AYM 4 Training – Online and Onsite Computer Training – Cool Stuff

Okay, I’ve already admitted that I don’t like hand-coding websites, and prefer to use WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) visually oriented Web design software like Dreamweaver, Flux, or some others. However, sometimes we HAVE to get into the code. CSS3 is a growing technology that enables web pages to do a lot of designer-y things they couldn’t do before.

This article explains why you may want to use these techniques, and how to implement them. Nicely done, WebDesignerDepot.com!

http://bit.ly/GF1ZNo

When I don’t get a chance to make my own tutorials, I still appreciate the work of others. Graphics.com has posted a nice tutorial on using the History Brush to control where Filter Effects…um… affect your image. Check it out!

http://www.graphics.com/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=1007

A friend of mine is hosting an HDR and Panoramic Compositing in Photoshop webinar on January 24th. Knowing Stephen, this is going to be excellent. To register, visit:
http://bit.ly/x7t2cd

Russell Brown (www.russellbrown.com) has created a really good tutorial on how to use the History Paintbrush in Photoshop.

Those of you who’ve taken my Photoshop classes know that I don’t often teach this tool. I actually think it’s an awesome tool – but of course I’m ALL about non-destructive techniques, and this isn’t one of them. This technique changes original pixels permanently (there are work-arounds, but they’re rather indirect). So, I recommend knowing how this tool works, what you can do with it, and then knowing you can use it for more of your “quick and dirty” retouching and repair needs.

CreativePro.com has come up with yet another really good article – this time, about a topic that can be really confusing – how color works for print documents, and how to use InDesign’s color management to get accurate color print jobs done (Note: this is for 4-color, process printing – not meant for your inkjet). Check it out at:

http://www.creativepro.com/article/indesign-how-print-colors-correctly

24HourPhotoshop.com is the first ever live, global, interactive event for the Photoshop community — 24 Hours of non-stop Photoshop!

On February 10th/11th, 2012, 24hourphotoshop.com (http://bit.ly/ooeAoc) will be offering over 100 sessions, with 50 instructors via online webinars. Some of the best instructors will be featured (with the exclusion of me, that is), and there are 3 pricing tiers: a limited Free track (requires pre-registration), an all-access $99 track, and an extended track (to see the webinars after the day is over) for $599. These are introductory rates.

I’ve never seen these before, so I can’t vouch for them specifically, but with the list of webinar leaders they have, this is bound to be a powerful day! There is a benefit to accessing as much as possible, live – you can ask questions of the instructors.

SmashingMagazine.com has an excellent article about the 5 main typeface styles.

So often, my students ask how to select an appropriate typeface for their projects. This article clearly explains the main groups from which you can choose, and helps you choose which are best to combine for your specific needs.

Visit http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/12/14/what-font-should-i-use-five-principles-for-choosing-and-using-typefaces/

Seeking ideas for any new video or PDF tutorials that may be of interest to the people reading our posts. Is there anything you guys want to learn? It can be on any of the subjects listed on our website’s homepage (www.aym4training.com), and I’m certainly open to any other ideas you may have. Please keep in mind the time limit on YouTube is 15 minutes, so please try to choose something that can be explained in a short video – or two.

Any ideas, people???

From PhotoshopEssentials.com, a clear (if not lengthy) tutorial on using the insanely powerful pen tool.
http://www.photoshopessentials.com/basics/pen-tool-selections/

Don’t fear the Pen Tool!!!

If you find it too complicated, let me know, and I’ll make a little video tutorial or two to ease it up a bit.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, while so many of you are out drinking some green beer, here’s a tutorial for how you can make this stuff at home using Photoshop (and the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer).

Beannacht Lá Fhéile Pádraig