Software

[joan4mickey]

Just curious as to what program all you "DISigners" are using to edit your images?

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

I personally use Photoshop Elements.

 

[RustManFan]

Photoshop Elements 7.0

 

[Dom13]

Photoshop Elements 6.0

 

[ILuvCrush]

I use Photo Impact X3... it was recommended in the sticky at the top of these boards, I started with the free trial and then purchased the full version. I've been very happy with it for both the DISign stuff and for general photo editing!

Paula

 

[heartbeeps]

Just a word about Photoshop Elements (PSE). I bought the program after seeing how many on this board used it. I am computer literate and experienced with software programs like PowerPoint, Visio, Olympus' proprietary photography software called Camedia, and even that old program called Harvard Graphics.... so I thought, "How hard could PSE be?" HA!

Well, IMHO it's not intuitive so a book or class might be helpful. I took a PSE class this afternoon - it makes so much more sense now. We haven't gotten to "layers" yet (that's next week) but at least it's making more sense. So, my point is that I shouldn't have automatically thought this program was "easy" or "intuitive!"

 

[Kellybell]

Self taught Photoshop Elements 6.0

 

[Dom13]

PSE does have a high learning curve. I came to it from another program, Micrographics Picture Publisher, which from what I understand is now owned, and no longer produced, by Corel. The two programs used alot of the same terminology so it made the transition easier.

Layers....one of the most powerful features of Photoshop and Elements. I picture layers like the transparent overlays used on overhead projectors. You can stack the layers one on top of each other keeping individual pieces of your design separate. This allows you to edit/adjust one object with out affecting the others. In my pin trading logo, below, each character on the out side of the ring is an individual layer. This allowed me to rotate each one into the position I wanted them. They are all behind the purple pin trading ring as is green cloud pattern in the center of the ring. The banner is the next layer, then Chernabog, then the flames. The text is also a separate layer on top of the ring and behind Chernabog. Because I set it up this way I can easily change the color of the banner, the color of the ring, swap out any of the characters or eliminate them completely and change the name. The Roo logo on the right is made using the same ring, banner and text.

If you search the web you find many tutorials for PSE and Photoshop. Alot of older Photoshop lessons can be done with PSE although before trying any of them you'll want to become familiar with the program as some of the commands and menu items are in different places; some options are not available in PSE but can be worked around if you're familiar enough with PSE.

If there's interest in a layers lesson I'll throw one together and post it somewhere.

 

[chaoscent]

Dom - if you are throwing lessons together (in your spare time). I would really like to learn how to make my Mickey ears have bevels and bumps and borders. I can border on frames and on fonts, but cannot for the life of me figure out how to bevel the Mickey ears or different graphics?
I was able to figure out the layers you sent me for figment and the world, to the extent I had Dumbo flying out of the world. I just recently learned how to do this.

So the next step is to cut it out in a circle. (I can do that). Put a border around it (I can't do that) & make ears that look like the ears below & I can't do that? Any advice or anywhere you could send me for a tutorial? I do have PSE, even though I mainly work in PI as I think PI is more user friendly.

I have been trying to recreate this DISign for a long while now. So any help (so I can learn to do it myself and not ask you experts) would be appreciated.
Thanks Penny

 

[ms.pinkpixie]

I use adobe photoshop cs3 on my pc and cs4 on my mac. im self taught as well. i would like to know how to make the design above as well.

 

[Dom13]

If you can explain to me how you got to where you are I can probably figure out the rest. I've found nothing in PSE that can duplicate that but I could be missing something.

 

[chaoscent]

I did it in PI. I went into effects, distort, then crystal/glass? Sorry, I don't know how to do it in PSE? Thanks, Penny

 

[heartbeeps]

PSE does have a high learning curve. I came to it from another program, Micrographics Picture Publisher, which from what I understand is now owned, and no longer produced, by Corel. The two programs used alot of the same terminology so it made the transition easier.

Layers....one of the most powerful features of Photoshop and Elements. I picture layers like the transparent overlays used on overhead projectors. You can stack the layers one on top of each other keeping individual pieces of your design separate. This allows you to edit/adjust one object with out affecting the others. In my pin trading logo, below, each character on the out side of the ring is an individual layer. This allowed me to rotate each one into the position I wanted them. They are all behind the purple pin trading ring as is green cloud pattern in the center of the ring. The banner is the next layer, then Chernabog, then the flames. The text is also a separate layer on top of the ring and behind Chernabog. Because I set it up this way I can easily change the color of the banner, the color of the ring, swap out any of the characters or eliminate them completely and change the name. The Roo logo on the right is made using the same ring, banner and text.
...

If you search the web you find many tutorials for PSE and Photoshop. Alot of older Photoshop lessons can be done with PSE although before trying any of them you'll want to become familiar with the program as some of the commands and menu items are in different places; some options are not available in PSE but can be worked around if you're familiar enough with PSE.

If there's interest in a layers lesson I'll throw one together and post it somewhere.

Thank you so much for explaining this layers thing; I "get it" now but I also see how complex it can all become! After one 3.5 hr. class, I know how to launch PSE! Well a little more than that but not much - just the basics. Another 3.5 hr. class this week and that's it. Then it's off to buy a book - but I learn so much more by seeing things that's why I signed up for the class.

I'd love to see a tutorial if you put one together!

BTW, I see why you do such fabulous work! Keep up the wonderful designs!

 

[NloveW/Disney]

Can you do layers in the Photo impact program? I'm trying to figure out which program to buy, and it seems like a lot of the designs that I like on here are down by layers, so I guess that's pretty important feature for whichever program I choose. Thanks so much for you help!

 

[chaoscent]

Hi -I use photo impact and it does layers. I believe it does it a little differently from PSE (I am not sure as I haven't master PSE yet). But I play with the background, the frame, the clipart and the fonts all separately. I believe I am one of the few that use PI. Most everyone else uses PSE so if you want support, I sugges PSE as lots of people have mastered that one. Penny