Life In the Fast Lane!

Yes , Yes , people now a days live life alot faster with social media updating you every minute with news on everything you care about . Fast Food chains that are , like seriously, taking over the world. Cars that go over 160mph yet on a normal highway you're only allowed to go 60 or 70mph. What would happen if we took today's "always on the move" people and placed them back in the pioneer days. I'm talking like the Oregon Trail days, I'm sure some of you played that game in grade school. But seriously what would you do without fast cars , fast food, and fast media. How long could you survive living in the past?

Well thanks to this tutorial and Photoshop CC's new Path Blur tool. I was able to achieve this cool blur effect that goes along with the text in the photo.

Using the Path Blur

After I learned how to use it and applied it to the original picture. 

I added a gradient map for a cool lighting effect. Then the text was added along with a motion blur filter. 

I Hope you enjoyed this blog post.Please comment below answering today's questions. It would be fun to hear your responses.Don't forget share this post with friends or other graphic designers.If you like please subscribe by E-mail and/or follow this blog so you wont miss a single post. If you want to follow me outside of this blog then please add me on Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and/or Pintrest. If you guys have any design work that you would like me to critique or showcase on this blog than please E-mail me at SabrinaSummers2000@yahoo.com. Furthermore if you have any ideas or suggestions as to future blog posts than please comment below.  

From Sabrina Summers with Peace and Love 

Tools & software the pros use

Lesson #10: The Tools & Software the pros use !

If your reading this right now than you want to be a professional graphic designer, right? Of course you do lol. I mean I've never heard of someone wanting to be a nobody in their field. No people always have that drive to become something great . They want people to shout their names. They want to be the one that everyone turns to . Well if you use these tools of the trade , in graphic design, then you'll be on the fast track to becoming a professional graphic designer!

 

 

1) A computer or Laptop

 

 

It doesn't matter if it's a Mac or PC as long as it runs the software programs you need. Sure we could get all bogged down talking about Cpus, Ram , processor speed ect. Frankly , my dear, it's up to you to choose a computer that works for you. Think of choosing a computer like buying a car or something.  But if you really want to know the specs to the perfect graphic design computer than watch the video below.

 

 

 

2) Graphic Design software programs

 

 

There's a lot of programs out there, some are free some cost an arm , leg, and part of your bank account. Depending if you want to focus in print or online media it's important to decipher which programs you need to use. For print media , which I want to focus in, you'll mostly be using programs like Photoshop, illustrator, and/or InDesign. For web designers you guys will mostly use programs like Muse, Dreamweaver, Edge Code , Edge Inspect and many more. Dang I feel Adobe favors web designers more than print designers . Do some research to find some free alternatives to these programs. You'll be surprised at what you find !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) Read a book!

 

There are hundreds of books out there that will teach you everything you need to know about graphic design , the past, the present, and the future. You can find them at your local bookstore or online like with Amazon.com

 

 

 

 4) Do a sketch

 

 Don't freak out! You don't have to draw like a professional ...but it's always good  to carry around a sketchbook for those times you become Einstein. It's quicker and much more organic than waiting to create something on the computer.

 

 

 

 

5) Make connections

 

You know that saying about knowing the right people in order to succeed. Well I don't believe it's a 100% true but it 100% helps you to become better in your field. Network with other designers , show them your work and ask for a critique. professionals that have been in the field for 20 years or more know what they're talking about ! So they'll be able to give you lots of tricks and tips on how to improve your work and succeed in the field of Graphic Design.

 

 

 

Credits:

 

Reference article: http://graphicdesign.about.com/od/graphicdesignbasics/tp/essential_tools.htm

Adobe Products: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/catalog/desktop.html?promoid=KOVFF

Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wMZGcWAMxc

Graphic design books: http://www.creativebloq.com/design/graphic-design-books-2014-31411037

Sketchbooks: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/?sort=SA&size=30&category_id=1022651&store=gift

Network & Showcase: https://www.behance.net/

 

 

 

 That's it for this week's lesson  Remember to always leave questions , if you have any, and share this post with friends or other newbie graphic designers. Don't forget to subscribe by E-mail or follow this blog so you wont miss a single lesson! If you want to follow me outside of this blog then please add me on Google+, Facebook, Twitter, and/or Tumblr. If you guys have any design work that you would like me to critique or showcase on this blog than please E-mail me at SabrinaSummers2000@Gmail.com. Furthermore if you have any ideas or suggestions as to future blog posts than please comment below.  

From Sabrina Summers with Peace and Love