Everyday we’re being bombarded by advertisements from companies who’d want to make a profit. Out of over a thousand advertisements, we can only process more or less than a hundred – this gives rise over the fact that only ten percent of all these advertisements actually convert into profit. What if we were to eliminate the billboards, the neon lights, the ugly copy, and all the stuff that are being spoon-fed to us?
 
We’d be free from visual pollution and at the same time the world will be a better place!
 
Of course, we can’t really topple these conglomerates. They’ll just come and bite us back, but what we can do is win the small battles – the ones on the streets.
 

A Revolution

 
Street art has received popularity in the past decade, with international artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey leading the fray. These two artists have been known for their politically infused artwork, from banksy’s Guantanamo prisoner in Disneyland to Fairey’s 2008 “Hope” Poster. These political works has been just some of the few works that’s targeting the political landscape around the world.  
 

But in recent years, from being aggressive, street artists have mellowed down and a lot of them have taken the modern street art revolution to a different level, a more mature and humanist level, where street artists encourage people to feel better about themselves every day.
 
 

Empowering the People

 
A possible cause of the shift in street art’s attitude, from being radical to mellow, is the public empathy towards the street artist’s cause. Having an ally in the form of a community has transformed the street artist from a rebel youth, to a beloved character on the streets. This may have led different artists and new artists to provide moral and visual support to their audience.
 
Because of the revolutions, the different crises, and crushed dreams, contemporary street artists began to create new artwork that remind the people of their dreams, to be strong, and to move forward.
 

Some of these interesting artists are Morley, Swoon, and Above. These artists have created street art in a fashion that portrays the human need for inspiration and affirmation. Check out some of their work here:
 

Morley
An LA-based street artist, Morley devotes his time in creating typographic poster designs with his witty imagination. Inspired by the dreamers and the illustrious around the Hollywood area, he decided to create a series of posters that would somehow leave “a ray of hope” to the weary souls of the city. His style portrays relatable situations and emphasized by bold letters.
 
 

 
 
Swoon
Swoon is a female street artist from Brooklyn whose works include installation art and wheatpaste prints. Her posters’ design usually portrays people around her in the usual, every-day life. She’s a prolific artist that is involved in different projects, one of them the recent performance project “Swimming Cities of Serenissima”.
 
 

 
 
Above
One of the few well-known yet anonymous street artists around, Above is well-known for his constant “art tours” that has covered almost three continents, from the United States, Europe, to Australia. His iconic “Arrow Mobile” installations are used depending on his project or the site of his planned project. He has also done wall murals that incorporate short messages or a play on words that can be seen in different parts of the world.
 
 

Check out your neighborhood, who knows you might see other inspiring work from your local street artists. Make sure to share them with us through the comment section below.

If you’re looking for more inspiration or fresh ideas, you can subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

Read more posts by Cadence Wu

Filters are a powerful tool in Photoshop to help you apply quick effects to your images. The Oil Paint filter in Photoshop CS6 will give any image a painted look. In this tutorial, we will introduce you to this new filter. Let’s get started!

I’m incredibly excited to let you know about a series of live Photoshop workshops we have planned over the next few months, in conjunction with Martin Perhiniak. They’ll be taking place in London, UK, and it’s a great chance to take your Photoshop training to the next level! Read on to find out more, and book your place…

Professional Face-to-Face Training

Martin Perhiniak is one of our most popular authors on Psdtuts+, a Certified Adobe Design Master and Instructor, and an incredibly talented teacher. Martin has worked with companies like Disney, Warner Brothers, Cartoon Network, Sony Pictures, Mattel, and DC Comics. He will be running a series of Tuts+ Live Workshops over the next three months, giving you the chance to become a Photoshop expert.

The workshops are taking place in London, UK, in a state of the art learning environment (here’s a video of the training centre), and over each two-day course you’ll learn everything you need to know about a particular area of Photoshop. We’ll even provide an iMac, second screen, and a tablet for you to use during the course!

It’s an amazing opportunity to take your Photoshop career to the next level, learning skills that will make you a better creative professional. If you’re wanting to take the first step into being a full-time Photoshop professional, these workshops are the perfect start.

Dates, Prices, and Topics

Digital Art

Have you ever imagined yourself working on blockbuster movies or computer games? Designing characters, monsters, weapons, cities, castles, spaceships and planets? In this intense but fun two-day workshop, you can learn all the techniques used by professional digital artists. Topics covered will be:

• Digital art basics & theory
• Brushes
• Finding and using references & inspiration
• Using a tablet
• Digital sketching and painting techniques
• Portraits and dynamic character poses
• Concept art projects
• Vehicle, character, monster, weapon, and environment design
• Matte painting projects
• Futuristic and fantasy cityscape

You’ll need a basic understanding of Photoshop for this course. If you are not confident, you can prepare for the course by watching Martin’s Photoshop Basix series!

Graphic Design

Have you ever wanted to learn all the best practices used by a professional graphic designer? This is the best place and time for you to do that. You can learn everything you need to know through real life design examples, which makes the training extremely useful and exciting. Topics covered will be:

• Logo design workflow and project
• Brochure design workflow and project
• Poster design workflow and project
• Product packaging design workflow and project
• Identity design workflow and project
• Album cover design workflow and project

You’ll need a basic understanding of Photoshop for this course. If you are not confident, you can prepare for the course by watching Martin’s Photoshop Basix series!

Photo Retouching

In this two-day course, you’ll learn all the most advanced retouch skills you need for professional work in several fields in the industry. The techniques we cover in this special course are used by high-end fashion photo retouchers, digital artists, professional photographers and graphic designers. Topics covered will be:

• High-end portrait retouch
• Skin softening, and changing hair and eye colour
• Modifying facial and body features
• Artistic portrait effects
• Removing unwanted elements
• Extending photos for better composition
• Professional sharpening and noise-reduction
• Creating the perfect group shot
• Photo montage techniques
• HDR techniques
• Adding colour to black and white photographs
• Vintage and colour pop effects
• Restoring old photographs & cleaning up backgrounds
• Working with Camera RAW files
• Retouching landscape photographs
• Professional fashion/wedding shoot retouch and montage project

You’ll need a basic understanding of Photoshop for this course. If you are not confident, you can prepare for the course by watching Martin’s Photoshop Basix series!

Have Your Say & Win!

While our first set of workshops are taking place in London, we’d love to have your thoughts on how we can continue this project. Let us know where you think other live workshops should be held, if you’d like to participate in an online workshop, and what topics you think we should cover:

Take our thirty second survey

We’ll pick a random respondent to win a three month Tuts+ Premium membership on Friday 31st May!

In this article we’ll take a quick look at 9 things you can do to stay focused and productive.

1. Work from a To-Do List Each Day

One of the best ways to stay focused and on task is to have a list of specific things that you need to do each day. Without having a to-do list it is easy to get distracted or to dedicate time to things that aren’t important, but with a to-do list you’ll always know exactly what you need to do each day. Most of us don’t like to end the day with things from our to-do list still unchecked, so it serves as motivation to stay on task and to get things done.

2. Eliminate the Easy Tasks from Your To-Do List First

This may be more personal preference than anything, but for me it is one of the most important things I can do to stay focused. Each day will have a few siginifcant tasks that will take up most of the day, and a few smaller tasks that can be done in a matter of a few minutes. When I look at my to-do list and see things crossed off I feel good about my progress and it’s easier to stay focused. When I leave the little things till later my to-do list will look more intimidating all day, and sometimes it can be distracting. I prefer to take care of the easier things early in the day so I can get them off of my list and then I can focus completely on major tasks without distraction of having a to-do list that looks very full.

3. Keep Your Expectations Realistic

There is only so much that you can get done in one day. If you overload your to-do list you will be stressed out all day and you probably won’t do your best quality work because you’ll be feeling rushed. If you keep a smaller number of things on your to-do list you can focus more on doing your best quality of work.

4. Work Ahead of Deadlines Whenever Possible

Working on tight deadlines can hurt your focus in a few different ways. First, if you’re thinking more about the deadline than the details of the project, it can hurt your work. Second, if you have deadlines coming up you’ll have little choice about what you’re going to work on since you’ll need to rush to meet the deadline. When you’re not working with tight deadlines you’ll have more flexibility to choose what you are going to work on each day, allowing you to use your time and attention wherever you want.

You won’t always be able to avoid tight deadlines, but it’s a good habit to work ahead of deadlines whenever possible.

5. Close Out of Unneccesary Programs

Most designers and developers work in a lot of different programs throughout the day. If you have programs open that you are not using it’s easier to get distracted by something that you aren’t expecting. Closing the programs that you’re not using at the time will help to declutter and you’ll eliminate potential distractions before they can become an issue.

6. Turn Off Your Phone

Phones can be a distraction not only when you’re receiving calls. Most people receive and send several text messages each day. By turning your phone off you won’t hear notifications of new text messages, and you won’t pick up your phone to read it. Once you pick up your phone the interenet and apps can also be a distraction. Turning the phone off for a while obviously helps to eliminate these distractions as well.

7. Don’t Try to Multi-Task

Multi-tasking is one of those things that most of us have been programmed to do, and it’s often considered to be a great skill. The problem is that when you are multi-tasking you’re not focusing on any one thing, and your work will typically suffer in all areas.

Rather than trying to do several things at once, focus on one thing at a time and move through your to-do list by checking things off individually. This will help you to get things done faster and with better quality of work.

8. Have a Comfortable, Dedicated Office Space

Your environment has a lot of influence on your focus. If you’re working from home make sure that you have an area that is dedicated to being your work space and nothing else. A private room with a door is best, but if you don’t have the space for an office make sure you at least have a desk and a section of a room for your work space. This work space should be confortable (including a good chair) and preferrably in a quiet area of the house.

9. Take Short Breaks Throughout the Day

Trying to work for too long without any breaks will lead to poor focus. Just taking 5 or 10 minutes to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, or get a drink will help to improve your level of work. Breaks don’t usually need to be long in order to have an impact. If you feel like you are struggling to focus, take a break for a few minutes.

What’s Your Experience?

How do you stay focused throughout the day? If you have tips or advice for our readers please share in the comments.

In this tutorial we will explain how to create a metallic copper text effect using layer styles in Photoshop. Let’s get started!

Tutorial Assets

The following assets were used during the production of this tutorial.

• Concrete Bunker Texture
• Argel Font
• Palace Balls Picture

Step 1

Create a new file. Set Width and Height to 700 px and the resolution to 72 PPI. Name: Angel text

Step 2

Fill the canvas with the Concrete Bunker texture.

Step 3

Marge the concrete bunker texture to the background.

Step 4

Go to menu > Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation > use the values as shown below.

Step 5

Apply Sharpen twice: Go to menu > Filter > Sharpen > Sharpen. Add Noise: Go to menu > Filter > Noise > Add Noise > use the values as shown in the pop-up, in the left side of the image below. Create a new empty layer over the background; fill it with color code #252829. Apply Blend mode "Color" as shown in the menu, in the right side of the image below. Finally merge it to the background (Command/Ctrl+E).

Step 6

Type the word “Angel” using the “Argel Font”, font size 310 pt, tracking 0. Select the letter “A” and set tracking to 40. All values as shown in the image below.

Step 7

Using the "Move Tool", select the text and background layer, then click the align commands: "Align Horizontal Center" and "Align Vertical Center" on the top menu to center it.

Step 8

Apply a Layer Style on the text layer (right click over the layer > Blending Options). Set Blending Options step by step as shown in the image below and click ok.

Note: to edit the Gloss Contour in the Bevel and Emboss step: click the contour thumbnail to open the Contour Editor pop-up > click in the contour mesh to add points and enter values for Input and Output.

Step 9

Copy the image “Palace Balls” from the browser, paste it over the text layer “Angel” and rename the image layer to “Reflection01.” Using the "Move Tool," select "Reflection01" image layer and background layer, then click the align commands: "Align Bottom Edges" and "Align Left Edges" on the top menu, as shown in the image below.

Step 10

Select “Reflection01″ image layer and using the “Rectangular Marquee Tool”, right click over the picture and choose “Free Transform”. Then lock the proportions with the loop icon “Maintain Aspect Ratio” on the top menu, as shown in the image below and reduce Width and Height to 70%, set Horizontal Position to 1099.2 px and set Vertical Position to -7.8 px and press enter.

Step 11

Apply a Layer Style on “Reflection01″ image layer (right click over the layer > Blending Options) and apply Gradient Overlay values as shown below and click ok, to get a metal copper tone.

Step 12

Apply Sharpen thrice: Go to menu > Filter > Sharpen > Sharpen (remember repeat this step three times).

Step 13

Reduce Noise: Go to menu > Filter > Noise > Reduce Noise. Using the values as shown below.

Step 14

Duplicate layer “Reflection01″ and rename to “Reflection02.” After renaming it apply: Blend mode to Lighten and Opacity to 50% as shown below.

Step 15

To achieve a stunning reflection effect, select “Reflection02″ image layer and using the “Rectangular Marquee Tool”, right click over the picture and choose: Free Transform > Flip Horizontal > and reduce Width to -90% and Height to 90%, set Horizontal Position to 513 px and set Vertical Position to 108 px as shown below and press enter.

Step 16

Select the two image layers and go to menu > Layer > Create Clipping Mask. To put the reflections inside the layer font. Finally, select the two image and text layers to link them by clicking over the "Link Layers" icon at the bottom of the layers palette. To have the final text effect linked.

Final Image

Theme features include:

• 7 color schemes from which to choose (screenshots of each are shown lower on this page)
• Customizable homepage slider
• Events calendar
• Organization news publication
• Upload your logo, or just use the site name in text

This WordPress theme was created with non-profit organizations in mind, including features that are needed by most organization websites. The homepage slider allows you to promote your programs and services, or attract attention to any initiative. Images in the slider can be linked to any page.

Most organizations have a lot of events going on, and with this theme you can have an effective event calendar. The homepage even displays 5 upcoming events for added exposure. When you set up the events you insert the date and time, and as it passes the event will be automatically removed from your site so you don’t have to remember to delete each event as it occurs.

The theme also includes a custom post type for news announcements, so you can publish press releases or other announcements and have them featured on your website. As with any WordPress-based site, blogging functionality is included. The theme’s home page template includes links to the most recent blog posts.

WordPress’s custom navigation menu feature is used for both the header and footer menus, so you have complete control over the links that are shown in your menus. The header menu supports drop downs.

From the WordPress dashboard you can enter links to your Facebook page and Twitter profile and the footer icons will be linked appropriately. If you don’t have social media profiles, simply leave the URL fields blank and no icons will be displayed.

Scroll down to see the alternate color schemes.

Documentation for the theme is available in this PDF file.

View the theme demo | Download for free

We Recommend BlueHost

If you’re looking for a hosting company, we recommend BlueHost. They offer quality shared hosting and responsive customer service at low prices. The video below shows how to sign up with BlueHost, install WordPress, and upload one of our free themes in a matter of just a few minutes. Read a more detailed explanation of why we recommend BlueHost.

Sign up with BlueHost

Alternate Color Schemes:

Advertise here with BSA

It can be a challenge convincing clients to add new strategies to their existing Web presence.

In a perfect world, a client would simply say, "You’re the expert. You know what’s best. Do whatever needs to be done to make it happen!" But, unfortunately, it just doesn’t work like that.

Granted, we shouldn’t expect smart business managers to implement every new thing just because we tell them it’s a good idea. That wouldn’t be cost effective. But what if you know in your gut that the future of a client’s business may be at stake?

With Google executives saying things like "I believe that in 3 years desktop computers will be irrelevant…" and studies by Gartner stating that "Websites not formatted for the smaller screen will become a market barrier…" the Mobile Web is one of your gut instincts you want your clients to follow. And follow now!

In a state of desperate urgency, you may be tempted to place all diplomacy aside, and just tell it to them straight, perhaps even reminding them of those other times they put off your advice. I like to call this the "Timeline of Lost Opportunities" tactic.

You may very well have clients who respond to that type of pressure, but more likely, you will need to ease your clients into the idea of a full-on Mobile Web strategy.

Below is a plan that can help. I’ve even included graphics in each step since, as the old adage goes, "A picture is worth a thousand different ways of pleading with one’s clients." (Or something like that.)

Step 1: Show Them the Money

The Mobile Web is upon us, whether we like it or not. People are using mobile devices to search, shop and click through on ads at unprecedented rates. And rates that are only expected to grow. Presenting numbers like those shown above, as well as information on how their competitors may already be capitalizing on the Mobile Web, can get your clients listening.

Step 2: Show Them What Their Customers Expect

Mobile device users search the Internet as often as they use apps, so having a mobile-ready website is important. Mobile consumers know what they want from a website, and typically take action once they get there. It’s important that your clients understand that their customers have different expectations of what a mobile website does and provides compared to their existing website. Mobile conversion rates can be impressive, but only if a website caters to the expectations of this mobile audience.

Step 3: Outline Best Practices and Give Them Choices

Once you’ve shown your clients how people use mobile devices, it should become more apparent that they need a mobile version of their website. Mobile website solutions need not be complicated or expensive. Show your clients some options, such as responsive web design or going with a dedicated mobile-optimized version of the site (along with the pros and cons of each) while emphasizing mobile website best practices.

Step 4: Help Them Decide Whether They Need a Mobile App

Mobile app usage is impressive, but while people do spend a lot of time using mobile apps, most of that time is spent on games and social networking. So does your client really need a mobile app? You can help them decide by weighing the pros and cons of mobile app development, and presenting ways they can optimize their mobile website as an alternative.

Step 5: Explain the Marketplace and Mobile App Nuances

A good mobile app strategy should analyze current marketplace trends and weigh the pros and cons of developing native apps versus web apps. Be sure to explain how the mobile marketplace works as well as the difference between native and web apps. This can help your clients make more informed decisions.

Step 6: Show Them Options and Give Them Choices

Mobile app solutions vary in price and complexity. Outline options for your client that include using HTML5 or one of the many do-it-yourself mobile app tools available today. Make your recommendations based on the client’s present and future needs.

Step 7: Introduce Other Mobile Marketing Tactics

The Mobile Web is more than just websites and apps. From QR codes to augmented reality, there are a host of tactics and tools you can implement to help your clients promote their business on the Mobile Web. Help your clients understand the importance of mobile-optimized landing pages. When they are marketing to a mobile audience, it is imperative that clients ultimately send potential customers to landing pages and other sources compatible with the customer’s mobile device.

The goal should be to educate your clients on the "hows" and "whys" of the Mobile Web and to help them understand their options. This approach can ultimately help them make informed decisions as they consider your recommendations.

This article is based on the book, The Bootstrapper’s Guide to the Mobile Web. The graphics used in this article are part of a sharable infographic available at TheBootstrappersGuide.com, where you’ll also find free mobile website, mobile app, and other mobile strategy worksheets.

Related Content

• Mobile UI Design Patterns: 10+ Sites for Inspiration
• Will the Browser Wars Invade the Mobile Web?
• 10 Excellent Tools for Testing Your Site on Mobile Devices
• Related categories: Mobile and Project Management

About the Author

Deltina Hay, author of The Bootstrapper’s Guide to the Mobile Web and The Social Media Survival Guide, is a web developer, publisher and small business owner. Hay presently teaches the graduate level Social Media Certificate course for Drury University. Her YouTube video series can be found at YouTube.com/deltinahay. Connect with her on Google Plus.

Get your fill of graphic design news with this week’s You! Be Informed! May and June are chock-full of design events and contests, and we hope you get to participate and meet new designers.
 
Always be updated on the latest trends and events for graphic designers by subscribing to our RSS feed!

Disney Treasures Exhibit

A new exhibit with the largest collection of Disney props, costumes, artwork, and artifacts will be displayed by the Walt Disney Archives. Imagine all those Disney movies you watched when you were younger (maybe even until now) come alive through the different artifacts, some of which have never even been seen before. The exhibit will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum in Simi Valley, California, from July 6, 2012 until April 2013. Relive your favorite Disney memories through the historic items to be included in the exhibit, including “hand-drawn artwork and hand-sculpted models used in the production of some of the most beloved Disney animated film classics ever created, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Bambi and Sleeping Beauty.”
  

Portfolio Night

On May 23, 2012, in almost 20 major cities across the world, “hundreds of the world’s most renowned creative directors meet with thousands of aspiring copywriters, art directors and designers.” Portfolio Night is an event that lets potential employers discover new talent through networking and recruitment. According to its organizers, the event “aligns with Getty Images’ commitment to support and invest in the very creative community that drives their content.” Getty Images is one of the global partners for the event. If you’re thinking of starting a career in Creative Advertising, check out if your city will be hosting this event!

  
The Henry Waltz Project – Oriol Vandela, Gravity Falls

The Henry Waltz project is an animation live-action hybrid transmedia project created by Emil Goodman. A series of short films, a feature film, videogames, and interactive media apps will create the world of Henry Waltz. The first in the series of short films, Oriol Vandela, is about the last great jazz icon on the dying planet.

Using combinations of live-action and papercut animation techniques, the sci-fi project features the classical hero Henry Waltz and his adventures on a dying, man-made planet.

Cut & Paste Live Design Contest

Cut&Paste will hold one of its famous live design battles on May 19, 2012 in Los Angeles. This event “will challenge teams of 2D/3D designers to assemble a pitch concept for a new video project.” The jury is composed of award-winning pros including Mick Ebeling, Bill Sneed, and Dexton Deboree. Attend the event and socialize with designers and other audience members. Watch out for other activities and surprises from the organizers!

Metro Stickers

Ghost Gallery in Sao Paulo, Brazil, invites artists to send in their sticker designs. Send your stickers to Metro Stickers, Caixa Postal 11054, Sao Paulo SP, CEP 05422-970, Brazil. The deadline is July 15 with show details TBA.

Inglorious Vandals!

Mark your calendars for a sticker design show in Los Angeles called “Inglorious Vandals!” Its opening reception is on June 8, 2012, and show will run until June 29, 2012. Live entertainment and giveaways are in store for attendees who will get to enjoy the work of different artists, with special guest Mark Bode.

Share your design news through our Facebook and Twitter accounts to let other designers know about the latest events, competitions, and projects.

Read more posts by Cadence Wu

Get your fill of graphic design news with this week’s You! Be Informed! May and June are chock-full of design events and contests, and we hope you get to participate and meet new designers.
 
Always be updated on the latest trends and events for graphic designers by subscribing to our RSS feed!

Disney Treasures Exhibit

A new exhibit with the largest collection of Disney props, costumes, artwork, and artifacts will be displayed by the Walt Disney Archives. Imagine all those Disney movies you watched when you were younger (maybe even until now) come alive through the different artifacts, some of which have never even been seen before. The exhibit will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum in Simi Valley, California, from July 6, 2012 until April 2013. Relive your favorite Disney memories through the historic items to be included in the exhibit, including “hand-drawn artwork and hand-sculpted models used in the production of some of the most beloved Disney animated film classics ever created, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Bambi and Sleeping Beauty.”
  

Portfolio Night

On May 23, 2012, in almost 20 major cities across the world, “hundreds of the world’s most renowned creative directors meet with thousands of aspiring copywriters, art directors and designers.” Portfolio Night is an event that lets potential employers discover new talent through networking and recruitment. According to its organizers, the event “aligns with Getty Images’ commitment to support and invest in the very creative community that drives their content.” Getty Images is one of the global partners for the event. If you’re thinking of starting a career in Creative Advertising, check out if your city will be hosting this event!

  
The Henry Waltz Project – Oriol Vandela, Gravity Falls

The Henry Waltz project is an animation live-action hybrid transmedia project created by Emil Goodman. A series of short films, a feature film, videogames, and interactive media apps will create the world of Henry Waltz. The first in the series of short films, Oriol Vandela, is about the last great jazz icon on the dying planet.

Using combinations of live-action and papercut animation techniques, the sci-fi project features the classical hero Henry Waltz and his adventures on a dying, man-made planet.

Cut & Paste Live Design Contest

Cut&Paste will hold one of its famous live design battles on May 19, 2012 in Los Angeles. This event “will challenge teams of 2D/3D designers to assemble a pitch concept for a new video project.” The jury is composed of award-winning pros including Mick Ebeling, Bill Sneed, and Dexton Deboree. Attend the event and socialize with designers and other audience members. Watch out for other activities and surprises from the organizers!

Metro Stickers

Ghost Gallery in Sao Paulo, Brazil, invites artists to send in their sticker designs. Send your stickers to Metro Stickers, Caixa Postal 11054, Sao Paulo SP, CEP 05422-970, Brazil. The deadline is July 15 with show details TBA.

Inglorious Vandals!

Mark your calendars for a sticker design show in Los Angeles called “Inglorious Vandals!” Its opening reception is on June 8, 2012, and show will run until June 29, 2012. Live entertainment and giveaways are in store for attendees who will get to enjoy the work of different artists, with special guest Mark Bode.

Share your design news through our Facebook and Twitter accounts to let other designers know about the latest events, competitions, and projects.

Read more posts by Cadence Wu

Recently, Photoshop CS6 has been released, along with a Photoshop CS6 Extended version, as well. Of course, Photoshop is one of the best, if not the best, graphics program to ever hit the market. So, needless to say, a lot of people were really excited about the release. Also, what makes people even more excited is the fact that you can download a free 30-day trial of the program. If you are getting the trial, you don’t want to spend a whole lot of time trying to learn the program, so I’m going to give you some tips that should get you started up fairly quickly.

First of all, if you are going to upgrade to the full version of Photoshop CS6, you should uninstall the beta. There was over one million people that downloaded the beta of Photoshop CS6 and if you were one of them, it’s time to move on to the full version. It is a requirement that you have to uninstall the beta version of the program before you are able to install the final release or any other apps that utilize the creative cloud.

Next, you should begin to install and activate your copy of Photoshop CS6. As you begin to install your copy of Photoshop CS6, you will be asked to be connected to the internet and activate your software with your Adobe ID. With your Adobe ID, you will never lose your serial # again, because it will be associated with your Adobe ID. Also, having an Adobe ID will also protect you from downloading and installing software that is not genuine Adobe software.

If you want to get some camera support from Adobe Photoshop CS6, you can download Adobe Camera Raw 7.1 in order to get the support you require. That way, your camera will be compatible and supported with Adobe Photoshop CS6. There are way too many camera makes and models supported, so I’m unable to list them here, but you shouldn’t have a problem when you connect your camera to your computer, as long as you download Adobe Camera Raw 7.1.

Lastly, I would highly suggest taking advantage of Adobe and their learning resources that they have set up for users. This is a great way to get into Photoshop and even become an advanced user. With all that information they provide at your disposal, you will surely fall in love with the new version of Photoshop and all of it’s features.