Hey guys, it's your favorite (or not) random PMC'er, TheEnderDog4! (jk) And today I'll be teaching you guys to skin!



Step 1: The Skin Editor

A good skin editor is important for making quality skins. There are lots to choose from! Here's a few.
  
1. MCSkin3D by Paril - Windows only
2. SkinEdit by Swedman - All platforms, Java based

DO NOT use novaskin or miners need cool shoes. You will get banned if you do.
Non-Minecraft programs. (not recommended)

1. Paint Tool SAI <- Mac download Windows Download
2. GIMP - Mac, Windows, and Linux
3. Paintbrush Mac only
4. MS Paint Comes with Windows, default program
5. Paint.NET Windows only
 

Step 2: What should I make first?

Well, that's up to you. But don't make just one thing. Like don't ONLY do teen skins. Don't ONLY do mob skins. Dont ONLY do robot skins. Basically have a little of everything. But try to do something that's unique. If you need inspiration look at one of your favorite skinners. If that doesn't help make a forum post. Someone will have a good idea!


Step 3: Your first skin!
Well, we all have to start somewhere.
My first skin was pretty horrible.
See for yourself:

Start off by making a basic outline. Don't worry about shading yet.  Once you've got your outline down start doing some simple shading. Look up a shading guide; there are tons. 

Step 4: Shading
Shading is a very important part of skinning. Not as much people like nonshaded skins as they do shaded ones. The first step to shading is getting a good palette. A pallete is a selection of colors used to shade a skin.

You can make your own or use a website. Some good pallete webites are listed below:
Paletton
Adobe Kuler


Once you've made your pallete, try out some shading using the colors. Here's some examples:

Simple Shading:
 Link to image
Very simple. Makes your skin look kinda blocky.

Dithering: 

What dithering does is a method of shading that involves filling some pixels with clor but leaving others empty, creating a smoother transition.

Here's a good guide to pixel art in general (not made by me): http://www.pixeljoint.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11299

Once you've finished up with your shading, add a little noise and use the dodge and burn tool on the hair. This will help a lot!




Step 5: Posting the skin!
Congratulations! You made your first skin! Now publish it on PMC. Maybe add a little story about it, or make a drawing of it, etc etc. Advertise it on the forums or in the chat. Tell people on a server about it. PM your friends.

Step 5: What next?
Make another skin! That's different from your first one. If you've made a lot of skins and feel like you are a MASTER, why not try a texture pack? Good luck!

By the way, if you really need help on a skin you're making, just PM me!