Before we do, however I want to congratulate Mark Riggan for winning the Layers Back Page design contest. He is the winner of a $300.00 shopping spree at Kelby Training. The winning entry is posted here at this link. Make sure that you stay tuned to the new Layers Back Page Contest. Congratulations to all who are entering.

Fireworks In July – Download the FREE Fireworks CS4 Beta at the Adobe Labs Site
If you are into making websites or Rich Internet Applications, Fireworks is something you really need to check out. If you’ve never used Fireworks, let me be quick: Fireworks takes a little bit of Photoshop, a little bit of Illustrator, adds an incredible amount of web functionality, and lets you make web and RIA prototyping a breeze. If you have used it in the past, there are a bunch of things that have been changed to make you want to jump in to the new version.

I’ve been so excited about this upgrade that I wrote an article about it for Layers Magazine, and as a companion to it – I posted 10 videos outlining what I did there. This should give you a basic idea of how easy the program is to use, as well as how efficient it can be in making web prototypes.

I would go the Adobe Labs site and download the FREE beta copy and take it for a spin. No cost to you, free tutorials to get you started? I think it’s a win/win. Thanks Adobe!

Photoshop World – Early Bird Registration almost done
I’ll tell you – I love going to Photoshop World. It’s one of those things that is really hard to explain – you just need to experience it if you are a user of Photoshop. Some of my best connections have been made by just standing next to someone at the conference and saying “So, what do you do with Photoshop?” You even get to catch a peek at new technologies with keynote presentations done by Adobe’s Senior Vice President of the Creative Solutions Business Unit, John Loiacono.

As much as it is an opportunity to meet Photoshop Fans, it is also an amazing learning experience. Aside from the training that happens there (and there is a LOT), I’ve always made it a point to stop people on the trade show floor, instructors, and vendors, and pick their brains about the things that I care about. That’s always resulted in me having a couple of extra tricks and techniques in my back pocket – something that I can use to take my business and creativity to that other level. And isn’t that why we’re here? Make sure you go to the Photoshop World website. See the video- and register before August 1st to save $100!

The Acrobat 9 Learning Center
Working in the Creative Suite has always been two pronged for me – Create and Share. The sharing of the idea is something that we often don’t pay much attention to, but there is such an incredible amount of power in the PDF – our main tool in sharing and collaborating with the masses.

Acrobat 9 is going to make that process a whole lot cooler. I’m really liking the direction Acrobat 9 is going – you should check that out. We setup an Acrobat Learning Center so you can see some of the new stuff coming down. I’m really excited with Acrobat’s new Portfolio options. You can also check out their demo at the Adobe Acrobat website.

Before we do, however I want to congratulate Mark Riggan for winning the Layers Back Page design contest. He is the winner of a $300.00 shopping spree at Kelby Training. The winning entry is posted here at this link. Make sure that you stay tuned to the new Layers Back Page Contest. Congratulations to all who are entering.

Fireworks In July – Download the FREE Fireworks CS4 Beta at the Adobe Labs Site
If you are into making websites or Rich Internet Applications, Fireworks is something you really need to check out. If you’ve never used Fireworks, let me be quick: Fireworks takes a little bit of Photoshop, a little bit of Illustrator, adds an incredible amount of web functionality, and lets you make web and RIA prototyping a breeze. If you have used it in the past, there are a bunch of things that have been changed to make you want to jump in to the new version.

I’ve been so excited about this upgrade that I wrote an article about it for Layers Magazine, and as a companion to it – I posted 10 videos outlining what I did there. This should give you a basic idea of how easy the program is to use, as well as how efficient it can be in making web prototypes.

I would go the Adobe Labs site and download the FREE beta copy and take it for a spin. No cost to you, free tutorials to get you started? I think it’s a win/win. Thanks Adobe!

Photoshop World – Early Bird Registration almost done
I’ll tell you – I love going to Photoshop World. It’s one of those things that is really hard to explain – you just need to experience it if you are a user of Photoshop. Some of my best connections have been made by just standing next to someone at the conference and saying “So, what do you do with Photoshop?” You even get to catch a peek at new technologies with keynote presentations done by Adobe’s Senior Vice President of the Creative Solutions Business Unit, John Loiacono.

As much as it is an opportunity to meet Photoshop Fans, it is also an amazing learning experience. Aside from the training that happens there (and there is a LOT), I’ve always made it a point to stop people on the trade show floor, instructors, and vendors, and pick their brains about the things that I care about. That’s always resulted in me having a couple of extra tricks and techniques in my back pocket – something that I can use to take my business and creativity to that other level. And isn’t that why we’re here? Make sure you go to the Photoshop World website. See the video- and register before August 1st to save $100!

The Acrobat 9 Learning Center
Working in the Creative Suite has always been two pronged for me – Create and Share. The sharing of the idea is something that we often don’t pay much attention to, but there is such an incredible amount of power in the PDF – our main tool in sharing and collaborating with the masses.

Acrobat 9 is going to make that process a whole lot cooler. I’m really liking the direction Acrobat 9 is going – you should check that out. We setup an Acrobat Learning Center so you can see some of the new stuff coming down. I’m really excited with Acrobat’s new Portfolio options. You can also check out their demo at the Adobe Acrobat website.

Photoshop World Pre-Registration
If you haven’t been to Photoshop World, now is the perfect time to attend. Twice a year, we gather the best Photoshop instructors on the planet and bring you three days of intense learning and nonstop fun. This time around, the backdrop is my favorite place to hang out – Las Vegas! From September 4-6 the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino will be a great venue to soak up all things Photoshop. What I like even more about the conference, in addition to all those great classes is that:

• You can sit and talk with representatives from Nikon about your digital camera and they’ll answer all of your questions — on the spot.
• You can bring your portfolio and a Photoshop World Instructor will review it for you.
• You can use the event to make an incredible number of connections in the graphic design and digital media world.
• There are a bunch of other classes that teach you how to leverage Photoshop in other applications.

With just those things alone, I’m positive that this would be an experience you won’t forget for a long time. And the best part is that if you register now, it’s $100 cheaper, which couldn’t come at a better time. So make sure that you register today and come and visit us this September. If you do come, be sure to look for me and say hello!

The Acrobat 9 Learning Center
Adobe Acrobat is one of those programs that is used everywhere. From Photoshop to Dreamweaver and everywhere in between, Acrobat helps the collaborative and review process a ton. You’d be surprised as to what you can do in Acrobat. And now that Adobe has announced version 9, I’m happy to say we’ve launched an Acrobat 9 Learning Center to get you up to speed on the latest version.

Click on this link to get more details on it. Let’s take your Acrobat knowledge to the next level.

Renewals for Layers Magazine
How would like to own a book with the hottest tips from the Creative Suite? That’s right, we’ve made the 100 Hot Tips booklet and we’re offering it as a special gift when you renew your subscription. The book normally goes for $24.95, and the subscription renewal price is $29.95, so it’s like renewing your subscription for $5 — you can’t beat that. Renew now by clicking on this link.

I really want you guys to keep getting the magazine. I think the articles and interviews are only getting better and better. Not too long ago we did some things with Lee Brimelow on the future of Flash. We’ve learned from world-renowned photographer Joe McNally. And this time around we have a special feature about the new Fireworks CS4 beta release and we talk to Adobe Architect Alan Musselman. My goal is to get deep into these applications and make sure you are getting the absolute most out of every issue. So get your renewals while you’re out there. Great things are coming.

Layers Magazine Back Page Design Contest
You only have a couple of weeks to submit your entries for the Layers Back Page Design Contest — so get to it! I’m a firm believer that in order to take your skills to the next level, you actually have to work on a “project”. The theme for this one is “Look Before You Leap.”

It’s simple enough: download the image, and then based on the given theme, create an eye-catching design using the Creative Suite. Fill out the entry form and upload your image and you will be qualified to win a $300 shopping spree from Kelby Media. Click on the link below to get started.

Layers Back Page Design Contest

Special Episode of Layers TV – Kids Rock Edition!
A couple of weeks ago it was National Take Your Child To Work Day and we really wanted to do something cool here at the office. Our producer and graphic artist had their kids in the office and we thought, “Why not have them do their favorite tips and tricks in Photoshop?” Fast-forward and we now have that episode up on the Layers magazine website. The girls are going to give Corey and me a run for our money if you ask me!

Click here for the special episode.

That about wraps it up for me. Remember, if there’s something that you guys want to see out there, leave us a comment [link] or reach us on the contact page. They go straight to my inbox, and off into the idea pool. This site is all about you guys — we want to make it work for you!

User-Inspired Content

On our podcast, Layers TV, we have recently shared some tutorials about printing in InDesign, DSLR camera basics, and doing great After Effects work — all based on reader questions and recommendations. I’m even starting to include mini videos on my blog postings. I make these when I’m really inspired by a reader’s question and I think that waiting for another episode of Layers TV may take too long. I’ve been collecting these mini videos on a YouTube channel, but as I create them, they go right on the Layers front page for all of you to see, so keep a look out for them. Thanks so much for the comments and requests. I really do appreciate them.

Layers Design Contest

Also, congratulations to Stuart Wilson for winning the inaugural Layers Magazine Back Page Design Contest. He’s now got a $300 shopping spree, compliments of Kelby Training. Great job! Click on the link to check out Stuart’s winning entry.

Layers Design Contest – Stuart Wilson

We have also published the details for the next contest. The theme of the new contest is “Look Before You Leap“, and the image is posted on the website. As before, the $300 shopping spree is up for grabs so make sure you get out there and start designing.

Layers Magazine Content

I’m also excited to share a cool article that I wrote for Layers magazine. It’s about Flash and its many uses across the Creative Suite. You’ll be surprised as to how many things you can put together for use in Flash.

For those of you who are subscribers to Layers magazine, my article serves as an awesome complement to another article in the magazine, written by the incomparable Joe McNally. Joe’s article, “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”, is about the different uses of light in a photo shoot, and it’s an absolute must read. You can go check out my article by following the link in the newsletter, but if you want to read Joe’s article, you’re going to have to become a subscriber, which you can do by clicking here to subscribe.

That’s it for me, everyone. As always, thank you so much for spending a quick minute with me. Make sure you stop by the blog, or Layers TV. Remember, your answer is only an email away. So get to it!

The Layers Magazine Design Contest

I’m happy to announce that the Layers Back Page Design Contest is online! The rules are simple:

• Go to the Contest Website
• Download the starter image to your computer
• Use ANY Adobe software to design something cool. It could be a website, a Flash banner, an Acrobat form – the design is completely of your creation.
• Submit your final work to us and if you are chosen, you will win a $300 shopping spree at Kelby Training

.

This should give you a chance to exercise those creative muscles and win a ton of great stuff! For more information on this, be sure to stop by the Layers Back Page Design Contest Website.

Featured Tutorials

We’ve got a couple of really cool tutorials for you to check out:

Photoshop – Creating Swatches From a Photoshop Document

Dreamweaver – Dreamweaver and Photoshop Integration

Illustrator – Creative Masking Techniques in Illustrator

Photoshop World, April 2-4 2008 at the Orange County Convention Center – Orlando, FL
Preparations are in full swing for the largest gathering of Photoshop users in the world. Photoshop World – The Evolution is a multi-day conference where you can take classes from the best Photoshop instructors on the planet, but it’s a lot more than that. At the conference you can take classes on other pieces of software that tie into Photoshop; apps like Lightroom, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and Flash. I’m running two classes – a Dreamweaver and Photoshop Integration class, as well as a Photoshop, Fireworks, Dreamweaver combo class. Not into web design? How about learning from one of the masters behind the lens – Legendary Photographer Joe McNally? You can take classes from the best of the best – there are too many instructors and classes to even list. If you want to see the class schedule for this year’s conference, just click here.

Above all, the greatest thing about Photoshop World is that you get to share in the experience of hanging out and learning with several thousand of your closest friends in Photoshop. It is an incredible experience, and it’s coming up soon.

Click on the Photoshop World Registration page and make sure you get a ticket. Stop by and say Hi if you do!

Here’s What’s New in the March/April Issue of Layers Magazine:

Sounding Random
The use of sound is very important in Flash sites. Learn how to build a simple, random sound machine using Action Script 3.

100 Hot Tips – Magazine Exclusive
We’ve gathered input from experts across the industry and put together these 100 tips and tricks for the whole Adobe family of products.

Best DV Cameras Today!
Video veteran Rod Harlan shows you which DV cameras offer the best bang for your buck.

We Want to Hear from You

So there you have it – enough information in one newsletter to keep you busy for a whole month. I also should mention my blog where you can catch up with my daily rants. Thank you so much for spending some time with me. As always, I’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave us a comment by stopping by the Layers Magazine Contact page.

Until Next Time!

RC

Hey Everyone, RC Concepcion here, kicking off our new monthly newsletter and inviting you to visit our website www.layersmagazine.com, your how-to source for everything Adobe. Our site focuses on the interweaving between all of the Creative Suite applications, from InDesign to Flash to Dreamweaver and Photoshop. There’s just too much to tell you about in one letter, so I’ll be coming to you every month to point out some cool things that are happening with Layers magazine. This month, it’s all about giving you a preview of our design contest. Free stuff? Great Designs? Read on, I’ll tell you more about it.

About the Design Contest

Our editors have been hard at work to get us something that all of you readers can participate in, and I think they’ve cracked it. Starting soon, on the back page of every issue, we are going to post a portion of an image and a theme. The challenge we are issuing to our readers will be to take that image and do something creative with it. The sky’s the limit: After Effects, InDesign, Photoshop, Flash, Illustrator – you can use any and all of the applications to do something that will create the “Wow” factor. So be on the lookout for the new Design Contest.

Check out Layers Magazine

I enjoy writing the column on Layers website, but even more than that, I enjoy reading what other professionals have to show me about the Adobe applications. Layers magazine is really designed for the Creative Suite professional, and strives to get you right into the middle of the design. The talents behind the pen work to get you inspired and educated in one shot. Even if you don’t use a specific application, the tutorials about it can still teach you something – even if that something is how easy it is for you to take your skill to the next level.

To see what’s included in the current issue of Layers, click here. To subscribe to Layers magazine, just follow this link.

If you use Photoshop regularly, you’re really not that far from becoming an Illustrator guru. If Flash is your thing, you may be surprised to see how many of those skills can transfer over to After Effects. In today’s world, it’s all about being the person who can mix it up the most. We try to make sure you have the tools to do just that.

Thanks for spending some time with me. Hope to see you online!

RC