Tuesday April 12, 2011
When delivering Photoshop files to fellow designers, web developers, printers and others it is important to leave them with something manageable. Ever have a file named something along the lines of design_new_new_final.psd? Fix those Photoshop habits and learn good manners with the Photoshop Etiquette Manifesto.
I can say from experience that people are very happy to receive well organized Photoshop files. A poorly organized PSD can leave the next person in the design process pulling out their hair looking for a layer or related image. Even if you don't follow all the rules, at least stick to the basics. Name your layers before sending off files, and use folders to organize those layers. Name your files with version numbers and dates so it is easy to know which is the latest and greatest. Starting there will make your life, and the life of those that see your files, much easier.
Monday April 4, 2011
Odosketch, by digital agency Odopod, is a clever online app that allows you to create sketches right in your web browser. To save your sketches, first create an account and then enter the new sketch screen. Here you can choose from a variety of brushes to draw water color-style on what looks like an aged piece of paper.
What I found most interesting about odosketch was the gallery of featured illustrations, featuring amazing work by odosketch members. You even get to watch the drawing be created in an animation that shows you the sketch from start to finish. Head over to odosketch and check out the work or start your own.
Monday March 28, 2011
Designspiration is an excellent website devoted to design inspiration. With a clever and simple interface, and easy searching by keyword and color, it's one of my favorite stops to look for images by topic or saved by some top designers.
I had a chance to speak with Shelby White, creator of Designspiration, about the process of creating the site, which comes along with some great advice for others building something creative. Read the interview
Tuesday March 22, 2011
DesignModo is a website filled with graphic design inspiration and ideas. With topics ranging from freebies to coding to inspiration, DesignModo has quickly built up a large archive of design articles in a relatively short period of time (they launched in August 2010). Read Review