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How to create spiffy graphics- no experience required!Mar 28 '01 (Updated Apr 01 '01) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Use them, they will add umph to your design!
Update 4.01.01 I am a little upset... I put up a page for you guys to see, complete with examples created by me... The hit counter shows, only 5 people know, I tried really hard ... I'm all out of rhymes... OK, I am not a poet, but I try to help you guys out, the examples are an extension of the review, I promise the page has no banners or cookies or anything else. Just me trying to be extra helpful. When you read the review you will find the link, copy and paste it into your browser to see examples of filters and effects. ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------- What are Effects and Filters Effects and filters are those wonderful tools we use to make our graphics more interesting and to make a statement or point. To be more specific, most graphic editing software offer different built in effects and filters that instantly transform your images. Much like special effects. I won’t go into comprehensive detail as to different effects that can be applied because each software offers different options. You can also install plug-in filters, which are third party utilities that ‘attach’ to your graphics software. I will just provide an overview and some ideas that you can use with your favorite application. Where do I start? The reason I’m writing this particular article is because many people who enjoy creating pages and graphics during their spare time do not know about some of the possibilities that are out there. This article is targeted towards those who have not used these tools or don’t completely understand how or why they should. I’ve also put up a page at – www.Mirakol.com/epinions/Filter_Examples.htm I have posted some examples taking one simple photo and applying different filters. The page should give you a good idea of how filters and effects can change your graphics. First you’ll need a graphics program such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, AfterEffects and the like (these are the ones I use, but check to see if the program you use has these tools available). Open your application, open a new image, and start experimenting. Usually you will find an option for filter/Effects under the main toolbar or sub toolbar. You can apply filters to an entire image, or you can select a part of an image and apply the filter to the selection only. You can also mix and match the different effects, applying one on top of another. (this will create a more unique look) Most filters also give you the flexibility of deciding the degree of the effect to be applied. The better programs will also allow you to preview the effect before making any changes. (Don’t worry, if you make a change you don’t like, there’s always that handy UNDO….) Why use them? Depending on your particular project, you will use effects and filters for different reasons. Rather than write descriptions, I will give you some examples: Blur maybe you have a nice picture of you and your sweetheart and you want it to look Romantic. Well, you could use the blur effect. The blur effect will slightly blur your photo and give it a more ‘dreamy’ look. Bevel maybe you have a picture that you want to look like a button. This is quite common and very simple to do. Select the part of the image you want to turn into a button and use the bevel filter/effect. Motion Blur Maybe you have a great picture of you on a Bike- You can apply a motion blur to give the photo the illusion of motion. Of course these are only a few examples, I encourage you to experiment with your own graphics to see the full range of possibilities. I do have to mention that another use of filters is to create a consistent look on your site and to make a point. By using the same filters on your graphics (in a section or your entire site), you can produce a constant look or theme to graphics that otherwise are quite dissimilar. More information Please visit this link as I have put together examples that will help you better understand how you can use filters for your graphic editing needs. (when will ePinions allow us to include images in our reviews?) www.Mirakol.com/epinions/Filter_Examples.htm Links to Plug-In Utilities As I mentioned before, there are add on utilities you can insert into your application. My favorite is Eyecandy – www.alienskin.com, but I’ve also listed some others: Cytopia PhotoOptics -- www.cytopia.com Filters Unlimited -- www.icnet.de There are many more. Search on www.download.com for a complete list.  |
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by texas-swede
