21 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
21 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Calling all Photoshop 7 to CS5 Users!

by Marky B
17 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
    • |
Hi there fellow members,

This is my first post here and I'm really looking forward to participating in the Warrior forum very much now I've finally got around to registering!

Firstly to the moderators...If this thread is posted in the incorrect category or I've breached any rules, please accept my apology.

Okay now I'll cut straight to the chase...

Lately I've been working on a number of cool Photoshop ecover actions, you know where you install them into Photoshop, hit the play button and your ecover is created for you automatically. Incidentally, don't under estimate the quality here, these are HD actions and not the cheap attempts you might have seen floating round the net. They render out at a massive 300 dpi which are good enough for print. Now, before anyone says anything, I'm fully aware that there are similar packages out there (eCover Pro and the like) but all these are sold in bulk packages and to me don't seem to warrant cost effectiveness. That's not to say they aren't good, but I predict that most people that purchase these bulk actions rarely use them all for their web page projects. Basically what I'm saying is you have to buy the whole package to own the actions you'll actually use. That's okay if you intend to use them all, but what if you only needed one or two for your web designs?

This is where my actions differ...What I intend to do is offer them individually, so if you're looking to create say just CD images, then all you do is purchase a CD action...Naturally you get the action you want and in turn you save yourself a small fortune by not purchasing the one's you don't want...No waste on your part!

Okay, plug over with

Anyway, before I begin to stock my blog up with my ecover action scripts, I would appreciate a few beta testers for one of them.
See, I've created my actions within CS3 and I only have CS3 to test with. What I'm looking for are people who have alternative versions of Photoshop (preferably users of version 7 right up to CS5) to test out one of my action scripts to see if it's compatible with their version of Photoshop.

And that's it!

In return, all I'd like is to hear your feedback as to whether it worked okay or not...Fair enough?

I'm not numb though, I realise there'll be some freeloaders here that will just download my action and not bother to lift a finger with regards to any feedback, that's just nature and it's what everyone has to put up with unfortunately, but I'm hoping that some of you decent members out there would be kind enough to type a few words of feedback for me

Unfortunately because I'm new to the forum I'm unable to offer a download link within my post so if you're up for testing this out for me, then by all means PM me and I'll give you the download link

I've attached a sample image of the action in question for your convenience.

Now, I realise that I have absolutely no control over my action after you've downloaded it, so what I will say is you're free to use it as many times as you like and I also grant you rights to re-distribute it to your own website visitors, all I ask is you leave the RAR file contents in their entirety, you MUST NOT change any of the copyright notices and give credit where it's due...I don't think that's too much to ask for is it?

Apart from that though, please test it out in your version of Photoshop and I look forward to your feedback.
#calling #cs5 #photoshop #users
  • Profile picture of the author Aussie Dazzler
    I have CS5.

    Have quite a few actions and they are a lifesaver for time and quality.
    Would love to give yours a try.

    PM on its way.
    Signature

    Failure Is Not An Option - It is your choice!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2160399].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Rickfold
    what you attached is an image, you haven't attached the action

    I'm not a master marketer but I have to tell you that your idea won't sell. Making the actions to be bought individually, you will need to sell EACH action you have. That's a lot of work. You will get less sales & less money.

    And when it comes to actions I don't think anyone is interested in saving money. At least those who buy aren't because you just buy it once. Like you do with Cover Action Pro. You buy it once and you have it forever.

    So your idea doesn't fly. You're trying to target a market of people with no money. I say that because no-one really wants to save money and just buy one action unless they don't have any money. As a designer actions are required. So they probably aren't even designers.

    So there you go, you're trying to sell something to someone who's not interested or doesn't have any money.
    Signature

    Be The Change You Want To See In The World

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2161677].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Aj Wilson
      Have you tested the market Daniel?
      How do you know the market does not want to buy Markys single Actions?

      First of all...

      When I first started out, all I wanted to design was ONE eCover.
      I didn't want to purchase a bunch of them as I had no use for them all.

      Then there's the times, Im looking for a SINGLE specific action.
      So Im confident Marky here has a market.

      Just because the market wants a Single Action doesnt mean
      they're poor or it wont be a profitable venture for Marky.

      There IS a place for Marky to sell single actions,
      then Marky will have the ability to create package deals, upsells and bonus offers...

      and just because YOU think "it's a lot of work", doesnt mean
      its not going to sell and be profitable?

      Marky could easily sell a membership site,
      and increase the number of actions and increase the price as he ads them.

      Marky,

      I have cover action pro 1 & 2, eCover Pro Photoshop CS3, CS4 AND CS5
      installed on multiple pc's.

      If you would like an honest video review along with free promo on my blog.
      Just hit me up using my contact form > www.WSOSpecial.com

      Dont let anyone tell you that you should or "shouldnt" do anything...

      your prospects and customers will tell you everything
      you need to know, after all... theyre the ones buying.

      it's just a matter of testing.

      All the best buddy,
      If you need any reviews just let me know.

      I'll give you a free rating graphic, free video review / testimonial,
      and free promo on my blog (when it's ready) in the "photoshop" section.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2162133].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Aussie Dazzler
        Here here AJ.

        The original post was o simply ask people to test the PS action he made.
        I didnt think it was a request on Marks marketing or Sales pitch.

        Anyway I tested the action and it was quite good.

        I too have Cover Action Pro, and actions save a lot of time. So things like actions dont mean I have no money, it MEANS you can make money, in a fraction of the time.

        Anyway thats my 2 cents worth.

        I see your in Melbourne AJ, perth here... Good to see another ozzie...lol

        I personally will be going back to Marks site and signing up. As an avid user of PS there could be a gold mine of info there.
        Signature

        Failure Is Not An Option - It is your choice!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2162177].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Marky B
      Originally Posted by antipot View Post

      what you attached is an image, you haven't attached the action

      I'm not a master marketer but I have to tell you that your idea won't sell. Making the actions to be bought individually, you will need to sell EACH action you have. That's a lot of work. You will get less sales & less money.

      And when it comes to actions I don't think anyone is interested in saving money. At least those who buy aren't because you just buy it once. Like you do with Cover Action Pro. You buy it once and you have it forever.

      So your idea doesn't fly. You're trying to target a market of people with no money. I say that because no-one really wants to save money and just buy one action unless they don't have any money. As a designer actions are required. So they probably aren't even designers.

      So there you go, you're trying to sell something to someone who's not interested or doesn't have any money.
      I well aware it's only an image attached to my post, I created the post. Try reading every word I typed in.

      Oh and thanks for your useful insight to what I'm planning to do. Surely all the hard work 'as you put it' is for me to worry about and not yourself.

      Also, when you have any concrete evidence that my idea won't work then I'll gladly listen to any negativity. Hey, I'm a realist I don't expect to have an existence online without any criticisms whatsoever. It would be foolish of anyone to think otherwise so don't worry about me, I'm pretty thick skinned

      Everyone's entitled to their own opinion including yourself.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2162620].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Marky B
        @ AJ

        Thanks for the encouragement AJ!

        Appreciate your comments and yeah that would be superb if you could offer your review!

        I'll head over to your site shortly and use your contact form. I'll give you the download link to my atn as well so you can test it out for yourself.

        Cheers buddy
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2162639].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Daniel Rickfold
        Originally Posted by Marky B View Post

        I well aware it's only an image attached to my post, I created the post. Try reading every word I typed in.

        Oh and thanks for your useful insight to what I'm planning to do. Surely all the hard work 'as you put it' is for me to worry about and not yourself.

        Also, when you have any concrete evidence that my idea won't work then I'll gladly listen to any negativity. Hey, I'm a realist I don't expect to have an existence online without any criticisms whatsoever. It would be foolish of anyone to think otherwise so don't worry about me, I'm pretty thick skinned

        Everyone's entitled to their own opinion including yourself.
        Hey you asked for feedback I gaved you feedback. I was only saying you should rethink your marketing strategy. I gaved you my feedback, you do whatever you want with it.

        I'm sorry if you think I was directly attacking you
        Signature

        Be The Change You Want To See In The World

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2162948].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Mike Schwenk
          Originally Posted by antipot View Post

          Hey you asked for feedback I gaved you feedback. I was only saying you should rethink your marketing strategy. I gaved you my feedback, you do whatever you want with it.

          I'm sorry if you think I was directly attacking you
          I don't want to get in the middle of this tea party, but in all fairness... he only asked for feedback on his .atn file, not his plans for marketing.

          True, if he didn't want criticism, he could have left it out. But he was simply giving a little bit of background on his product.
          ---------------------------------------------------------------

          On topic:

          Mark, everything is working fine in CS4.

          However, if any of your scripts are going to be created that a design can potentially run off any edges, I would be sure to add some guides to show that. For example, part of a script for an actual ebook cover may run off onto the spine from the cover.

          I'm sure you've used other actions and either way know what I'm talking about. Perhaps you've even already done that and it just isn't like that on this script.

          Also: Are you planning to create your scripts in a way that they render as seperate layers? My main set allows this and that makes it easier to make the background transparent. I tried creating a second document with no background to start, but the actions put one in automatically.

          Either way, everything is working fine!

          Good luck,

          Mike
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2163233].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Marky B
            @Mike

            Thanks for the feedback my friend, appreciate you testing the atn out for me.

            Yeah there's no need for guides on that particular USB script, but on other certain one's I've done there are clearly marked guides with instructions for the end user.

            I take your point about unflattened upon completion, I was toying with this when I was creating them and couldn't make my mind up. I finally arrived at flattening them upon completion, however, that said I may go into the sources and alter them so the end user has the option to change the background colour for themselves....Good point!

            To answer your question directly though, yep, I know exactly what you're talking about lol! I've been a Photoshop nut for about 12 years now and it still never ceases to amaze me what you can actually do with it

            Thanks again for the testing and feedback.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2163354].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Mike Schwenk
              Originally Posted by Marky B View Post

              @Mike

              I may go into the sources and alter them so the end user has the option to change the background colour for themselves....Good point!
              You're quite welcome.

              In regard to what I've quoted above; the reason I like being able to remove the background is so that the file can be saved as a .png and easily integrated into any other design or page.

              With some screens displaying differently that others, I find it's more beneficial to be able to just throw it onto something, rather than changing a solid background and hoping it will show the same to others. Mainly because the paint bucket can sometimes (pardon the pun) spill over onto other parts of the design itself.

              Just my thoughts.

              Once again, good luck with whatever direction you decide to go in. If you need any others tested as needed, feel free to give a shout. I might be able to dig up my PS7 and CS3 as well.

              Take care,

              Mike

              Edit: Come to think it of - Seperate layers will also allow folks to customize the color of actions that have parts that are created only after being rendered. Your USB action would be an example of what I mean (the main black case for the thumbdrive).

              Otherwise, I'm sure a changing of the hue/saturation and/or color balance itself, would result in a change of the main design as well.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2163584].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Marky B
                Originally Posted by Mike Schwenk View Post

                You're quite welcome.

                In regard to what I've quoted above; the reason I like being able to remove the background is so that the file can be saved as a .png and easily integrated into any other design or page.

                With some screens displaying differently that others, I find it's more beneficial to be able to just throw it onto something, rather than changing a solid background and hoping it will show the same to others. Mainly because the paint bucket can sometimes (pardon the pun) spill over onto other parts of the design itself.

                Just my thoughts.

                Once again, good luck with whatever direction you decide to go in. If you need any others tested as needed, feel free to give a shout. I might be able to dig up my PS7 and CS3 as well.

                Take care,

                Mike

                Edit: Come to think it of - Seperate layers will also allow folks to customize the color of actions that have parts that are created only after being rendered. Your USB action would be an example of what I mean (the main black case for the thumbdrive).

                Otherwise, I'm sure a changing of the hue/saturation and/or color balance itself, would result in a change of the main design as well.
                Cheers Mike,

                First off, let me know if you manage to dig up PS7?

                Secondly, at one time before the age of Vista and W7 PNG's wasn't that web friendly for viewing. I seem to recall reading a lot of comments about images not being visible on certain websites due to them being in PNG format, however, that does now appear to be a thing of the past (thank god) as I hated using low res GIFS unless of course I want an animated image then I had no choice apart from going the flash route.

                (Just me ranting lol!)

                Anyway, if you manage to dig up your PS7 like I said, let me know and I'll keep you posted if I need any others testing out

                Cheers
                Marky B
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2163651].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Aj Wilson
                  @bobbyd67

                  Here here AJ.

                  The original post was o simply ask people to test the PS action he made.
                  I didnt think it was a request on Marks marketing or Sales pitch
                  That's correct, the OG post is all about Markys Actions,
                  NOT his marketing strategy.

                  So there's no need for @antipot (Daniel) to post disempowering or
                  discouraging comments regarding Markys marketing or business model.

                  I think you may have read my post wrong mate.

                  Im not aussie either, Im Kiwi... a natural born warrior who'll
                  stand staunch for the "little guy" as this forum should be about helping,
                  learning, encouragement, enlightenment and empowering the community...

                  with genuine help & support.

                  Not disempowering, uneducated comments or useless negative opinions.

                  Side Note : Ok, Im being Very Harsh Here... But that's what I was thinking and feeling
                  at the time of posting my previous comment...

                  But I see Daniel has apologized and he states it was not his genuine intention
                  to attack Marky, I just see so much of it in this forum it gets sickening.

                  So I'll stand up for people.

                  p.s.

                  See that face? That's actually how I get when its war time LOL.
                  @Marky


                  Got your contact form request and action mate, all works perfect, CS5.
                  My only suggestions as @Mike has already stated...

                  It might pay to separate the layers on action completion.

                  i.e.

                  Main Image Layer
                  Shadow Layer
                  Background Layer.

                  As a flash developer also, Im constantly saving in png for
                  transparency to import my optimized images into Flash.

                  and sometimes shadows & backgrounds arent required,
                  so its great to switch them off when needed instead of running the quick selection tool to separate.

                  Other than that, all looks and works great so far.

                  If you ever run a wso for your actions,
                  or if you want a review for your blog, just
                  hit me back when you have a solid action package ready for sale.

                  I'll probably hit you up a bit later on down the track when we're both ready,
                  I'd like to feature you as the expert in my "Photoshop" section to assist
                  fellow warriors with their graphics etc.

                  Still developing the site and other products at the moment,
                  but will get there!

                  I watched your quick video and will sign up after this,
                  you sound like a great guy with the same aim...

                  To post genuine, quality content with a genuine desire
                  to help & empower others.

                  Have a good one mate,
                  chatya bit later

                  cheers,

                  - aj
                  Signature
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2169086].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author Marky B
                    Thanks for biggin me up AJ, I feel like a celeb now lol!

                    No seriously though, I agree with what you say about this should be a community for helping others and encouraging them in whatever path they choose to take.

                    I'm honoured you considering me to be one of your Photoshop experts on your blog and I will gladly accept if it means helping others get what they want from the app

                    I will let you know when I have a complete action set in place (completed 22 up to now) but these do take a hell of a loooooooong time to produce to an acceptable standard and I'm guessing I need around 40 - 50 for a decent set.

                    All my actions are (and will be) designed from the ground up because I want them to be individual from all the other choices out there. There's no point in creating the same designs that are already available elsewhere or they'll be destined to fail.

                    I've taken your point on board which Mike also mentioned regarding them rendering out to completion without being flattened. That's no problem, I can alter all the one's I've created up to now to be multiple layered on completion.

                    Incidentally, I don't know whether you've popped over to my blog, but I do have a DVD available in the products section. It's primarily aimed at noobs and is a really good starting block for them to learn a great deal from Photoshop even though I say so myself. There's a link next to the DVD which takes you to the main tutorial interface where people can check out every tutorial on the disk. May be worth JV'ing on your blog when you're ready?

                    (Promo over)

                    Yep, I think the only way forward for everyone is to help others get what they want and in time we will hopefully be rewarded. As I mention in my video, it may also secure my place in heaven lol!

                    Thanks again for the kind words AJ,

                    Don't be a stranger!

                    Mark
                    PS Your sample USB looks cool with that design
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2170337].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Aj Wilson
    All good Marky,

    Might wanna chuck your website in your forum sig mate.
    Help fellow warriors to your site and actions...

    I did see your physical product, I'd be happy to promote it alongside
    your digital products when you're ready?

    "Instant Download, Instant Gratification" for visitors etc.

    I'll shoot over to your site n sign up now...
    (I forgot last night, too many rum & cokes)

    all the best buddy
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2171665].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Marky B
      @Richard Dean.

      PM sent with downoad link.

      Please leave your feedback after testing...Thanks.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2181246].message }}

Trending Topics