Graphics: Headers and Design
Submitted by tealcool on Tue, 04/22/2008 - 16:12.
Jeremy and forum members: Can you talk about what kind of graphics software you use to create headers, graphics and backgrounds on your sites. Photoshop seems expensive, I am not sure how long it takes to learn it. I have seen something called Design Dashboard but don't know if it has worked for anyone. Thanks!
Graphics: Headers and Design
I agree that photoshop is expensive and that its not something we all can just shell out for.
on the other hand MSpaint sucks and cannot produce anything cool or presentable at all.
I would recommend the GIMP (Graphics, Image, Manipulation, Program). Gimp is an open source photo editing program and the best part is that it is absolutely free !!
It does take a little bit of time to learn how to use but then again so would photoshop.
I use Gimp to make my banners and to manipulate any templates I may have downloaded for my sites.
You can get your hands on GIMP here
http://www.gimp.org/
I recommend Adobe Fireworks.
I recommend Adobe Fireworks. It's not the cheapest, but it's probably the best - IMO
I'm not familiar with Design Dashboard... is that Marlon Sander's product?
Best,
Jeremy
Design Dashboard
Design Dashboard is Marlon Sander's product. I know nothing about it or him...so I wasn't sure if it is worth it. Thanks!
Go with the Gimp! It's
Go with the Gimp! It's almost as powerful as Photoshop and more than likely does everything you will need and then some. If you use a Mac, you could try some of these http://tinyurl.com/56hrcd
Dreamweaver/Fireworks
I use Fireworks for image editing. You can actually pick up earlier versions on ebay for pretty cheap:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Macromedia-STUDIO-MX-2004-WITH-MANUEL-SERIAL_W0Q...
This is for the Macromedia STUDIO MX 2004 that has the HTLM editor Dreamweaver as well.
There are about a bazillion free tutorial out on the web for this software as well.
Jack
After running a number of web dev shops
I can tell you that Photoshop is the big daddy of graphics creation, which isn't really any kind of secret.
What is a little less known is that Fireworks is by far the best tool for the job and the groups that know how to use it well can create websites and web graphics faster and cheaper than those who haven't yet discovered it's power and versatility.
My point here is that if you're just starting out and can get a copy of Fireworks for a reasonable price...do it.
kmore
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Yet another guy learning the ropes.
Twitter Me: http://www.twitter.com/kmore