The Davinci Design

You can create this eye-catching effect using just a single layer style and applying it to all the different elements of your design. This tutorial touches on alpha channels, blur filters, and layer styles. Continue Reading »

December 19th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Tutorials, Videos | Comments (7)

Book of the Month

I normally post the book of the week but this time its big. Famed photographer and speaker Joe McNally has a new book coming out very soon titled: The Moment It Clicks. This is a truly inspirational book and it is already generating a lot of buzz on Amazon. Reaching #1 in Photography How-To. It is already a hit and it isn’t even out yet. If that is any indication of how good this is going to be. Now I am not necessarily a photographer, but I must say, Joe’s work does truly inspire me. Even if you are a veteran photographer, this book will inspire you to take pictures to that next level.

December 18th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Photoshop World - The Evolution

Well, it’s getting close. Photoshop World East will be here before you know it. Come join me on April 1st with Scott, Dave, RC, Matt and a who’s who list of the best names in Photoshop education for three days of nothing but Photoshop fun and learning. Registration is now open and the newly designed Photoshop World website reflects the new theme: The Evolution. That’s right for you sci-fi freaks out there, this one is not to be missed. Check out the site here for a list of instructors, schedules classes and much more. Don’t forget to check out the guru awards as well. Don’t pass up the chance to have your work shown in front of thousands of people.

December 17th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Cool Apple Ad….Again!

• Apple has posted a clever little animated commercial spot featuring the Mac guy and the PC guy and that chubby fellow in the red hat. As usual, Apple has the most innovative and creative advertising on tv or web. Check it out on Apple’s home page.

• On another note, Scott Kelby has posted a really good review of the Nikon D300. Find out more on his blog here.
• Since it’s Friday, I will share one of my favorite time wasting activities. This is for you movie lovers out there. Check out the Apple movie trailer site. It’s got all the theatrical trailers for movies currently out and coming soon. Oh, and did I mention they are available in HD as well?

December 14th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Bert is In the House!!!

Hey everyone. Smile, it’s almost Friday. Anyway, if you haven’t checked out this week’s episode of Layers TV, go and do it now. Famed Illustrator Bert Monroy was on the show sharing some Illustrator goodies. Also, Bert managed to make an appearance on this week’s episode of Photoshop User TV. (What a busy guy!) If you have seen Bert before you know he has always got something great to share. Don’t miss either episode. (Oh, and watch Layers all the way through the credits. There is a funny little gag at the end.)

One last thing, Scott Kelby has a nice, in-depth review of the Nikon D300 on his blog today. Check it out here.

December 13th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

All New Adobe!

If you haven’t visited the Adobe website in the past week or two then head over there now. They have completely redesigned the site with a bold new look featuring the new Flash On technology, which promises to be the future of online digital media. It may finally bridge the gap between TV and the Web. But much more than that, the new site is much more visually appealing and much easier to navigate. Check it out. Also, if you are still on the fence about upgrading to Mac OSX Leopard, there is an updated link to a detailed PDF file covering all the compatibility issues across the entire Creative Suite.

December 12th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Time Is Running Out!

You know that piece you have been working on for the Photoshop User Awards? Well, the deadline is December 31, so you better get on it. With the Grand Prize being a free trip to Hawaii, how could you possibly pass that up? You can enter up to three pieces in eleven categories. Don’t waste any more time. We all know how distracted we get during the holidays. This is your time to get your name and your work out there for the world to see. Find out more here.

December 11th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

It’s Fontastic!!!!

One of the biggest challenges facing any designer out there is finding that perfect font. While the Creative Suite includes a fair number of fonts, you’re always going to run into that situation where you need a very stylized font - something just crazy even. Go to DaFont.com. This site is awesome. It has an easily searchable database of free fonts that you can download and install right into your system. You can even type in your own sample text and get an instant preview of what the font will look like. I personally have this site bookmarked and use it all the time. Check it out.

December 7th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Camera Raw Update

Adobe has released and update to the recent Camera Raw 4.3. This new update, designated Camera Raw 4.3.1, addresses issues with certain raw files and has added support for additional camera models like the new Nikon D300 and the D3. There is also an update to Adobe Lightroom. Find out more about the update and which cameras are supported here. There are also links to download for Mac and PC.

December 6th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Cool Little Gadget

OK, when I first saw this thing I chuckled because if you see somebody using it, it just looks kind of silly. It’s called the xShot. It is simply an arm extension for your camera. Now, we have all been in the situation where we hold our camera out and point it at ourselves and perhaps a friend we are with, but what is wrong with every one of those shots - it looks like you shot it yourself. With the xShot you can hold your camera out further away from you and take a picture without it being obvious that your arm is holding the camera. Check out their web site here. It has video demos and pictures. Like I said, it seems a little silly at first, but it is really a cool little gadget.

December 5th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Too Darn Cool!!!!!

Wacom has finally announced the release of the brand new Cintiq 12WX. This device is just simply too darn cool. I have been testing one out for about a week and a half now and all I can say is WOW!! If you have ever worked on the previous Cintiq models, you know that while they are brilliant devices, they are limited due to their size. They didn’t always fit comfortably in an artistic workflow. Well, with the new 12WX you can work on your desktop with a little more ease. You can lay it flat or prop it up on the easel stand. You can also lay it in your lap. For you really traditional artists, and perhaps more laid back artists like me, this is a big plus. Anyway, you must check this out at Wacom’s website. Also, I must admit that the price is not that bad either.

December 3rd, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Beads of Sweat Effect

Creating a beaded sweat effect. Continue Reading »

November 30th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Tutorials, Videos | Comments (9)

A New Community…Sort Of

If you are a Photoshop Elements user there is a kinda new forum you may or may not know about. It’s called Elements Village and it’s an online community for Photoshop Elements. It was formerly the forum at the Photoshop Elements User website, and is loaded with discussions on art, photos, tutorials, and even links to my popular podcast, “Photoshop Elements Killer Tips”. It’s a great resource if you are looking for answers to the most common questions for the beginner, all the way to the advanced user. Check it out here.

November 30th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Hey Video Peoples!!!

If you have been to Photoshop World or if you frequently read Photoshop User or Layers Magazine then you have no doubt come across the name Rod Harlan. Rod has been teaching video and motion graphics for years. Now you can keep up to date with Rod daily on his new blog: DVConfidential.com. Rod keeps you abreast of what’s happening in the world of video and technology and even throws in the occasional silliness. Rod also recently appeared on Layers TV. He was demonstrating some pretty cool After Effects techniques.

November 29th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Photoshop World Orlando!!!

It’s that time again. Registration is open for Photoshop World East 2008, which will be held in Orlando, Florida April 2 - 4. The class schedule is now posted. As usual, this is an event not to be missed. Three days of Photoshop madness with some of the best instructors in the business. Of course, along with the awesome training there is the tech expo which, for the first time, will be open all three days with additional courses in the expo theater. I will be teaching a couple classes myself, so check it out now and hope to see you there.

November 28th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)