Absolute Novice with an Ad deadline

[CookingCajun]

Hello,

I'm looking for advice/resources/tutorials as how a person with a Microsoft Picture It! Platinum experience can learn the very basics of Photoshop CS to place photos, text and existing graphics together for simple ads?

I am "layperson" without an art graphics background/education. My current job has allowed me to create draft layouts for local advertising as a small part of my responsibilities.

In a nutshell, the contract we signed with a new industry magazine requires us to do the layout/print ready adwork, pay an artist of our choosing to do this, or to pay them for this service. Its a bit unusual since the artist work is usually included. Great magazine, so I feel it will make an impact in our area. I plan on doing the artwork myself as additional artists costs were unexpected and unbudgeted for. The layouts themselves are not difficult, but the software required to create the ad is Photoshop CS and its language (terms) are totally unknown to me.

I have never used a Photoshop program, my simple layperson work is done with Microsoft Picture It! Platinum.

Is it possible for a true novice to learn how to place photos, text and existing graphics together into an ad with Photoshop in a couple of weeks? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cooking Cajun

[MauMauXXX]

sounds more that you need a DTP program (InDesign or QuarkXpress) rather than photoshop......

[Drek]

[QUOTE=MauMauXXX]sounds more that you need a DTP program (InDesign or QuarkXpress) rather than photoshop......[/QUOTE

MauMauXX is right, but don't fret, Photoshops help file always comes in handy, once you set your goals, make thumbnail sketches of your layout, rummage throught PSCS2's help search facility, you can press F1 to activate it. If you follow the help topics dilligently, you'll soon find that basic Photoshop can be a cinch. Also, there are many free tutorials that you can find in cyberspace. Just, don't plagiarize someone else's design. If you're no that too stingy, you can always look for design schools or IT schools offering short classes on Photoshop, basic or advanced.

Ciao!! ^_^'

[mops]

Hi C/Cajun

I work in a similar field - i create my pictures/images using photoshop and illustrator and then place them into in-design for the layout.

I've used p/shop for years but only recently has my work required me to use illustrator and in-design - not sure where you live but in the uk you can get 'Easy Steps' books for p/shop, in-design and much more. i was in the same position as you a few weeks back where i had a few days to get to grips with in-design, not ever having used it before - with the easy-steps book i manage to get to grips with the basics within a few days - i read it away from the pc back to front then had a go - and i was fine - so if i can do that with in-design i'm sure you'll be able to do it with p/shop

just a thing to remember though - if youre piccies are going to print - before you save in photoshop make sure you convert it to CMYK - because if you dont, when it goes to print it could look nothing like you expected

i registered here yesterday and i've already had great advice for something i was stuck on in i/design - so you've definetly come to the right place

go and get a very simple book, nothing heavy duty, sit down and relax with it and familiarise yourself with what each programme is/should be used for

[kdastonjr]

hey if you are still having problems with the project u r doing try this. run an ad on craigslist.com, buy a good psCS book, take a class or find a graphics student to help you. I would never attempt to use a program to make a "professional presentation " w/o having a clue.

[The Repro Kid]

Hello,

...In a nutshell, the contract we signed with a new industry magazine requires us to do the layout/print ready adwork, pay an artist of our choosing to do this, or to pay them for this service. Its a bit unusual since the artist work is usually included. Great magazine...



Hmmm... I don't think creating artwork is usually included in the price of placing an ad in a magazine. This service is normally billed separately to the tune of 90 or so dollars an hour. Your previous magazine may have been cutting you a nice deal.

[AdobeAce]

Hi Repro,

You mean all that creative design stuff isn't free?
But it's so much fun!

:rolleyes:

Ace

:D

[GuyB]

«Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh...! Good to feel included !» (Garfield)