Next Designer Contest: September 2011

[mollyscraps]

Originally Posted by Piggyscraps

You will still be able to get a good gauge of user response to your designs by views & downloads. The #1 tip I can offer is to work on your previewing skills. Especially shadow work on previews can make a huge visual impact.

Toiny,

Do you have any specifics about what makes good shadow work? Previewing is one of my weaknesses and I have never gotten any concrete advice on it....

Thanks!

mollyscraps

[Toiny]

There are tons of opinions out there on what is best. Mix those opinions with what looks best to you, remember the #1 person to make happy is... YOU!

Here are my rules for me:

• Not too dark. I keep mine at 50% opacity or less. (occasionally darker for darker kits/LO's)
• I set "size" smaller for frames, ribbons, papers
• I set "size" bigger for flowers and larger elements
• I increase "distance" for ribbons and elements I want to pop off the page.

I create a shadow style set for each preview I make. I use the same shadow on all papers, then a similar style on all elements. I adjust the style for the flowers (ie increase "size"), and ribbons (ie increase "distance"). This gives the preview a looks-from-the-same-kit appeal.

I also like putting the shadow on it's own layer and then using the Distance tool or Warp to highlight a favorite element. Not too much because then, well, it gets confusing to look at. I do Warp each item in the same direction, remembering my light source.

Some of my fave Shadow Tutorials:

• Megan Turnidge (includes free shadow styles!)
• The Daily Digi
• Shadow Proportions (the brad vs. flower vs. paper shadows with pictures)
• Shadowing Basics (explains that flower shadowing better)
• To Shadow or Not to Shadow

HTH's!

Originally Posted by mollyscraps

Toiny,

Do you have any specifics about what makes good shadow work? Previewing is one of my weaknesses and I have never gotten any concrete advice on it....

Thanks!

mollyscraps

[angdrumm]

I like the sound of this I think I will give it a go.

[marieh]

Ohh wow what a good crowd !! I can't wait for the contest to start !!

[kcleigh]

Thank you for posting the links to shadowing tutes. I've been trying so hard to figure out the shadowing thing, and this helps so much!

[katlen124]

hadn't thought about changing the shadow attributes. thanks

[mollyscraps]

Originally Posted by Piggyscraps

There are tons of opinions out there on what is best. Mix those opinions with what looks best to you, remember the #1 person to make happy is... YOU!

Here are my rules for me:

Thank you so much for the tips! I am getting so excited!

[DigiliciousDesigns]

So fabulous to see some familiar faces, and some new ones! Good luck, ladies, and I hope you have a blast along the way!!!

[ladyofthethorns]

OK, counting now...

13 more days to go.

[Toiny]

Eeeeek 13! I'm ready, totally ready. Why do I want to start early every year?

[tailz61]

well I"ve read thru the old archives and looked at the tutorials...thanks Ambowife for the links for youtube vids...found out better ways to do old stuff and some new ones too...the main reason I decide to join this contest is because there is NO public vote...I have had some bad experiences with friends voting for friends so tend to keep away from contests so this one sounds like it will be fair and level playing field...can't wait for the action to begin

[angdrumm]

I'm having a problem, it says I dont have permision to view the previous yeasrs details from the 2nd link in post 90, please can someone help

[Toiny]

You can now! You need human moderation (ahem me, or admin team) to view archives & post LO's. It helps keep our spam in the forum down to a low level.

Welcome!

Originally Posted by angdrumm

I'm having a problem, it says I dont have permision to view the previous yeasrs details from the 2nd link in post 90, please can someone help

[marieh]

Yeahhh only 13 days to go !! You will love the experience

[angdrumm]

Originally Posted by Piggyscraps

You can now! You need human moderation (ahem me, or admin team) to view archives & post LO's. It helps keep our spam in the forum down to a low level.

Welcome!

Thats brill, thankyou

[tanteva]

13 days ... Now I'm panicking. I have tons of CT work to do before the end of August LOL

[Lynn]

Oh, wow, this sounds great . I'm definitely going to have a go at this!

[auntrachel]

I also can not view them and would like to be able to. Any help would be appreciated.

Rachel

Originally Posted by Piggyscraps

You can now! You need human moderation (ahem me, or admin team) to view archives & post LO's. It helps keep our spam in the forum down to a low level.

Welcome!

[Toiny]

And you are approved as well Rachel! Welcome on board.

Originally Posted by auntrachel

I also can not view them and would like to be able to. Any help would be appreciated.

Rachel

[kcleigh]

I'm so sad. Looks like I may not have internet for a little while once we move at the end of this month. I may not be able to participate. I guess I'll be watching from afar.