Any info./advice for photoshop would be greatly appreciated

[choppermech]

I'd like to begin working on sigs, banners and avatars and stuff. So I have a few questions. I've seen some great artwork in this community and thought that maybe I could get some good advice.
I have Photoshop 5.5. Is this a good start or should I look for a better version? If so where can I go to get a better version without having to sell a kidney to do so?
Is there a list of links for tutorials that I "can't do without"?
Where can I get more custom brushes?


Oh, I've seen a lot of tutorials for making designs and stuff but how do I use several images from various pics to make one pic with the other images blended together?

I really appreciate any help I can get with this.

 

[The Dark Elf]

Photoshop 5.5 is fine, you can do plenty with it, though its missing a lot of new features, you should be fine with it though to begin with.

Try google, there's sooo many PS tutorials out there.

And learn layers too, those are insanely useful for what it sounds like your wanting to do.

 

[nofx]

Just practice on photoshop until you start understanding how to use most of the filters and how they work because it will get easier and easier and youll have less steps to do. also trythis site www.good-tutorials.com

 

[CR0M]

use Macromedia Fireworks for web graphics, it walks all over photoshop for that sorta thing. I've used it for 5 years and do all my sigs/avatars with it.

Get a 30 day trial HERE

 

[choppermech]

Thanks for the input. I'll keep working on it and if I can come up with anything good I'll post it here.

 

[destrukt]

Stay away from filters.

Also, try and find Photoshop 7 or CE. Buy it 2nd hand, or get a studenet copy (considerably cheaper).

 

[Dux]

Stay away from filters.

Not entirely true.

 

[Shuzer]

Stay away from filters.

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?

Be sure to use LOADS of lens flares, they're SO cool!

/me has a seizure

Kidding, of course. One way I've found to learn PS fairly well is buy a course book that has a companion CD with the projects on it.

 

[Ch1cKeN]

dont shy away from layers.

layers are your friend. Dont neglect them.

Filters are alright on their own sence but dont overuse them.

The pen tool is your friend. Dont neglect it. EVER.

Experiment around. DO crazy stuff. and if you make a mistake, there's always CTRL+ALT+Z

 

[choppermech]

LOL Ok. Thanks.

 

[choppermech]

What luck!! I was able to get the Photoshop CS upgrade at the PX here on post. It was the last one. Thank God it came with a book and training disc.