Graphic design program

[Blelisa]

Can anyone suggest a graphics design program that assists web developers who are not artisticlly inclined? I am looking for one that is made for people who are not graphic designers, but do not want to subcontract that part of their web development out. Thanks

[mcemond]

Depends on what you want to do I guess. Every program will require a little understanding of graphic design (layout, color schemes, standards, etc.). For people that are not graphics oriented I am a big fan of suggesting the use of tables like this web forum, its mostly boxes colored differently, add to that some photos from www.gettyimages.com or wherever and you can have a perfectly good site design. Dreamweaver mx and some other web design programs come with sample layouts to choose from out of the box.

However, I would always suggest Adobe Photoshop. Even though its the professional standard and is very deep, it shouldn't take long for anyone to learn the basics. I'd buy that and a good reference book (I like the Bible series) but in the end when you are out sourcing to a graphic designer you are really buying their experience in knowing what works visually and what doesn't.

[Daria]

Speaking of Photoshop:
even if you think you don't know anything about artwork, you can get inspired by using the filters. Just grab any available image and experiments with filter effects - you may get the inspiration you need just from "messing around"

[batmel]

yep that's right.. there's much you can do with photoshop.
I've been using photoshop cs and illustrator cs since they have been release.. there's a big improvement in these prog..

and with the slice tool.. it's so easy to create web pages without even thinking about the coding..

anyways .. I know i've been using these progs for a long time and I know a lot about them.. start with photoshop.. search for tutorials on the web.. I think it's the best way to start.. and since photoshop is being used by "everybody" there's more stuff on the web that will hep you out.

[Salimacatwoman]

You can create great graphics with photoshop and dreamweaver,those are very easy to use programs and you can read the tutorials plus follow the examples or guides.

[Paul Jr]

Originally posted by Salimacatwoman
You can create great graphics with photoshop and dreamweaver

You can't create graphics with DW.

[Salimacatwoman]

True,you can't create graphics with DW but edit at photoshop yes.

[Sam]

I've never used dreamweaver, but I know it doesn't edit images, do you mean that dreamweaver has an option to let you edit an image with photoshop?

[AroundTheFur]

try to stear clear of photoshop filters, they are more often than not overused and look unbelievably tacky. A good way to keep a consistent look to your graphics is to make one by messing around with duplicating layers with transparency and fills and things until you get what you want, and then record those steps into the actions panel. sorta like your own custom filter that you made.

In terms of looking for design skills just browse the web there is tons of design work, and rather than take it find what you like about art or anything really and then try to make it your own.

PS no photoshop filters =)
-steve

[Paul Jr]

Originally posted by AroundTheFur
try to stear clear of photoshop filters, they are more often than not overused and look unbelievably tacky. A good way to keep a consistent look to your graphics is to make one by messing around with duplicating layers with transparency and fills and things until you get what you want, and then record those steps into the actions panel. sorta like your own custom filter that you made.

In terms of looking for design skills just browse the web there is tons of design work, and rather than take it find what you like about art or anything really and then try to make it your own.

PS no photoshop filters =)
-steve

Hey! I like PS Filters!

One place I've found, that has some good tutorials, is good-tutorials.com.