Photoshop & Illustrator
Make a Seamless, Repeating Background Image
Web designers increasingly use large photographs as parts of their sites. One particularly prominent use of photography is through repeating background images. In this video tutorial, I will show you how to create seamless repeating photographic ...
Create a 'Storage Jar' Illustration, Part Two
Last week, we published "Create a ‘Storage Jar’ Illustration, Part 1," our Adobe Illustrator tutorial that dealt with some transparency techniques for advanced illustration. In this "Part 2" installment, I will be picking up where I left off to ...
Create a CD Icon in Illustrator
Visual communication can be the difference between conveying a message or getting lost in the crowd. One effective way to communicate visually is through icons. In this video tutorial, I will show you how to create a compact disc icon in Adobe Il...
Create a ‘Storage Jar’ Illustration, Part One
New illustration techniques will teach you new ways to look at design problems and help you improve as an artist. In this video tutorial, I will show you how to create a glass jar in Adobe Illustrator CS4 that can be used to “store” other graphic...
Manipulate Light in Photoshop
Photoshop has many powerful effects that can be used to turn bland design elements into eye-popping works of art. In this video tutorial, I will demonstrate a simple lighting effect that yields powerful results in Adobe Photoshop CS4. To beg...
Wrap Vector Shapes Around 3D Objects in Illustrator
A deep understanding of the capabilities of design software like Adobe Illustrator can open creative doors you may not have known existed. In this video tutorial, I will show you how to wrap vector shapes around 3D objects in Adobe Illustrator CS...
Indented Patterned Text Effects in Photoshop
An effective use of typography is as important as ever in modern web design, and sites increasingly feature detailed typographic effects to enhance their themes. In this video tutorial, I will show you how to create a detailed indented patterned...
Graphic Styles and Appearances in Illustrator
Understanding the many ways to create graphics in Adobe Illustrator will lead to a better overall understanding of technique and better overall designs. In this video tutorial, I will show you how to use Graphic Styles and Appearances in Adobe Il...
Designing Buttons that Sparkle
Buttons are one of the most common elements in web design and having an eye-catching button is a great way to improve site appeal. In this video tutorial, I will show you how to create a sparkly web button in Adobe Photoshop CS4. To begin, I...
Quick Tips & Shortcuts: Warp Vector Images in Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator has many great tools that can be used to create stunning vector graphics, bringing life to many of your designs. In this "Quick Tips and Shortcuts" tutorial, I will be showing you how to warp vector images in Adobe Illustrator C...
Creating Site Mascots from Photographs
Creating a character to act as a mascot for your site or your site design project is a great way to boost site personality and brand. About a month ago, I started a tutorial series on character design and took you through the steps of creating a ...
3D Graphics in Adobe Photoshop
In this video tutorial, I will introduce you to the three dimensional capabilities of Adobe Photoshop CS4 and CS5. To begin this tutorial, I will show you how to create a simple cube from a red fill layer in Photoshop. With the 3D cube created, ...
Seasonal Icon Development in Illustrator
Festive icons are a great way to promote seasonal sales and show that your clients' sites are up to date. You can develop these icons yourself and, to demonstrate, I will show you how to create pumpkin icons in Adobe Illustrator CS4, just in time...
Managing Vector Shapes in Adobe Photoshop
Using vector shapes is a great way to maximize image quality, even when resizing and manipulating. In this video tutorial, I will show you how to work with vector shapes in Adobe Photoshop CS4 to maximize image quality. To begin, I will show y...
Photo Vignettes in Adobe Photoshop
Much of the success of a website comes down to attracting and retaining a visitor's attention. Compelling product images can help. In this video tutorial, I will show four ways to create photo vignettes in Adobe Photoshop CS4. Photo vignettes ...
Manipulate Complex Images in Adobe Photoshop
The ability to manipulate complex images is crucial for any serious designer who wants to create advanced, detailed designs. In this video tutorial, I will show you how to manipulate a complex smoke image in Adobe Photoshop CS4. To begin, I ...
Design Custom 'Carbon Fiber' Icons in Adobe Photoshop CS4
It is important to design web elements that complement the overall theme you are trying to create. If you are trying to create a dark, stylish mood, adding carbon fiber elements to your site might be just the thing you’re looking for to complement...
Advanced Character Illustration, Part 6: Finishing Strong
Character illustration can be a long and detail-intensive process. But staying the course and finishing strong will result in a well-made illustration that will please clients and make a site more recognizable. For the past five weeks I have been...
Create an ‘Inked’ Text Effect in Adobe Photoshop
Knowing a number of different text effects can expand your design knowledge and capabilities. In this video tutorial, I will show you how to create an inked typography effect in Adobe Photoshop CS4. To begin, I will show you how to set up yo...
Advanced Character Illustration, Part 5: Color
When it comes to character design, color is very important. In this video tutorial, I will show you two ways to add color to your character illustration in Adobe Illustrator CS4. This is the fifth installment in a series on the process of devel...