PS, I Love You

That's PS as in Photoshop. I started my love affair with Photoshop about 6 years ago, when I first found the program. I was working at a job where I had a lot of down time. During those slow moments I would explore my desktop and the programs that were on it. My computer at work had Adobe Photoshop Business Edition, but I rarely used it for business purposes. I decided the best way to learn the program was to just explore all the buttons and menus. I quickly fell in love. A few years after that I found myself once again in a job with some down time, plus Photoshop loaded on my computer (this time Adobe Photoshop Elements). I discovered new features that I hadn't found with the other edition. When I quit that job, I decided I needed to have a Photoshop program of my very own. I hopped on Amazon and ordered me the latest version of PS Elements, which at the time was 4.0. I still have that PS program today and it is perfect for my needs. Yes, I'll admit I lust after the newest and greatest full version of Photoshop, but for now my little Elements version is just right.

There may be some of you out there who are not familiar with Photoshop. It is basically a program that let's you edit digital files (photos), create digital files, do graphic design, do digital illustrations, you name it! I use this program each and every day for my little graphic design business. I use it just as much or more for my personal digital photo editing. Have you ever seen the difference a little Photoshop editing can do to an otherwise murky digital photo? I use a simple point and shoot camera for my picture taking needs, but people are often surprised because of the way my photos look after I edit them in PS.

You may think it sounds too intimidating, but it really isn't that difficult - in fact I find it really entertaining. Adobe often has free trials of their software so go check out their site. Remember, you don't need the big expensive version. You can usually pick up the latest PS Elements for under $100.

I use PS to create logo designs and blog/web designs for my customers, but it can also be used to create personalized photo cards and invitations. I have done several different cards for family members and friends. The holidays are just around the corner, so I am sure many of you are thinking about what to do for your holiday cards. Wouldn't it be nice to create your OWN card rather than use a pre-designed mass produced card from Walmart or Costco? You can do it in PS! Want to see some designs I whipped up? Here are just a few:

#1

#2

#3

#4

Cool right? Want one of these designs for YOUR holiday cards this year? If so, leave a comment indicating which one you would like (1-4). I will draw a winner tomorrow evening (Friday)

Don't have funds to have your family photo taken by a professional photographer? Have a snapshot of your family that needs a little Photoshop lovin'? We can do that too. If you would like me to give your family photo a little TLC in PS, leave a comment and I will draw a winner tomorrow evening (Friday) as well.

Try Photoshop today, you will be hooked!

Comments

[stephanie]

I would love these for christmas cards. they are so cute. I choose #1

[sweet pink]

Loving #1~sweet!!!!!

[sweet pink]

They are all so cute.. but I like #1, the best :)

[deanna cluff]

I love em all, but the last 2 are my favs. I would like to have pics fixed up too! This is awesome!

[April Maw]

Oh i love #1, perfect. And I would love some help with a family photo too.

[Mandy Koford]

I love number 1! It took me like 20 minutes to decide, but I love number one the best. Great work!

[Shelly]

I am so obsessed with PS. If I'm ever up at 2am you can bet it's b/c I'm attached to Photoshop - or googling for the latest free brushes, vector art, etc.

[Kellie]

Pick me Pick me.. I like #4

[Sallie]

Love #4. It would be a great Xmas card for us.

[Jessfol]

I would LOVE #3. What a unique and modern design!

[Stephanie G.]

I would love 1 or 4. Photo edit would be great too!

[stacey]

I would love #1 for our family's Christmas greeting this year! Thanks for the entry!

[Jessica]

We just had a daughter and I really want to do Christmas Cards this year and this would be perfect.
I love #1

[DTR]

I'd like to win the photo edit. Can you work with historical photos? I have one of my grandfather that needs lots of work--I already have it scanned.

[Lisa]

I like #1 and #4 too. And i'm sure that I have a family photo that could use some TLC. How 'bout picking me as the winner?! I've been following your blog for over a year now and really love your work. PICK ME!!!

[stephanie]

I love #1. I would love to finally give holiday cards this year. this is a good excuse to do them. THANK YOU

[Amber]

I love #1.

[Amber]

These all are so cute. So hard to pick. I would have to say #1.

[Emily F]

I've been looking for good Christmas cards and all the great ones are way out of my price range. I would love to win!

[Julie]

Hey C, number 1 and 4 would be my favorites. I'm sure we could use the ps edit on a picture as well.
Thanks! Julie W

[Gwen]

Love the cards...especially design #4! And I would also love a major touch-up on a family photo....can you take out tears??! :-) PICK ME!!

[Stacey]

I love them all!! I had a hard time narrowing it down. But I would love #1. Photoshop is the best!!

[Tuesday]

I can't wait to get a new computer with photoshop!

I love design #4!

tuesdayef(at)aol dot com