New Banner for Me!

Can I hear some comments there, huh? :D

If you want to help me promote my little blog here, you may do so with this image. Thanks! :D

Back to web design... still busy...

It's been a long time since I took up web design, but now I'm back.

Good thing that my knowledge in the area is still imminent =))

I started studying web design just last summer. And during that same time I had some practice by creating two different sites: my own site, and my class's site, the 2-Simplicity website.

After that I took a long silence from web design. Those two sites never got updated for a long time. Well, now I'm back, and I'm planning to improve those two sites greatly. It's what I call "V2" time =D

With more software on my arsenal(lol), such as Dreamweaver, Flash, Photoshop and 3 GIF animators =D, I should be able to make better web pages.

For those who are willing to wait, then wait. I just hope the wait will be worth it =))

And as you can see now, I do have a lot of work on my hands. Another reason I don't blog often. =D Yet, I'm sure of the money-making possibilities with AdSense as long as posts keep being crawled, and relevant ads keep being displayed. And I sure do hope people click on them. =))

P.S. - I only know HTML. I don't have any knowledge on server-side languages such as PHP, Pearl, Java and many more =D Heck I don't even know XHTML =))

Some Photoshop Techniques

How would you like me to share some Photoshop techniques I use in my image creations? Well, look no further, and get your notebook, 'coz it's time for Photoshop techniques 101.

1. Use a good version of Photoshop

First of all, I recommend you to use a version which has features you'll use, and a version which
your PC can handle. I don't recommend the latest version, CS3, since it's still buggy, even though it's
Vista-compatible. The version I use is CS2, and even though it runs a bit sluggish on my machine, it
works. But if your PC can't handle CS2, try CS1(or CS) instead.

2. Use gradients.

I find the usage of gradients in background provides a nice effect. If you have a base picture/image, you can get your colors there, either by mixing your own or using the eyedropper tool. If not, you can use some of the preset colors(found on the toolbar directly under the menu bar. It shows up if you select the gradient tool itself.).

3. Use Layer Styles

Another neat technique is the usage of layer styles in Photoshop. If you've been hiding in a rock for some reason, you can find a submenu named "Layer Styles" in the "Layer" menu. It allows you to have anywhere from transparent effects to emboss effects to your layers. Use in conjunction with multiple-layered *.psd documents.

4. Use Filters

Those Photoshop filters aren't only for wasting RAM, they're for adding some neat touch-ups to your image. For instance, I love using the Render > Lens Flare effect. Try experimenting for yourself. :D

5. Have a Good "Base Image"

Oftentimes when you're making a Photoshop image you won't have much idea on its concept. Well a good tip is to search for an image you will base this Photoshop image. Google, Yahoo, and probably others have an image-searching service, and other interesting sites you may find with pics could be useful. Conclusion: everytime you see an image worth scrutinizing, start up Photoshop and make an image out of it!

Well, that's it for the tips. I'll give ya guys more Photoshop techniques, once I learn them(heh)

Creating Userbars with Photoshop.

Lately, I've been having fun making userbars(little bars you can add to your forum signature or website, usually describing favorites or interests.), ever since I've learned making them(and a bit of Photoshop too.)

Check this site out for a free userbar tutorial(which I read). Very informative. Trust me.

Want to see my userbar creations? Click here.

Mastery Exams Almost Over

Well... just 2 more exams left and I can finally lay down again... and why bother reviewing?

No, not really. I'm still gonna review for P.E. and Health... since that's my last chance to get a high result on a mastery exam.. oh well. That's 'coz most of my exams were... well, you get the idea.

In other news... my PS skills seem to be improving. Been making new userbars in my Photoshop CS2. And my Windows XP Pro Student Edition download is almost done. Finally, 570+ MBs of data done. Now all I need is a CD-RW drive(lol)

It's fun playing an old Win95 game... trust me. Try Diablo. It's one of the best, even though old.

Too Busy Photoshopping

So... you're skeptical that I am a Photoshop n00b? Well, I WAS. Not at least, until I taught myself Photoshop.

Heh... Photoshop isn't easy, let me tell you. Sure, I made my own blog logo, I made my own Friendster background, I made a few userbars, and I'm not going to brag about the rest soooo... back to the topic.

Well, now that the people at 5k001(note the 13375p34k spelling) know about my (still n00b15h™, really) Photoshop skillz... they made some requests.. so after the mastery exams I will work on those...

http://www.tutorialized.com has some neat tutorials for you. :D