Special effects are perhaps the most reliable indicator of the level and technique that a graphic designer possesses. Perhaps it is because they are more complex jobs that require a more precise and elaborate process, any minimum errors are obvious. The final finish is set as a sieve factor and that will determine if we are indeed facing a consecrated professional or an amateur designer. Texturing, modeling, lighting and integration processes are probably the base ingredients to be able to develop magical and tricky works.
A few days ago, a very interesting compilation was published for middle and advanced designers who try to improve in photomanipulation until they reach the level required by advertising agencies. The package includes a beastly selection of 30 video exercises spread over more than 100 hours and that they are directed and presented by well-known professionals in the field of image such as the photographer Ipoenk or the artist Obispo Bautista. Without a doubt an opportunity to improve our base and our resources. You can find much more detailed information in the following link. For now I leave you a sample of what is taught in this course:
Aesthetic advertising poster for video games
Cinema advertising poster
Facial treatment for fashion photography
Zombification and integration special effects from scratch
Advanced characterization special effects
Advanced exercise on digital painting
Snapshot processing for fashion photography
Development of natural landscapes and integrated characters
Image processing for photographic contests
Promotional images for all kinds of projects
Development and processing of portraits at an advanced level
Flash effects with spot aesthetics
Cinematographic constructions
Characterization with Disney aesthetics
Advanced cartoon characterization