Ctrl+Paint is a free learning resource dedicated to the basics of digital painting. Each bite-sized video covers a different concept, allowing you to learn complex subjects in manageable increments.

http://www.ctrlpaint.com/

VERTEX II

In this eBook you will find information ranging from modeling and texture workflows to tips on working as or with outsourcing.
This eBook features articles and workflows from studios such as Blizzard Entertainment and Ubisoft as well as tips and tricks from various freelancers in the movie and video game industries.

This is another must read for any artist in the entertainment industries.

download for free at: artbypapercut.com

free software

Sculptris is an intuitive, powerful and yet easy to use 3D sculpting software, allowing anyone, whether starter or professional to simply focus on creating 3D artwork. What's more, the skills you learn with Sculptris directly translate to ZBrush and the download of the application is for free.

free download

Adobe offers a free download of the Creative Suite 2 from their website. CS2 may not contain the latest features but is the perfect opportunity for students and beginners with small budgets to start learning more advanced software.

Download from adobe.com

free download

Ryan Hawkin's Vertex is still available for free on his website. The 300-page PDF includes everything from 2D concepts to 3D rendering and is one of the most comprehensive resources for a game artist's library.

download a high-rez-file at artbypapercut.com

SPMag

Selfpublischer is the platform where comic creators meet fans. The Magazin is available for free to download from their server.

This month's issue contains: Interviews with Amy Letts, Jennifer Walker, Eric Douthitt. Convention Report, Comics in a Bottle, The Condition One App, Sneak Peek features, How To Create a Comic Book, Ads from indy studios and tons of reviews.

Self Publisher Magazine, 44 page full size and color, download here →

www.selfpubmag.com

open sources

FreeArtSoftware lists the best free graphic design software downloads. Some may be test versions and only valid for 30 days, others are designed as freeware or licensed under open source.

freeartsoftware.com

Brian Wood's free artbook

Brian Wood, creator of the beautifully rendered graphic series DMZ, now offers a free download of the entire 132-page 'Public Domain 2' artbook on his website. For those who are not yet familiar with the series, there is a free download of DMZ issue #1 available at Vertigo/DC.

More of his work, including links to other comics can be found on his website, brianwood.com.