Recommend software for my project!

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Akira
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Recommend software for my project!

Post by Akira » Sun Jul 03, 2016 3:58 pm

I have long wanted to create my own custom DVD cover inserts for my collection. Primarily for the movies, where cover art, spine placement of the series logo, and colors vary so drastically. If that goes well, then I might go for series covers too that don't look too generic or cheap. Can anyone recommend a software with a template that is somewhat user friendly for the un-initiated? I use a Macbook Pro that is a few years old, so it will need to be software usable with this computer. It can be free or paid software, I'm willing to pony up some cash if it gives me access to features and ease of use capability.

I've seen some stellar efforts here and other sites where many have created their own custom covers. I just want to try my hand at it, and make my own. Any suggestions from those who have done so would be greatly appreciated. I have some really great ideas involving the original movie posters that I think would look great. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Also, which type of printer would be best for the highest quality print outs? Thanks again.
"Of" =/= "Have"

Contractions:
-Should have = Should've
-Could have = Could've
-Would have = Would've

The heck does "should of" even mean anyway? Think about what those two words mean individually, and then try to read them back to back in a sentence and make sense of it. Are you forming a prepositional phrase, is "should" a part of a larger grouping, or are you just typing random words based on how you think you hear them used verbally? Perhaps take a moment to contemplate this, and see if it becomes as mind jarring for you to look at as it does for me..

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DemonRin
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Re: Recommend software for my project!

Post by DemonRin » Sun Jul 03, 2016 6:26 pm

Am I to assume Photoshop won't work?

I use Photoshop CS6 and I've actually already got template files for DVDs and the like from my own DVD project.

Either way tho, I can output the template files as PSDs or TIFs for you as well if you're interested. They give you the exact sizes, dimensions, and guidelines for DVD covers and disc art.
"FUNi should take [DBZ] out behind the woodshed, give it one last treat, then blow its f%#@$ng brains out before it attacks the baby again." ~Rocketman

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Akira
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Re: Recommend software for my project!

Post by Akira » Mon Jul 04, 2016 12:06 pm

No, nothing is off the table. I am just admittedly not very knowledgable in this arena. My skills are more mechanical, working on cars, fixing machines and appliances that are having issues. I'm all self taught on that stuff, or asking others for help with individual areas of expertise, and learning as I go. I'm fairly creative on making stuff, so I thought I'd finally learn this stuff and make custom covers for things that I didn't like the stock box art for. Be it DVDs, Video games, whatever.
Just assume that I am a total newb to this, but an educated person and a fast learner. I won't feel talked down to having it explained in layman's terms, which would probably be best anyway.

I looked at your thread, and I really liked what you came up with. I have a different plan in mind for my set, but yours is some amazing inspiration for what is possible. I assume the templates you mentioned are file types that work with the Photoshop program? CS6 is the version I'd want to get to do this, and that works with Mac? I also saw you mentioned a laser printer would be best for this type of work? I'm making a list of the things I am going to need to get started. I also saw in your thread that I want to find some type of in-between "semi" gloss paper that isn't quite photo paper, but a step above normal printer paper, is that correct?

Thank you for taking the time to help me with this. I am anxious to get started.
"Of" =/= "Have"

Contractions:
-Should have = Should've
-Could have = Could've
-Would have = Would've

The heck does "should of" even mean anyway? Think about what those two words mean individually, and then try to read them back to back in a sentence and make sense of it. Are you forming a prepositional phrase, is "should" a part of a larger grouping, or are you just typing random words based on how you think you hear them used verbally? Perhaps take a moment to contemplate this, and see if it becomes as mind jarring for you to look at as it does for me..

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Akira
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Re: Recommend software for my project!

Post by Akira » Mon Jul 04, 2016 8:00 pm

Sorry to double post, but the edit window on my previous post already expired. I have been researching Photoshop, and from what I have read, the Photoshop Elements may possibly be a better option for me starting out? From what I read, it offers a lot of tutorial modes and such to help newcomers get acquainted with the program and its uses. For something along the lines of what I am trying to do, would you say that this might be the better route to take? (It is also a bit less expensive) It also seems that CS6 has been replaced with some cloud based variation that may be more than what I need to do the job. Any further information/ suggestions are welcomed. Thanks again for the help thus far.
"Of" =/= "Have"

Contractions:
-Should have = Should've
-Could have = Could've
-Would have = Would've

The heck does "should of" even mean anyway? Think about what those two words mean individually, and then try to read them back to back in a sentence and make sense of it. Are you forming a prepositional phrase, is "should" a part of a larger grouping, or are you just typing random words based on how you think you hear them used verbally? Perhaps take a moment to contemplate this, and see if it becomes as mind jarring for you to look at as it does for me..

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Ajay
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Re: Recommend software for my project!

Post by Ajay » Mon Jul 04, 2016 8:02 pm

If you don't want to spend money, you could just download GIMP, which is free. Find yourself a tutorial like this, and that's probably not the worst place to start if you're new to this.
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Akira
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Re: Recommend software for my project!

Post by Akira » Mon Jul 11, 2016 8:44 pm

I got Photoshop Elements 14, made a template, and am working on my own custom design a little bit each day. Decided to make a cover for Curse of the Blood Rubies, and have been fine tuning and tweaking the details until I get it exactly the way I want it to look. Once I do that, each subsequent cover will be merely replacing certain layers with different text or images based on this first one. That way, I'll have a consistent look throughout. Thanks for the suggestions and information. Once I have this one completed, I'll return to share a photo.
"Of" =/= "Have"

Contractions:
-Should have = Should've
-Could have = Could've
-Would have = Would've

The heck does "should of" even mean anyway? Think about what those two words mean individually, and then try to read them back to back in a sentence and make sense of it. Are you forming a prepositional phrase, is "should" a part of a larger grouping, or are you just typing random words based on how you think you hear them used verbally? Perhaps take a moment to contemplate this, and see if it becomes as mind jarring for you to look at as it does for me..

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