DTG News and Else
DT&G: Vol. 14, Number 4, April, 2004 ~ The eZine for Design, Typography, & Graphics   (since 1990)  

April: The Color of Spring

Welcome to spring time! Again we top the record for content and some pretty special guests... first Richard Lynch helps us unravel the question whether to buy Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, and then Ani Phyo shares her "Seven Steps to Return on Web Design" from her latest book. Finally, Photoshop expert Mark Clarkson is on hand to help Photoshop 911 show you how to convert a photo to a line drawing! It's a great lineup -- but that's not all!
      Those Designing Women are back as the March theme overflows into April: Joyce Evans and Bennie Taylor both makes appearances in Web Design Critiques -- helping web designers with no less than five critiques! Also, Melissa Mason is back with a visit to her Seattle "semi artist" studios.
      March's discussion topic and prize puzzle was "Spring Color." DTG readers were challenged with sharing their ideas and feedback on "COLOR." We have five winners who took the time to share their insightful and entertaining comments with you. Of course you can see the winners in the Creative Networking Department

Photoshop vs. Elements

We simply got tired of answering the frequent question of Photoshop vs. Photoshop Elements -- it's one of those questions that refuses to go away. So, there was only one most logical professional to ask for help - and we're thrilled that Photoshop expert, author and practitioner Richard Lynch would come to the rescue. So folks, herein we put the long-run debate to rest: Which is best: Photoshop or Elements??

Photoshop Pixels to Pencil Drawings

Another frequent question we get is how to convert photos to art of some form or another. Answering a distress call from a number of Photoshop 911 readers, we harness the "secrets" of Mark Clarkson, author of "Photoshop Secrets of the Pros" to use blending modes and adjustment layers to convert this photo into a nice Colored Pencil Drawing. Pixels to Pencils

Seven Steps to Return On Web Design

Quite often these days we her the term ROI - which means "return on investment." One of the important books to come along in a while for web designers is Ani Phyo's "Return On Design." Ani is a Web Designer and founder of SmartMonkey Media and she brings some serious lessons into focus for web designers. We are proud to present Ani's Seven Steps to Return On Design

Photoshop Assemblage Made Easy

Answering lots of calls about putting images together for montage, collage and assemblage, we thought we would just knock out this quick tutorial that illustrates some of the more easy methods of bringing images into a single file. I've also get a full tutorial on "Layer Masking" almost ready for May's issue. Until then, you can enjoy these tips for Quick, Easy Photo Montage.

Those Designing Women are back...

You read Melissa Mason's article "Designless In Seattle" last month -- this month let's take look at some of her outstanding design work with a little visit to her studio Semiartist

Joyce Evans is back with Sweet Deco

Joyce returns to the Web critique department with some good news and some bad for the Sweet Deco of Austria web site. As usual, Joyce does a superb job pin-pointing aspects on various pages of Sweet Deco.

Speaking of Web Site Critiques...

Bennie Taylor is back this month with three all new web site critiques. She offers her usual style of excellent suggestions for these web sites. First, she tackles this huge online publication for postal workers called 9th Street Rag. She then turns to the Doctors' Support Net with solid advice. I ask: "If you were a Doctor in need of counselling, would you use this site?" Finally She visits a site that markets K-9 guard dogs and here, even supplies an alternate graphic for the Rolling Meadow Kennels and Canine Training. Find all of these in the Web Design and Review Critique department.

Feature Web Sites for Review:

There are some interesting sites this month, from standard business sites to a few you might just call bizarre. Please look for those with specific questions about their sites -- they're the ones we want to help! Give them a look in the Web Reviews Department ->
      Folks, I was somewhat disappointed this month with both the site postings and critiques. Bennie and Joyce are carrying the load, but that still leaves dozens of web crafters who wanted help but didn't get it. A number of the submissions I answer personally, but time doesn't allow publishing all of those. Take a few minutes won't you, and help out a fellow designer!

Mail Bag: Tips, and Cool Finds...

The "mail bag" has become one of the most anticipated features of the DTG monthly email newsletter -- so many people list this column as their favorite. So, let's see what's at the Design Center post office....

Mail: Please Review My Site

We had more than two dozen requests in our 'contact' form during March asking for comments on web site. Since Web Design and Review is set up for just that, we don't utilize the contacts mail for site help. If you're looking for comments on your site, utilize the links to the Web Reviews section of the site. You can also join the CAFE where there's lots of help available.

Mail: Which Program for Desktop Publishing?

Lisa from Madison, Florida writes in to ask: "Can you recommend the best Adobe program(s) for a graphic designer just starting out creating newsletters, brochures and advertisements. When I graduated college, I learned PageMaker. There seem to be many more programs now though.... I'm just looking for the best. And, can you recommend the best tutorial book to assist me?
      Lisa, If you own PageMaker and know it, then you will be well served to stay with it for a while. PageMaker is a totally capable program. (Regardless of what some might say.) I've seen hundreds of national and international design awards go to projects that were created in PageMaker. You should have Illustrator. Version 10 or CS would be ideal. If you can pick up a cheap version of 9, you'll be just as well off. If you can afford it, get Photoshop, but don't worry if you don't. For $89 you can get Elements which will do most of what you need anyway. (See this month's feature article) Here's where to find the right books

Mail: ISO Aging Photos

Marg from Australia is in search of: "I am trying to find a computer program that is used to age people in photos"
      Don't ask. There are none. Read my full response to this post at: Photoshop 911

Tip: Logos Fonts & Lettering

I was thrilled when Leslie Cabarga gave us a tip to check out her new book the "Logos Fonts & Lettering" book. WOW, this is without a doubt one of THE most exciting books I've seen in some time. Seriously, I took it to pass around in my Typography class at JMU and my students went bonkers. Don't wait for the review... go get it right now! Logos Fonts & Lettering

Letters: Jeff Duz Icons

Jeff from New York, NY wrote in to say: "I found your site after clicking through links for hours in a search for a particular item of clip art. Your description of the hours I spent searching was dead on (60-Seconds.com). From there, I read more about the Design Center and I'd like to become part of it."
      But then Jeff told us about his thing -- which is making desktop icons for the Windows platform! Cool. We checked out his lead and found a whole eye full of visual candy. Jeff also has some good tutorials and content there so check out: Jeffs-Icons.net

Mail: Low price computer recommendation

Carlos from Ontario writes: "I am looking to buy a new computer. I've spent the last year working at screen printing company where pcs and corel rule the work environment. In college I always enjoyed and preferred macs. I don't have a lot of money and buying a pc would obviously be more affordable, should I invest in a mac and get my home studio off to a better start, and if so what should I get. I plan on using a lot of photoshop and illustrator."
      Carlos, if you asked that question four years ago I'd have to say 100% Mac. However, Adobe products are so close between platforms it's hardly worth an argument these days. But you might want to check some of the refurb outlets and shop around for some deals. A friend just bought a dual G4 with a gig of ram on eBay for around $500, complete. That toasts any PC deal you can find. You also have some really good Mac user groups in Ontario, and members get deep discounts at the Mug store. Take a look at the User Group Network

Tip: Veenix: Design & Type Tools

Lindsay Rockland from Brooklyn, NY sent us a heads up to check out Lake Group Software's new product "Veenix: Design & Type Tools" -- we were impressed and you will be too. Particularly at the low, low price: Veenix

Tip: Not Martha

Last but certainly not least is this tip from O'Brien who sends this fun discovery: "Here is just a fun site I came across that gives unique ideas for making cool cards and gifts that could be used by designers to do self promotional items and corporate packages. It puts the fun back into design and gives you a break from a stressful business day: Not Martha

Got Photoshop Questions? Who do you call?

Last month we opened the doors of Photoshop 911's new blog, and of course it was well received. Traffic exceeded our predictions, and a lot more people got help than the month before. It continues to grow, so join in if you like. Here are just a few of the questions and problems fielded by the Photoshop 911 team... Photoshop911.com ... and don't forget the Photoshop FAQ

Publishers Warehouse for April

The Warehouse has added some goodies this month... look into the Jumpstation for an all new array of free or royalty free stock photography, as well as updates and additions in most other departments. All month long, the Publishers' Warehouse will be hosting the loading dock under the "creative" directory in celebration of May's "Creative Beginnings" theme in the Design Center. So, for this month you'll want to use: http://www.graphic-design.com/creative/index.html.

Getting Ready for May & Creative Thinking

I wish to thank everyone for participating in this month's issue, the more creative input we get, the more benefits everyone will get out of it!
      In May our topic will be "CREATIVE BEGINNINGS" where we'll all share ideas for getting creative inspiration. Don't forget to share your "creative" thoughts, and register for the May Prize Giveaways... Think about it first, then share your thoughts and register for prizes.

Happy April, and ...

Thanks for reading... go forth and be creative

Fred Showker
Editor / Publisher, DT&G Magazine

Parting words: on the subject of CREATIVITY...

"The uncreative mind can spot the wrong answer,
but it takes a creative mind to spot the wrong question."
        Anthony Jay

Participate in your Design Center

Lots of fun and information for all... don't forget, any community is only as good as the participation of its members. We invite your tips, tricks, comments, suggestions and camaraderie.