Website Graphics help
 

Im interested in getting into web design. Ive done some small sites so i know all about html, javascript and such. Im great at designing the pages, but i need some help with graphics.

Im artistic and creative so I shouldnt have a problem, im just curious what programs are used to make the backgrounds, borders and headers on websites. For example:

http://theperfectflaw.clansites.com/topheader.jpg

Can this be created in photoshop? I have several plugins for photoshop like eye candy and xenofx, but I would be willing to buy more if needed.

Thanks in advance.

-FA

cool little image. I don't know much about photoshop, but I know paint shop. If you tried this in psp, it would take a bit of time, but would still be cool. depends on what your learning curve is to try and use new software. :)

yes that cane be done in photoshop very easily.

I don't believe you need any extra plug-ins to do that with photoshop

photoshop is by far the best program for gfx, imho

Okay, since it can easily be done in photoshop, can you take a few seconds of your time and explain how everything was done? Im a huge newb when it comes to CREATING an image from scratch. Or if anyone could direct me to a tutorial of how to do this sort of work in photoshop that would be great.

Also, on a website, when is it smarter to use a background opposed to an image?

layers....simple layers.

Whats used to get the grids and shadows?

hit google and type "photoshop tuts" and you should get a whole slew of amazing stuff. Teamphotoshop and Yaxay both have great tutorial resources.

The grid is a simple fill layer usually, the shadows are just a filter.

with the concept in mind that probably took an hour or so tops.

I love photoshop 7. I am no expert, but I have learned alot from here.

Adobe Classroom in a Book series

It is all just process eventually. I'm certified in Photoshop, and allowed to teach it.

It's easiest to find an online tutorial though, because we can't justify it just in text.

Photoshop can do amazing things but I've found it difficult to learn without a good _visual_ tutorial. Books don't seem to cut it - classroom or DVD based training worked for me.

A lot of Photoshop is reliant on graphic art terminology and processes. Not to say that we can't pick it up, but Photoshop's learning curve (IMO) is steep.

While learning Photoshop is valuable for creating web sites, I'd focus energy on building database-driven web sites. It seems that many self-titled web designers (I mean no disrespect) know very little about SQL and databases and that's the heart of many sites. Differentiate yourself and tell your customers you can build a site with a CMS backend to help manage their content. Or learn PHP and MySQL and make PostNuke do your bidding.

just keep on work'n at it. Watch other people's work and check out how they did stuff.... here's some sites

http://www.impactdesign.org/
http://www.digital-tutors.com/digita...shop/index.htm

Here are some simple step-by-step tutorials also:
http://fyreskins.plastiqueweb.com/tutorials.htm

http://www.shadowness.com/v2, click on "Tutorials." Some good ones there.

http://www.tutorialforums.com/, a forum for all Web design-related help.

You can do almost anything in Photoshop, save for 3D and moving video. You just have to know how. I've had the program for a while and am still learning, but I'm not going into Web design. I just do it for fun. I am never satisfied with anything I
make, though, so nothing ever gets released.

Agree with most here that you really do need a visual tutorial to get the most out of PhotoShop. I work in web design, and to be fair, I really only use 5% of PS's capabilities, but it's a lot of fun :) Also IMHO it helps to get a friend who knows how to use the app to show you around - I know I learn the fastest this way.

Depends what the graphic is. If you need it to repeat itself across the page/table it is in, or if you need to put other text or images on top of it, use a background. Otherwise use an image. Just a general guideline.

Layers are another option for placing things on images but I think they should only be used when there is not an alternative.

I personaly like a program from Macromedia called Fireworks it does some neat things for web design. In fact thats what the program was made for.