Designing headers with Photoshop CS4 is making me go insane...

Rhett · 09-22-2009, 04:59 PM

As the title of the thread states, I am really struggling with using Photoshop CS4 to make headers for my various sites. While I can find volumes of free tutorials, I find what when I follow theses "tutorials" step by step to learn this process, there are huge gaps--for example, the author will leave out the fact that he/she added an additional layer, etc. in between step 3 and step 4.

As you can imagine, this is immensely frustrating and discouraging. Is anyone aware of any tutorials that are for beginners AND are concise, without gaps in regards to critical knowledge?

I just want to learn so I can add basic graphical design to my IM "toolbox" of skills. Please help.

TristanPerry · 09-22-2009, 05:10 PM

I created the following Photoshop tutorial:

Web Dev Dawn - Good looking and easy to create header; Photoshop tutorial

It is aimed at beginners hence does talk about creating new layers and all.

Having a quick look through, I can see some places which may be confusing. But have a read through that tutorial, and please feel free to PM me if you need any help filling in the gaps

Something like step 12 may be a bit too difficult for a beginner (since it's quite a fiddley step), although overall it should be okay to follow. The jist of the idea is there anywhoo

Rhett · 09-22-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TristanPerry

I created the following Photoshop tutorial:

Web Dev Dawn - Good looking and easy to create header; Photoshop tutorial

It is aimed at beginners hence does talk about creating new layers and all.

Having a quick look through, I can see some places which may be confusing. But have a read through that tutorial, and please feel free to PM me if you need any help filling in the gaps

Something like step 12 may be a bit too difficult for a beginner (since it's quite a fiddley step), although overall it should be okay to follow. The jist of the idea is there anywhoo

Thank you so much; I'm going through it right now. My short term goal is to be able to design good looking headers for my various affiliate sites, but I've seen some gorgeous work done using Photoshop to design Wordpress templates.

Anyways, all in due time I suppose =)

girlpsychic · 09-26-2009, 12:47 AM

Hi Rhett,

I agree it is a bit of a frustrating learning curve in the beginning! I can totally relate to your comments - I think the 'disconnect' in most PS tutorials is due to it being difficult to break down the individual creative process.

I did find a really great book that could explain the tool functions and how the apps work together pretty well it was a 'Teach Yourself Visually - Adobe photoshop CS4' this series is great for us visual learners!

Once you have learned the basic functions your artistic flair will do the rest!

I am happy to help out with any questions you have along the way - I could talk design all day!

Cheers
Laurie

09-22-2009, 04:59 PM	#1
Rhett Lurker Extraordinaire War Room Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Idaho, USA. Posts: 81 Thanks: 16 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Designing headers with Photoshop CS4 is making me go insane... As the title of the thread states, I am really struggling with using Photoshop CS4 to make headers for my various sites. While I can find volumes of free tutorials, I find what when I follow theses "tutorials" step by step to learn this process, there are huge gaps--for example, the author will leave out the fact that he/she added an additional layer, etc. in between step 3 and step 4. As you can imagine, this is immensely frustrating and discouraging. Is anyone aware of any tutorials that are for beginners AND are concise, without gaps in regards to critical knowledge? I just want to learn so I can add basic graphical design to my IM "toolbox" of skills. Please help.
	Last edited by Rhett; 09-22-2009 at 05:00 PM. Reason: Grammatical errors.

09-22-2009, 05:10 PM	#2
TristanPerry Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cardiff, United Kingdom Posts: 772 Thanks: 171 Thanked 147 Times in 103 Posts Social Networking	Re: Designing headers with Photoshop CS4 is making me go insane... I created the following Photoshop tutorial: Web Dev Dawn - Good looking and easy to create header; Photoshop tutorial It is aimed at beginners hence does talk about creating new layers and all. Having a quick look through, I can see some places which may be confusing. But have a read through that tutorial, and please feel free to PM me if you need any help filling in the gaps Something like step 12 may be a bit too difficult for a beginner (since it's quite a fiddley step), although overall it should be okay to follow. The jist of the idea is there anywhoo
	"If you are clear where you are going and you take several steps in that direction every day, you eventually have to get there."

09-26-2009, 12:47 AM	#4
girlpsychic Web & Graphic Designer War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 83 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 14 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Designing headers with Photoshop CS4 is making me go insane... Hi Rhett, I agree it is a bit of a frustrating learning curve in the beginning! I can totally relate to your comments - I think the 'disconnect' in most PS tutorials is due to it being difficult to break down the individual creative process. I did find a really great book that could explain the tool functions and how the apps work together pretty well it was a 'Teach Yourself Visually - Adobe photoshop CS4' this series is great for us visual learners! Once you have learned the basic functions your artistic flair will do the rest! I am happy to help out with any questions you have along the way - I could talk design all day! Cheers Laurie
	Professional Designs, Crazy Prices, Service with a smile!! Visit My Website My Design Gallery or Email me direct.