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Current dA submissions guidelines define "Fantasy Photomanipulation" as photomanipulation that focuses on a fantasy theme.
We have therefore set out to speak with our fantasy constituency and gain a better understanding of how they see and define the complexities of fantasy photomanipulation.Fantasy Photomanipulation
We all know of dragons, wizards, sorcerers, witches, griffins, magic, fairies, fauns, and all other mystical and magical beings. We learned of them through stories, art, movies, and games. The fantasy genre has become increasingly popular because of movies like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter and games like "Dungeons & Dragons" and "World of Warcraft," not to forget fantasy writers like Terry Pratchett. It is hard to define just what fantasy is because it is such a broad theme that includes many different forms.
So what is fantasy, then, you ask?
Fantasy is a genre that contains elements that are not considered realistic, such as things that involve magic and the supernatural. It includes stories or art that could not happen in the real world. It often contains aspects from mythology and folklore.
It will not surprise you that this genre is also popular among the photomanipulation community here on DA.
Tutorials
How do you achieve that awesome fantasy look in your manipulations? Here are some really great tutorials (with varying levels of experience required) to help you make your creations as great on the computer as they look in your head. If you like a tutorial, don't forget to
and comment on it to let the artist know you appreciate his or her work! It takes a LOT of work to make a tutorial. And! If the artist requires it, don't forget to link back to the tutorial in your artist's comments. 
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:bigthumb196822958:Interviews
To get a community perspective on what fantasy photomanipulation is all about, we have interviewed some of our great fantasy photomanipulators here on DA: Lady-Symphonia, DesignbyKatt, and EnchantedWhispersArt. Read on to learn more about these artists and their techniques.
Some people have said that fantasy photomanipulation has a very wide, eclectic range of "looks" for the art that is in that gallery. What do you think about this statement? Is there something that all fantasy art has in common?
Lady-Symphonia - "I think fantasy is everything that is supernatural and unreal, not necessary a fairy tale only but anything related to an imaginative world which can perfectly be combined with another style like dark and surreal."
EnchantedWhispersArt - "I think that I would have to agree with that statement. On a personal level I think that fantasy art is anything that evokes the imagination and makes us think of untold possibilities; therefore, this being applied to art can fall into many categories."
DesignbyKatt - "Fantasy Art transforms the viewer into an adventurer, a dreamer, and transports him to worlds of magical events that he will explore with avid delight. That is why Fantasy Art has become such a popular form of art: it stretches the viewer's imagination in a way that nothing else does. It safely takes him to a journey to the unknown. I believe this is why the art under Fantasy can be so diverse as we all dream different dreams and our minds conjure very different fantasies!"
Following up on the previous question, how would you define fantasy photomanipulation? In other words, what is it that makes something fantasy?
Lady-Symphonia - "In the public view, fantasy is usually colorful, involving magic. I think they are right."
EnchantedWhispersArt - "As I was saying in the previous comment, I think fantasy brings out our imagination and for me personally, somewhat brings out the child. Sometimes we become too serious in life, and fantasy, whether in art or other formats, allows us to let go of that seriousness, even for just a brief moment, and remember what it felt like to be a child and imagine the impossible."
DesignbyKatt - "Fantasy is wherever your dreams take you--dark, light, magical, supernatural--or in your own backyard; dream it and it be turned into art!"
How does the fantasy gallery differ from the dark gallery and the emotional gallery?
Lady-Symphonia - "Pure fantasy galleries are full of fairies, elves, animals, and mushrooms. They are happy and quite 'Disney' style. Dark style, in my point of view, is like a fairy-tale frustrated, full of strange things and sadness. Emotional is more touching; it's all about the way you feel when looking at it. It's hard to define any style; sooner or later they will probably will be collided with one another."
EnchantedWhispersArt - "Well for myself, I know that I have many labeled 'fantasy' works that could easily fall into the dark or emotional categories. I think dark art is very moody and atmospheric in the entire sense of the word. 'Darkness' makes us feel dark when we view it, while emotional art evokes strong feelings within us. Fantasy can do both, but I think fantasy art can be a bit more flamboyant in doing so, in terms of colors, themes, lighting, etc."
DesignbyKatt - "While there is some overlap with science fiction, horror, and emotional art, there are unique elements not generally found in other forms of art. Depictions of ancient myths and legends, as well as depictions of modern day fantasy in the form of divine interventions and other magical or supernatural forces, are very common elements and help distinguish fantasy art from other forms. Dragons, wizards, fairies, and other fantastical and mythical creatures are common features in fantasy art."
Do you have any words of wisdom for individuals who are just starting out making fantasy photomanipulations?
Lady-Symphonia - "Don't be stuck at 'I'm a fantasy artist'; do your own art and then define your style. You have to try many things before discovering yourself. Believe me, you won't discover yourself and your style at the first art you've done. Maybe you have a style that can't be named."
EnchantedWhispersArt - "My advice would be for people to understand that to make good fantasy art there needs to be a sense of realism to the art also. In other words, make sure that the idea makes sense. I see a lot of fantasy art where people go overboard with adding unnecessary things to make their art stand out but sometimes less is more if you just focus on a good idea and keep it simple."
DesignbyKatt - "Be creative! The best art is art that tells YOUR story! Find that something special that tells your watchers, 'I may be doing a fairy, too, but mine tells a story.' Most artists just don't sit down at a computer and deliver a masterpiece in an afternoon. It takes time to learn and grow and create. Take your time and look for ways to improve with every piece you do!"
Would you walk us through one of your fantasy manipulations and tell us a bit about how you did the fantasy elements?
Lady-Symphonia - "'Elixir of Life' is a fantasy artwork with elements from dark and conceptual. What bring us the idea of fantasy in that artwork is mainly the colors. When doing that art, my first thought is to do something magic and fairy-tale like. The use of the parrot and the flowers helped me to conclude that idea."
EnchantedWhispersArt - "For my work, 'Release Me', I really wanted the focus to be on the jar she is holding and have it illuminated, kind of like when we were kids and we would catch fireflies and put them in jars. So I first used dodge on the jar at about 20 percent on both mid tones and highlights to brighten it up. Then, I took a soft round brush to paint a circular dot a bit bigger than the jar and blurred it at about 30 percent and lowered the opacity. This was all done on a layer over top the jar. I then I duplicated the layer and set it to vivid light and lowered the opacity again. I played with different layer modes to get the look I wanted and when I flattened the image I went over it with the dodge tool again but a bit lower this time."
DesignbyKatt - "This manip:
was completely inspired by a random picture I happen to come across:
I was completely taken with it. I wanted to create a story around the lil' houses where only fairies could possibly live. Everything from the background to the model captured the idea of these lil' houses. I tried to capture every detail from the rocks on the path to the music from the flute. I didn't want to overdo the Elf, so her dress blends with her surroundings. The finishing touches of elemental orbs and pixie dust are understated there but do not take away from the overall feel of the piece. Sometimes fantasy must appear real for it to be believable!"
Thanks to everyone for the great interviews!
Features
Finally, we leave you with some delicious fantasy photomanipulation features to nosh on! Nom nom nom!
Conclusion
We hope we have enchanted you with our wonderfully talented artists and their stories. And, we hope we have helped you understand the world of fantasy photomanipulation just a little bit better. Thank you to all the artists and people who have worked on this article.
Until next time,
HisGeenky, tamaraR, & Aeirmid
