For people like me I welcome the Inkscape open source vector graphics editor which is free and contain the same features as most drawing applications. Inkscape is no Abode photoshop but this is just right for people like me who is trying to learn the basics of editing simple things visually.

Despite the open source and free nature of Inkscape, the features are impressive as it supports the W3C standard Scalable Vector Graphics (SGV) file format. The software also incorporates SVG features like markers, clones, alpha blending, a streamlined interface for smooth editing. Also, the software provides easy editing of notes, has the ability to perform complex path operations, trace bitmaps and so many more features that even professionals can use everyday.

Inkscape is a feature rich application that requires heavy hardware requirements and you would need to plan for this the same things as when you plan on installing Adobe Photoshop and tools.

You can use Inkscape to create icons, design web pages, web buttons, and your own free-hand vector art. This software is too powerful to be offered for free, but it is. If you have the hardware requirements to install this app I would suggest to go ahead and install it. Even if you are not into graphics and occasionally edit images, Inkscape is far better than your Microsoft paint brush.

I will try this out and give you feedback on how it goes.

Image from Inkscape.

Post from: EveryJoe

Inkscape a Great Tool for non-graphic Artists

Bokeh Effect Image created with Pixelmator

The Colorful Bokeh Effect tutorial was the one that caught my interest. I like these types of images and saw it as a great opportunity to learn how to create one. So I downloaded a copy of Pixelmator again since the last copy I downloaded was an older version and the trial had expired. After installing it I proceeded with the tutorials. I honestly thought that it would take longer but I was over and done in less than 10 mins. It’s really easy in Pixelmator.

Not only was I surprised at how easy it was to do the image but the quality of the resulting image was great. For this tutorial I got to use the gradient tool. All I can say is that the gradient tool was great because you can see a live preview of the gradient you’re creating. Pixelmator makes use of the Macs GPU and produces quick filters and tools.

For $59 bucks, Pixelmator is a great buy. It has most of the features that everyday people will use. Sure Photoshop is still better but it also comes at a price. Most people won’t need that. Pixelmator makes it affordable for people to start and improve their image editing skills.

I would seriosuly recommend this app.

Post from: EveryJoe

Pixelmator: Photoshop For Everyone

My Top Graphic Program Icons

• Macromedia Fireworks MX 2004:
  Granted Macromedia was purchased by Adobe at the end of 2005, this was the last version of the software I purchased before Macromedia and Adobe joined forces. I use it for any major graphic design work that requires some special effects, or layering of images. I’m not the highly skilled professional, but this program does more than I’m even coming close to maximizing what can be done.
• Snagit from Techsmith:
  Snagit has become a core application in my toolbox of development work. It’s so much more than just a screen capture utility. It helps me grab images for mock-up work, practicing with edits as well as documenting the work and efforts I’m taking for my clients.
• Irfanview:
  This is a free tool that has also become a worthy addition to the list of applications that have been added to the short list of must-install software on a new computer or a rebuild.
• Paint.NET:
  Another free tool that I think starts to really expand the features and functionality of what can be expected to be found in a free application.
• Picasa3:
  Although I wouldn’t really classify it as an image editing program, it does have some features that a beginner user would find helpful. However, I include it in my list because of it’s image management and library functionality.

I haven’t gone into detail about the features and functionality of each program, I’ve just listed them here as a heads-up for some applications you may want to read more about yourself if you’re not familiar with them already.

If you already use these programs or are just starting, let me know what you think about each of them in the comments.

Post from: EveryJoe

My Favorite Graphics Programs

[image courtesy of Apple]

Apple recently began shipping its new 24″ LED display. Macworld reviewed the display and gave it a 4 out of 5 rating.

The new display currently has a limited audience, it being owners of the new aluminum MacBooks and the the new MacBook Pros. Both of which sport the new Mini DisplayPort.

Since the new display is using LED panels, startup or warm-up times are faster, energy consumption less and it should last longer. The glossy screen also should give a more vibrant image although it also comes with glare.

Macworld says its strengths lie in great viewing angle, usb 2.0 connectivity and a 3 headed cable that supplies power, display and usb connectivity. The power connection will negate your needing to use the Magsafe adaptor that comes with your portable. You can keep that in your bag.

At $899, it’s not cheap. Then again Apple products aren’t meant to be cheap. If you’re a new MacBook/MacBook Pro user and you’re in the market for a new monitor to extend your desktop or just to have a bigger workspace this might be a good choice. It is pricey though but it just looks so darn good.

Here’s some unboxing pics from AppleInsider.

Post from: EveryJoe

Macworld Reviews the Apple 24″ LED Display

There’s a great piece of software that allows you to view certain web sites in a 3D wall. Have you seen the iTunes commercial with the wall of album art? It’s similar to that.

CoolIris is a browser plugin for both Mac and Windows that allows you to transform your browser into a 3D viewing wall. It’s perfect for viewing youtube videos, photos at flickr. etc.

It currently works with Google Image Search, YouTube, Facebook, Flickr, MySpace and other sites. Check here for the full list.

The plugin is currently available for Firefox 2 and 3 for both Windows and Macs. IE for Windows and Safari for Mac. Check the downloads page here.

I tried it and I must say it’s sweet. It’s a good way to browse through the media available in the above mentioned sites. Plus, the cool factor when the chicks see you browsing. So go check it out.

Post from: EveryJoe

The Web In 3D

From the Press Release:

VISTA, CALIF. – August 5, 2008 – TRITTON Technologies, a pioneering leader in USB external video card technology, today announced the launch of the SEE2 Xtreme. The long awaited Mac-compatible version delivers on the promise of providing an external USB 2.0 video card solution for Apple users. An ideal solution for multi-tasking, the SEE2 Xtreme enables users to connect multiple displays to their computer. The SEE2 Xtreme is now shipping for an MSRP of $119.99 through TRITTON’s network of online and retail partners.

The SEE2 Xtreme:

• Supports up to 1920 x 1200 for DVI and VGA
• Supports widescreen and rotated screen resolutions
• Supports video playback
• Features mirrored, primary, and extended viewing modes
• Includes DVI to VGA adapter

Windows user will be able to connect up to six SEE2 Xtremes to one computer while Mac users will be “limited” to 4. Just think… this means for only $480 (plus monitors) Mac Mini users will be able to have 5 monitors. I know for me, the lack of multi-monitor support has been one of the factors that have kept me from seriously considering a Mac Mini so this is great.

I am looking forward to getting my hands on one of these and seeing just how well it works. If it does what I think it will do, this opens up a ton of possibilities with out the cost or complication of buying individual video cards for each of my computers.

What do you think? Anybody used one of Tritton’s products on a windows computer? I am hoping to get one for review soon and will let you know all about it.

[BTW... A quick search gave me an actual street price of between $85 and $95 USD]

Post from: EveryJoe

Tritton SEE2 Xtreme Is Mac Compatable

Snoop Dogg is teaming up with the guys over at Crestock images and holding a design contest. Winners in each round get Mac merchandise, recognition on Snoop Dogg’s site, and Limited Edition Exclusive Snoop Dogg merchandise.

So head over to the site, take a look at the requirements, and get designing. And if you win, don’t forget to tell everybody that the guys at The After Mac told you about the opportunity.

Oh… and if you don’t know about Crestock, check them out while you are there. They have a free stock photo everyday and some pretty killer, inexpensive stock photography.

Post from: EveryJoe

Free Mac Stuff for Snoop Dogg Fans

However there are free or cheap alternatives to Photoshop that will satisfy the needs of most users. Photoshop is very powerful but most users won’t have a need for all that power. Think of it as using a Ferrari to go to the shopping mall.

So I’ve rounded up some Photoshop alternatives. I’ll also be reviewing them one by one in future posts.

Acorn
Acorn is simplicity personified. It’s meant to do a task and do it well. It does away with other features that most people won’t really use.

You can chain image filters and create all sorts of effects. Use the iSight to create new images and layers. One of the features of Acorn is the ability to have people write plugins using Python or Objective-C.

Acorn is $49.95.

ChocoFlop
ChocoFlop is being positioned as an alternative to Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter. It’s targeted towards people who work with digital media. It has limited print capabilities and from what the developer said, it might just stay that way.

ChocoFlop uses the CoreImage and OpenGL code making it very powerful. It doesn’t use any legacy code so it’s faster. The downside is that it will only work with the latest OS (10.4+) and recent hardware. It’s a universal binary.

As of this writing it’s still in beta and free but that will change when the release candidate is available.

Pixelmator
Pixelmator is in my opinion one of the most beautifully designed apps I’ve seen for the Mac. The interface is just great.

It’s a powerful, easy-to-use image editor. Among the other apps this is the closest to Photoshop I’ve seen. It has a full assortment of painting tools, retouching tools, correcting tools and other things. It’s a layer based editor as well.

Pixelmator is $59.

Post from: EveryJoe

Photoshop Alternatives