New PSP user needs tips.

[theEclipse]

OK, <br>
<br>
the new kid in the forum needs some design tips. <br>
<br>
Situation: Am trying to design a website that has a planet theme. Will not pay anyone to do it for me.<br>
<br>
Problem: I dont know how to make my planets look good.<br>
<br>
any help is greatly appreciated.<br>
<p>theEclipse<br><a href=mailto: > </a><br><a href=robacarp.webjump.com>robacarp.webjump.com</a><br>

 

[TheDemon]

Hmmmmm. Just to throw a spanner in the works I would suggest using a package like Fireworks/Corel rather than PSP because you have the ability to play with each element (your filled circle), both in terms of fill pattern and giving it a 3D effect (bevelling and smoothing the edges, as well as adding light and shadow). Playing with a filled element in PSP is OK because you can utilise layers, but adding light and shadows requires clicking on undo a lot of times until you get it right!<br>
<br>
One idea may be to create 2 layers, one for the planet and one for the shadow. Make them identically sized circles. Put the shadow layer directly over the planet layer (so that it sits above it) and fill it with a black to white gradient fill (remember you can alter the angle of the gradient, it doesn't have to be from left to right or top to bottom). Then increase the transparency of that layer so it's semi-visible, giving it a shadow effect. <br>
<br>
In terms of the fill pattern you're quite restricted there, though I believe you can load up your own customised patterns (haven't tried it myself). Try the spraycan, or the smudge buttons always quite fun (check out the different effects using your control box).<br>
<br>
I don't know if this helps as I've written this off the top of my head and not actually tried the above-mentioned layer effect. Have a go and tell me how you get on. At the very least you'll probably learn something new - that's the way with these packages! <br>
<br>
Have fun ;-)

 

[theEclipse]

actually, later the day of my first post, I went on to create a quite wonderfull (even if I do say myself) planet/moon combination.<br>
<br>
see it at: robacarp.webjump.com/images/planetandmoon.gif<br>
<br>
<p>theEclipse<br><a href=mailto: > </a><br><a href=robacarp.webjump.com>robacarp.webjump.com</a><br>

 

[TheDemon]

Is that the correct url? Can't find page........

 

[theEclipse]

ok, sorry, but that is the correct url, but it is not the correct img. <br>
<br>
url: <A HREF="

http://robacarp.webjump.com/images/planwmoon3.gif"

TARGET="_new">

http://robacarp.webjump.com/images/planwmoon3.gif</A><br>

<p>theEclipse<br><a href=mailto: > </a><br><a href=robacarp.webjump.com>robacarp.webjump.com</a><br>

 

[TheDemon]

Like it. How did you end up filling it in? I see you used the soften filter or something like that. Did you anti-alias the edges? Looking good though!

 

[theEclipse]

spanx. <br>
<br>
I filled it in first with one solid color, and then used the retouch tool to darken/lighten/smooth/and a little burning, but not much.<br>
<br>
I've posted another question, simmilar to this topic, check it out.<br>
<br>
<br>
<p>theEclipse<br><a href=mailto: > </a><br><a href=robacarp.webjump.com>robacarp.webjump.com</a><br>

 

[A3D]

theEclipse.<br><br>I checked out your planet and moon and they look good! To give them more of a 3D effect, you could use the sunburst gradient filter on your initial circle and then create a new layer which you fill with a circular deformation of a selected texture (your orange banding).<br><br>To cut to the chase, go to <A HREF="

http://loriweb.pair.com/sphere.html"

TARGET="_new">

http://loriweb.pair.com/sphere.html</A>

to see the technique.<br><br>A3D