I would love to see and contribute to would be Carving, Sculpting, Textiles/Sewing, Metal, Leather, Jewelry, Pyrography, Glass, Wax, and Papercraft. In Trad>Other, there could be guides for Tools & Materials (how to choose which type of saw blade, drill bit, thread, wood, glue, or magnets you need), Safety (guides for choosing the right type of glasses and gloves, potential chemical risks to avoid, a basic intro on how not to overload your electrical lines, and 'please don't tamper with microwaves' PSAs), and Workspace (setting up a bench, which tools to prioritize buying, and storage).

Laser-based Equipment might be deserving of a category. This would be for 3D printing, 3D doodle pens, and laser wood cutters/burners. Other specialty equipment like Cricut and sublimation printers could probably get lumped into this category, as well.

Under Information, a Customization category could be the home for CSS, HTML, and BB code guides.

Just my two cents regarding a fanart category: Not exactly necessary, but it could have a place. Under Technique, you could add a Styles sub section, which could either be split further (Original and Fandom paths), or, perhaps incorporate a tutorial tagging system so users can focus on (or filter out) either of those keywords. Users could add Original Style tutorials for their own personal methods, or submit a guide on mimicking the style of Masamune, Ghibli, Vasquez, Prohias, Groening, Penders.. whomever you please.

I'm working to improve that. My apologies.

All very excellent suggestions. Thanks for the input!

-- BK

RE: Fanart category - I'm thinking in terms of more general categories. I'm having trouble seeing where a Fanart category would have different information than would apply to any kind of drawing/writing. Hence why I suggested a character design subcategory under Technique.

RE: Tagging et al - Excellent idea!

Honestly, I'm with ya on that. I see no actual justification for a fanart category, but I'm playing the devil's advocate lately. There must be something in the air. 😅 

something for crafts (papercrafts, stickers, plushies, sewing, clothes, customizing things, clay, jewelry etc etc  and diys: tips on how to take care of your own materials, elongate their life or make your own supplies (?

and a miscelaneous category cus really there's a million things ppl can make tutorials for and give tips when it's about art  😭

also if we could directly add a link to our own youtube videos thatshow the video directly on the posts, for those who do video tutorials 

All good ideas.  I will add those to the list!

Already added! :)

That's a good idea. I'll see about updating to allow that.

-- BK