Re: Basic graphics question

>>>>
I'm a beginner looking for ways to create graphics for websites.  I've
been previewing Xara 3D on a 15 day trial and it does nice 3D headings
but am wondering if it's worth the $39 to buy it. (I'm very poor)
<<<<

I think something more general purpose would probably be in order.

I would recommend a program like ULead PhotoImpact. It is priced higher
than than something like Xara. It is a program directly aimed at the web
developer. It comes with a GIF animator and a very good web image
optimizer, image slicer, button maker, html exporter (using layers to
figure out what to do) plus a LOT of buttons, mouseover, banners, and
other templates.

http://www.ulead.com/

>>>>
Also, how do you create other graphics, such as color clip art?  I can
do an easy one such as a button in Paint, but anything more
complicated is beyond me.  I'm not an artist.  What software can do
this easily and cheaply?
<<<<

The canned templates that come with PhotoImpact use layers. What that
means is that if you have a three color button with text, you can change
each of the three colors and the text. In fact, learning about layers
and how to manipulate them, is where the templates shine. By learning
about using layers you can make the canned templates your own. They give
you an excellent starting point. 

I would further recommend that if one does purchase the program that
they invest a little more and get the ULead manual that comes in the box
rather than the downloadable version. Having a printed manual has really
made a difference (really, Really, REALLY).

Oh, if you were running Linux, you could use a program like GIMP (GNU
Image Manipulation Program), Xpaint, ImageMagick or XV or utilize some
of the 3d and presentation/draw capibilites of OpenOffice. These are all
Open Source Software.

But actually, I run Windows for testing web pages (I run it in a window
on my Linux desktop) and for two programs: PhotoImpact and HoTMetaL Pro.
Hope that this information helps.


-- 


Jim Tom Polk -:- jtpolk(at)austin.rr.com 
"You might as well fall flat on your face 
 as lean over too far backwards."         - James Thurber
"The Universe is run by the complex interweaving of three 
  elements: energy, matter and enlightened self-interest."
     		                      - G'Kar  "Survivors"

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