08 March, 2007

Whaddya think?

Do you like my new banner picture?

I'd never make a graphic designer though, since it's taken me most of the night to get it to the stage I'm happy with. I have to admit, I quite like it.

Happy to accept constructive criticism (just be gentle mmkay?). Oh and if you know of any good (free) clipart/photoart/digital scrapbooking sites for bits and pieces/tutorials, please do comment with the url. The photoshop bug has bitten me again ;)

18 comments:

Shannon said...

I found this link months ago and have yet to attempt to follow it, but hopefully it helps you!! I love the new header. I think you did an awesome job with it. I used to do graphic arts for a living and knew Photoshop inside out, but 5 yrs of staying home with the kids has rendered me completely ignorant!! You've inspired me to get creative again :)

www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials/jennifer/web-template.html

Shannon said...

The link looks cut off, but if you highlight it, it'll all show up.

Unknown said...

I really like it! Unfortunately, as you already know, I am a total moron with this stuff so I can't help you out any but I think your new banner looks amazing.

Zazzy said...

Oooo I like! Nice work with the textures. :-) I'm a paint shop pro person so my links won't help. Someday I suppose I'll have to learn photoshop.

The Phosgene Kid said...

Looks great. It has the look of handmade paper.

caramaena said...

Thanks for the comments (and link) everyone.

Looking at it again, I'm not so happy with the text - it looks a little choppy to me (yes, I'm sure that is the technical term for it hehe). Still I'm pretty happy with it for a first go.

I did a couple of adult education classes on photoshop and illustrator a few years back but I'm amazed how much I've forgotten!

Robin said...

Looks nice. But the flower in the profile picture clashes with the new muted colours.

Maybe you should put a picture of *you* there in your profile? ;)

caramaena said...

lol, nice try robin ;)

I agree the old flower did clash, so I've updated it. Much better now I think.

Now to fix the favicon...

Is it sync'd yet? said...

If you want to cut down on the edge of the text. Highlight the all the text you watn to soften, then expand your highlight by 3 pixels and do a light radial blur. It gives it a very soft feeling without having to use a drop shadow.

Many moons ago I was a photoshop 5 junky for work. I still like it better than the new ones just because I am use to it. Now I don't even take the time to edit my own pictures I just post at light speed.

Gnat.
.

Stomper Girl said...

I think you are very clever. I don't ahve any links but I've always found doing it myself a fantastic way to learn the ins and outs of the software.

Looks great!

Holly Muppet said...

Ummmm, looks great, but I did LOVE the pink in your previous flower!

caramaena said...

gnat - thanks for the tip! Will have to give that a try.

Thanks stomper and h&s :) Oh and sorry Holly, I know pink is your favourite but I was feeling like I needed a change.

The Phosgene Kid said...

O'Reilly has some nice "cookbooks" out on Photoshop. I bought one on retouching, but there is another on art effects. May have to hit the bookstore and pick that one up.

High Power Rocketry said...

: )

Tracey Petersen said...

Very nice!! I am considering doing a course in photoshopping. I potter along, but don't know the ins and outs. Maybe I could find out how to get rid of the double chins caused by bad angles in my photos!!

LBA said...

Love it !

You do well with only one night's work. Mine have always taken liek .. a week ... !!

And then I need to sleep for a week from the exhaustion of it all ;)

meggie said...

Hell's teeth! I love your new look! You did really well.
I am a complete techno dummy, but would love to learn.

caramaena said...

thanks all :)

phos - excellent idea. I do actually have a book on photoshop 5, I wonder how different it is to photoshop cs. Must have a look.

tracey and meggie - I did a course through the local tafe a few years back (1 night a week for 8 weeks). I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. Of course since I've barely opened the program in years, I've forgotten most of it. If you're interested in it, I'd say go for it!