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		<title>30 Minute Redesign: The Capital Singers of Trenton</title>
		<link>http://psdfan.com/inspiration/web-design/30-minute-redesign-the-capital-singers-of-trenton/</link>
		<comments>http://psdfan.com/inspiration/web-design/30-minute-redesign-the-capital-singers-of-trenton/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:20:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://psdfan.com/?p=8165</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[30 Minute Redesign Saturdays - a new weekly set of posts where I take a visitor's website, analyze it's design and then provide a redesign free of charge - all in just 30 minutes! This week: The Capital Singers of Trenton get a redesign.]]></description>
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<h2>This Weeks Poll</h2>
<p>Many of you voted in the <a href="http://psdfan.com/inspiration/web-design/30-minute-redesign-week-2-vote/">poll deciding which site would get redesigned today</a>. As you may have picked up on from the comments to the poll post, there was some doubt over the true winner. Whilst DoKall showed the most votes, I have a few reasons for choosing The Capital Singers of Trenton for this weeks redesign:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Capital Singers of Trenton were leading the poll considerably, which was also evident from the genuine comments left by people who didn&#8217;t like their original design.</li>
<li>DoKall was not receiving many votes at all, but then in the space of a couple of hours received around 100 votes, pushing them into the lead. Since that point they have continued to hardly receive any new votes.</li>
<li>I received several spammy comments to the post promoting DoKall and it&#8217;s &#8216;wonderful&#8217; services.</li>
</ul>
<p>So at the end of the day yes, it is my decision which site gets redesigned. Although I&#8217;m sure you&#8217;ll agree that in this case the right site is getting the redesign, as none of us like spammers.</p>
<h2>Week 2: The Capital Singers of Trenton</h2>
<p><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~us94omega/">The Capital Singers of Trenton</a> are a semi-professional singing chorus, aiming to enrich New Jersey. You can view their current website below:</p>
<p><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~us94omega/">The Capital Singers of Trenton</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~us94omega/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/capitaltrenton1.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: The Capital Singers of Trenton" alt="capitaltrenton1 30 Minute Redesign: The Capital Singers of Trenton" /></a></p>
<p>In the space of <strong>5 minutes</strong> I can identify some of the <strong>key strengths and weaknesses</strong> of this design, and <strong>sketch out a mockup.</strong></p>
<p><strong>STRENGTHS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>I never like to be too harsh about a design. But the strengths of this website are limited. The inclusion of upcoming events on the homepage is a positive.</li>
<li>Additionally the logo is OK, although a little small.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>WEAKNESSES:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The top of the content area is being wasted. The huge amount of padding and useless text like &#8216;welcome&#8217; pushes the important content way down the page.</li>
<li>Similarly the lack of columns for content means that all text, images and other content are all on separate lines, spacing it out way too much.</li>
<li>There is a lack of any real design. The whole layout is very blocky, table based and generally 90s feeling.</li>
<li>The huge headline text overshadows the logo and menu, making the website harder to navigate and the &#8216;brand&#8217; of the group fall to the wayside.</li>
<li>There is no real color scheme going on. There needs to be colors used for backgrounds, buttons and menus that tie in with the site&#8217;s logo and general image.</li>
<li>The photo of the group, which should be acting as the &#8216;face&#8217; of the website is pushed right down the page. This needs to be brought up, so that the website is no longer faceless, and shows just who the &#8216;The Capital Singers of Trenton&#8217; are!</li>
</ul>
<h2>My Redesign</h2>
<p>As always, I was limited by the 30 minute time-frame, perhaps more than last week as I had to try and &#8216;undo&#8217; a lot of the negative points of the original design. However, I managed to come up with the following design:</p>
<p><strong>WHAT I TRIED TO DO:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Give the website a more personal feel &#8211; using a larger logo, and prominent image of the group to promote who they are.</li>
<li>Created a much clearer navigation, cutting out redundant links from the original menu, focusing on what users will actually be looking at.</li>
<li>An explanation of who the group are, and what they do took visual precedence over the upcoming events section.</li>
<li>To assist the &#8216;personal&#8217; feel of the redesign I added in a section showing the director, and encouraging visitors to learn more.</li>
<li>A lot of content as either pointless or repeated on the original design (such as contact details). I stripped away all unnecessary content and made a single set of contact details for the header, encouraging visitors to get in touch.</li>
<li>I used the colors of the groups logo to base the main websites color-scheme around. This helped provide more of a &#8216;brand&#8217; for the group, as well as an attractive, unified color-scheme for visitors.</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/capitaltrenton2.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: The Capital Singers of Trenton" alt="capitaltrenton2 30 Minute Redesign: The Capital Singers of Trenton" /></p>
<h2>Comparing the 2 Designs:</h2>
<p>Here is a quick comparison between the original design and my 30 minute redesign. Sure, my design could be more polished, but I believe that a lot of the basic elements have been improved upon, creating a <strong>more pleasant browsing experience.</strong></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/capitaltrenton3.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: The Capital Singers of Trenton" alt="capitaltrenton3 30 Minute Redesign: The Capital Singers of Trenton" /></p>
<h2>How and Why To Enter Redesign Saturdays</h2>
<p>You can have the chance to have your website redesigned in next weeks post. All you need to do is <strong>leave a comment to this post with your website address and why you think it needs a redesign</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>The Benefits of Getting Your Site Redesigned Include:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Most obviously &#8211; a FREE redesign job!</li>
<li>Your website gets exposure to PSDFAN&#8217;s thousands of readers</li>
<li>You understand how to improve your website. This isn&#8217;t just a redesign, it&#8217;s a lesson in design.</li>
<li>You will get emailed the .psd of your redesign and can do whatever you want with it!</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>So please, leave a comment today for a chance to have your website redesigned next week!</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: The Capital Singers of Trenton" alt="psdfanmembersbut 30 Minute Redesign: The Capital Singers of Trenton" /></a></p>
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		<title>How to Create an Outstanding ‘Out of Frame’ Horse Scene</title>
		<link>http://psdfan.com/tutorials/photo-effects/how-to-create-an-outstanding-out-of-frame-horse-scene/</link>
		<comments>http://psdfan.com/tutorials/photo-effects/how-to-create-an-outstanding-out-of-frame-horse-scene/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:37:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simon Haastrup</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Photo Effects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://psdfan.com/?p=8098</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In this tutorial I will show you how to make a horse reach out of a frame with some simple, but cool techniques. Besides of the techniques you will learn how to combine colors to make the scene even more dramatic. <strong>Download the source file for this and all our other tutorials in our <a href="http://www.psdfan.com/viparea">VIP Members Area</a>.</strong>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="psdfanmembersbut How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></a></p>
<h2>How to Create an Outstanding &#8216;Out of Frame&#8217; Horse Scene</h2>
<p>In this tutorial I will show you how to make a horse reach out of a frame with some simple, but cool techniques. Besides of the techniques you will learn how to combine colors to make the scene even more dramatic.</p>
<h2>Final Image</h2>
<p>As always, this is the final image that we&#8217;ll be creating:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse21b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse21b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /> </p>
<h2>Step 1</h2>
<p>Open up this picture in photoshop <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielproulx/3426805996/sizes/o/">Frame Photo</a></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horseframe.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horseframe How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Select the “Pen Tool (P)” and mark around it like on the picture below. It will help you if you’re holding down the left mouse-click when you’re on the wheels. This makes it more rounded.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse1a.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse1a How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>When you have marked it all, right click on it and click on “make selection…” and press ok with the settings you see below:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse1b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse1b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>When selected, press “ctrl+c” to copy and “ctrl+v” to paste it. Name the new layer “Frame” and delete the “Background layer” After this we still have some red spots inside the cogwheels. You can erase them by also using the “Pen Tool (P)”, select it with the same settings and delete.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse1c.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse1c How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 2</h2>
<p>Now you’re going to do almost the same here. As you can see on the picture below, we’re going to erase the scene inside the frame, so we can design it just as we like. With the Pen Tool (P) you’re going to select the area inside. But mark around the cogwheels, because we want to keep them.  When selected as on the picture below, click delete.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse2a.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse2a How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse2b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse2b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Once again we have some spots inside the cogwheels we need to erase. Do it in the same way as on step 1. As you can see on the picture there is two places I have erased the inner cogwheel because we don’t have all of it and therefore it’s better without.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse2c.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse2c How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse2d.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse2d How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse2e.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse2e How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 3</h2>
<p>I think that the frame has a lot of grain, which will be prettier if we reduce them a little bit. So go to Filter>Noise>Reduce Noise… and use these settings.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse3a.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse3a How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Look if you can see the difference:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse3b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse3b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse3c.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse3c How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 4</h2>
<p>Create a new document with these settings: </p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse4.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse4 How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Now we need a black background for this document, so set the foreground color to #000000. Pick up the “Paint Bucket Tool” (G) and click on the document.</p>
<h2>Step 5</h2>
<p>Now go back to our old document and drag the “frame” to our new document by holding down the mouse button. As you can see on the picture below, the frame is too big. So hold down “ctrl+t” to transform the frame.  </p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse5a.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse5a How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse5b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse5b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Before we get started with the fun part, we need to flip the frame horizontal, so go to edit>transform>flip horizontal… Now we have the highlight to the right, where the horse also will be jumping out from.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse5c.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse5c How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 6</h2>
<p>Open up this picture in Photoshop <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vegaseddie/3309223161/sizes/l/in/photostream/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/vegaseddie/3309223161/sizes/l/in/photostream/</a> and drag it into our document. Name this layer “horse”</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse6a.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse6a How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Set the layer’s opacity down to 50 % so we can see where to transform it to. Hold down “ctrl+t” to transform it into around the same settings as I used:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse6b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse6b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse6c.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse6c How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse6d.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse6d How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>When you’re finished transforming it you can set the layer’s opacity up to 100% again.</p>
<h2>Step 7</h2>
<p>Now we’re going to cut the horse out, so we can erase other parts of the horse. So you need to use the “Pencil Tool (P)” again, and mark the house. Take your time. It’s better that you cut it out in the exact same shape than thinking of being finish as quick as possible. When you’re finish marking the horse, right click on it and click on “make selection” and use the settings as you see below on picture 2. After that, hold down “ctrl+c” to copy and “ctrl+v” to paste it. Name the new layer “horse outside”.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse7.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse7 How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 8</h2>
<p>Go down to the “horse” layer, and create a layer mask.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse8a.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse8a How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Hold down the ctrl key while clicking on the thumbnail of the “frame” layer, so we have that selected. (Remember, you still need to be on the layer mask on the “horse” layer)</p>
<p>Now with your foreground color set to black hold down “shift+f5” to fill the layer mask with black, click “ok”, and hold down “ctrl+d” to deselect. Now it should look like picture 2 below.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse8b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse8b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse8c.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse8c How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Still on the layer mask, select a black brush and paint the outgoing scene of the “horse” layer. It will afterwards look like this:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse8d.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse8d How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 9</h2>
<p>I think that I have made my document too small, but don’t worry, it’s easy to fix. Go to image>canvas size (“Alt+Ctrl+C”) and use the settings you see below:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse9a.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse9a How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Now it should be a little bigger:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse9b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse9b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 10</h2>
<p>Select the “frame” layer, the “horse” layer and the “horse outside” layer at the same time, hold down “ctrl+t” to transform it a little bigger. In order to maintain image quality you should always work with <strong>Smart Objects</strong> when possible. The settings of the transformation shall be like on the picture below:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse10a.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse10a How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse10b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse10b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 11</h2>
<p>Now we’re going to give the horse some highlights. Start by creating a new layer upon the “horse outside” layer. Name the new layer “horse highlights” Set the blending mode to overlay and the opacity down to 85 % like on the picture below.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse11a.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse11a How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Hold down the “ctrl” key and click on the thumbnail on the “horse outside” layer, but still be on the “horse highlights” layer. With the color set to #fffcd9, you’re going to paint around the places as you see below.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse11b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse11b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse11c.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse11c How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 12</h2>
<p>Now we’re going to add some drop shadows to the “horse outside” layer. Go to Layer>Layer Style>Drop shadows and enter in these settings:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse12.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse12 How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 13</h2>
<p>I’m not satisfied about the look of the frame yet. Go down to the frame, right click and click on “duplicate layer”, so we got another frame layer. On the new layer (“frame copy”) set the “blending mode” to “multiply” and the “opacity” down to 70%. It should look like this: </p>
<p>Now do the exact same thing to the horse layer with the exact same settings, so it’s going to look like this</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse13.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse13 How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 14</h2>
<p>Now we’re going to add a little dept to the “frame copy” layer. Go to Layer>Layer Style>Bevel and Emboss and enter the settings you see below:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse14.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse14 How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 15</h2>
<p>Now we’re also going to add a little dept to the “horse” layer.  Select the burn tool with “Midtones” in the “Range” and an “Exposure” on 50 %. Burn these places. </p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse15.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse15 How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 16</h2>
<p>Now we’re going to add some extra soil beneath the horse. So create a new layer upon “horse highlights”. Name it “soil”</p>
<p>Download this brush <a href="http://zigabooooo.deviantart.com/art/Debris-Brush-Set-104719100">Debris Brush Set</a></p>
<p>Install the brush in Photoshop by select a random brush and load the brush this place:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse16a.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse16a How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Pick this color #22110a, and paint with the first brush, but adjust the size to around 5-600 px. After you have painted it, set the blending mode to “Multiply” </p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse16b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse16b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse16c.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse16c How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 17</h2>
<p>Actually I think that we can make the horse look a little more outstanding. Right click on the “horse outside” layer and click on “Duplicate Layer…” And stay on the new “horse outside copy” layer</p>
<p>Go to Layer>Layer Style>Drop shadows to check the layer style off.</p>
<p>Now go to the old “horse outside” layer and blur this layer by going to Filter>Blur>Motion Blur and enter these settings:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse17a.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse17a How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse17b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse17b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 18</h2>
<p>We can actually duplicate the “frame copy” layer one more time. Do that. On the new “frame copy 2”, set the blending mode to “overlay” and the opacity to 45 %.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse18.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse18 How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 19</h2>
<p>Now we’re going to make the scene a little more dramatic. Create a new layer right upon the “horse copy” layer (beneath the “horse outside” layer). Name it “clouds”.</p>
<p>On our new layer, select the “Rectangular Marquee Tool (M)” and select this place you see below:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse19a.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse19a How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Go to Select>Modify>Feather (“shift+f6”) and feather it with 30 pixels.</p>
<p>Now when have a black and white color in your color palette, go to Filter>Render>Clouds… Hold down ctrl+d to deselect.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse19b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse19b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Set the blending mode to “multiply” and the opacity to 70 %. </p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse19c.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse19c How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Create a layer mask, and pick up the “Gradient Tool (G)”  With these settings:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse19d.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse19d How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Hold down shift drag the “Gradient tool” from left middle of the frame to about half way in the scene.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse19e.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse19e How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Now click on the “clouds” layer’s thumbnail, and go to edit>transform>distort and distort it like this:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse19f.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse19f How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Last, go to edit>transform>flip horizontal… The result will look like this.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse19g.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse19g How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 20</h2>
<p>Now we’re going to make the reflection. This is a very easy technique. Make the “Background” layer invisible by clicking on the eye icon.<br />
Now click “ctrl+a” to select all.</p>
<p>Go to edit>copy merged (“shift+ctrl+c”) and hold down “ctrl+v” to paste. Name the new copied layer “Reflection”.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse20a.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse20a How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Now go to edit>transform>flip vertical and drag it right under our original frame like this:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse20b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse20b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Now let’s make that “Background” layer visible again. But still be on our “Reflection” layer. Set the layer’s opacity to 30 %</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse20c.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse20c How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Create a new layer upon the “reflection” layer, name it “reflection shadow”. Pick up the “Gradient tool (G)” with the same settings and before, and drag it from down to up like on the picture below:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse20d.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse20d How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<h2>Step 21</h2>
<p>Create a layer upon all other layers. Name it “Blue”. Pick up this color #3f3e65. Pick up the “Paint Bucket tool” and fill the layer with this color. Set the blending mode to “overlay” and the opacity to 65 % </p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse21a.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse21a How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
<p>Create another layer upon the “Blue” layer. Name it “Brown”. Pick up this color #624b2b and fill the layer with this color. Set the blending mode to “color” and the opacity to 60 %</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/horse21b.jpg" title="How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" alt="horse21b How to Create an Outstanding Out of Frame Horse Scene" /></p>
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		<title>30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote</title>
		<link>http://psdfan.com/inspiration/web-design/30-minute-redesign-week-2-vote/</link>
		<comments>http://psdfan.com/inspiration/web-design/30-minute-redesign-week-2-vote/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:34:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://psdfan.com/?p=8084</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Cast your vote today and choose which design you'd like to see redesigned in just 30 minutes this Saturday!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" alt="psdfanmembersbut 30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" /></a></p>
<h2>30 Minute Redesigns</h2>
<p>Hope many of you saw the first week of our weekly 30 minute redesigns last Saturday. If you please check out the redesign I did of RichGates.com:</p>
<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/inspiration/web-design/30-minute-redesign-rich-gates/">30 Minute Redesign: Rich Gates</a></p>
<p>The idea is that I redesign a website in just 30 minutes, trying to improve upon it&#8217;s design aspects. I then publish a case-study of my improvements for learning purposes and email the webmaster the final .psd design. I will be doing one redesign each week, and to be eligible for the following week&#8217;s redesign you must leave a comment to the previous week&#8217;s redesign with your web address and why you would like a redesign.</p>
<h2>Voting Begins</h2>
<p>After receiving lots of great comments to last week&#8217;s redesign post, I&#8217;m happy to present the candidates for this Saturday&#8217;s redesign. Please look over the websites below, and then use the poll at the bottom of this post to choose which site you&#8217;d like to see redesigned:</p>
<h2>1: Web Area</h2>
<p><a href="http://web-area.ch/1.home/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/30minz1.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" alt="30minz1 30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" /></a></p>
<h2>2: Save Delete</h2>
<p><a href="http://savedelete.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/30minz2.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" alt="30minz2 30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" /></a></p>
<h2>3: Hot Yoga</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.hot-yoga.net/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/30minz3.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" alt="30minz3 30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" /></a></p>
<h2>4: DoKall</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.dokall.com/app/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/30minz4.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" alt="30minz4 30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" /></a></p>
<h2>5: Citium Sistemas</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.citium.com.br/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/30minz5.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" alt="30minz5 30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" /></a></p>
<h2>6: The Capital Singers of Trenton</h2>
<p><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~us94omega/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/30minz6.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" alt="30minz6 30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" /></a></p>
<h2>7: D&#038;D Photography and Design</h2>
<p><a href="http://ddphotodesign.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/30minz7.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" alt="30minz7 30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" /></a></p>
<h2>Vote Now!</h2>
<p>Please cast your vote using the poll below:</p>
<p><script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/2827258.js"></script><br />
<noscript><br />
	<a href="http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/2827258/">Which Website Should Get Redesigned?</a><span style="font-size:9px;"><a href="http://answers.polldaddy.com">polling</a></span><br />
</noscript></p>
<p>Be sure to check back on Saturday for the winning case-study!</p>
<img src="http://psdfan.com/?ak_action=api_record_view&id=8084&type=feed" alt=" 30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote"  title="30 Minute Redesign: Week 2 Vote" />]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>14</slash:comments>
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		<title>Texture Thursday: Gate</title>
		<link>http://psdfan.com/freebies/textures/texture-thursday-gate/</link>
		<comments>http://psdfan.com/freebies/textures/texture-thursday-gate/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:18:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andre Meca</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Textures]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://psdfan.com/?p=8074</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This week's Texture Thursday offers 4 super high-res gate textures, free to use in your own designs.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="Texture Thursday: Gate" alt="psdfanmembersbut Texture Thursday: Gate" /></a></p>
<h2>Gate Textures</h2>
<p>You can view the textures below, and can download the full sized textures at the bottom of this page.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/gate1small.jpg" title="Texture Thursday: Gate" alt="gate1small Texture Thursday: Gate" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/gate2small.jpg" title="Texture Thursday: Gate" alt="gate2small Texture Thursday: Gate" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/gate3small.jpg" title="Texture Thursday: Gate" alt="gate3small Texture Thursday: Gate" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/gate4small.jpg" title="Texture Thursday: Gate" alt="gate4small Texture Thursday: Gate" /></p>
<h2>Download Them Free</h2>
<p>You can download the full-sized textures totally free using the link below:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?4jlznom0niz">Download Textures Free</a></p>
<p>License: Creative Commons Attribution</p>
<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="Texture Thursday: Gate" alt="psdfanmembersbut Texture Thursday: Gate" /></a></p>
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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<title>Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)</title>
		<link>http://psdfan.com/inspiration/web-design/bad-design-vs-good-design-what-you-should-be-doing-part-1/</link>
		<comments>http://psdfan.com/inspiration/web-design/bad-design-vs-good-design-what-you-should-be-doing-part-1/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:30:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://psdfan.com/?p=8047</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This post looks at the difference between good and bad design, over a wide range of design principles and topics. Real life examples are used as specific case-studies to analyze the various design features.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1):</h2>
<p>Today we present Part 1 of a two part post, identifying common mistakes in design, and showing you the right way to do things.</p>
<p>For each example we will present case-studies, in order for you to understand the principles of design first hand.</p>
<h2>Saturation and Color Choices</h2>
<p>Whilst color is a great attribute to web design, it must be used correctly. Colors should go together well, and be easy on the eyes. Color should be used to draw attention, not just for the sake of it:</p>
<p><strong>WRONG:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.yaxay.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign1.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign1 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.yaxay.com/">Yaxay.com</a> &#8211; The colors of this design are a little overwhelming. The viewers eye doesn&#8217;t really know where to go. The large block of bright orange in the background actually pulls the viewers eye away from the page content.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.shopsafe.co.uk/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign2.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign2 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.shopsafe.co.uk/">ShopSafe.com</a> &#8211; The bright colors of the menu and background seem to clash. They&#8217;re far too saturated, giving a cheap feel to the website. The overwhelming colors pull the viewers eye away from the content. The eye should be on the website&#8217;s offers and products, not on the useless background!</em></p>
<p><strong>RIGHT:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.colorschemer.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign3.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign3 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.colorschemer.com/">ColorSchemer.com</a> &#8211; This website shows that bright colors can be done tastefully. The background, whilst bright is subdued enough to enhance the content, rather than distract from it. The brightest colors are in the top-center of the design, drawing in the users eye. The bright colors are relevant to the site&#8217;s purpose, and give life to the website&#8217;s design.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://37signals.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign4.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign4 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://37signals.com/">37Signals.com</a> &#8211; Whilst not an overly colorful website, blocks of color are used to promote the most vital content of the website. Key text and product areas are highlighted with color, and different (but complimentary) colors are used to differentiate between the various products.</em></p>
<h2>Typography</h2>
<p>A good website design should have clear, legible typography. Fonts should be kept to a minimum (2-3 tops) so as not to overwhelm your visitors.</p>
<p><strong>WRONG:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign5.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign5 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/">KanyeUniversecity.com/blog</a> &#8211; Kanye West&#8217;s blog uses menu font that is very hard to read (not helped by it&#8217;s tiny size). His menu is rendered very unusable, and the website suffers.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.neilgaiman.com/where/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign6.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign6 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.neilgaiman.com/where/">Neil Gaiman</a> &#8211; Neil Gaiman&#8217;s blog uses a similarly hard to read menu font. The image menu tabs, close kerning, close proximity between menu links, and integrate into the header actually make the menu look like part of the header design, rather than a menu at all. The result &#8211; a hard to navigate website!</em></p>
<p><strong>RIGHT:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.alistapart.com"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign7.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign7 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.alistapart.com">AListApart.com</a> &#8211; AListApart uses a very clear menu typography, as well as elegant headings. Fonts are used sparingly, but to great effect!</em></p>
<p><a href="http://elliotjaystocks.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgoodesign8.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgoodesign8 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://elliotjaystocks.com/">ElliotJayStocks.com</a> &#8211; ElliotJayStocks uses dynamic text replacement to improve his pages typography. The menu and headline use the same type, but both are clear and legible.</em></p>
<h2>Branding</h2>
<p>With so many websites out there, branding is becoming increasingly important. Designs should not only look professional, but encompass your websites philosophies and message. Furthermore, your brand should help set you apart from your competitors, sticking out in visitors minds.</p>
<p><strong>WRONG:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.techdesigns.co.uk/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign9.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign9 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.techdesigns.co.uk/">TechDesigns.co.uk</a> &#8211; TechDesigns design isn&#8217;t terrible, but it had literally nothing to set it apart from the crowd. The design seems like any generic hosting template, yet it&#8217;s for a web design agency!</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessprodesigns.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign10.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign10 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.businessprodesigns.com/">BusinessProDesigns.com</a> &#8211; BusinessProDesigns is another very generic lookins website. There is no branding, no uniqueness to the design.</em></p>
<p><strong>RIGHT:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.tutorial9.net"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign11.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign11 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.tutorial9.net">Tutorial9.net</a> &#8211; Tutorial9 has a clear brand, playing off of the &#8216;Cloud 9&#8242; ideal. The logo, subtle background patterns and color-scheme all serve to promote the image of providing &#8216;heavenly tutorials&#8217; to their visitors.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.outlawdesignblog.com"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign12.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign12 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.outlawdesignblog.com">OutLawDesignBlog.com</a> &#8211; With a name like &#8216;Danny Outlaw&#8217; Danny couldn&#8217;t really help but brand himself brilliantly. That being said, his website pulls off the branding effort with perfection. The western feel and attention to brand detail is outstanding!</em></p>
<h2>K.I.S.S</h2>
<p>The old motto Keep It Simple Stupid is never truer than in the world of web design. Simplicity is key to great design. The best designs only have the content that is vital, no useless content at all. Additionally white space is required for great design, leaving a good amount of space between the visual elements of the page in order to give it a padded feeling.</p>
<p><strong>WRONG:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.webcreationuk.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign13.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign13 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.webcreationuk.com/">WebCreationUK.com</a> &#8211; WebCreationUK is a web design company, yet they seem to find the need to cram every piece of information they can onto their homepage. There is no feeling of being drawn into their site, as instead you feel bombarded by the amount of data that they&#8217;re throwing at you!</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.web-app.net/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign14.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign14 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.web-app.net/">Web-App.net</a> &#8211; Web-App.net takes a similarly shocking approach, bombarding you with endless columns of text. There is very sporadic white space on this website, and because of this content areas are not clearly defined.</em></p>
<p><strong>RIGHT:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://kyanmedia.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign15.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign15 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://kyanmedia.com/">KyanMedia.com</a> &#8211; KyanMedia contains a very selective amount of information, and for this reason it&#8217;s visual elements feel nicely spaced out and focused. There is no confusion when viewing this design, your eye knows just where to go.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mt-ventures.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign16.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign16 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.mt-ventures.com/">MT-Ventures.com</a> &#8211; MediaTemple Ventures is a very minimal design, yet it doesn&#8217;t feel underdone. Rather, the design is elegant, and the content feels professionally integrated. The design utilizes plenty of white space.</em></p>
<h2>A Unique Layout</h2>
<p>A unique design is essential. I&#8217;m personally not a fan of the thousands of sites using pre-made themes and templates. Nothing about these designs stands out, and particularly those sites in the design niche should consider using a custom-made design:</p>
<p><strong>WRONG:</strong></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign18.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign18 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /><br />
<em>Websites Using Pre-Made Themes &#8211; Sure, themes/templates are convenient and handy, but in using a template many sites sacrifice their ability to make a real name for themselves. One solution for designers is to purchase a theme so that the code is already in place, but then use the design to make modifications &#8211; this way you can put a unique twist on a pre-made design. I&#8217;d like to make it clear that I have nothing against theme/template providers, many of them offer great designs. However, professional websites should consider using a unique design.</em></p>
<p><strong>RIGHT:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.webdesignerwall.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign19.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign19 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.webdesignerwall.com/">WebDesignerWall</a> &#8211; WebDesignerWall has one of my favorite all time favorite designs. It&#8217;s originality and creativity had the entire community talking when the design first went live.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/badgooddesign20.jpg" title="Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" alt="badgooddesign20 Bad Design Vs Good Design: What You Should Be Doing (Part 1)" /></a><br />
<em><a href="http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/">WebDesignerDepot</a> &#8211; WebDesignerDepot is a more recent example of a design that captured the interest of the design community. The hugely creative and unique header helped to carve out a niche for the blog, providing quality content and great design insight.</em></p>
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		<title>30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs</title>
		<link>http://psdfan.com/inspiration/web-design/30-fresh-and-professional-blog-designs/</link>
		<comments>http://psdfan.com/inspiration/web-design/30-fresh-and-professional-blog-designs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:08:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://psdfan.com/?p=8009</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today we bring you 30 professional and inspiring blog designs. Each design presents a lot of content in a stylish and creative way, setting an example for the rest of us!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="psdfanmembersbut 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<h2>30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs</h2>
<p>Blog design has always been a special art. Bloggers often have to fit a lot of content into their designs &#8211; post contents, titles, dates, social bookmarking options, advertising &#8211; the list goes on&#8230;</p>
<p>That&#8217;s why today we present 30 fresh and professional blog designs that present their content elegantly and cleanly. Some really inspiring designers here!</p>
<p><a href="http://rodneykeeling.com/blog/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog1.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog1 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.blissfullyaware.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog2.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog2 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://salvator.me/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog3.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog3 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://colly.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog4.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog4 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://inspectelement.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog5.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog5 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://blog.morphix.si/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog6.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog6 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://patdryburgh.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog7.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog7 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://thomasmaier.me/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog8.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog8 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://pralinenschachtel.de/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog9.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog9 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cherrypow.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog10.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog10 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.fightforfuture.org.my/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog11.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog11 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.waywardirregular.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog12.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog12 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nuwomb.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog13.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog13 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.thepixel.com/blog/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog14.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog14 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://nkm-blog.org/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog15.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog15 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.uxbooth.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog16.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog16 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.calicott.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog17.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog17 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://blog.aphichat.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog18.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog18 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://blog.inkcover.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog19.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog19 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://tharoor.in/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog20.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog20 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://5pieces.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog21.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog21 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://blog.kupferwerk.net/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog22.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog22 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://thismademyday.net/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog23.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog23 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://inofthefor.com/blog/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog24.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog24 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://f91w.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog25.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog25 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.forrykt.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog26.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog26 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.twirkethic.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog27.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog27 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.elliotswan.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog28.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog28 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://stopdesign.com/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog29.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog29 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://blog.emarts.pe/"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/freshblog30.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="freshblog30 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" alt="psdfanmembersbut 30 Fresh and Professional Blog Designs" /></a></p>
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		<slash:comments>16</slash:comments>
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		<title>Members Area Tutorial: Design a Rocking Grungy Band Website</title>
		<link>http://psdfan.com/tutorials/designing/members-area-tutorial-design-a-rocking-grungy-band-website/</link>
		<comments>http://psdfan.com/tutorials/designing/members-area-tutorial-design-a-rocking-grungy-band-website/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:40:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Designing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://psdfan.com/?p=7999</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<strong>This tutorial is available exclusively to members of the <a href="http://www.psdfan.com/amember/signup.php">PSDFAN VIP area.</a></strong> Learn how to construct a complete band website design, including a complex grungy, textured header design. You will work with various brushes, layer effects and overlays to create a professional band image! <strong><a href="http://www.psdfan.com/amember/signup.php">Sign up today</a> to access the tutorial and download it's source file.</strong>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="Members Area Tutorial: Design a Rocking Grungy Band Website" alt="psdfanmembersbut Members Area Tutorial: Design a Rocking Grungy Band Website" /></a></p>
<h2>Members Only Tutorial</h2>
<p>This tutorial is available exclusively to our VIP members. In order to <strong>read the tutorial</strong> and <strong>download it&#8217;s original .psd source file</strong> you must <a href="http://www.psdfan.com/amember/signup.php">sign up as a member.</a></p>
<p><strong>If you <a href="http://www.psdfan.com/amember/signup.php">sign up today</a> you get access to over 75 .psd source files, as well as our weekly members only tutorials and other content!</strong></p>
<h2>Design a Rocking Grungy Band Website</h2>
<h2>Final Image</h2>
<p>The result of this tutorial is shown below:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/bandwebdesign24.jpg" title="Members Area Tutorial: Design a Rocking Grungy Band Website" alt="bandwebdesign24 Members Area Tutorial: Design a Rocking Grungy Band Website" /></a></p>
<h2>What You Will Learn</h2>
<p>This tutorial teaches you:</p>
<ul>
<li>How to work with brushes/textures</li>
<li>Applying complex overlays and layer styles</li>
<li>How to create a grungy &#8216;rock&#038;roll&#8217; look</li>
<li>How to construct unique menu designs from scratch</li>
<li>How to lay out your content in a good visual manner</li>
<li>&#038; Much More!</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/bandwebdesignthumb300.jpg" title="Members Area Tutorial: Design a Rocking Grungy Band Website" alt="bandwebdesignthumb300 Members Area Tutorial: Design a Rocking Grungy Band Website" /></a><br />
<em>Learn how to layer up textures, brushes and overlays to create a highly complex, grungy website header.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/bandwebdesignthumb400.jpg" title="Members Area Tutorial: Design a Rocking Grungy Band Website" alt="bandwebdesignthumb400 Members Area Tutorial: Design a Rocking Grungy Band Website" /></a><br />
<em>Learn how to manipulate photos in order to create an eye-catching and dramatic photo montage header.</em></p>
<h2>View the Tutorial</h2>
<p>You can view this tutorial using the link below, but remember, in order to do so you must have a <a href="http://www.psdfan.com/amember/signup.php">VIP account.</a></p>
<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/viparea/?p=185">VIEW TUTORIAL.</a></p>
<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="Members Area Tutorial: Design a Rocking Grungy Band Website" alt="psdfanmembersbut Members Area Tutorial: Design a Rocking Grungy Band Website" /></a></p>
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		<title>30 Minute Redesign: Rich Gates</title>
		<link>http://psdfan.com/inspiration/web-design/30-minute-redesign-rich-gates/</link>
		<comments>http://psdfan.com/inspiration/web-design/30-minute-redesign-rich-gates/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:51:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://psdfan.com/?p=7947</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Introducing 30 Minute Redesign Saturdays - a new weekly set of posts where I take a visitor's website, analyze it's design and then provide a redesign free of charge - all in just 30 minutes! This week: RichGates.com gets a redesign.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: Rich Gates" alt="psdfanmembersbut 30 Minute Redesign: Rich Gates" /></a></p>
<h2>30 Minute Redesigns Every Saturday!</h2>
<p>I&#8217;m very excited to announce the launch of a new weekly post series at PSDFAN &#8211; <strong>30 Minute Redesign Saturdays</strong>.</p>
<p>The idea is very simple, each week I redesign a visitors website in 30 minutes. I then observe what I tried to achieve with the redesign, and identify problems with their original website.</p>
<h2>Why 30 Minutes?</h2>
<p>Good question! I chose to spend 30 minutes on each week&#8217;s redesign in order to prove that you don&#8217;t need weeks of labour and an expensive design team to improve your websites&#8217; design! Obviously with more time I could make the redesign considerably better. However, these posts show that with just 30 minutes of your time spent identifying problems with your current website, and spent mocking up a new design, you&#8217;re well on your way to providing your visitors with a better user experience.</p>
<h2>Week 1: Rich Gates</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.richgates.com/index.html">Rich Gates</a> provides professional voice overs for a living. You can view his current site below:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.richgates.com/index.html">RichGates.com</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.richgates.com/index.html"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/richgates3.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: Rich Gates" alt="richgates3 30 Minute Redesign: Rich Gates" /></a></p>
<p>In the space of <strong>5 minutes</strong> I can identify some of the <strong>key strengths and weaknesses</strong> of this design, and <strong>sketch out a mockup.</strong></p>
<p><strong>STRENGTHS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Clean design (whoever designed this originally does have skills)</li>
<li>Readable content, bold colors</li>
<li>Easy to Navigate</li>
<li>Concise Content</li>
<li>Interactive Demo Player useful for Potential Clients</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>WEAKNESSES:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Visually you can&#8217;t tell what the site is about. There are no visual cues promoting the &#8216;theme&#8217; of the site.</li>
<li>The content whilst concise has no visual hierarchy. All text is roughly the same size, so your eye doesn&#8217;t really get &#8216;grabbed&#8217;.</li>
<li>There is a distinct lack of images, nothing is hugely wrong, yet nothing is particularly interesting.</li>
<li>There are no factors really drawing you further into the site. You need some &#8216;call to action&#8217; buttons!</li>
</ul>
<h2>My Redesign</h2>
<p>As mentioned, I could do a hell of a lot more with more than 30 minutes, but off the top of my head I produced the following design.</p>
<p><strong>WHAT I TRIED TO DO:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Add a logo for some personal branding. I tried to create a set of lips from music equalizer bars. This could be done better with more time, but the basic idea is there.</li>
<li>I created a more structured layout, framing the content better and drawing the visitors eye down the page.</li>
<li>I created a large, attention grabbing headline, instantly showing what Rich does.</li>
<li>I created a simple image montage, visually depicting what kind of industry Rich is involved in. This also &#8216;jazzes up&#8217; the page a little.</li>
<li>I created more of a textual hierarchy. Using larger headlines to identify areas of content and prompt the visitor to scan content more.</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/richgates2.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: Rich Gates" alt="richgates2 30 Minute Redesign: Rich Gates" /></p>
<h2>Comparing the 2 Designs:</h2>
<p>Here is a quick comparison between Rich&#8217;s original design and my 30 minute redesign. Sure, my design could be more polished, but I believe that a lot of the basic elements have been improved upon, creating a <strong>more pleasant browsing experience.</strong></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/richgates1.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: Rich Gates" alt="richgates1 30 Minute Redesign: Rich Gates" /></p>
<h2>How and Why To Enter Redesign Saturdays</h2>
<p>You can have the chance to have your website redesigned in next weeks post. All you need to do is <strong>leave a comment to this post with your website address and why you think it needs a redesign</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>The Benefits of Getting Your Site Redesigned Include:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Most obviously &#8211; a FREE redesign job!</li>
<li>Your website gets exposure to PSDFAN&#8217;s thousands of readers</li>
<li>You understand how to improve your website. This isn&#8217;t just a redesign, it&#8217;s a lesson in design.</li>
<li>You will get emailed the .psd of your redesign and can do whatever you want with it!</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>So please, leave a comment today for a chance to have your website redesigned next week!</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="30 Minute Redesign: Rich Gates" alt="psdfanmembersbut 30 Minute Redesign: Rich Gates" /></a></p>
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		<title>Design a Retro Styled Poster</title>
		<link>http://psdfan.com/tutorials/designing/design-a-retro-styled-poster/</link>
		<comments>http://psdfan.com/tutorials/designing/design-a-retro-styled-poster/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:18:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Designing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://psdfan.com/?p=7911</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Learn how to combine patterns, textures and typography to create a retro styled poster. You will also learn how to manipulate shapes and images, in addition to integrating blending options and layer masking. <strong>Download the source file for this and all our other tutorials in our <a href="http://www.psdfan.com/viparea">VIP Members Area</a>.</strong>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="psdfanmembersbut Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></a></p>
<h2>Final Image</h2>
<p>As always, this is the final image that we&#8217;ll be creating:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival19b.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival19b Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 1</h2>
<p>Create a new document (600X700px).</p>
<p>Paste in this great <a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1259888">old paper texture</a>. Call this layer &#8216;paper texture&#8217;.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival1.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival1 Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 2</h2>
<p>Create a new layer called &#8216;gray area&#8217;. Now use your rectangular marquee tool to create a box 10px in from the top, left, and right edges of your canvas, and 250px in from the bottom edge. Fill your selection with dark gray (252525).</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival2.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival2 Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 3</h2>
<p>Reduce the opacity of your gray area layer to 90%.</p>
<p>Then download this great <a href="http://www.brusheezy.com/brush/1412-WG-Splatter-Vol1">Splatter Brush Set</a>.</p>
<p>We want to erase the edges of our gray area using this grungy brush set. To do this in a non-destructive way though, go to layer>layer mask>reveal all. Select one of your splatter brush set, black brush and erase the edges of your gray area.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival3.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival3 Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 4</h2>
<p>Apply a pattern overlay to your gray area layer. I downloaded great set of patterns from <a href="http://www.squidfingers.com">SquidFingers.com.</a></p>
<p>Reduce the patterns opacity to around 25% to give a subtle effect.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival4.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival4 Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 5</h2>
<p>Download this <a href="http://psdfan.com/freebies/freebies-high-res-sunbursts-free-download/">Free PSDFAN Sunburst Set</a></p>
<p>Apply the sunburst over your gray area. Then go to layer>layer mask>reveal all. Apply a radial gradient ranging from transparent to black, to erase the edges of your sunburst.</p>
<p>Then reduce this layers opacity to 15%.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival5.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival5 Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 6</h2>
<p>To try and add a little extra to your sunburst effect go to edit>transform>warp and warp as demonstrated below:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival6.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival6 Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 7</h2>
<p>Download this <a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1262372">photo of clouds</a> and paste it over the top area of your gray area. </p>
<p>Then go to image>adjustments>desaturate. Use a large, soft eraser brush to erase the edges and bottom of your image, until you have a subtle cloud overlaying your gray area.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival7a.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival7a Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival7b.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival7b Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 8</h2>
<p>Now download this <a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1253895">photo of a mountain range</a>. </p>
<p>Cut it out using your lasso selection tool, and then paste the mountain range over the bottom of your gray area. </p>
<p>Then use a large, soft eraser to erase the edges of your mountain range.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival8a.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival8a Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival8b.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival8b Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 9</h2>
<p>Now apply a red color overlay blending option to your mountain layer. (Vivid Light &#8211; 15% opacity).</p>
<p>Finally, reduce your mountains layer opacity to 50%.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival9a.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival9a Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival9b.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival9b Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 10</h2>
<p>I decide that my cloud layer is looking too faint, so I increase it&#8217;s opacity to 30% and apply the same red color overlay effect (blend mode: vivid light, opacity: 10%).</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival10.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival10 Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 11</h2>
<p>Now open a new document (100X500px). Create 4 vertical guides at 20, 40, 60 and 80px. Then fill each of the 5 available spaces with a different colored bar, creating a rainbow effect.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival11.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival11 Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 12</h2>
<p>Now return to your original poster and select/copy your paper texture layer. Paste it over your stripes in your other document, and change your paper textures blend mode to &#8216;multiply&#8217;. This should give your stripes a nice texture.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival12.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival12 Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 13</h2>
<p>Paste your colorful lines image into your main document. It should automatically be pasted central in your canvas. Then select the very bottom of your colored bars and go to edit>distort>perspective. </p>
<p>Draw in the corners of your selection, to bring your colored bars to a fine point. This should create a cool center piece for your design.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival13.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival13 Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 14</h2>
<p>Now create a new layer called &#8216;colored circles&#8217;. Create multiple circular selections, and fill each with a color-transparent linear gradient. Then change this layer&#8217;s blend mode to &#8216;overlay&#8217; and reduce the opacity to 40%.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival14.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival14 Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 15</h2>
<p>Paste in a photo over the top of one of your circular gradients. </p>
<p>Go to image>adjustments>desaturate to grayscale the photo.</p>
<p>Then reduce the opacity of this layer to approx 30% and use a large, soft eraser brush to erase it&#8217;s edges.</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival15a.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival15a Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival15b.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival15b Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 16</h2>
<p>Add various other photos over your gray area and colored circles, each time desaturating the photo, reducing it&#8217;s opacity and erasing it&#8217;s edges:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival16.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival16 Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 17</h2>
<p>Add some text to the bottom half of your canvas:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival17.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival17 Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 18</h2>
<p>Now use your marquee selection tools to add some basic dividers between the lines of text:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival18.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival18 Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>Step 19</h2>
<p>Finally, go to layer>add adjustment layer>gradient overlay and apply the gradient demonstrated below:</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival19a.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival19a Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival19b.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival19b Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<h2>And We&#8217;re Done!</h2>
<p>I really hope that you enjoyed this tutorial and would love to hear your feedback!</p>
<p><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/retrofestival19b.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="retrofestival19b Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></p>
<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="Design a Retro Styled Poster" alt="psdfanmembersbut Design a Retro Styled Poster" /></a></p>
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		<title>Comment to Win a 3 Month PSDFAN VIP Area Membership – Winners</title>
		<link>http://psdfan.com/newscontests/contests/comment-to-win-a-3-month-psdfan-vip-area-membership-winners/</link>
		<comments>http://psdfan.com/newscontests/contests/comment-to-win-a-3-month-psdfan-vip-area-membership-winners/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:17:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Contests]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Today we announce the winner from our recent PSDFAN VIp Area Membership giveaway.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="Comment to Win a 3 Month PSDFAN VIP Area Membership   Winners" alt="psdfanmembersbut Comment to Win a 3 Month PSDFAN VIP Area Membership   Winners" /></a></p>
<h2>PSDFAN VIP Area Giveaway Winners Announced!</h2>
<p>We recently hosted a giveaway celebrating the launch of our new <a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php">VIP Members Area</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/psdfanvipimage.jpg" title="Comment to Win a 3 Month PSDFAN VIP Area Membership   Winners" alt="psdfanvipimage Comment to Win a 3 Month PSDFAN VIP Area Membership   Winners" /></a></p>
<h2>We Appreciate Your Feedback &#038; Suggestions</h2>
<p>After receiving 69 amazing entries, we feel that we have a much better idea of what our community wants from our tutorials and members content! The suggestions were original and inspiring, and we&#8217;ll do our best to cover each of the topics suggested.</p>
<h2>The Winners</h2>
<p><strong>Each winner receives a full 3 month subscription to the <a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"VIP Area</a>, giving them access to all of our 75+ source files and all members only tutorials/downloads.</strong></p>
<p>The 3 winners are:</p>
<p>Stratos<br />
Evert<br />
Voras</p>
<p><strong>Congratulations go to the winners! You will be receiving an email soon containing your membership details.</strong></p>
<p>Bad luck to those of you who didn&#8217;t win. But remember, you can join our members area access the great new content today, for just $9.95:</p>
<p><a href="http://psdfan.com/amember/signup.php"><img src="http://psdfan.com/buttonimage/psdfanmembersbut.jpg" title="Comment to Win a 3 Month PSDFAN VIP Area Membership   Winners" alt="psdfanmembersbut Comment to Win a 3 Month PSDFAN VIP Area Membership   Winners" /></a></p>
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