Want to make a precise selection using the Photoshop Marquee tool, say 300 x 250 px? This brief tutorial show you how:

• Select the Marquee tool
• Up in options bar, select the style drop down menu entitled Normal and select Fixed Size (you can also select Fixed Ratio which will lock in a specific ratio such as 5×7)
• Set you size parameters and make your selection
• Your selection will be locked into that specific size.

Note: You can also add feathering to the edges to soften the selections edge or use the Refine Edge dialogue.

Ever wondered how to create a centered-page layout like the example? Well, like most things in Adobe Dreamweaver CS4, centering your website within the browser window is a snap — once you know how.

Here’s the secret: It is all within the margins.

When setting up your website to be centered on the browser screen you need to edit the Page Properties and set the left and right margins to auto.

Here’s how.

[1] Select Modify > Page Properties.

[2] Select the Appearance (CSS) category to set the options.

[3] In the Left and Right Margin enter Auto.

[4] Click OK.

Dreamweaver will now center your website (or container div tag) on every browser.

(Note: Your page properties may differ from the above screenshot, but the basic principle is the same.)

Want or need a crash course on everything design from typography to color theory to layouts and grid? Here is a great starting place: 50 Free Lessons in Graphic Design Theory.

Excerpts:

10. Master Web Typography: 8 Detailed Typography Tips for the Web: “One of the most under–rated elements of beautiful Web design is the subtle art of typography. Part of this, I know, is a lack of a solid font support for Web sites. But never fear! Today I’ll show you some quick things you can do to appear to be a type master.” [read more]

27. How Colors Impact Moods, Feelings, and Behaviors: “While perceptions of color are somewhat subjective, there are some color effects that have universal meaning.” [read more]

Click to Enlarge

In Photoshop, you can select any color from anywhere on your visible desktop.

[1] Choose the Eyedropper too.

[2] Click-n-hold anywhere within your Photoshop document.

[3] While still holding the click, drag the Eyedropper tool onto the color/object you’d like to sample.

[4] Unclick.

Wala! Color selected.

[1] Select a layer in your layers pallet.

[2] Now press a number on your keyboard to change the opacity of that layer. For instance, if you press 4 then the opacity of that layer will be set to 40%.

[3] Pressing two numbers in quick sequence will set the opacity percentage precisely (4 + 5 will set it to 45%).

[4] Press 0 to reset it to 100%.

Opacity, set.

Whenever I find a good resource, whether for training/how-to or simply inspiration, I will pass it on here. I needed a good tutorial on creating vector characters in Adobe Illustrator CS4 and came across this little gem from Colorburned. It walks you through the entire process, step-by-step, from sketch to final render with shading. I found his basic techniques very helpful. Here is an excerpt:

Step 1

To start, create a sketch of your character. I like to use my Wacom pen tablet and Photoshop to create the sketch, but you can use whatever medium you choose. After creating the sketch, scan it (if you are using traditional media) and save it on you computer in an easily accessible spot.

Step 2

Now to Illustrator. Create a new document and place you sketch in your new document by going File > Edit > Place. Find you sketch on your computer and center the image on your document. [read more...]

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This does require a basic understanding of Illustrator CS4′s Pen Tool so I have also included this online video tutorial on how to use the Pen Tool. Happy vectoring!

Adobe Illustrator CS4 Pen Tool Tutorial by Harry Hamernik.