Tutorial Sources In One

UNIONBANK PHILIPPINES just ruined my day!!!

2008-07-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

If you have a paypal account and would like to withdraw your money but hasn't verified your paypal account, I suggest that you look for other debit cards or credit cards, rather than applying for the UnionBank VISA EON. On my previous post, I was really disappointed with the application process alone. Now, shit really happened, I got my card, but things didn't work out the way I expected. At first I thought it was just that my VISA EON was not yet fully activated, so I waited more than 3 business days as what they have advised me. Well, I really experienced the worst from this bank. It took me 2 months to wait for my application, actually 3 months...then I finally got my card, waited for a week, and ended being advised to go back replace my card...which means I have to wait for another 2 weeks!!! Very convenient right??? That's I really advise guys who had paypal accounts that when you plan to verify your account just try other debit or credit cards. Don't fall for the offer or benefits of UNIONBANK VISA EON. Think of this, if you were a freelancer and you get your salary through paypal, and you decided to use UNIONBANK VISA EON...well better make sure that you have extra money for 4 months because if don't have, I just don't know if you'll survive the 4 months of waiting...nobody knows it will reach more than 4 months...I just hope UNIONBANK peeps would read this blog...I hope they get to be the next victim of another brutal bank robbery...I think they really deserve it...ehehehe..kidding!!! It's just that I'm really disappointed right now!!! Very disappointed!!! Not just disappointed, but really FRUSTRATED with the service of UNIONBANK PHILIPPINES!!!

UNION BANK PHILIPPINES IS EMBARASSING!

2008-06-04T02:49:00.000-07:00

if you read the title then, you're right, their online system sucks!!!to be straight, its been almost 2 weeks since I applied for UNIONBANK VISA EON...the problem is that not a single email coming from them has updated me or confirmed my application for the said service...I don't know if they know what the term innovation and online is...because I suppose that when you use online service it should be efficient and fast...but I guess the problem is they don't deliver that kind of service to their customers...they're are just lucky that they're the only bank that recognizes Paypal transactions efficiently...

so if you are a paypal user here in the philippines..then instead of applying for Unionbank's VISA EON then why not just apply for a credit card or other debit cards.

that's all for now...

Applying online for Union bank Visa EON

2008-05-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

I was searching Google for reactions and experiences of those who have applied for the Visa EON of Unionbank...it's almost 3 weeks since I applied for a Visa EON, but sad to say not a single email coming from Unionbank...I called up one of the Unionbank branch here in Bacolod City, and the person in charge told me to re-apply again...So last Friday, I re-applied again, it's been 1 week since my last application but still there's no email coming from Unionbank with regards to my VISA EON application...I just hope that they might confirm it next week...I never had an intention of using Unionbank but because my payments are in Paypal I am forced to apply for this VISA EON...I also don't understand why it takes a longer period of time when you apply outside Luzon area...this isn't an innovation.

I think Unionbank should also take a look at how they will deliver their service to other provinces..not just in the Northern area of the country..just a thought..

Sources for extra income

2008-05-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, it's good to write my own blog once again...as you can see on the archives most it are copied articles and post from sources which I also acknowledge the source...anyway it's about 2:16 AM here and I'm still awake...I'm in the mood of blogging right now...that's why I will share some of the resources that I found on the internet which I think is a reliable source of extra income...I know for a fact that everyone here wants to have an extra income...

ReviewStream.com

this is a website which allows users to write reviews on anything...you don't have to be concern if it's a bad or good review...the rate of review is $2 per approved review and $0.04 per bulk rate...bulk rate is for reviews which were not published...but don't worry if ever you get to be paid with for a bulk rate..simply because sooner or a few days later they might publish your review and pay you $2 for that review...so the advantage is...if you only get the bulk rate and later they publish your review..then you can earn $2.40 for 1 review..but it will take a few days or it might not happen at all...so far I have earned $4.80...they will pay you through your paypal..so make sure you have a paypal account..the minimum payout is $50.

Online4ads.com

this is a paid to click website...you can earn $0.01 per click and you have like 10-12 links to be clicked per day..so you get the rate of $0.10 per day...plus if you can convince other friends of yours to join then you get to be paid for the referrals..they pay in paypal and the minimum payout is $10...so far i have $3.

mylot.com

this is a social networking website...it allows you to earn by being active with your account...mostly you get paid easily if you become active with the discussions...you can start a discussion and you can join other discussions as well..so I have earn $3 through this website...and based on my observation they have a rate of $0.01 per discussion..whether you started it or replied on a certain discussion...the minimum payout is $10 and they pay through paypal also.
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So guys, those are the websites which I find to be a source of extra income...once I get to have a payout on any of these sites i will update this post so that you may know if it's really reliable or not...that's all for now...have a good day.

Notice to my visitors...

2008-05-24T12:00:00.001-07:00

I have been watching closely on the stats that I get from this blog, surprisingly I am very happy that at least I get to have like 30 page views per day. So, for those who believed in the purpose of my blog, thank you very much!!! For the sources of where I took those tutorials and articles, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SHARING IDEAS.

Lately I was quite busy looking for a job, so I haven't posted any tutorials, recipes, or interesting articles. To the frequent visitors, I hope you understand, but this coming week I'll post new interesting tutorials which I have discovered lately.

AGAIN THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR MAKING THIS BLOG POSSIBLE.

Want to earn by just review on anything?

2008-05-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was looking for some websites that might allow me to earn like $10 per day without paying such a horrible sign up fee that will end up just a scam. So I was browsing a lot, since I've got no job and I've all the time in the world to browse the internet. I even went through some blogs wherein they provided some links that allows users to earn like $0.01 per click on websites links and visit it for like 20 seconds or less. I kept on browsing until I finally decided to search for websites that pays me when I make reviews. I had this idea because of ximmy, who had my account disabled because they feel that I was spamming their site.

So I searched Google for those sites, I got this list from a certain blog, and I found a link on ReviewStream.com. Well, you don't have to register, all you need to do is just to fill up some required fields, enter the subject of your review and make your review. Earnings? Well, they can pay $2 per approved review. On my first review, I chose AVG Free as my subject, then it took them almost 3 days, because it was stated clearly that they verify reviews manually.

After 3 days I received an email, saying that I got paid for $0.40. That $0.40 is the bulk rate, because for every review that are not being approved you are entitled for a bulk rate. They have also included some tips on why I got only the bulk rate.

When doing such reviews on that site, just remember this....

1.) Be specific on the description of your subject.

2.) Make sure that you are not using reference for your review.

3.) Express what you really feel for that subject.

5.) Be honest, it wouldn't matter if it's a negative review or not.

I've applied those things on my latest reviews, but still I'm waiting for the outcome, if ever I get to have the same result, just keep visiting this post, I'll share the outcome.

Looking for alternatives to your disabled Google Adsense account?

2008-05-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

Got your Google Adsense suspended? Well, don’t lose hope if you get your adsense appeal a “NO” from Google. According to some forums and group postings, there is always a very lesser chance of getting your appeal being reconsidered by Google. It’s just Google’s way of protecting their advertiser’s interest and money. That’s why just understand Google if ever they found something unacceptable to their rules and guidelines for Adsense.

Anyway, here’s an alternative for you to earn money from your ads. Some websites that I happen to browse a few days ago had this kinds of advertisements. So I get to check it and seems to me there’s no problem with their program. They seem to be legitimate so I tried it, and the registration and setup is so fast. They don’t check your website anymore, after you register you can just make ads right away.

The name of this advertising program is AdBrite. If you asked me why I tried this, well, simply because my Google adsense just got suspended. I just don’t know the reason but thank God, I haven’t had any earnings that’s why I don’t feel bad and somehow regretful because of losing such opportunity with Google.

For those interested just click on the images below to see it yourself. If you think that the image contains some referral earnings…well your damn right!!! So just click it if you’re really interested. Enjoy and good luck!!!

want to earn $20 per week for just reviewing sites?

2008-05-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

last time i was browsing some blogs at BlogCatalog...i found a link that directs me to a social search engine website..

the name of this website is ximmy...

well, it is a social search engine site...it allows users to do reviews on any websites that they want to review...

what's more interesting is, for every review that you make...it entitles you 10 points...if you can reach 1,000 points...which is the equivalent of 100 websites to be reivewed...you can earn $10...if you can reach 1,800 points...you can earn $20 dollars...so for just reviewing 280 websites you get to be paid $20..

but, decide immediately when you are really interested because this program is just a promo of ximmy...as soon as ximmy accumulates 200,000 site reviews...then they will stop the program...
so far they count every review as 10 points...so what are you waiting for..register now!!!!

just click on the images below if you want to register for ximmy

this is the points equivalent for joining ximmy...

Pinay Scandal..new scandals...

2008-05-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

new pinay scandals....

click on the links below for video links...

PINAY SCANDAL 1

PINAY SCANDAL 2

PINAY SCANDAL 3

FOR MORE VIDEOS OF PINAY SCANDALS...PHILIPPINE SCANDALS....FILIPINA SCANDALS..

WATCH IT HERE...

CLICK TO VIEW...

ENJOY GOOD LUCK

PINAY SCANDALS...FILIPINA SCANDALS...PHILIPPINES SCANDALS...PINAY SCANDALS...FILIPINA SCANDALS....PHILIPPINES SCANDALS..

Earn by just clicking and view the website for a couple of seconds…

2008-05-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

Looking for ways of making money on the internet without costing you a single centavo?

well, why don’t you try online4ads.com…this is a paid to click website which allows registered users to earn an amount for just clicking the sponsored ads…it will cost you nothing…you can also increase your earnings by referring it to friends or family…what's good is that they pay through paypal...

so why don’t you see it for yourself…just click on the link below…

http://www.online4ads.com

start earning now!!!good luck!!!

Cooking Recipe: Linguini Puttanesca

2008-05-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.italianchef.com/putta.html This is one of my favorite pasta dishes. Many people in America have an aversion to anchovies. Their only exposure to them may have been as "hairy" fish on top of pizza. If this describes you, it may sound tempting to try making this dish omitting them. Please, don't do this until you have at least tried it with them. The chopped up anchovies practically dissolve into the oil when sautéing them, so you don't have to worry about biting into or tasting anchovy. What you will taste, however, is a depth of flavor that will be missing if they are left out. Serves 4 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 clove of garlic, chopped 6 anchovy fillets, chopped 1 35 oz can imported italian plum tomatoes, crushed with their juices 1 tablespoon capers 12 gaetta olives, pitted 1/2 teaspoon of oregano freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 pound Linguini pasta

1.		Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add garlic and anchovy, cook until garlic is lightly browned.
2.		Crush tomatoes and add with juices. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce to a simmer.
3.		Add capers, olives, oregano, black pepper, and 1/2 cup of water. Cook at a simmer for 20 minutes.
4.		While the sauce is cooking bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the Linguini and cook uncovered over high heat until al dente.
5.		Drain pasta, toss with sauce and serve.

Cooking Recipe: Fettucine Alfredo

2008-05-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.italianchef.com/alfredo.html This is not the healthiest dish in the world, but like I always say, everything in moderation. Treating yourself to this classic pasta dish once in a while won't kill you. The short cooking time for the pasta is because we are using fresh homemade fetuccine, if you are using dried pasta cook until al dente. Serves 2 4 tablespoons of butter 1.5 cups heavy cream 1 tablespoon salt 1/2 pound of homemade fettuccine 2 egg yolks 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1.		In a large sauté pan add butter and cream, turn the heat on to medium and cook until cream and butter are melted together, around 1 minute. Turn off heat.
2.		Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the fettuccine. Cook for 1 minute.
3.		Strain pasta and add to pan with butter and cream. Turn the heat on medium.
4.		Add the egg yolks, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and black pepper.
5.		Stir vigorously, mixing the egg yolks and cheese in and coating all of the pasta with the sauce.
6.		Serve immediately from the pan, sprinkling additional Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top.

Cooking Recipe: Barbecued Baby Back Ribs

2008-05-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.online-cookbook.com/goto/cook/rpage/0011CF
Source:: Terri Mckibbon

Serves/Makes:6 or more

Ingredients

Ribs:
6 lbs (2.7 kg). pork baby back ribs
4 oz (112 grm). tap water
3 cups (700 ml) barbecue sauce
Barbecue Sauce:
1-1/2 tbsp (20 ml) olive oil
2 oz (56 grm). Spanish onion, chopped
1 oz (28 grm). scallion, chopped
2 oz (56 grm). fresh green pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/4 oz (35 grm). brown sugar
2 tsp (10 ml). chili powder
2 tsp (10 ml). dried oregano
1 tsp (5 ml). ground cloves
1 tsp (5 ml). cayenne pepper
1-1/2 oz (42 grm). paprika powder
1 tsp (5 ml). dry mustard
2 oz (56 grm). lemon juice
3 oz (84 grm). Worcestershire sauce
3 oz (84 grm). red wine vinegar
1-1/2 cups (350 ml) crushed tomatoes
4-1/2 oz (126 grm). chile sauce
1-1/2 oz (42 grm). ketchup
3 oz (84 grm). grandma molasses
1-1/2 oz (42 grm). honey
1-1/2 oz (42 grm). Crystal Hot Louisiana sauce

Preparation

Sauce:
Heat oil in pot.
Add onions, scallions and peppers and saute.
Add garlic, sugar, and remaining dry ingredients.
Add liquid ingredients and continue to stir.
Simmer 3 hours, until flavor mixes well.
Ribs:
Remove back sinew of ribs and sear on hot grill, both sides.
Place ribs in roasting pan.
Combine water and sauce and pour over ribs.
Bring to boil on stove and cover with foil.
Place in 350 degree (175 C.) oven until tender, but not falling off bone.
Cool before serving.

Comments

Serve with plenty of napkins.

Excellent Dish.

Cooking Recipes: Chicken Liver Pate Mousse

2008-05-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.online-cookbook.com/goto/cook/rpage/001023
Source:: Vicky Bryant (found on internet)

Serves/Makes:48 pieces

Ingredients

1 lb (.5 kg). chicken livers
2 Tbsp (30 ml). butter
1 onion, diced
2 shallots, minced
1 tsp (5 ml). unflavoured gelatin
1/3 cup (80 ml) tawny port
1/2 cup (125 ml) soft butter
1/4 tsp (1 ml) quatre epice (see comments below)
1/8 tsp (1 ml) grated nutmeg
salt & pepper
1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
48 crisped crostini

Preparation

Step 1:
Clean livers and trim off all gristle.
Heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter, add diced onion and saut until soft.
Add minced shallots and saut for two minutes.
Add livers and saut over high heat until just stiff.
Step 2:
Soften gelatin in port and stir until gelatin is dissolved.
Put sauce in blender and add livers.
Blend until smooth; strain and let cool.
Step 3:
Cream the 1/2 cup (125 ml) butter in a small bowl.
Add spices and nutmeg and little by little add the liver puree.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Continue beating until light and fluffy.
Whip the cream and fold into the liver mixture.
Chill well.
Serve with crostini.

Comments

Make mousse one day ahead to let flavors develop

**A French phrase meaning "four spices," referring to any of several finely ground spice mixtures. Though there's no standard mixture for quatre epices, the blend is usually mixed from the following selection: pepper (usually white), nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon or cloves. Quatre epices is used to flavor soups, stews and vegetables.

Photoshop Tutorial: How to Turn a Road into Water

2008-05-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.showandtell-graphics.com/road-to-water.html

Turning a road into a stream with Photoshop is not terribly difficult. This project will turn out best if there is something interesting above the road to reflect off of the water that we will create.

Here is the photo that I will begin with.

You should have one layer labeled "Background". Double click on the layer in the layers palette and click ok to change it to a standard layer. Now duplicate the layer by selecting Layer/Duplicate Layer. Highlight the bottom layer and select Edit/Transform/Flip Vertical. This layer should now be upside down with respect to the top layer. This will be the image we use for our water reflection.

Now highlight the top layer. We need to select the road. I am going to use the Pen Tool. I like the Pen Tool because you can really get a lot of nooks and crannies with it.

Carefully select every part where you want water to be. If your selection is not exactly perfect, it will probably be OK. The edge of a river or stream is never perfectly straight anyway. Once you have clicked all around what you want to select you will have to change the path that the Pen Tool makes into a selection. To do this simply right click on the document and choose "Make Selection" I have set the feather radius to one. This will help blend the water in better. For higher resolution pictures you will need to set the feather radius a bit higher to achieve the same effect. Here is my selection.

Next hit the delete key to show the reflection layer beneath. Hit Ctrl+D to deselect. You may have to move the reflection layer around a bit to get it to line up properly. I do have to move mine. Here is what it looks like before I moved it around.

As you can see the reflection does not line up quite right. Highlight the bottom layer, grab the Move Tool and move it around. Here is what mine looks like after I moved it. Much better!

The last thing we need to do is to make some ripples in the water. With the bottom layer highlighted, Select Filter/Distort/Ripple. Here are the settings that I used.

And here is the finshed product.

Photoshop Tutorial: Dreamy effect editing

2008-05-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

source: http://pswish.com/tutorial-make-perfume-commercial/

This tutorial will teach you how to make your very own fragrance advertisements, and even though we chose to use Monica Beluci in this tutorial, you can turn any ordinary home-made picture into a fragrance advertisement billboard. So first of all you need a picture of a girl (or boy you are doing to use. Pictures of people against black or dark backgrounds are better, since we will try to create an illusion of nocturnal sky.
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Once you opened a new canvas with the desired dimensions of your billboard, create a new layer and fill it with any dark blue or dark purple hue, we used #210a3a. Make sure that your ‘background’ colour is set to white, and go to Filter >> Render >> Clouds. This will will your upper layer with nice foggy fibber texture. Set the overlay settings of this clouds layer to “Linear Light” (see illustration).

Our aim is to create a nicely high contrasted photo with a pit of fog and glow effect as well as make the background look like a night sky. SO, what we are going to do it, duplicate the photo of the girl, drag it (in the layer’s panel) on top of other 2 layers, and set this layer’s settings to “Overlay”

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Next step is filling the bottom of the billboard with grass. This is the easiest part although I noticed that many get stuck here. We will be using the brush tool, with a default Photoshop CS2 brush called “brush dune”. You should have it. Set your foreground color to green (any hue, up to you, as long as it gives a natural look) and fill the bottom of the screen more or less like you see on the picture. The default settings for this brush are set to “scattering” so you don’t need to do much work except for just not overdoing the grass over the photo.

Next step is adding twirly shape.

If you don’t have any nice and twirly shape, you can download mine in PSD format HERE.

So you will either select a custom shape tool and draw any twirly shape of your choice, or take mine from the PSD file, drag and drop it to your canvas. Place the shame Between the girl’s layer and the grass (see below). Next, duplicate the shape later, transform it horizontally (or vertically, depending on your shape) and place it more or less as you can see on the illustration below.

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The idea is, to make the shape look as it’s behind the lady, so rasterize the upper shape’s layer and choose the Eraser Tool. Carefully remove the shape from the girl’s body. I’d suggest to use an eraser tool with hard edge, however if you want to nicely blend it with the fog effect on the background and not to make the edge too sharp, I suggest to use a 20px soft edge eraser tool.

Next step is adding glow. Make sure the upper shape is selected in your layers panel and go to Layer >> Layer styles >> Outer Glow. Apply the following glow settings using the white color. Repeat the same action for the first shape as well.

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And this is what you got so far… You may also apply a few chaotic white dots, using the bruh tool and add glow, this will imitate stars on the background. This is optional, if you feel your background is too dull.

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If you are making a fragrance billboard you will need a perfume bottle, but again this could be replaced with any other product you are going to “sell”. We went with this fragrance bottle from sxc.hu. Most important is to crop it properly and then find a good location for it on your billboard.

Once you have located it, it could be a good idea to add a little transparency to the glass so that you’d see the grass from underneath it. We just duplicated the layer and set one of them on “overlay”, the other on “soft” so we can see the grass through yet the bottle does not become semi-visible.

Photoshop Tutorial: Glitter Graphic

2008-05-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

		First of all we need to set up the canvas dimension

		Then to search for a picture we want to use to make the graphic glitter to look really cool

		The secret of a glitter is that you have to make it transparent and for it you`ll use the selection marquee tool as shown below

		Find a nice texture image from a clipart to put over the picture to create a cool effect

		Now what you have to do is to duplicate twice the texture layer and change its position (rotate 180 degrees and 90 degrees CW)
		This is how the layers look right now Use Edit > Transform > Rotate 180 degrees And use again Edit > Transform > Rotate 90 degrees CW
		Now we need to combine them as in the pictures below:
		Select the female by using ctrl+Click on the 'picture layer' Then select Inverse (ctrl+shift+I) Now select each texture layer (texture1, texture1 copy, texture1 copy 2) and press 'delete'. You should have a picture like this: Special request: How we selected the jeans and deleted the rest? Make a new path, Take the Pen Tool and select the region you want to leave from the picture: Right-click on the Path layer and select Make Selection as shown below: Now all you need to do is: Ctrl+Shift+I or Select > Inverse and then delete the unnecessary part from each texture layers like this:
		The next step is to find which blend mode is better to use it for the texture:
		You have to choose always which part of the image you want to be animated. I chose to animate her jeans and the rest of the body to be static. The blend mode for this texture will be: Color Dodge At the end you`ll get 3 frames:
		Using Adobe ImageReady:
		You`ll get: Source: Click Here

Photoshop Tutorial: Pimp the color of a car image using photoshop

2008-05-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.tutorialman.com/tutorials/customize_color_of_car/

In this tutorial you will learn to convert an image of ordinary car to colorful one after making necessary editing in photoshop. Follow the steps as shown below:

1) Select an image of a car as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1.

2) Let us select polygon lasso tool as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2.

3) Now let us select the bumper with the help of polygon lasso tool as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3.

4) Now keeping the bumper selected right click inside the image and click on Layer via Copy. This will duplicate the image in to a new layer. Now we go to Edit - Free transform and let us lengthen the image so that the front bumper height has increased as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4.

5) Now let us do the same editing on the rear bumber also, so that the rear bumber's length is also increased and drops down further as shown in figure 5.

Figure 5.

6) Now you can see that both front bumper have been altered slightly as shown in figure 6.

Figure 6.

7) Now let us apply neon glow below car, to do it use Pen tool and select the area as shown in figure 7.

Figure 7.

8) To apply 0% on the layer click on the element as shown in figure 8.

Figure 8.

9) Now right click on the layer and choose "Blending options" and select "Gradient Overlay" from the list and enter the values as shown in figure 9.

Figure 9.

10) In "Gradient Editor" enter the values as shown in figure 10.

Figure 10.

11) Now let us select the wheel with the Marquee tool as shown in figure 11and right click inside the wheel and make a duplicate layer. Now let us make the wheel a bit bigger. Add free transform and make the wheel bigger as shown in figure 12. Do the same thing with other wheel also. .

Figure 11.

Figure 12.

12) After making the wheels larger the car would be as shown in figure 13.

Figure 13.

13) Now let us fill the windows with black color. Use your Lasso tool to select the windows then use paint bucket tool to fill color. After filling the windows with black color the image would be as shown in figure 14 .

Figure 14.

14) Now let us paint the upper body of the car. Select brush tool with blurred edges with color #a186be and paint the upper half as shown in figure 15.

Figure 15.

15) Now let us select HUE option from layers menu and the image would be as shown in figure 16 .

Figure 16.

16) Now let us create flames like image in front of the car. Let us use the Pen tool for this as shown in figure 17.

Figure 17.

17) Remember to use Add Anchor point as it would be possible to get fine edges. After creating the flame press Ctrl+D and the resultant image would be as shown in figure 18.

Figure 18.

18) Now let us select HUE from the layers paletter and the resultant image would be as shown in figure 19.

Figure 19.

Article: Motion-Capture Suits Will Spice Up Virtual Sex

2008-05-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/commentary/sexdrive/2008/05/sexdrive_0509

by Regina Lynn

No matter how beautiful the sex animations are in your favorite virtual playground, they can't compete with the movement of your own body.

How soon will we be slipping gracefully into motion-capture suits or using 3-D cameras to capture those uniquely natural moves and engage our entire bodies in online sexual adventures, rather than limping along with keyboard and mouse? Sooner than you might think.

Kevin Alderman, who's already infamous for the sex animations his company Strokerz Toyz creates for Second Life, is developing a wireless, consumer-level motion-capture suit that's expected to hit shelves in 2009.

"Right now only a dozen or so sites on the web offer downloadable mocap files," Alderman says. "You have to wait until some studio becomes benevolent enough to make the animations you want, or you have to engage them for your specific needs."

Personal motion-capture suits will enable residents to contribute sex animations to the world of their choice -- and to develop scenarios tailored to their own deepest desires, especially if they team up with others who also have the suits. It's the bridge between today's expensive studio mocap and the real-time avatar control of tomorrow.

Meanwhile, technologists Mitch Kapor and Philippe Bossut have developed a less exotic, yet more familiar, prototype for hands-free interaction in virtual world: They're using a 3-D camera to track body movements, which are in turn translated and used to control avatars in Second Life.

These new technologies won't instantly set off the "ZOMG it's sex!" media alarms the way Bluetooth-to-sex-toy interfaces do. These developers can position themselves as facilitators of dancing and flying and walking around, creators of new input devices rather than instigators of a whole new level of cybersex.

But you can be sure we'll adapt whatever they come up with to our own erotic purposes. I would gladly put up with a few technical glitches for the chance to play with home mocap systems and virtual worlds.

Traditionally, home motion-capture animation has been financially out of reach for most geeks, costing about a half-million dollars for a studio setup -- a big room, multiple cameras to capture all the angles, the spandex suit with the white pingpong balls, the software that calculates the movement of those points through space and maps it to a digital figure.

Article: TorrentSpy Won't Pay $111 Million Court Order, Lawyer Says

2008-05-09T00:04:00.000-07:00

on my point of view, what the MPAA did was just right...if they can't go after those people who uploads those copyrighted products like; softwares, movies, music, etc...then simply go after people who initiates this copyrighted products to be shared for free on the internet...those people who developed or produced those products have the right to protect their products from being distributed, shared, or copied without a legal consent coming from them...but anyway..here's the article regarding Torrentspy's stand of not paying the $111 million of fine for copyright infringement...

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By David Kravets

A day after a U.S. judge dinged TorrentSpy with one of the largest fines in copyright history, the lawyer for the torrent-tracking search engine said Thursday the $111 million judgment won't get paid.

Nevis-based Valence Media, the owner of TorrentSpy, filed for bankruptcy protection in England last week "and has no appreciable assets," attorney Ira Rothken said. "This was a Hollywood publicity stunt."

The Motion Picture Association of America sued the search engine in Los Angeles federal court, alleging the site facilitated copyright infringement of Hollywood movies. The MPAA won a default judgment last year after TorrentSpy refused to turn over internal documents, and a federal judge levied the $111 million penalty and ordered the site never to return online.

"It certainly is not a lesson for other search engines to look at what the rules are as they relate to dot-torrent files," Rothken said. "There was no analysis of the copyright."

Elizabeth Kaltman, an MPAA spokeswoman, said "We will pursue enforcement of the judgment."

The legality of torrent-tracking services has never been litigated on the merits in the United States, said Charles Baker, a Houston IP lawyer who defended Grokster and is Limewire's attorney in a case accusing the peer-to-peer software maker of facilitating copyright infringement.

The MPAA, he said, wants "other torrent owners and operators to look at the $111 million figure and say, 'I'm getting out of the business.'"

The TorrentSpy case, Baker said, "is another example of the studios eating these guys to death. They haven't tried the merits of the case."

Gary Fung, the operator and founder of tracking service Isohunt, said the TorrentSpy decision worries him, but he's not going to cave to Hollywood.

"I'm worried," he said. "I wouldn't be able to pay something like a $100 million. I fully know the risk I'm taking."

The United States' largest copyright fine, $115 million, was against the Kazaa file sharing service two years ago.

The MPAA's case against Fung is pending in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, a case that is likely to set legal precedent in the United States and perhaps abroad on the legalities of torrent-tracking services that the MPAA claims facilitate wonton copyright infringement.

The TorrentSpy penalty is being appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, Rothken said. He has already appealed last year's default judgment in the case that allegedly was built on the back of a hacker who was paid $15,000 to obtain private e-mail and financial information. Both sides are briefing that case.

Article: Colossal squid...

2008-05-08T23:47:00.000-07:00

today, i found this an article at wired.com, it was about the colossal squid which was dissected by the scientists of the national museum of new zealand...my thoughts???

well that's one big hell of a calamari!!!!

anyway here's the article together with the photo..
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A Close Look at the Colossal Squid

By Alexis Madrigal
05.09.08 | 12:00 AM

Scientists at the national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, have recently completed dissections of several enormous squids, including pieces of a colossal squid -- the largest invertebrate ever caught. The female specimen weighs more than 1,000 pounds and measures 26 feet long.

The squid's resemblance to fiction's monsters of the deep, including its dinner-plate-size eyes, has attracted global interest. Scientists now believe the cephalopods can grow even larger, to more than 45 feet long, with a corresponding increase in weight.

In this gallery, we take you into the gritty, visceral business of defrosting and preserving this Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, known in English as the colossal squid.

Computer Tutorial: Removing the IMGKULOT scripts or similar scripts

2008-05-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, people tend to experiment of scripts that would possess the characteristics of a virus or a worm...So if you happen to notice that when you right click on your hard drive...you can see a the drive letter with a word like this or similar to these "(IMGKULOT)"...another characteristic of this script is when you open folders..usually folders are opened on the same window...but once your computer is infected or you have triggered to run this script, the moment you open a window it forces to open a new window...also, before i forget...you cannot open your harddrive unless you right click it and choose open or you go the address bar of windows explorer and type the drive directory of your harddrive...this script doesn't harm your computer but it will just irritate you because it affects or modify registry settings of your windows...

How to remove this? very simple...

1st step...
open "My Computer", open your harddrive directory...if you have two partitions make sure you open the other...

2nd step...
open "Windows" folder, but first make sure that you don't close the existing windows that you have opened..open the system32 folder as well...

3rd step...
enable folder option to view all hidden files...to do this..just click on Tools --> Folder Options...
once you have entered the folder options...click on the "View" tab...under the view tab look for the Hidden files and folders...once you found it, just choose the radio button option that says
"Show hidden files and folders"...

4th step...
now that all hidden files and folders are shown..you have to look for this follow files...

imgkulot.vbs
imgkulot.bat
imgkulot.reg
autorun.inf

Once you see these files on your drive's directory, just delete these files right away...sames as with the system32 folder, look for these files and delete them...make sure that you are finished with deleting all the mentioned files before closing the opened windows of your drive's directory and the system32 folder...

5th step...
Once you have deleted all the mentioned files from your drive's directory and from the system32 folder..just restart your computer...then that's it..

NOTES: always make sure that while deleting the files you do not close any of the folder directory that you have opened...just close it once you have deleted all the files from your computer..this scripts can be obtained commonly from usb drives...so before open flash drives of your computer..make sure you scan it always...

If you have any problem just post a comment below...good luck..

Photoshop Tutorial: Vexelling the hair

2008-05-04T21:22:00.000-07:00

Having a hard time detailing the hair? though you're already comfortable in vectoring images...i suggest you try this tutorial...its vexelling the hair..

Source: http://ilaria84.deviantart.com/art/Vexelling-Hair-26449207

Photoshop Tutorial: Vexeling an image

2008-05-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

This is another nice tutorial for vectoring an image...as you can see below that the author really made a very good detailing of his vector art.

Source: http://www.mickm.com/index.php?section=tutorials&id=99

Vectorize People

This is a hard tutorial that may take some time, but it really worth it! This will teach you how to get those real vectorised people! And not by using filters...

Vectorize People

This is an editted tutorial on how to vectorise people...
For this tutorial, you need to understand the pen-tool!

Step 1 This will be a large tutorial, so make sure you got plenty of time on your schedule!
First of all, you need to find a suitable picture of a random person;
Step 2 When you have the right photo, duplicate it and go to Image>Adjustments>Posterize and choose the amount of levels for the vector.
The higher the amount, the more detailed your vector will be and the more it will look like a vexel.
Step 3 Use the Eyedropper to pick a color from the skin and use that color to fill the selection of the traced skin.
You must trace the skin with the pen-tool!
Step 4 With that same pen-tool, trace the hair and place it BEHIND the skin;
Step 5 Because of the fact we would lose some hair, we draw the hair that is ON the face on a new layer on top of the face!
Step 6 Draw the bases of the clothes. Remember that everything has to be in one color. The shading will come next...
Step 7 Then WHILE LOOKING AT THE POSTERISED image, switch between the posterised photo and the original to (each time) select a color, from the level you are going to trace.

Step 8 DO NOT TAKE A COLOR FROM THE POSTERISED LAYER. IT DOES NOT LOOK GOOD AND IT DOESN'T HAVE THE RIGHT COLORS!
Step 8 Continue along the path and trace all levels and arrange them from light at the bottom, to dark at the top.
When you are done with that, GROUP them with the skin-layer, so that any edges outside the skin won't be seen!
Step 9 Because we have 2 layers of hair, make a new layer on top of the highest layer and DO NOT GROUP IT! Then trace the light hairs.
If you have dark hair like my photo, it will be really easy. If you take blonde hair or lighter, you will have to vectorise more.
Step 10 Do the same with the clothing.
If you look at the origianl and my version, you see I left out the necklace and the silly buttons. That is because it's my vector and I can choose what I keep and leave out. You can do that too.
If the person in the photo is a bit too fat or has something on that you don't like, just change it!
Step 11 Finish up all fine details...
Step 12 Now for the eyes. Create with black the shape of the eye on a new layer and on a layer above that, the lashes. When you're done, merge the 2 together;
Step 13 Then inside the blackness, add a white eye-shape with in there a few circles to represent the eye.
Step 14 On to the hardest part - the lips! First of all, create the shape of the lips and fill it with the base-color;
Step 15 Draw the shade and shine of the lips and the inside of the mouth (IF NEEDED).
I also drew the shade of the teeth already, so the girl doesn't look weird ;)
Step 16 Then finally add the teeth and the shine on them.
Remember to group all the shadows and shines with the base-colors. That way, you will keep your .psd in good shape and the vector will look better!
Step 8 And after some hours of work, you are finally done! I really hope your result looks nice ;)

Photoshop Tutorial: Vexeling a car using Photoshop

2008-05-04T20:55:00.000-07:00

This is another interesting tutorial that i found at deviant art...this is another technique of how they do vectoring of images...they call it VEXELING...but sadly the tutorial was made as an image...and due to size constraints..its hard to post the image.

Click here to view the image.

hope you enjoy. good luck.

this was the tutorial made by donbenni

Source: http://donbenni.deviantart.com/art/Vector-Tutorial-v2-16419597

Photoshop Tutorial: Vectoring a Mini Cooper

2008-05-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

This is one of the most interesting tutorials that I have found over the internet...he vectorized the mini cooper..so im sure a lot of you guys out there would love to try this one..

Source: http://www.heathrowe.com/tuts/vector.asp

Vector Tutorial

The Image

Below is the image (the mini car) I will recreate to give it the vector look and feel.
The quality of the image is not so much an issue in this case, as long as, theres enough detail to trace.

The Process

First, right-click and choose either:
A) 'Copy', then inside Photoshop go 'Edit/Paste'. (Photoshop will create a document preset size based on the dimensions of the clipboard image). With this method, Photoshop keeps the default locked 'Background' Layer and pastes the image in a new 'Layer 1' directly above the Background Layer. Double click on the word 'Layer 1' to select the text and give the layer a friendly name - in this case 'theimage'.

Or

B)'Save Picture As' to your hard-drive (Desktop is a convenient location). Then in Photoshop, choose 'File/Open', and browse to that image location (Desktop, for example) to open it. Notice in the 'Layers Palette', the image thumbnail indicates its an 'Index' image (in this case a quick way to tell that this image is a .gif file.) You'll also, notice, its locked. To correct this, simply go to 'Image/Mode/RGB Color' to revert the locked layer to a 'Background' Layer. Optionally, double click the 'Background' Layer in the Layers Palette to convert it into an edit able layer. (Change the default 'Layer 0' to a friendly name - in my case I called it 'theimage'.)

Next, lets duplicate the original 'theimage' layer and if your using Photoshop 7, create a new 'Layer Set' to store all the individual objects(multiple layers). Do so by clicking on the Folder icon at the bottom of the 'Layers Palette', double click on the 'Set 1' default text header and change to what I have (Elements).

The Mighty Pen Tool

Lets start by creating a solid outline of the whole car.
Set the foreground color by choosing the 'Eyedropper Tool (I)' to sample the darkest area of the image. In this case it's close to black.

Next select the 'Pen Tool' from the toolbar. And up on the 'Options Toolbar', make sure the 'Shape Layers' option is selected as I have captured (in orange outline).

Then just start adding 'Anchor Points' at areas where you think they will require some adjustments.

TIP: Ctrl + (Plus Sign Key) to zoom in and Ctrl + (Minus Sign Key to zoom out on areas that need special detail. I do this a lot to achieve greater detail.

NOTE: By having the 'theimage copy' layer on top, the path outlines show through without disrupting the view of my next anchor point. Throughout this tutorial, I will be toggling visibility of this layer a lot.

Connect The Anchor Points

After making your way around the mini car, connect to the first Anchor Point to create a solid shape. Then hide the 'theimage copy' layer to see what it looks like. (As I have captured.) Then lets start manipulating those anchor points to wrap/fit the mini car properly.

This is what the 'Layers Palette' now looks like, with the new Vector Shape Layer highlighted in blue. Also, if you click on the 'Paths' tab of the layers palette you can see the 'Paths' version of that layer.

Convert Anchor Points

Now turn visibility mode of the 'theimage copy' layer back on.
Select the 'Convert Anchor Point' tool and begin wrapping those areas that need curvature to the image.

Make sure the 'Shape 2' layer is selected, in the 'Layers Palette'.

With the 'Convert Anchor Point' tool, I started on the foreground wheel, click the 'Anchor Point', and drag in the direction of my (black) arrow unto it starts fitting the underlying layer.

TIP: 'Convert Anchor Point' creates two bezier handler points, for further curvature control.

Begin to get comfortable with the 'Convert Anchor Point' tool and work your way around the shape path, trying to get a close a wrap as possible.

TIP: After converting some anchor points, you'll realize that some of the original anchor points were not necessary at all. In fact the fewer the anchor points the smoother the curvature! Use the 'Delete Anchor Point' tool to eliminate unwanted anchors.

Here's my final shape after applying as much of the 'Convert Anchor Point' tool as possible.
We'll use this for the base (darkest under layer).

Next I duplicated the 'Shape 2' layer (to get 'Shape 2 copy') and manipulated its anchor points to wrap the dominant color of the image, primarily the blue (body) of the car. Click on the Thumbnail Preview of that layer to get the 'Color Picker', and change the black to blue #3672BD.

Now this is what the body of the car looks like.

Next lets work on the windows.
Toggle the 'theimage copy' (black one) back on and hide 'Shape 2 copy' layer (the blue one).

Select the 'Pen Tool (P)' again, and up on the 'Options Bar' make sure 'Subtract from area shape(-)' is turned on.(I have outlined in orange)

Hide 'Shape 2 copy' layer in the 'Layers Palette'.
Select 'Shape 2' layer in the 'Layers Palette'.
Then start tracing in the areas of the window that are on the opposite side of the car.

Toggle the 'theimage copy' visibility mode to off, to see whats happening.
Your subtracting from the same shape layer, giving the illusion of transparency.

To apply the same affect on the other two windows without adding a new layer, simply hold Ctrl + Alt, then click and drag that subtraction path to duplicate. (Do this twice.) Then place the duplicate shapes into place.
Use the 'Convert Anchor Point' tool again to define the corners to wrap in the right positions.

Note: After the above process, revert the modifier options to its normal state. (Create New Shape Layer)

Apply the same technique to the 'Shape 2 copy' layer, except trace along the foreground windows to get a final image as I have captured.(All the while, have 'Shape 2' visibility off.)

Now that we have the crust of the vector shape in place, the rest is simply adding new shapes, lines, and some textures. We'll fill in those windows later! Giving it depth

Next apply the same techniques as we did creating the base shape layer to the (white) roof of the car. Using the 'Pen Tool (P)' to add Anchor Points, then 'Convert Anchor Point Tool' to create curvature.

Next, with the 'Ellipse Tool (U)' on the toolbar, draw the back hub cap, then hold the 'Shift' key and draw in a second ellipse(the foreground hub cap).

To position accurately, Ctrl + click on the new ellipse, then right click on a single ellipse and choose 'Free Transform Path'. Right click again, and choose 'Distort'. Tweak the corner bounding points until in the position as the hubs in the image. Repeat for the other hub.

I also started on the headlights (on a new layer) using the same technique. (Ellipse Tool ~ Free Transform ~ Distort ~ tweak into position)

Since new layers are being added and they could pile up, its sensible to name them appropriately. (Thought it is possible here to use as few layers as possible, as I did with the main body)

Next I started adding the bumper. Again, use the 'Pen Tool (P) to trace the area, 'Convert Anchor Point Tool' to wrap perfectly to the original image source. (It's all routine now, right!)

I then applied a layer style to the bumper to give it a somewhat chrome effect.
Right, click on the 'bumper' layer and choose 'Blending Modes' to apply the following three captures.

Next I'll begin to add some of the fine lines that comprise of the doors and other areas.
Select the 'Pen Tool (P)' again, except, this time, up on the 'Options Bar' select 'Paths', as I have captured.

Create a new layer, and call it 'Lines'. This layer should be positioned uppermost in order for them to show.
So, Toolbar - Pen Tool selected, Options Bar - Paths selected, begin clicking/adding Anchor Points in the direction that comprises of the main passenger door.

Next set the foreground color to black (hit the D key), hit the (B) key to select the 'Brush Tool (B)' from the 'Toolbar', then up on the 'Options Bar', select the 'Brush Preset Picker' and choose a small, soft edge brush, like 3. But alter the Master Diameter to 2 (try 1 also), since 3 may be too thick.

Hit the (P) key to re-select the 'Pen Tool', then mouse over the path you created in the 'Lines' layer, right-click and choose 'Stroke Path' option.

You'll be prompted to choose from a 'Tool Preset' to use to create the new stroke. Select, 'Brush' from the drop down list, then hit 'OK' command.

I then reduced the 'Opacity' of the line layer to 54% to soften it.

I then went ahead (using the same above Pen Tool/Paths/Stroke Path technique on other lines.
I also added the front grill and applied the same style as the bumper above.
Added the mirror the window wipers and the mini logo crest at the front.
HINT: For areas that are too small to be manipulated with the 'Pen Tool (P), use the 'Polygonal Lasso Tool (L)' using the same click and add anchor points as the Pen Tool, then when complete, right click on the selection and choose either 'Make Work Path' or 'Fill' options.

For textures such as the highlights, lets use the 'Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) to trace around those areas that require it, right click and 'Fill', with a soft blue color (I used #86A9D7).

After tracing as much as I can I applied a 'Filter/Blur/Gaussian Blur of 1.1 pixels' (respectively) and reduced the 'Opacity' of the layer to 30%.

On a new layer I did the same Polygon Lasso effect for the darker areas, using #2A579C. Then applied a 'Filter/Blur/Gaussian Blur of 1.1 pixels' and reduced the 'Opacity' of the layer to 30%.

Next I'll add the windows.
For this all we have to do is reuse our original 'Shape 2' for the background windows, and the 'Shape 2 copy' for the foreground windows.
First duplicate the original 'Shape 2' layer and call it 'backgroundwindows'.

Once its duplicated drag it below the original 'Shape 2' layer in the 'Layers Palette', as I have captured.

Then hit the 'A' key to select the 'Direct Select Tool' from the 'Toolbar', then hold the 'Shift' key and select the background windows individually.

Go to the 'Options Bar' and change the 'Subtract from shape area (-)' to 'Add to shape area (+) as I have encased in orange.

Those window areas will now be filled in with your foreground color, in my case black.
Next, with the 'Direct Selection Tool (A)' still active & still on 'backgroundwindows' layer, click on the outside path line as I have captured and hit the 'Delete' key on your keyboard. Now all we ahve are the windows, which is our goal here. Certainly saves a lot of time drawing them in again.

Now lets customize the windows with a a white tint. Do this simply by clicking on the 'Layer Thumbnail' as I have captured. And change the color to white (#ffffff) in the 'Color Picker' dialogue box. Then set that layers opacity level to about 23%.

Apply the same technique to the original 'Shape 2 copy' layer.
Duplicate, drag below the original, 'Direct Select Tool' and Shift + click to select the foreground windows, 'Options Bar' and switch to 'Add to shape area', then delete the outer path so that the foreground windows remain.
Click on that 'Layer Thumbnail' and change color to white, reduce opacity to about 43%.

All that remains now are fine details, amount is up to you. Below is my final image after adding detail to the hubs, lights, other highlights. Hope you enjoyed this tutorial.

A scenic version.

Photoshop Tutorial: Line Art using Pen Tool

2008-05-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

Before anything else, this was a tutorial from deviant art...I think this a good way to start practicing before going with vector art.

this was done by the username at deviant art as "ACARALUV"

the source: http://acaraluv.deviantart.com/art/lineart-with-the-pen-tool-21814747

that's all enjoy...thank you acaraluv for this tutorial..

2008-05-03T03:11:00.000-07:00

How to take a picture and turn it to vector

Source: http://www.idigitalemotion.com/tutorials/guest/vector/vector.html

This tutorial is here just to get you into the swing of things for vectoring. It will teach you the basics of how to vector in Adobe Photoshop 6+. Don’t use this tutorial as a basic walkthrough to an easy vector,use it to learn the basics of vectoring so you can than use these methods fo

r your own work. I don’t want to suddenly see several vectors spring up over the internet that are identical to each other because they were taken from this tutorial. That said, let’s get started.

Firstly we’ll need to get a photograph (or sketch) of what we’re going to vector, you can vector thingsfrom scratch but with people or objects like cars its better to use reference, in this case we’ll be using a photograph. I’ve just taken a photograph of Aki Kawamura I found on a random search engine. You’ll only be using one tool in this. That’s the pen tool. Take the pen tool (fig.1) and select Shape Layers. (Fig2)

There will be no merging of layers, this is because we may have to cut away a section to reveal more skin/hair/clothing/whatever. We’ll start with the base layer of skin. For everything that is done, skin,hair or clothing, use 3 or 4 layers. Do not go over 5 layers, otherwise you’ll loose that simplistic look of the whole piece, if you do go over the 5 layer limit then you might as well do this for everything, you can still get a good vector using hundreds of layers, but I prefer the simplstic approach. As you can see here I’m not being too careful with the skin base layer edges. (Fig.3) this is because most edges around her face will be covered over with the hair layer later on. Once the base layer is done, start on the mid layer and work your way up to the third layer, which will be the darkest layer, I’ve worked up from the lightest to darkest layer here because there is a larger amount of light to dark in this photograph, but if it were the other way around we would be working from dark to light. (Fig.4)

Now that all the skin layers are complete we will start on her hair. Hair is always the most difficult thing to vector because its free and has many thin strands, the most time you spend on a vector will no doubt be hair. (unless your working on someone who’s bald) We’ll start with the base layer and cover the entire mass of her hair, even the light areas. With hair we always start from dark and work up to the lightest layer, because there is more dark than light, even on blondes. (Fig 5) Once this has been done we’ll work our way onto the second layer, the mid layer. This is were the most time consumming part comes in.Pick out all the lighter areas than the base layer, don’t worry about covering some dark areas. Once this is done, any dark areas that have been covered can be selected and cleared. Select PAths (Fig.6) for the pen tool and go over the dark areas of hair that have been covered by the mid layer, then right click > make selection and then clear the selection by pressing delete. (On your keyboard for the slow people at the back) After this are the higher layers for Aki’s hair I’ve used four layers because there was an even lighter area of hair because of the lighting in the photograph, use the same methods as you did for the mid layer hair and eventualy you should finish with something like this. (Fig.7)

By now you should have it figured out how to work with layers by moving up the lightest/darkest areas. You should implement the methods you’ve learned so far into working with the rest of her features such as her eyes, add a little Grey and you should get something like this (Fig. Using these simple techniques can give you some good vector work. Hopefully you should go on and be able to create some nifty vector work now.

Vectoring Images Using Photoshop

2008-05-03T03:08:00.000-07:00

my own way of vectorizing your picture using photoshop…

first, you need to look for the picture that you want to vectorize. I would suggest that if you have a high resolution photo, then go for it.

second, you need to duplicate your original photo, usually when you open an image on photoshop, the layer name is “background”. So you just have to duplicate the background layer or your image.

third, for you to have an easy way of tracing the shadows of the image, you just have to posterize your image, usually I set it to 3 or 4 but it depends on your satisfaction. To posterize, just click on Image, then click on Adjustments, then Posterize.

fourth, you simply need to trace the base area of the image, example the image is your picture, so you need to select the area of your skin, I suggest you use the pen tool, you can use other tracing tools like lasso but it is best suggested that you use the pen tool, and make sure that the pen tool is set for selection only.

fifth, let us assume you have already selected the area of your entire skin, then you need to create a new layer, make sure that you dont edit the background layer which is the original image and the posterize image. the images will be your guide. after selecting using the pen tool just simply right click on the selection and choose make selection. I suggest you just set the feather to 0.

sixth, now that you have selected the area, make sure that you are on the new layer that was created. then you need to fill the selected area with your desired color, but you can also determine the color of the area selected by using the eyedropper tool.

seventh, assuming that you have choosen the color for the area, then you need to fill the area selected with the color that you have choosen, one important thing is make sure not to deselect unless you have filled the area with your desired color.

now to continue vectorizing your image just simply repeat the steps that I mentioned, do the same on the details of the image, create layer, select, fill color, deselect and then repeat it again until the entire image is vectorized. after vectorizing the image you can simple add some editing like using the smudging tool or any other tool so that the vectorized image would look like the same as with the original image. I hope that I have given you some tips on how to vectorize your image using adobe photoshop.

Elements Signature Tutorial(Photoshop tutorial)

2008-05-03T02:59:00.000-07:00

source: http://www.tutorialized.com/view/tutorial/Elements-Tag-Tutorial/34213

Photoshop Tutorial: Chrome Effect

2008-05-03T02:52:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.absolutecross.com/tutorials/photoshop/effects/chrome/

This tutorial will show you how to add a cool-looking chrome effect to your text. This technique is of course not limited to just text — you can apply it to anything you want.

1.) Create a new document and choose a color from the Color Palette to fill the background with. You can also fill it with a seamless texture if you want, for added detail.

2.) Select the Marquee Selection Tool from the toolbar and draw a selection across the top half of the graphic. Now, create a new layer and then select the Gradient Tool to fill the selection with a gradient with a medium grey on top and white on the bottom (see example).

3.) Go to Select » Inverse to select the other half of the graphic which doesn’t have the gradient yet. Fill the selection with a gradient from black on top to a medium grey on the bottom. Now choose Select » All then press Ctrl+X to remove the new gradient texture for use later (don’t cut or copy anything though until then, or you’ll lose it).

4.) Now it’s time to make the selection for the shape or text that will have the chrome in it. For text, select the Type Tool and choose the the Type Mask Tool from the Options bar at the top of your screen (in earlier versions, drag to the right on the Type Tool icon). Type whatever text you want (you’ll want to make the font size reasonably large to get a clearer final effect), and then click the checkbox or OK. For other shapes, just draw them with the selection tools while holding SHIFT or ALT to get more complex selections.

5.) Now, fill the text or selection with a gradient from white on top to black on the bottom.

6.) Next, click Select » Modify » Contract » choose a value of 2 Pixels. Press Ctrl+Shift+V to paste the gradient texture that we made a bit earlier into the selection. Hold down the Ctrl Key on your keyboard and use the arrow keys if you want to adjust the position of the texture beneath the selection. When you’re done positioning, press Ctrl+E to merge down the layer.

7.) Your text probably looks pretty cool by now… but there’s one more step to finish it off. Load the Assorted Brushes (.abr file) from your brushes box and select the brush that looks like an X. Use your Airbrush Tool at a low pressure to add small highlights to a few of the edges of your text or shape. All done!

2008-05-03T02:26:00.000-07:00

Photoshop Tutorial: Plastic Tab

Source: http://www.absolutecross.com/tutorials/photoshop/interfaces/plastic-tabs/

1.) Start with a new image about 400×400 px with a white background. Create a new layer and using the Rectangular Marquee tool draw a rectangle roughly the size of the example below।

2.) Click the Channels tab to enter the Channels Palette, and create a New Channel. Fill the selection in with white, then deselect (CTRL+D). Now go to Filter » Blur »Gaussian Blur and use a setting of about 3.5, then click OK. Next go to Image » Adjust » Levels and drag the two bottom triangles towards the center until the button looks nice and smooth (see image)। Click OK when done. Hold CTRL and click on the channel “Alpha 1″ to select it, then click the Layers Tab. Do not lose the selection.

3.) Set your foreground color to: R:212 G:214 B:212 and the background to white. Now, using the Linear Gradient tool (foreground to background), drag from the top of the selection to the bottom, so that it looks similar to the example below. Now create a New Layer and set your foreground color to R:192 G:192 B:192. Go to Edit » Stoke - for width choose 1 pixel and for location choose Center। Do not deselect yet.

4.)Now, with the Rectangular Marquee tool selected, move the selection up to the top of the button so that it overlaps slightly (see picture). Now create a new layer and fill that selection in with white. Click on the Channels palette, hold CTRL and click on “Alpha 1″ to load the selection. Click the Layers tab and now go to Select » Inverse. Hit delete. press CTRL+D to deselect. Now go to Filter » Blur » Guassian Blur and use a setting of 0।3. Click OK and set the Opacity of that layer down to 74.

5.) It should be looking pretty good at this point, but to add to the effect add a drop shadow to the layer with the original button shape on it (Layer 1). Also go to Layer » Effects » Inner Shadow and use the settings shown in the image below। You should now have a nice plastic tab ready to add some text to.

6.) Select the Type Tool and add some text to your button. To give the text some extra depth, you can also add a very faint drop shadow to the text itself for a nice effect. To change the color go to Image » Adjust » Hue/Saturation।

7।) Apply the same tutorial to other shapes - you’ll get some neat effects.