Just in time for Summer vacation, a bit of knowledge can go a long way in making your photos shine.

Here’s one of the best Adobe Photoshop tutorials I’ve run across. Yes, some things are over simplified, but for the average user: this will really help.

Even if you don’t own Photoshop, the concepts presented will pretty much carry over to any decent image editing program.

Some Photoshop alternatives can be found here. A Macintosh specific list can be found here.

Enjoy!

It’s the same kind of rush your customer gets when she feels the rich texture of that paper between her fingertips.

When you’re designing for print, remember that the reader’s experience is tactile as well as visual. That’s why printing is unique and powerful. So choose your paper wisely, and you’ll communicate the benefits of your small business more powerfully. And that’s not to mention the potential savings in postage rates you get by making the right choice.

Paper selection is becoming a lost art. So much is printed on standard or “house” sheets, these days. That may save a bit of cost, but it also has that “me too” kind of impact on the user.

Come into our Rancho Cucamonga offices and you’ll find hundreds of paper swatches; it’s a feast for your fingers!

In this 5 minute video designer John McWade says it well. It’s far too easy to get deep into a logo project without really understanding the reason for starting. “I have a business, so I need a logo,” doesn’t really provide the clarity and direction that is needed to produce a winning result.

Beyond that, it’s time for an honesty check. An ideal logo designer needs to be an insightful marketer, a skilled production artist and also posses great visual acuity. If you or your team is missing just one of those pieces, looking for the perfect logo may lead you down a long and winding road.

It really comes down to the person. An online logo design company with a 200 page catalog may look impressive, but will you end up working with a person who will take the time to understand your business at a deep level? On the other hand, if your story is easy to tell, you might run into a art student at a junior college who is perfect for the project. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and/or teaching such students here in Rancho Cucamonga. Some now work at high ticket ad agencies.

There are many dead end streets on the logo journey. Get some good directions, and never settle for a sub par result. No logo is usually better than a poor logo. In fact, a simple typographic-only treatment may be just the ticket until you’re ready for a full blown logo design.

Presenter Brian Wood will be on hand with time saving tips and creativity starters for your print and electronic projects. He’s certain to bring us all up to speed on the latest enhancements for the new Adobe Creative Suite 5.

One lucky raffle winner will go home with a free full copy of Creative Suite 5 Premium. You must be present to win! This software package sells for $1799

More information here. See you there!