Cool Junk for web designers. Random graphics. Free PSD download.

Hey guys..I hope you’re liking the logo contests. We have had some really nice entries. Keep them coming! If anyone is wants some cool graphics for free…check these out…Some random stuff I have designed for fun.


If you use any of these your site or blog -  Please add a link back to my site (-:

source:  http://photoshopcandy.com/2008/01/17/cool-junk-for-web-designers-random-graphics/

The Big Phat Outline effect – so cool and easy.

You like this cool outline effect? So do I – and the fun part is that it takes about 2 seconds to do!
We will do it in 3 easy steps:

Step 1:

Using the Type tool – write whatever you want using a nice full font. ( no serifs please)

Step 2:

Double click on that layer to open up the Blending options. Select Stroke and do this:

Step 3:

Now go select drop shadow and do this:

Look at what you did !

Way to go.
I hope you liked it.

Vector graphics vs Bitmap

What is vector?

There may be more to it, but I will say what I have learned over time…
in short there are two types of graphics – bitmap or vector. Bitmap is made up of dots and vector is made up of mathematical calculations which form shapes. Are you lost? Well, I am not going to go into so much detail but the main idea I want to get across is the practical quality difference is found when scaling the graphic. Since when you scale  graphic object made of dots, the computer has to guess how to re-place all those dots over a larger or smaller area of the screen and when doing so it messes up slightly and usually comes out blotchy.

But when creating a vector graphic, the computer just re-uses that same mathematical calculation system to create the same shape exactly but in a different size.

Vector graphics are generally used for print. To retain the sharp crisp quality and re-sizing abilities.
Photoshop is not a vector program – When you  create a shape using the shape tool or design a custom shape with the pen tool . You shouldmake sure not to rasterize it. Rasterizing it will flatten it out to a bitmap graphic. If you keep it as is..it will remain just like a vector graphic.

Adobe illustrator is a vector program and logos should generally be done in this program as opposed to photoshop.

If you love photoshop and dont know illustrator…you should know..ITS EASY and its very similar and worth it for all those print projects and logo projects.

Design the Mobile Phone of 2020!

Creative designers out there? $15000 Budget, Bootb is running a unique design contest. Go check it out! If you need to get inspired you can check out some “real life” cellphone designs that rock. 

  

If I have time to put something together, I’ll let you all know.Enjoy! 

Make your own handwritten font, very cool.

Very cool idea, you can now create your own “handwritten” font for use on your computer. No software required, simply print out, complete, and scan the font template…something like that!Go check out: http://www.fontcapture.com/

Colorful Lighting effect in photoshop, super, simple and exciting.

Lets Begin.

STEP 1:
Go to FILE>OPEN and search your computer for a nice photo that you can work on. I purchased this one from Istockphoto: http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-10148575-fiber-optical.php

Any photo that you choose will be ok.  Here are a couple photos I suggest trying this effect on:

• A photo with lights on a dark background
• A photo with White smoke on a dark background.

STEP 2:

Go to LAYER>NEW FILL LAYER>and select GRADIENT.
STEP 3:

• Give this layer a name. I used the name “color”.
• Put a check in the “Use previous layer to Create Clipping Mask” checkbox.
• change the “Mode” to ”color”
• click OK.

STEP4:

Keep all properties the same as you see them in the image above.  Click once on the “Gradient” Bar for the next window to pop up.

STEP 5:

From top to bottom:

• Choose the “Foreground to Transparent” Preset. Remember you can chose anyone one really. I chose the transparent so one side would be a very subtle effect. 
• Gradient Type: Solid
• Smoothness: 100%
• Click once on the left “stop”box located right below the Gradient Strip. (In my image it is yellow. You can use whatever color you want.)
• Be Creative (-:
• Now you can move lower to the “Stops” section and click on the box next to where it says: “Color:”this will bring up the window for you to choose your desired color.

SOME INTERESTING POINTS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW:

• To add “stops” along the strip you simply click right below the gradient strip with your mouse and it will add one for you.
• To get rid of an extra color “stop” you simply grab on to one box and drag it downward.  Poof it’s gone!

So once you chose your colors and are happy with the gradient colors, CLICK OK.
And you’re done. You should have something looking like this. Super simple. But super cool too. ENJOY!

2 Shiny Nav Bars – FREE PSD

I hope you enjoy this exclusive PhotoshopCandy Freebie.
INCLUDES: Layered PSD file with a couple of 980px wide nav bars with cool striped pattern and glossy finish. Easy to customize and change the colors. The font I used was Myriad Pro Light Condensed.


ENJOY! and if and when you use these, feel free to email me the link - so I can see it live!