» Just for laughs....Oct 30, 2007
I came across this today... Hilarious! Make My Logo Bigger
» Initial Mac OS 10.5 commentsOct 29, 2007
I run two basic systems here. A MacBookPro and a Mac Pro. Both were running OS 10.4 (Tiger) yesterday. Today I updated my MacBookPro to OS 10.5 (Leopard). My initial impression.. is "eh.. why'd I bother?" I will absolutely be waiting before installing 10.5 on my Mac Pro.
Issues on the laptop....
PHP package from www.entropy.ch (killer package) can't be installed. It is possible to activate the built in OS 10.5 PHP with a bit of work provided you have an application that will see and open invisible files or are comfortable with the terminal. However, the built in PHP isn't as complete as the Entropy package.
MySQL installs but can't be turned on other than with terminal scripts each and every time. Annoying. I'm currently seeking a workaround for this.
The new side bar is HUGE compared to how I traditionally set my sidebar. There's no way to reduce it beyond a certain size either. Traditionally I simply had my sidebar to show only icons so it was only approximately 32 pixels in width at most. Now, it must be at least 100 pixels in width or there about.
.I'm hitting a great deal of "The selected item can not be deleted because it can not be found (error: -43)" messages when I'm staring right at the item I'm trying to delete.
In column view windows have a VERY annoying tendency to jump back to the root. This forces me to constantly scroll horizontally to get back to where I was. This primarily happens when an alert dialog pops up.
I don't need Apple's instance that there be a Helvetica.dfnt file. You CAN NOT delete this file like you could in earlier OS version. I always replaced Apples dfnt with a full version of Helvetica (same for Times). You can delete the Times.dfnt, but not Helvetica. It respawns when deleted. So get used to that dfnt file. You can't remove it.
Finder Coverflow is a waist. Bells and whistles that don't amount to anything. This is especially true because Illustrator and Indesign files have no preview still. Even though these are PDF-based file formats. In fact the Finder won't preview these files in any view. This was a complete waist of development time. I'll never use it here.
Tying in with Coverflow is Quicklook. This is supposed to allow you to view pages in a document without opening the document. It does work with PDF files. However, You must enlarge finder windows to encompass a very large area to see the page. In addition, as I've posted, no preview for Indesign files. So no help there.
I don't need the Apple Braille font.
Spaces is okay... but just okay. VirtueDesktops is much better. Spaces won't allow you to switch spaces with a mouse move. You must use key commands or the menubar item. So what used to take a sweep of the mouse now requires a hunt and peck or at least an extra hand. Basic functionality is the same as VirtueDesktops, but the user experience for Spaces isn't as good as VirtueDesktops.
Time Machine... not using on the MacBookPro because I'm not leaving an external drive hooked up at all times. And there is no room on the laptop to duplicate the entire drive for Time Machine.
Finder drop shadows seem drastically larger than they were in Tiger. Almost double the size for a shadow. Makes for the look of more clutter.
I haven't really delved into the Adobe apps yet. I did launch Photoshop CS3 and Illustrator CS3 without issues.
Throughout all applications the menu is poorly drawn. It looks just "ragged" for lack of a better word. Arrows and type appear to be not aliasing as well as they used to. I suspect this is due to Apple's new translucent menubar (ooooo another feature worth dev time). So all applications may need updating just to look better in the menu. This isn't really a functionality issue but a cosmetic issue.
Safari.... Previously Command-Click opened a new window in front of the current window. Now it opens a new window BEHIND the current window. In addition, I used to be able to hold the Command key down and click a bookmark bar folder, navigate to the the item I wanted then release. This opened the item in a new window in front of the current window. Now, command-clicking on a bookmark bar folder wants to open each and every item in the folder. So now, one must click a folder navigate to the bookmark you want THEN hold the command key down. I know it's minor. But why change the previous behavior?
I did do an "archive and Install" of 10.5 not the upgrade. I don't believe in upgrades for major OS jumps.
Many users have reported a problem with repairing permissions via Disk Utility. I did not have this problem. I was able to repair Disk permissions without an issue.
Honestly, I'm contemplating going back to Tiger for the time being. Don't believe any of the hype. I suppose if all you do is surf and email then 10.5 may be great for you, but if you actually work on your system definitely wait for 10.5.2 or 10.5.3 at least. I'm thoroughly unimpressed by OS 10.5. It is quite possibly the biggest disappointment from Apple in years. There are no features worth the cost of upgrading. Time Machine may be the only item that any user may need. If that's the case, save $100 and go get DejaVu.
» Why Photoshop isn't a vector tool.Sep 16, 2007
I've seen a great deal of argument referring to Photoshop vector data as being the same as Illustrator vector data. It really is not. While Photoshop does have some basic vector tools there are very important differences between Photoshop vectors and Illustrator vectors. I recently posted the following on a web site explaining the difference and I thought it may be useful here as well.
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Photoshop is a raster application that has a few vector tools. It does not create true vector content. When using the vector tools in Photoshop, you do have the ability to create vector containers full of raster data. There's a HUGE difference.
A true vector application creates 100% vector files, unless you import something that's raster. With true vector files, they can be enlarged and reduced to any size and never loose 1 iota of quality. This is not true for Photoshop files, in any format.
This becomes terribly apparent in some cases. One being a logo. If you draw a vector shape in Photoshop, then use a bunch of fancy layer styles as people often do - bevel and emboss, satin, inner shadow...for the sake of of this example I'll only refer to layer style items that effect the inside of the shape. Now, save that file as a photoshop PDF, PSD, or EPS (the three Photoshop formats that will support vector data).
Now, create something similar in Illustrator. Granted things like satin and bevel and emboss are not easily pulled off in Illustrator, but it is possible. Save that file as an illustrator EPS (a true vector format).
Now, place both the Photoshop file and illustrator file in an Indesign document. Enlarge both images by 800% and print them. You'll see an absolutely clear difference. The outside edges of the Photoshop image will be crisp and clear, but all those interior items will be heavily pixelated. This is because it's raster content inside a vector container. The print of the Illustrator file will be clear and crisp everywhere because it's an actual vector based file.
Assume the printer has a 300dpi resolution......
When you print a true vector image, like one from Illustrator, the printer is told to start at point x1y1 then move, say 2 inches, left from that point to point x600y1 (300 points [dots] per inch times 2) and then fill all the point in between with a specific color, in this case black. This makes a straight black path between x1y1 and x600y1. The actual number of points is mathematically calculated before printing begins. So no matter how large or small your image is, the math is always correct for the output device. This makes the file resolution independent.
When printing raster content (like the interior of a Photoshop shape layer) the printer is told to print the point at x1y1 as black, then x2y1 as black, then x3y1 as black, then x4y1 as black, etc. One at a time the pixel data is sent to the printer. If that pixel data does not meet the output resolution of your printer you get what is known as "broken pixels" or pixels that are stretched or squashed to fit a specific dimension. This makes your image resolution dependent. Only the exterior bounding shape is sent as vector data.
With vector content in Photoshop, only the vector content is resolution independent, anything inside that vector shape is still bound by traditional raster restrictions. This is why, for a logo, Photoshop is absolutely never the proper tool to use. If you can not create the logo in Illustrator it's bound by raster restrictions and will not work at some sizes. A logo should work at any size between 1 inch wide and 6 feet wide. Sure you can simply keep recreating the logo at specific sizes for specific output, but why would anyone want to do all that extra work when all they really need to do is use the proper tool from the beginning? When I hear the term "logo" the only thing I think of working with is Illustrator. If you've paid for a logo and not received a vector file, then ask for one.
If you were a plumber you'd have several tools - a monkey wrench, screwdrivers, a pair of pliers, maybe a hammer, pipe wrench, etc. Each tool has a specific function and is used for a specific result. As a designer you need more than 1 tool. Photoshop is not the be-all-end-all in terms of creation. Never has been and never will be. you'll only do better by extending your set of tools. Using Photoshop for a logo is like using a pair of pliers as a hammer. Yes. It works. Is it the right tool? No. Will it possibly break whatever it is your pounding on, there's a possibility. Plus, hitting your thumb with pliers just hurts.
» X-Treme Path for AICS3Aug 01, 2007
Wooo-hooo!!!
www.cvalley.com has finally released a Universal Binary version of their X-Treme Path plug in for Illustrator.
X-Treme Path has been the most useful add on to Adobe Illustrator I've ever seen. It makes path editing and curve handling a snap and fills in all the gaps that simply aren't available when editing paths in Illustrator.
» Found an old projectJul 26, 2007
While randomly surfing around to day I found the following image.
It's located in Ironhorse Park on Fort Carson, Colorado. The bronze image in the center of the wall is a relief of a lithograph I was commissioned to complete back in 1997 or 1998. Due to circumstances, I no longer have any of the lithographs. My copies were destroyed unfortunately. It was a limited edition of 1000 prints if I remember correctly. I signed and numbered the first fifty prints. I'd love to get a copy of one but unfortunately all my efforts to contact anyone at Fort Carson have met with failure.
» Horrid AICS3 bugJun 21, 2007
I discovered a rather severe bug in Illustrator 13.0 (CS3) involving the Free Transform tool and Gradient Mesh objects. I was hoping a lot that the recent release of an Illustrator 13.0.1 update would address this, unfortunately it does not. So now I'm begging Adobe for a 13.0.2 update, if for nothing else, this issue. It's completely crippling. If you wish to throw in your 2¢ regarding the bug please do! and post here at the Adobe forums. Or CLICK HERE to use Adobe's bug reporting form. The more users that bring it up the faster a fix will happen.
It would clearly appear to be a bug here. Completely unexpected behavior and a SERIOUS issue with not only Envelopes, but Gradient Mesh objects as well. Below you can see my bug report.
Steps to reproduce:
1. New Doc (CMYK or RGB)
2. Draw a circle.
3. Use the Gradient Mesh tool to click once somewhere in/on circle and make it a mesh object.
4. Select entire Mesh object
5. Grab Free Transform tool
6. Grab a corner handle and scale using Free Transform.
Actual results:
All smooth points are instantly converted to "magnet" points.
Expected behavior:
Smooth points remain smooth points. Corner points remain corner points.
Additional notes
It's a real thorn in my workflow when doing a mesh oriented project. It makes Free Transform useless with any mesh containing smooth points as well as any Envelope distort which created smooth points.
The issue is not that additional points are added anywhere, the issue is existing smooth points instantly get converted to "magnet" points... all of them, every single one.
» Apple's dirty little MacBook/MacBookPro secret...May 21, 2007
While surfing around this morning I happened upon some slightly distressing, while also relieving, information. I purchased a MacBookPro back in April of 2006. I've noticed over the past year that I see much more banding in gradients on the laptop when compared to my G5 or MacPro. It was never a terribly severe issue since I don't work on the laptop for anything color intensive. However, I know many do.
Do you have a MacBook or MacBookPro and notice banding in gradients or a "sparkly" or "speckled" screen? Well, there may be a reason behind it... Apple's false advertising. This surprised me. Apple has advertised the screens on their most recent laptops as supporting "millions of colors" yet, in reality they do not.
Apple advertises their MacBook and MacBook Pro displays as capable of displaying "millions of colors". An 8-bit LCD screen will indeed display 16m+ colors. However, Apple has been using 6-bit LCD screens in the MacBook/Pro systems. 6-Bit LCD screens can only display 262,000 colors, not "millions."
More information can be found here: http://peewaiweb.free.fr/
And a PDF regarding the pending lawsuit can be seen here: Legal Brief PDF
The most distressing part of this discovery is that I did not get what I paid for. Apple essentially pulled a "bait and switch" with its advertising. I don't think knowing that the screen I was getting was a 6bit LCD screen, rather than an 8bit screen, would have prevented my purchase but it most definitely would have caused me to consider the pricing with more concern.
I could not find any place to add my name to a list of plaintiffs. If such a place does exist, I'd happily sign a complaint against Apple with respect to this matter.
» I'm all smiles here.Apr 23, 2007
» Illustrator CS3Apr 18, 2007
I've written a brief run through of Adobe Illustrator CS3 here. It covers most of the new features as well as some of the problems regarding new features (there aren't many). Check it out,
» Mac ProApr 13, 2007
I just ordered a new Mac Pro. Looking forward to using it with Adobe's Creative Suite 3 by the end of the month. Hard to believe Apple wants their prices for hard drives and RAM. Do people actually buy that stuff from Apple when places like Deal Ram can find much better deals on RAM. Almost half the cost of Apple's RAM. And places like OWC can offer better hard drive deals. I guess Apple relies on people wanting to be able to plug-n-play with the new systems immediately.
End of April should be real good around here with a new system and new apps. This all means I've got a G5 for sale now. Dual 1.8ghz, 2gb RAM 250GB HD, dual DVI 256 video, 16x DL DVD±RW drive (not Apple's Superdrive, better - Pioneer 111-d). If you're interested drop me a line.
» Adobe's Gone And Done it. . .Mar 27, 2007
Well Adobe finally put up the Creative Suite packages... See here. Wonderful stuff. The official announcement should be coming later on the 27th.
A couple significant changes in the upgrade policy have happened. 1) You can now upgrade form any Adobe application but only the last 3 versions. Previously, you could upgrade from any full version of Photoshop only. That's changed. They've also added the ability to upgrade from Macromedia Studio 8. That's great news here.
I've already ordered the Design Suite Premium CS3, thank heaven I have no need for the $2,500± Master Collection.
» And another Illustrator tutorialMar 05, 2007
I've added another Illustrator tutorial. This one covers creating some delicate, glowing, line effects using the mesh tool in Illustrator. Check it out.
» Yet another Illustrator Video Tut . . .Mar 01, 2007
Here's a quick, three-step, video tutorial on creating those Illustrator Starbursts you see everywhere anymore. Simple, quick and easy.
» Not a big YouTube user but . . .Feb 11, 2007
I recently stumbled across the following link that put a smile on my face. John Stossel on Graphic Design.
Finally news teams are taking design seriously after overlooking it all these years.
» New Illustrator TutorialFeb 04, 2007
A new Illustrator swatches tutorial has been posted.
It's a basic informational tutorial and no real "wow" factor. I get asked often what the different symbols in the swatches palette mean. Hopefully this will help explain that.
» When CSS goes bad....Feb 04, 2007
It would appear that Google has changed how they display results for an image search. Goggle Image Search Now a user is required to hover over an image to view the details such as size and url associated with the image.
This is a clear case of CSS gone awry. In an effort to make the results appear "flashy" or "modern" Google has added CSS hover states. What this does is complicate the tool. Now a user can no longer easily compare two images without moving their mouse back and forth between them.
Shame on Google. Put it back the way it was and quit over-styling pages.
» So true . . .Jan 25, 2007
Visit What The Duck!
» Photoshop Public beta?Dec 15, 2006
Adobe has released, for the first time as far as I know, a public beta of Photoshop CS3. Get it here
The public beta could mean a couple things, either Adobe is trying to make certain the new product is solid in as many environments as possible, or they are concerned about some areas of code and want help identifying problems. Either way it can only mean a better final release. From what I've seen, it appears as though several areas of the application have been completely reworked, like palettes.
The folks at NAPP have created a special CS3 area with some previews of new features and changes.
» Crestock.com.... not artist friendlyDec 11, 2006
Several months ago (March 06 I think) I uploaded a few images to a relatively new stock art site named Crestock.com.
Watching the view count on the images made it clear that the site never really got much traffic. There were continual promises of a "big advertising campaign" that never seemed to surface. I had a total of 7 sales in as many months. Very poor return.
Then, sometime in November they changed their download agreement severely cutting artist royalties. This caused me to finally settle on the decision that the site is not for me. I politely asked for my images to be removed and the royalties for my 7 downloads be forwarded to me.
My account there was indeed closed, however they refuse to part with the measly $10.50 my images earned. After several emails back and forth between Lars Hasvoll Bakke and myself, they are hanging onto my earnings like a dog with a bone. To be honest, I really don't care about the $10, but the idea that a stock art site that is dependent upon artists submitting work for sale would profit from the work of an artist then refuse to pay that artist for the money they are due just astounds me. I'm certain if I wished to press the matter legally I'd have a strong case, not that I intend to do so at this time. After all it is only $10... but the least I can do is warn anyone and everyone that will listen. Avoid Crestock.com at all costs. Do not buy or sell images there. They think nothing of stealing from artists. Tell your friends, your family, your grocer, your third grade science teacher... everyone you know. There are dozens of better sites out there that respect artists and their rights.
» IW back upDec 11, 2006
It appears Illustrator World is back up and running. Apparently there were some miscommunications about domain renewals. Glad to see it up and running again.
» What's up with Illustrator World now?Dec 06, 2006
Well, it seems IllustratorWorld.com now? It would seem as though the domain registration has expired. That's at least twice in it's life span that there have been major malfunctions. I know Todd (the owner) is very busy and probably has a great deal on his mind. Shouldn't simple things like the domain name be covered though? I used to love the site and have tried supporting it as much as I could, but it's beginning to seem like an entirely futile effort on my part.
Thank heaven for IllustratorTechniques.com, at least there's another vector outlet that's good.
Know of any more vector sites? then please, drop me a line.
» Layers Magazine mini-articleNov 21, 2006
The new Layers Magazine has a great article from Dave Cross about troubleshooting Adobe CS2 applications. I was asked to contribute the top five issues Illustrator CS2 users run into. If you get a chance check it out.
Layers Magazine covers all the major Adobe applications and is a terrific resource for beginners and seasoned professionals. If you don't have a subscription I strongly recommend one.
I can't thank Dave and the staff at KW media enough for thinking of me when these sort of things pop up. I thoroughly enjoy sharing what I can to such a broad audience.
» New Illutrator Tutorial... and video!Nov 20, 2006
There's a New Illustrator tutorial which covers making gradient brushes. Be certain you have the Flash plug-in installed and check it out!
» Contest EntryOct 09, 2006
I entered a contest over at Illustrator World. It's a "Super hero" Self portrait. You can see my entry here. Voting hasn't started yet and I'm not sure when it will begin.
» ErrorsOct 04, 2006
I discovered a few site errors, primarily with the contact form and Internet Explorer. Apparently there was an error only in IE that effected actual functionality not just page display. This error prevented the form from sending with Internet Explorer. In case I haven't mentioned it enough earlier, if you are using IE I strongly encourage you to upgrade to a better browser. Firefox is a great PC-based web browser. In any event, the contact form will now function in IE/Win. Sorry for any inconvenience.
» Back from PSWAug 28, 2006
Well after a whirlwind three days in Las Vegas, I'm back and full of juicy tips to try. Everyone at PSW did a fabulous job. If you've been considering attending and been hesitant, don't be. It will be, by far the most educational experience you'll attend. It's not all about Photoshop. the entire Creative Suite and Photography are also covered.
In addition, KW Media, the makers of NAPP have created a new site and magazine, Illustrator Techniques. Dedicated to Adobe® Illustrator®, it promises to be the resource for Illustrator users. I may be a tad biased though. . . they've asked me to write a few columns and have been contributing for the first few issues. Hopefully, I'll continue to help Illustrator Techniques grow and answer every possible question anyone may have about Illustrator. Check it out. . . 8 issues a year and tons of online content that will simply continue to grow. Its sheer coincidence that the first cover seems to match the color scheme of my site. :)
» Adobe Certified ExpertAug 25, 2006
Yesterday I took the Adobe Certified Exam for Illustrator CS2. I officially passed and am now a verified Adobe Certified Expert for Illustrator CS2.
» Apple recalls batteriesAug 09, 2006
I bought a 15" MacBookPro last March. Overall it's a great machine in spite of the Adobe applications not being universal binaries to suit the Intel core. In fact I still find the Creative Suite 2 very usable. Not as nice as the dual head G5 I normally work on but absiolutely a competent filler for times I'm on the road. I've been using it quite a bit and have had no complaints except one. Battery life seems very short -- generally averaging around three to three and a half hours at best.
Today, while stumbling around, I came across information that stated Apple is recalling batteries for the 15" MacBookPro if purchased between February and May of 2006. There's no apparent safety risk. It appears to simply be a performance issue. Great news! Maybe I'll get better life from the laptop. The processess seems fairly painless to get them replaced as well. . . Just fill out the online form, wait for the new batteries (I have 2) and then send back the old ones. I encourage everyone to check the link if you've got a matching machine.
» New DesignJul 26, 2006
I've pushed out another code design for the web site. Improved navigation and less page loads with the portfolio. I streamlined many areas. If you should experience any issues with the web site please let me know. Thanks!
» Full CSSJul 19, 2006
I've finally killed off all tables in the site's layout. It's now a 100% XHTML/CSS layout. While I was at it, I spruced up the page header a bit as well. For those of you that may not be aware, Internet Explorer for Windows is an absolutely horrible browser for todays world wide web. Firefox is a much, much better alternative. While working on updates I was suddenly reminded as to why I coded in table to begin with. . . IE/Win. What a piece of junk. Anyway, I believe I've got all the issues sorted out for the moment.
» PhotoshopWorld Las VegasJul 10, 2006
Vegas, baby, Vegas. I've finally registered for PhotoshopWorld. Held in Las Vegas in September, this will actually be the first time I've attended. I've intended on going for years, but somehow things have always come up. So if you're going to attend as well, drop me a line and let me know. I'd love to meet some new people at the conference!
» New Illustrator TutorialJul 06, 2006
There is a new Adobe Illustrator tutorial Creating Vector Halftones. Create halftone patterns with 100% solid vector objects, no screens and no gradients. Perfect for artwork that does not allow screening. Check it out.
» Adobe Illustrator Symbols ArticleJun 02, 2006
Thanks to a friend I recently stumbled upon a link at http://www.graphics.com that contains a reprint/repurpose to a June 2004 article about how I use custom Illustrator symbols that appeared in sbs Digital Design magazine. See it here. Now you don't even need to subscribe to read it.
» Even More Artwork PublishedJun 22, 2005
Several pieces of mine were reproduced in Illustrator CS2 Killer Tips by Dave Cross and Matt Kloskowski. This is a great instructional manual for Adobe Illustrator CS2. My work was used to explore and explain some of the functions available in Illustrator CS2.
» New CommunityAug 26, 2004
New online community, full of contests, community, galleries and fun. PixelAddiction.com. Have a look around. Join in. There's a great deal of fun and talent at Pixeladdiction. PixelAddiction was written and developed by myself
» More Artwork PublishedJun 23, 2004
Several pieces of mine were reproduced in Illustrator CS Killer Tips by Dave Cross. This is a well written instructional book for Adobe Illustrator. My work was used to explore and explain some of the functions available in Illustrator CS.
» Artwork PublishedJun 09, 2004
The June 2004 Issue of sbs (Step by Step) Digital Design magazine featured a piece created by me. The article explored the use of custom patterns and symbols in Adobe Illustrator. I use many custom created elements such as patterns, brushes, symbols, and styles when working with Illustrator projects.
This site is a showcase for Weichert Creative design and illustration. We work in all major design applications including the Adobe Creative Suite, and QuarkXpress, as well as using Macromedia Dreamweaver and hand-coding web content. All content is ©2003 - 2008 Scott Weichert | Weichert Creative, LLC or its respective client. Please do not copy, reengineer or otherwise reconstruct anything seen on this site. Thank you.
