Designing Graphics

[dansbanners]

Hi,

That although I've developed good web designing, html, script, programming and wordpress skills over the years. And other than occasionally creating nice looking text banners, animations, buttons and graphics, a skill I didn't quite built up on was designing graphics.

Thus what would you suggest I do to enhance my graphic designing skills or capabilities?

Would it help if I purchase some graphic designing tools or software?

A factor in my wanting to improve my graphic designing skills is so that I could create some nice looking headers in some of the sites.

I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

[johnfl68]

If you are serious about getting more involved in graphics, you should consider getting Photoshop (and possibly Illustrator) if you do not have already, and then try and learn every aspect of what every tool and option does.

Join NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals) to get a subscription to Photoshop User Magazine (you should be able to find a current issue to look at at your local bookstore), plus other benefits:

http://www.photoshopuser.com/

Research Bert Monroy, he has several tutorials all over the web, that are informative, and easy to follow. He also has a video podcast:

http://revision3.com/pixelperfect/

People think that Photoshop is just for photo's, but there is so much more power there for commercial graphics work.

John

[dansbanners]

If you are serious about getting more involved in graphics, you should consider getting Photoshop (and possibly Illustrator) if you do not have already, and then try and learn every aspect of what every tool and option does.

Join NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals) to get a subscription to Photoshop User Magazine (you should be able to find a current issue to look at at your local bookstore), plus other benefits:

http://www.photoshopuser.com/

Research Bert Monroy, he has several tutorials all over the web, that are informative, and easy to follow. He also has a video podcast:

http://revision3.com/pixelperfect/

People think that Photoshop is just for photo's, but there is so much more power there for commercial graphics work.

John

Ok, I see that there's two Photoshop CS4 editions. The Adobe Photoshop CS4 and the Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended.

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/compare/

I'm thinking perhaps I'll give the Adobe Photoship CS4 a try. But am also wondering will I be missing anything by not purchasing the CS4 extended?

As for what my needs are, it's basically to try to make nice looking header graphics, like the one in the following page:

http://www.netprofitstoday.com/blog/

In that case, will the Adobe Photoshop CS4, and not the Extended, version be sufficient?

I'm also wondering are there also any other good graphic designing tools out there in addition to the Adobe Photoshop?

I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

[Arthur]

In that case, will the Adobe Photoshop CS4, and not the Extended, version be sufficient? The Extended version comes with 3D capabilities, although it can be cool, for web graphics you'll hardly ever need that. For a simple header graphic such as the example you gave you certainly don't need Photoshop CS4 Extended.

Some random inspirational and/or useful links;

PSDTOP (http://www.psdtop.com/)
85+ of the Best Twitterers Designers Should Follow (http://mashable.com/2009/05/04/twitter-designers/)
50+ Truly Useful Photoshop Tutorials For Amazing Photo Effects (http://www.smashingapps.com/2009/05/05/50-truly-useful-photoshop-tutorials-for-amazing-photo-effects.html)
30 Brilliant Photoshop Lighting Effects Tutorials (http://sixrevisions.com/photoshop/30-brilliant-photoshop-lighting-effects-tutorials/)
9 Online Free And Useful Tools That Can Help Designers A Lot (http://www.smashingapps.com/2009/04/27/nine-online-free-and-useful-tools-that-can-help-designers-a-lot.html)
Tips and Secrets from 11 Famous Digital Artists (http://abduzeedo.com/design-inspiration-tips-and-secrets-11-famous-digital-artists)
Teach Yourself Graphic Design: A Self-Study Course Outline (http://psd.tutsplus.com/articles/inspiration/teach-yourself-graphic-design-a-self-study-course-outline/)


-Arthur

[johnfl68]

The standard CS4 should be fine. The Extended version adds 3D and motion capabilities geared more towards video and manufacturing graphics. You could always upgrade at a later date, if you think you want to start doing work with 3D objects.

I have been hoping for something open source to come about that is close to Photoshop, but the few attempts over the years never seem to come close to its capabilities.

One of these is GimpShop, a Photoshop "like" interface for Gimp. It has probably improved since I last tried it, but it may be enough for you if you depending on how complex you want to get with your header graphics:

http://www.gimpshop.com/

Photoshop is the known standard it seems for professionals doing any kind of image or graphics work, so it will have the most available as far as tutorials and training. Also, depending on where you live, you might be able to find some Photoshop classes at a local community college.

Good luck!

John

[Arthur]

Just came across the following link - 18 Photoshop Header Tutorials (http://theroxor.com/2009/05/21/18-photoshop-header-tutorials/) [theroxor.com].

-Arthur