Media Lab Introduces SiteGrinder 3—next generation web site development platform with over 300 new features and functions

Media Lab Inc., premier provider of Photoshop plug-in website creation technologies, today announced SiteGrinder 3, its next generation web site development platform. In addition to over 300 new features, Media Lab SiteGrinder 3 supports two new optional add-ons, Commerce and Control.

The SiteGrinder 3 Commerce add-on builds web stores with a fully-integrated shopping cart from within Photoshop. Users can now easily create online stores with shopping carts from image galleries using simple Photoshop text and art layers.  After publishing their store to the web, users can edit products, pricing, images and descriptions remotely using any web browser.

The SiteGrinder 3 Control add-on enables website content management from any Internet-connected computer through a web browser.  The designer/developer (or client) can quickly change any site content including page additions, text, images and galleries remotely from any web browser, all without returning to Photoshop.

http://medialab.com/sitegrinder3/preview/control.php

“SiteGrinder 3 is the best website development tool that I have ever used,”  said Charles Hurst, Web Designer.  “Its integration with Photoshop as a plug-in gives me a complete development platform from initial design all the way to a working published website. With the optional Commerce and Control add-ons, and the over 300 new features and functions in SiteGrinder 3, I have complete control over the design, deployment and remote management of my websites.”

Graphic designers, photographers, artists or anyone can easily transform their Photoshop designs into CSS and XHTML standards-compliant websites without writing a single line of code.  For developers who want to improve their work flow, all code generated by SiteGrinder 3 is fully editable in Dreamweaver or any other CSS or HTML editor.

“We use SiteGrinder 3 as an integral part of our web application design and work flow.” said Chipp Walters, Shafer Walters Group, Inc. “In situations where the client needs a radical design change, the results can be implemented in hours instead of days. We particularly like the new features of SG3, including multiple column resizing and three state button support. Overall, SiteGrinder 3’s ROI for our client has been great!”

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Key Features

• Generate web graphics without slicing
• Produce CSS web text straight from Photoshop (editable in the browser)
• Create dynamic pages with interactive buttons and animations
• Set up multi-level menus without programming
• Make custom image portfolios and galleries fast
• Add flash and other multimedia to your pages easily
• Create advanced, versatile page layout
• Provide forms for email, Google Map and more

Pricing and Availability

SiteGrinder 3 will be released and generally available starting March 29, 2010, following Photoshop World Orlando.

Media Lab has several special offers for SiteGrinder 2 customers and those who want to pre-purchase SiteGrinder 3.  Pre-release orders will be downloadable on March 29, 2010.

• SiteGrinder 3 pre-release upgrade for SiteGrinder 2 Pro users just $99, a $300 savings
• SiteGrinder 2 Pro purchases since January 1, 2010 and new purchases prior to release will receive a free upgrade to SiteGrinder 3, a $399 savings
• Commerce or Control add-ons just $149, a $50 savings
• SiteGrinder 3 Bundles (includes SG3, Commerce* OR Control) just $399, a $200 savings
• SiteGrinder 3 Web Suite (includes SiteGrinder 3, Commerce* AND Control) just $499, a $300 savings

Suggested retail price for SiteGrinder 3 Web Suite is $799.   SiteGrinder 3 is $399.00, Control add-on $199.00 and Commerce* add-on $199 if purchased separately. For more information please visit the SiteGrinder 3 Store.
Requirements

On the PC, SiteGrinder 3 is compatible with Windows XP and later, including Windows 7. It requires Photoshop 7 or later, or Photoshop Elements 6, 7 and 8.  SiteGrinder 3 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.1 or greater, Photoshop CS3 or CS4 (Mac OS X 10.4 or later for the Intel-based Mac), Photoshop Elements 6, 7 and 8.  Visit www.medialab.com for complete details and to download your copy of SiteGrinder 3.

We explore this creative video tutorial/production diary from award-winning photographer Simon Plant

Last Sacrifice of Dienekes is the entertaining photography tutorial from Simon Plant at ProPhotoInsights.net. Split into two parts, this training video offers over two hours and 40 minutes of real-time tuition and practical production advice.

Plant presents the project from beginning to end through manageable video chapters. His informal approach to learning produces a video diary of sorts, encouraging even amateur photographers and photo illustrators to tackle the techniques presented.
Plant goes into great depth about the necessity of pre- and post-production.
Setting aside time to find models, costumes and studio space is addressed, as he offers his own advice on how to approach these factors economically. Also in part one, the importance of a studio shoot is looked at in four detailed chapters including ‘The studio shoot’ and ‘Lighting setup’. Plant shows you how he sets up the correct conditions to maximise Photoshop effects, the production benefits of tethered connections and the fun of improvisation when certain props are unavailable.

Buy online: There’s no need for a constant internet connection, as this video tutorial is downloadable after purchase from the ProPhotoInsights website

At 29 minutes in, the hands-on creativity begins, looking at compositing the background. Here Plant takes you through the skills, insisting patience is a virtue when it comes to any successful composition. Plant’s attentive attitude towards compositing image elements instills the same approach in the viewer – meticulously revealing his own personal ways to apply masks, Blur and Distort filters and cloning options.
Part two explores further editing techniques, the most fundamental of which is cutting and pasting that perfect model shot. Plant reveals this through an intuitive use of layer masks, Channel layers, Burn and Dodge tools, plus Pen paths, showing you how to tackle difficult image areas such as hair and edge artefacts. We found these techniques highly valuable, providing seamless integration of model and background.

More expressive effects follow, with ways to apply advanced Curves adjustments and manual selective lighting, adjusting colour shifts and the importance of tweaking these to perfection. Personalisation of cinematic lighting effects is also expressed through the application of blending modes, Dodge and Burn tools once more, layered colour adjustments and even the Paint Bucket tool.

Last Sacrifice Of Dienekes: This image reveals the results that are achievable if you follow photographer Simon Plant’s advice

Overall, this two-part video tutorial is a highly comprehensive experience that will improve your project workflow. Photoshopusers will gain knowledge of what it takes to create commercial effects, streamline and manage workflows, where to source advanced tool sets and how best to apply them. The one reservation we did have was with the video audio. Recorded sound levels fluctuate throughout. This may become an issue for those users with hearing difficulties.

For more information visit www.prophotoinsights.net

These animation samples will really appeal to those interested in high end aesthetics and youth culture. Innovation is everywhere throughout this wonderful portfolio.

Check out latest works at http://www.umeric.com/#/. You won’t regret it!

Having proven to be a popular utility globally over the past few years, Uniblue’s newest version of its award-winning software, SpeedUpMyPC has just been launched with a fresh user interface, a new set of features and in 12 languages. With a completely rewritten backend, SpeedUpMyPC combines a professional range of tools to boost a computer’s performance, speed and output, all via an easy-to-use interface.

First launched in 2003, SpeedUpMyPC has provided a lifeline to countless PC users who have been frustrated by slow start-up and program opening times, frequent freezes and crashes and a general deterioration in computer performance. The software optimizes system settings, deletes junk files and improves RAM and CPU function, injecting a new lease of life into a PC therefore reducing the need for expensive hardware updates. After a system scan to identify files, processes and settings that cause data bottlenecks and slowdowns, SpeedUpMyPC undertakes a series of targeted tweaks to boost system resource management, to optimize system and network settings and to remove junk files that can bloat a hard drive.

The 2010 version has more power than ever before with a brand-new back-end and scanning engine, refined functionality and a totally redesigned interface.

New features include:

• Compatibility with 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7
• New GUI design reflecting the updated Uniblue brand
• Tweak management console to implement or undo individual tweaks as required
• Enhanced system resource management and advanced speed tools for maximizing power
• New tweaks to optimize system and network settings
• Available in 12 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Russian and Japanese

Price & Availability:

SpeedUpMyPC 2010 is available as a download from http://www.liutilities.com/products/speedupmypc/and costs £19.95 ex. VAT to buy with one year of ActiveProtection including support and updates. Each license is valid for use on up to three PCs.

Company Marks 10-year Milestone with Limited Edition Anniversary Book

Launched in late 1999 and created as a successor to Adobe® Pagemaker® software, Adobe InDesign® revolutionised the publishing industry with its unrivalled technology and features. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Adobe is releasing a commemorative book titled “Page by Page: 10 Years of Designing with Adobe InDesign” that highlights the product’s evolution and features designers who have helped make InDesign a success. The PDF version of the book is available on Adobe.com and the limited edition print version will be available through Blurb in mid-April. Additionally, to mark the occasion, the company will be releasing 10 new InDesign tips and tricks video tutorials on Adobe TV.

Rapid Innovation in an Evolving Market

As publishing evolves, Adobe continues to lead the industry, revolutionising how creative professionals design and produce publications. Entering its second decade, InDesign is poised to change the publishing industry again, allowing designers and production professionals to deliver page layouts beyond traditional print to online media and mobile devices, including eBook readers, smart phones and a new generation of tablet devices due later this year. Adobe has changed the course of desktop publishing with InDesign, giving creative professionals the freedom to create what once seemed impossible and to extend delivery of engaging documents to more than one channel.

“Page by Page: 10 Years of Designing with Adobe InDesign”

Designed to provide an inside look at the company’s stewardship in moving publishing from print to digital solutions, the 10th anniversary book examines the role of InDesign and the InDesign Family in transforming the layout and editorial workflow at agencies, corporate publishers and traditional publishers worldwide. The book also details the evolution of InDesign from its public debut in 1999 to today and includes sample work created by designers for publications such as Marie Claire, publishers like Condé Nast, and cutting edge design agencies such as Modern Dog and Mucca Design.

John Loiacono, senior vice president, Creative Solutions Business Unit at Adobe comments, “InDesign took on an entrenched competitor and won through innovation and customers who demanded more from their software. Now InDesign is seen as an essential tool for enabling publishers to deliver in print and build new businesses around digital publications.” Suzanne Sykes, creative director, Marie Claire adds, “InDesign was the breakthrough publishing had been waiting for, and Marie Claire was lucky to be one of first to take advantage of it.”

For more information log onto http://www.indesign10anniversary.com/

Hello to you all and apologies for not posting for a while. I have been busy experimenting with various things, all of which will be making their appearance soon. One of the experiments consisted of seeing how a layered file would work for a scrapbook background and the result is here! You have a separate layer for the paper colour, the lines and also the type of ring binder used, all of which can be turned on and off with ease. Plus, of course, you can edit to your heart’s content. Click the link below to download the file and also check out a couple of variations that we have come up with.

Click here for the file

SHOWCASE YOUR PROJECTS IN E-ON SOFTWARE’S 2010 SHOW REEL

E-on software, maker of the leading solutions for natural 3D environments, today announced it is seeking submissions for its upcoming 2010 show reel.

Following the success of the 2009 show reel, e-on software invites all Vue artists to submit recent commercial projects that involved Vue or Ozone for inclusion in the 2010 show reel, whether film, commercial, TV show, broadcast, music video, game cinematic, architectural walkthrough, or any other form of commercial animation project.

All submissions included in the show reel will receive full credit in a standardized format during playback of the corresponding sequence (at submitter’s discretion: company logo, project title and/or client name).

E-on software’s 2010 show reel will be showcased throughout the year at different tradeshows and conventions and in particular at Siggraph, July 25 – 29, Los Angeles (CA – USA).

Furthermore, submitted materials may also become the subject of online interviews and press advertising (if submitter agrees), providing permanent and worldwide exposure:

www.e-onsoftware.com/spotlight

E-on software is also interested in receiving high resolution imagery for inclusion in its marketing collateral.

Submission Process

The deadline for submitting video content for the 2010 show reel is May 14, 2010.

Entrants should send video excerpts, sample frames or web links to press@e-onsoftware.com, with a small project description (including the name of the client, if appropriate), full contact information, and their company logo.

Preferably, final video material should be available in a format of at least 720p (other formats accepted).

There are no restrictions as to what third party application is used in combination with Ozone or Vue (if any).

Here you will find a free sketch image of this rather beautiful Geisha. We used the sketch to create a wonderful stained glass effect in issue 42 of Photoshop Creative, but you can use it in any way you wish.

Click here for the sketch

Here they have listed the top 50 desktop supply sites – some free, some to buy, all looking great!

Follow this link to get your search on now – http://dezignus.com/top-wallpaper-websites/

Fad or functional personalised apparel product? We experiment with Sneakart’s latest adhesive Sneakskin to find out

Sneakskin from Sneakart is another exciting apparel customisation product. However, what gives this unique elastic film the edge is its recreational use. The Sneakskin is a self-applied adhesive design that can be attached, removed and replaced at any time.

The Sneakskin has its pros and cons, as with any item. Flexible, durable and waterproof are key factors that make it a worthy investment – considering its retail price of £9. These aspects lead to Sneakart’s assurance that your design will last for months, if not years, when treated with care. Limitations do occur with this product, with the adhesive only applicable to leather-type shoes. You’ll also need a shoe design with suitable panels that your Sneakskin can be applied to, making overall application far more successful.

Design template: The tutorials at www.sneakart.com show you how to prepare your artwork. Log onto http://sneakartblog.com for official Sneakskin news updates and opportunities

The Sneakart Sneakskin service is first class. Log onto www.sneakart.com and you can browse through a plethora of varied designs. The website also has a designated search engine, grouping design types into style-related categories – including glamour, sketch, urban and fashion.

Not losing sight of the accessible nature of this product, Sneakart offers consumers the chance to personalise Sneakskin designs with upload capabilities on the website. Accessed through the Custom option, designers can experience preparation tutorials and obtain Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator templates. Just be mindful that a pattern or repeating pattern that works with the scale of the shoe is, again, the best option for a good outcome. Design turnaround time is one to two business days when a single item is ordered through the website. Volume orders are offered on a 14-day service for a custom order in retail-ready packaging.

Mock up: The Sneakart site allows you to browse Sneakskin styles with consummate ease, with a contemporary-themed search engine. Thumbnails of designs are clear and comprehendible, allowing you to see live on-screen mocks, matching with trainer templates

When we did receive and apply our Sneakskin, we discovered a few fundamentals that you should know. First, it’s best to order your initial samples in quantity. It won’t take you long to get to grips with the application of this adhesive item, but unless you have a keen eye and are up on your textiles then you may need a little practice. Second, we did question the durability of the item. It sticks fast and is impressively waterproof.

However, our Sneakskin sample did show signs of lifted ink when peeling back the sticker template. This isn’t ideal, but disrepair was minimal and, considering the price and leisure of this product, it’s a worthwhile risk.
Sneakskin isn’t quite the future of sneaker design, but it will appeal to those who are big on creative individuality and fashion choices. Overall it’s a non-permanent method of customising trainers, eliminating the risk of ruining your shoes if you make a mistake. The site also offers a really good platform for showing off your artwork and style to other like-minded enthusiasts.

For more information log onto www.sneakart.com