Every year about this time -- or later -- I freak out and realize that I need to create an eCard, update my Address Book, and send out electronic Christmas greetings to my friends. This year is no exception.
So I thought it would be nice to see what others are doing and maybe help a few people who have never thought of a Christmas eCard put one together.
I do see this as a workshop, so any tips on construction are appreciated -- you can be a great photographer and photo enhancer without knowing much about typography and layout.
So… I’ll show you mine if you’ll show me yours…
Christmas 2003 - Mantis Musings
After getting the mantis squared away, I used Photoshop in the following order…
1. Canvas Size in which I increased the width by one pixel (yellow) and selected the Canvas Size arrows so that the pixel line was added to the right side.
2. Used the same Canvas Size technique as above to add the block box on the right.
3. Canvas Size to add a 1-pixel yellow border around everything.
4. Added text (Kabel, as on my website). This appears on a separate layer.
5. Now here’s the tip of this message: If your type looks a little weak, duplicate the type layer [Ctrl-J or (Mac) Cmd-J]. The Opacity will be 100% and that often looks great; if it’s too powerful, just reduce the Opacity down to something between 50% and 100%).
Christmas 2004 - Santa Mantis
Photoshop again, in order:
1. I sized the mantis.
2. Then I found a photo of a hat that I reduced and used a soft eraser to form-fit to his head.
3. Canvas Size to add a 1-pixel border in gray #333333.
4. Canvas Size to create larger top and bottom borders for the message (typeface is Kabel).
5. Canvas Size a final time to create the black border -- just perfect for any festive season.
6. The only other thing I did was to create different sign-offs -- “Don Ellis” or “kleptography.com” or “donellis.com” or “Leela and Don” -- to send to different people.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go tear my hair out and see if an idea for this Christmas is under there somewhere.
By the way, doesn’t have to be a Christmas card… I’m an equal opportunity voyeur. This year Hanukkah begins on December 25th (a message of unity in there somewhere) and then there are the safer, secular Festive Season cards… so whatever you’re doing, let’s see.
Have a nice holiday,
Don
P.S. I chose the "People" forum for this message because "Holiday Cards" didn't exist and I figure a lot of people will be sending family photos as eCards.
