Hi everyone,

So I was looking at the banners on the authors page and I couldn't help but notice that mine was the simplest of them all. There's a good reason for that...I designed it myself

I'm steadily trying to improve my tech/computer skills, but as of now, and even more so as of when I created it, I'm still a bit like a blind seal trying to paint a mural when it comes to such things.

So, with that in mind, I thought I'd ask for help. Does anyone have any idea of what they think would at least look cool? Any suggestions about sites or tips for helping me create something better? Recommendations of any kind?

Here's the current one:




I do like the colours, but it's just so blah. Any tips for how to spice it up?


Thanks
-Kevin

Visual effects, background, font effects, pictures... Any number of things, really.

I'm always willing to help out, if you like.

Thanks Dion!


Those are some great suggestions. I'm thinking you're right that a cooler font and some background texturing would definitely make a lot of difference. I'll have to plan out what I want a bit more...would you happen to have any suggestions or websites or programs to help?

I would imagine you use Photoshop. There are some pretty good tutorials here, as well as here.

For myself, I use PSPX. If you'd like a hand, don't hesitate to message me.

Thanks for the links, Dion. I too use PS and those would be a great help to further spice up my banners...

You're very welcome, BK. I tried PS and decided it wasn't for me. I get much better effects from PSPX.

A lot of people swear by it though. Hmm...

Anyway - good luck with it!


ETA:

As you can see, with the use of just a few features you can 'spice up' even the plainest of images.

Oh wow! That's really cool, Dion!

I'd love to learn how to do something like that!

Unfortunately I don't think I have photoshop...I know I've never added such a program, but maybe if my computer came with it *shrug*

*sigh*

Unfortunately when it comes to most computer (and technology in general) related things I don't even try to learn unless someone sits with me and takes me through it. I usually don't have any trouble learning and once I've got a foundation I can usually figure out the more complicated aspects on my own. But I'm really unlikely to just get a program, take it home, and figure out how to use it. I'm trying to get better though

I think it's more motivation and laziness than inability.

I've gotten fairly proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Image Ready...I imagine I could probably make something in illustrator and format it if necessary in Image Ready? I've never used either program for my personal use, only for work-related tasks, but I think I could do that...might check into it.

I suppose it's just something I've got to set aside the time to do and make a point of trying.

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll check out the link, search my computer for relevant programs, and do some research and stuff

Kevin - if you haven't purchased PS or PSPX for your computer, chances are you don't have them. They aren't usually included in the software.

If you have an idea of what you'd like to have for a banner, you could always PM me and I can make up a few samples for you. I'd be more than happy to and I have the time.

Wow! Really? Awesome thanks!

I really appreciate that! I hate to take advantage and I do want to learn...but I probably will take you up on your offer if you're sure and add learning to my long-term 'things to do' list

Thanks very much! I'll think on what I want and PM you!

-Kevin

I'm sure.

Hey Dion, have you ever used PSP Studio? That's what I have, and find it's horrid for anything that's not a photo. Is PSPX much different?

Thanks,
Steph

Kev,
I usually play around with stuff and try and discover things. I use Photoshop CS2 and I tinkered with it enough to let me do basic stuff...

I am still learning new things about it everyday, though...

BeaStKid

Steph - I use 'Paint Shop Pro' as opposed to 'Photo Shop Pro'. They are quite different. Whereas photo-based programs are rather limited in their capabilities, paint-based programs allow for a lot more flexibility and creative content.

I suppose that's the main reason I'm not that keen on PS - that, and the fact that the only program I had was a demo. It was difficult to get a 'feel' for the program.

Nevertheless, I've been using this program for some time now and I rather enjoy the end result.

BK - if your banners are the result of 'tinkering', I would say you're doing very well.

It's not really about the software, it's about the talent of the user. I've got Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop, a bunch of others, and I can barely draw a stick figure or edit an existing photo. I'm useless and it's not for lack of lessons or practice; I simply don't have much in the way of artistic talent. On the other hand, some of the art directors and graphic artists I work with at our agency are among the best in the business, and what they can do with just about any software is utterly jaw-dropping. It's like, even the best quality paint and canvas in the world can't make a kindergarten kid into Renoir or Da Vinci.

Awww... Thanks, mate...


True, very true. I have seen so many of my friends that are proficient in softwares that I take for granted. Take Powerpoint for instance...I make the most frugal of presentations, while my friends go all-out. I have never tried learning Excel and have the most basic knowledge of Word. Up until I started with an editor, I didn't even know what Track Changes was.



I have never taken a separate course in computers and all that I know is due to my 'playing around' with the softwares. Yes, I learnt HTML, BASIC, C++, etc in school but those were very basic level. I wouldn't be able to write a single code in BASIC and C++ now. HTML, though, is a different case. I got the basic idea of CSS after working with Graeme on the Anthologies.

I am still learning, though...

BeaStKid

I agree; Beasty has some beautiful banners.

I want to once again thank Dion for helping me with mine! I think it's going to come out awesome


LOL, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint are probably the only 'widely used' programs that I'm very proficient in. Even there, unfortunately I haven't used Powerpoint to any great extent for several years so it would probably take me awhile to get used to the new version.

Kevin, you can make stuff like that in Microsoft Office Publisher. I've created three of them, two for me and one for FrenchCanadian. I'd be happy to help you with that if you like. Just say the word.

Thanks, Kev...

I just wanted to thank Dion for making me an awesome new banner!

Check it out!

It is great...I don't want to be picky or choosy, but the font could have been a bit more darker...

You are most welcome, Kevin.

BK (or should I say 'Beasty'?) - like I told Kevin: if he ever wants something different all he has to do is say so. I keep all the working drafts so changing it up is not a problem.

Besides... I have fun doing that. I could do it all day but I think my boss would get cranky.

Anything that suits you... I respond to both...


Yeah, well...so do I...