Modern Photoshop for a Retro Look 1

Recently I have been looking for some Internet-based graphic design work. This, of course, always leads to looking up tutorials and of course plug-in's for Photoshop and Illustrator (AI). Surprisingly, I have found quite a few different tutorials, brushes and inspirational samples from a few main sources with a retro feel. Along with this, I also know that some of the folks that read my blog have shown interest in learning Photoshop. With this in mind, I will every once in a while write a "Modern Photoshop for a Retro Look" or "Modern AI for a Retro Look" post. The idea is that it will help people to find some of these tutorials and plug-ins that I think are helpful or interesting. This, in turn, will allow people to learn how to use these programs and at the same time understand how to create retro-looking graphics.

The question that always comes up from the newbs is, "Is learning how to use PS and AI hard?" This question is double-edged. For some it is incredible hard, and for others it's really easy. However, PS and AI are just tools. The reality is, if you don't have artistic talent, no Photoshop version can help you. So, you need to be realistic. That, however, doesn't mean that Photoshop can't be useful for just about everyone.

Even though I already knew much of this, I felt this tutorial showed a fairly straight-forward and easy method of accomplishing the 40's thru late 50's colored-photo look. One thing to remember with just about any tutorial is...these folks are generally proficient at PS or AI and they take some general knowledge for granted. Also, if you choose to use a different photo than the tutorial, you WILL have a slightly larger learning curve and have to experiment more.

Tutorial Link

Brush-o-lystic

So...this post is for all those of you who use, want to use, or will use Photoshop. Photoshop is wonderful, however, with great tools like these brushes, you can make some really well designed retro art. Well, that's about all there is, so... hit the link and have fun perusing these cool free photoshop brushes. Also, note that there are terms of use for each set. Therefore, before you go and use these, read the artist notes.

The link

Art as Work

Every once in a while I find it necessary to actually mix business with pleasure. This of course, is against my preference. However, at times, I must go against preference.

As many of you may know, I am currently living in Chile South America. Therefore, I now need to find work on the internet. Graphics work is not really anything new to me, but the problem I have is, over the years I have changed my style of design drastically. With this change I have yet to do much propaganda work (aka corporate or branding work).

This in brings me to the current work that you see in this post. I have taken the initiative to design a number of ad's for things I find of interest. The one above is based on a fairly popular tour that takes place here in the Colchagua Valley in the 6th region, Chile. This tour takes place once one boards a train and crosses thru the afore mention valley. On this tour, you slowly roll thru what has been described as "Napa Valley" 50 years ago. As you slowly glide along, you get to taste whine from each one of the vineyards on the tour. You also has a nice dinner at the end of the tour.

My wife and I have tasted much of the wine here and visit all of the stops, or at least the main areas frequently and therefore have yet to take this tour. The fact that it cost $50 each is also another reason as to why we have not taken this trip. All in all, for tourists I think it is an interesting option if you ever come to Chile. Also, it is a source of pride for those who live here. Believe me, that is something, there's not to much to get excited about in this small town.

Just Thought I'd Share

As we all know... once you're passionate about MCM, it's hard to get away from looking for new sources of inspiration. As I was looking for inspiration for my next project, I found this cool site. I think you should check it out. There is a TON of cool MCM furniture on here.

http://www.silicathree.com

A New State

I have finally woken up from my vegetive state. Artistically speaking that is. For the last month or so, I have not been artistically motivated for anything. Not only that, but getting back here to Chile and getting back into the swing of things has taken a lot out of us physically and mentally.

A couple of days ago, however, I tripped over my forever lasting buffet/dresser project, and... I don't know... I just said, that's enough. Then I started working on my buffet again and I made a huge amount of progress. It was all kind of crazy how it all worked out.

I'm currently testing finishing materials to see which one I want to use. While I was waiting for some of my urethanes to finish drying I just started cutting the boards that I had hanging on the wall, with no real direction, and came up with my new hanging sculpture. Since I'm poor, I just recycled my boards. I like the new sculpture though. Even though the boards were nice, my wife and I were ready for something new.

As for the buffet, I think it should be done in a couple of weeks. Then I will have more photos for you folks. For now though, I just say Choa...

Here And There

The name says it all. I just noticed that I haven't updated my blog in a little while. Not, at least, with anything solid. This is due to everything that has been going on lately.

My wife and I have found ourselves back here in Chile, and with much work to do. I've made a couple of shelving systems and have some plans for others. Not only that but, I've also found another hobby. As if I need one more interest to take up my non-existent time. My new hobby is photography.

My photography is not that great, but I'm learning. I just keep practicing. Only thing is, there's not too much MCM here in Chile. There are a lot of modern buildings and houses, though. I mean, I live in the middle of nowhere and there is this super Moderno casa aca. It's just kinda crazy. Don't worry though. I did think of each and everyone of you while in the States after I had purchased my camera. How so? Well, my friend, let me explain you.

Once I purchased my camera, I took every photo of vintage interest I could find. That includes a few buildings, dishes, silverware and just random old stuff. A bunch of the photos I took are just quick snapshots, but some of my others are more composed. Also, not all of my photos that I want to show are up on flickr yet. They will, however, be put up over time. For now, here are some to get you going. You can see more here.

Did You Ever want It?

If you did, now is the time to get it. I only have 2 more days before I leave for my great home away from home in Chile, and to try and help in these hard times, I am offering all wood art at tremendously discounted prices. However, these prices will only last until Friday evening (Oct 30). So, if you ever wanted it, go and get it.

Be sure to use the links on the right hand side of my blog to get to my etsy store.