The Huge Sig Making Guide

[gruddy]

INTRODUCTION:

There are a lot of very talented sig makers/ photoshop users and so I was wondering if with their help, we can make a big FAQ for beginners and other people who want to make a signature.

If people are willing to help, I will keep updating this thread and include all tips/ tricks and everything else on how to make a good signature.

I realise that this is ambititous but I hope some of you talented people will help me.

If there is already something like this, please tell me.

The categories may include:

Definitions (Technical words & their meanings)
Resources (Links to sites & resources where you can get useful files such as brushes and C4Ds)
How to's (How to use layers/ masks and what not)
Video Tutorials (Embeded video tutorials)
Tips & Tricks (mini bits of information that can help people)

Please be aware that these aren't all the categories. More will be added later.

I know people can use tuorials from other websites, but we can put them here so that they are easy to access.

What are your thoughts?

DEFINITIONS:

C4Ds:

Abstract renders made in the programs Cinema 4D, or less commonly 3D Studio Max. They can be used to add special effects to your sigs.

Fractal Renders:

Like C4Ds, but these are made with the program Apophysis. They look slightly different but are still used for the same uses as C4Ds.

Renders:

These are objects that are added to your sigs.
There are 2 types:

Abstract: C4Ds and Fractal Renders.

Other: These are cut-outs of anything, from people to cars to video game characters. These are used as the main focal point in a sig.

Focal Point:

The main part of the sig. It is usually the render.

RESOURCES:

C4Ds

http://planetrenders.net/
http://www.deviantart.com/
http://www.gamerenders.com/

Renders

http://planetrenders.net/
http://www.gamerenders.com/
http://www.deviantart.com/
http://subvariance.com/

Brushes

http://www.brusheezy.com/
http://tutorialblog.org/free-photoshop-brushes/
http://abduzeedo.com/1000-great-ps-free-brushes-paulw
http://www.psbrushes.net/
http://myphotoshopbrushes.com/brushes
http://www.brushes.obsidiandawn.com/
http://getbrushes.com/
http://www.deviantart.com/
http://browse.deviantart.com/resourc...ons/psbrushes/
http://www.biorust.com/

Fonts:

http://www.1001freefonts.com/
http://www.dafont.com/
http://www.abstractfonts.com/
http://www.typenow.net/a.htm

Other:

http://resurgere.deviantart.com/gallery/

HOW TO'S:

Install Brushes:

To install brushes all you need to do is drag and drop the .abr to the brushes folder, you can find them (by default)
Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop (7, CS, CS2, CS3)\Presets\Brushes
Macs: Open up photoshop, and click on the brush icon.
Click the drop down arrow to bring up the "choose brush" drop down window.
Click on the arrow pointing to the right next to the brush size box, to bring up another list.
Choose "load brush" from that list.
The "load file" window will come up.
Choose the brush you wish to load and it will be added to your brush list.

Install Fonts:

Windows: Drag & drop the font file (TrueType or Font File) to Control Panel\Fonts
Macs: After downloading a font, double click on the font file.
This should open up a window showing the alphabet in lower and upper case in that font, with install font and cancel options down the bottom.
Click install font and this will open fontbook, and your font will be added to the list, ready to use in any application.

Use The Pen Tool:

Use C4Ds:

Use Text:

Use All Important Tools:

Adjust Images:

Use Scatter Smudging:

Use Scatter Smudging #2:

Make A Signature:

Make A Signature #2:

Make A Border:

Select all the layers (Ctrl + A). Right click and merge them. Then double click on the layer and choose stroke. Set the size to 1px and the colour to your choice.

Alternativly, you can select the top layer instead of merging all the layers.

VIDEO TUTORIALS:

Enhance Eyes:

[ame="http://youtube.com/watch?v=-kIkarvhoa8"]YouTube - Awesome Eyes in Photoshop[/ame]

Quick Signature Tutorial:

[ame="http://youtube.com/watch?v=7AxeXJK0ywA"]YouTube - nice and easy photoshop signature tutorial[/ame]

Quick Signature Tutorial #2:

[ame="http://youtube.com/watch?v=rTDkKqXNIgI"]Youtube - Photoshop signature tutorial[/ame]

EXTERNAL TUTORIALS:

Photoshop:

http://www.worth1000.com
http://www.good-tutorials.com
http://www.pslover.com
http://www.rnel.net
http://www.tutorialized.com/
http://photoshoptutorials.ws/
http://photoshoptips.net/
http://psdtuts.com

Gimp:

http://www.gimptalk.com
http://gimpology.com
http://www.gimper.net/

TIPS & TRICKS:

Hotkeys:

PS7

Add Shape = +
Subtract Shape = -
Decrease Brush Size = [
Increase Brush Size = ]
Decrease Brush Softness By 25% = Shift+[
Increase Brush Hardness By 25% = Shift+]
Previous Brush = <
Next Brush = >
First Brush = Shift+<
Last Brush = Shift+>
Path Component Selection Tool = A
Paintbrush Tool = B
Crop Tool = C
Default Colors = D
Eraser Tool = E
Gradient Tool = G
Hand Tool = H
Eyedropper Tool = I
Healing Brush / Patch Tool = J
Slice Tool = K
Lasso Tool = L
Marquis Tool = M
Notes Tool = N
Dodge / Burn / Sponge Tool = O
Pen Tool = P
Standard / Quick Mask Mode = Q
Blur / Sharpen / Smudge Tool = R
Clone Stamp Tool = S
Type Tool = T
Shape Tool = U
Move Tool = V
Magic Wand Tool = W
Switch Colors = X
History Brush Tool = Y
Zoom Tool = Z
Cycle Path Comp. / Direct Selection = Shift+A
Toggle Paintbrush / Pencil Tools = Shift+B
Cycle Eraser Tools = Shift+E
Toggle Gradient / Paint Bucket Tools = Shift+G
Cycle Eyedropper / Sampler / Measure = Shift+I
Toggle Healing Brush / Patch Tool = Shift+J
Toggle Slice / Slice Select Tools = Shift+K
Cycle Lasso Tolls = Shift+L
Toggle Rect. / Eliptical Marquee = Shift+M
Toggle Notes / Audio Annotation Tools = Shift+N
Cycle Dodge / Burn / Sponge Tools = Shift+O
Toggle Pen / Freeform Pen Tools = Shift+P
Cycle Blur / Sharpen / Smudge Tools = Shift+R
Toggle Clone / Pattern Stamp Tools = Shift+S
Cycle Shapes / Line Tools = Shift+U
Toggle History / Art History Brush = Shift+Y
Tool Opacity 10% through 100% = 1 right arrow 0
Flow / Airbrush Opacity 10% through 100% = Shift+1 right arrow 0

CS2:

No Information

CS3:

Ctrl + Alt + Z = Undo
Ctrl + A = Select all
Ctrl + D = Deselect
Ctrl + J = Duplicate layer
Ctrl + U = Hue/Saturation (This can be used for colouring a sig)
Ctrl + C = Copy
Ctrl + Shift + C = Copy merged (Copies a shot of your entire sig)
Ctrl + V = Paste
Ctrl + Shift + N = New Layer
Ctrl + T = Free transform (Image resizing)
Ctrl + Z = Undo/Redo
Ctrl + Alt + Z = Undo again
Ctrl + Shift + Z = Redo again
Ctrl + E = Merge down
F5 = Brushes palette
F6 = Color palette
F7 = Layers palette.
Spacebar = Hand tool
crtl + + = Zoom in
crtl + - = Zoom out
ctrl + 0 = Fit on screen
crtl + Alt + 0 = Actual pixels
P = pen tool / free transform tool
V = move tool
W = quick selection tool / magic wand
M = marquee tool
T = Text tool
I = Eyedropper tool
U = Rectangle tool / rounded rectangle tool / ellipse tool / polygon tool / line tool / custom shape tool
L = Lasso tool / Polygonal lasso tool / magnetic lasso tool
A = Path selection tool / direct selection tool
B = Brush tool / pencil tool / color replacement tool
S = Clone stamp tool / pattern stamp tool
G = Gradient tool / paint bucket tool
O = Dodge tool / burn tool / sponge tool
E = Eraser tool / background eraser tool / magic eraser tool
R = Blur tool / sharpen tool / smudge tool
Z = Zoom tool

Remove white/black lines around renders:

You know how theres sometimes a white/black line around a renders which ruins it? Theres a simple way to remove it.

Go to Layer->Matting->Defringe. Enter 1 px and viola! No more border around the render!

Resizing images:

When your scaling down images, you want to do it in between steps and sharp or unsharp at each step. Also, when using free transform, hold down Shift while resizing, it will keep the object in proportion.

Instead of Merging Layers:

Layer>New Layer>Image>Apply Image

or

Ctrl+A>Ctrl+Shft+C>Ctrl+V

FAQs:

What is this Photoshop you speak of?

Photoshop is a professional picture editing program. You can use it to enhance your images or create peices of graphics such as signatures.

Where can I get Photoshop?

Photoshop comes at a price.

You can find a trial and buy the program here:
http://www.adobe.com/products/photos.../index_ps.html

Are there any alternatives to Photoshop?

If you can't or don't want to use photoshop, you can use other programs such as Gimp.

You can find alternatives here:
http://www.osalt.com/photoshop

CONTRIBUTORS:

Gruddy
SteelSamurai
Xelis
MiNiMaL_sAnItY
Coolio
joeold
Arcruex_Formula
Shadowfyre
Serenity
Joeold

UPDATES LOG:

6/7/08
-Added a tip under Tips & Tricks

2/7/08
-Added PS7 category under Hotkeys under Tips & Tricks
-Added loads of hotkeys under Hotkeys
-Added a link under Photoshop under External Tutorials

1/7/08
-Added the Other category under Resources
-Added a link under Others under Resources
-Added a link under External Tutorials

27/6/08
-Added subvariance.com to Renders under Resources

26/6/08
-Added resizing tip under Tips & Tricks
-Added border tutorial under How To's
-Added a signature tutorial under How To's

25/6/08
-Added scatter smuding tutorial under How To's
-Added Gamerenders.com under C4D's

23/6/08
-Added a link for fonts under Resources
-Added some hotkeys for CS3 under Tips & Tricks
-Created External Tutorials section
-Added links to External Photoshop tutorials
-Added links to External Gimp Tutorials

22/6/08
-Added hotkeys under Tips & Tricks for CS3
-Added FAQ section
-Added 3 questions under FAQs
-Added several new entries under How To's

21/6/08
-Created thread
-Added links to free brushes under Resources
-Added links to renders under Resources
-Aded link to C4Ds under Resources
-Added some definitions
-Added how to install brushes under How To's
-Added how to install fonts under How To's
-Added links to fonts under Resources
-Added a tip under Tips & Tricks

[Xelis]

http://www.ps3forums.com/showthread.php?t=130326 - Tried and failed at making a successful guide, good luck with this.

[gruddy]

http://www.ps3forums.com/showthread.php?t=130326 - Tried and failed at making a successful guide, good luck with this.

I'm getting more motivated by the second

Would you mind if I copy some of the stuff from that tutorial?

[MiNiMaL_sAnItY]

Heres a quick tip. You know how theres sometimes a white/black line around a renders which ruins it? Theres a simple way to remove it. Go to Layer->Matting->Defringe. Enter 1 px, and viola! no more border around the render!

[gruddy]

Thank's for the support guys.

Hopefully this will work out.

We need as many people as possible to work on this.

I'm going to bed now and will update this thread tomorrow and add all the things you want me to.

If you PM me with some information, I'll add it to the OP.

[Coolio]

Hotkeys:
Ctrl+Alt+z= Undo
Ctrl+A= Select all
Ctrl+D= Deselect
Ctrl+U= Hue/Saturation (This can be used for colouring a sig)
Ctrl+C= Copy
Ctrl+Shift+C= Copy merged (Basically copies a shot of your entire sig)
Ctrl+V= Paste
Ctrl+Shift+N= New Layer
Ctrl+T= Free transform (Image resizing)

Those are the ones I use

[Xelis]

Hotkeys:
Ctrl+Alt+z= Undo
Ctrl+A= Select all
Ctrl+D= Deselect
Ctrl+U= Hue/Saturation (This can be used for colouring a sig)
Ctrl+C= Copy
Ctrl+Shift+C= Copy merged (Basically copies a shot of your entire sig)
Ctrl+V= Paste
Ctrl+Shift+N= New Layer
Ctrl+T= Free transform (Image resizing)

Those are the ones I use

Ctrl + Z = Undo/Redo
Ctrl + E = Merge down

[SteelSamurai]

Deviantart has a massive selection of brushes and C4Ds

[gruddy]

I'm back guys.

I've added the hotkeys mentioned and am in the process of adding some video tutorials

[SteelSamurai]

Ooh, just remembered, www.biorust.com has a wide selection of brushes (but you have to sign up)

[IWAO]

Man that's what I call a good idea. I think this will help a new beginner like me to start learning how to make signatures and avaters. When I've got Photoshop, so'll I take a closer look at this thread. But now that I don't have it, and won't be getting it until sometime in 2008, so'll I not care about looking in the FAQS and other tips here until this time comes.

Anyway thanks to gruddy and all those who'll help him on updating this thread until it'll make Photoshop newbies like me, and some other people as talented as some of the people here are!

[joeold]

This is for CS3:
F5; brushes palette
F6: color palette
F7: layers palette.
spacebar: hand tool
crtl + +: zoom in
crtl + -: zoom out
ctrl + 0: Fit on screen
crtl + alt + 0: actual pixels

[Formula]

I remembering bookmarking this really cool font site. It has tons of neat different looking fonts. It also give you fonts that are used in video games or movies. example, theres a halo font, and a playstation 2 font. All sorts

try this,

http://www.typenow.net/a.htm

[Shadowfyre]

http://www.dafont.com is the best when it comes to fonts IMO.

[grcswoosh]

Thank you guys for all the info. I am always trying to learn more. I have been using PS for almost 15 years and I have learn more in the last year than all the time before. All from people on this forum.

You guys rule!!!!!!!!

[Formula]

gruddy, id suggest you add a section in your main post having like a list of great websites for gimp or PS tutorials. heres a couple,


Photoshop Tuts:

http://photoshoptutorials.ws
http://www.worth1000.com
http://www.good-tutorials.com
http://www.pslover.com
http://www.rnel.net


Gimp:

http://www.gimptalk.com
http://gimpology.com
http://www.gimper.net/

[gruddy]

Check out the Updates Log guys.

I've added everything you've asked about.

I'm going out now and so won't be able to update this thread for several hours.

[Phantasmn]

I know a lot of people don't use it, but could you also post some tips for Paint.NET? That is, if anyone here actually uses it other than myself . I've tried to use GIMP (I even have it on my thumb drive) but the layout wasn't easy to use. The only time I have access to Photoshop is when I'm on campus, and I'm not taking any summer classes this semester, so free programs it is .

[Shadowfyre]

Also, I'm not sure if it's in the guide or not. But always remember when using free transform, hold down Shift while resizing, it will keep the object in proportion.

[Formula]

And when your scaling down images, you want to do it in between steps and sharp or unsharp at each step. thats my method. it works fine.

[gruddy]

I've updated the OP.

Do any of you guys have any more tips now?

[Sam_From_Space]

I've updated the OP.

Do any of you guys have any more tips now?

Subvariance.com

DeviantArt's more mature counterpart.

I use it a lot nowadays.

[joeold]

And when your scaling down images, you want to do it in between steps and sharp or unsharp at each step. thats my method. it works fine.

Or you could just convert it into a smart object.

[edit]
more hotkeys on CS3:
P = pen tool / free transform tool
V = move tool
W = quick selection tool / magic wand
M = marquee tool
T = text tool
I = eyedropper tool
U = rectangle tool / rounded rectangle tool / ellipse tool / polygon tool / line tool / custom shape tool
L = lasso tool / Polygonal lasso tool / magnetic lasso tool
A = path selection tool / direct selection tool
B = brush tool / pencil tool / color replacement tool
S = clone stamp tool / pattern stamp tool
G = gradient tool / paint bucket tool
O = dodge tool / burn tool / sponge tool
E = eraser tool / background eraser tool / magic eraser tool
R = blur tool / sharpen tool / smudge tool
Z = zoom tool

[gruddy]

Or you could just convert it into a smart object.

[edit]
more hotkeys on CS3:
P pen tool / free transform tool
V move tool
W quick selection tool / magic wand
M marquee tool
T text tool
I eyedropper tool
U rectangle tool / rounded rectangle tool / ellipse tool / polygon tool / line tool / custom shape tool
L lasso tool / Polygonal lasso tool / magnetic lasso tool
A path selection tool / direct selection tool
B brush tool / pencil tool / color replacement tool
S clone stamp tool / pattern stamp tool
G gradient tool / paint bucket tool
O dodge tool / burn tool / sponge tool
E eraser tool / background eraser tool / magic eraser tool
R blur tool / sharpen tool / smudge tool
Z zoom tool

Sorry to sound stupid, but I was wondering if you could put = between the hotkey and meaning.

It's just that I have to leave this forum now and will just copy and paste your post later

I would understand if you don't do it.

[joeold]

Sorry to sound stupid, but I was wondering if you could put = between the hotkey and meaning.

It's just that I have to leave this forum now and will just copy and paste your post later

I would understand if you don't do it.

no prob i was debating on that as i was typing it out too. just got lazy.