Signature Workshop:

[artguy]

If you need help making a signature, post one or two of your favorite pictures here and hopefully the local Photoshop Gurus will lend a hand. Be patient and check back often.

If you have Photoshop, and like to make cool e34 signatures, then dive right in and help your fellow forum buddies out!

[artguy]

Before:

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/shore_extreme_orgnl.jpg

After:

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/shore_extreme_490x165.jpg

[shogun]

That looks great. Unfortunately I am not he art guy with PC's and are happy that I can at least post a picture. But maybe someone can make something out of that.

[artguy]

#1
http://www.captive1.com/mrk/rising_sun_700x100_sig.jpg

#2
http://www.captive1.com/mrk/gate_car_600x100_sig.jpg

#3
http://www.captive1.com/mrk/mask_car_415x150_sig.jpg


I took a stab. Let me know if any work well for you. I tried to get appropriate symbols.

If you want anything adjusted let me know and I should be able to accommodate.

[Macv]

I was thinking of putting Godzilla in the background.

No offense of course :D

[shogun]

That looks great. I like the middle one most.
Maybe some people do not like the rising sun flag, which is actually the old japanese war flag
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rising_Sun_Flag
Japan national flag
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Japan

Any idea with mount Fuji as background?

There are better mount fuji pics for sure
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Fuji

Thanks a lot, I will download them all and keep them in my archive.
That is why your nick is artguy :)

[CharlesAFerg]

Did this thread seriously get deleted?
Hah... Screw this then.

[attack eagle]

Art guy made me a few...
really nice work too.

[shogun]

Just in case you need other motives. Maybe the forum name can be erased to make the pic nicer.

[artguy]

Did this thread seriously get deleted?
Hah... Screw this then.

????

[artguy]

Mt. Fuji...
http://www.captive1.com/mrk/fuji_700x150_sig_w.jpg


MacV: I was thinking of putting Godzilla in the background.
No offense of course :D
This one's for MacV...
http://www.captive1.com/mrk/godzilla_600x147_sig_w.jpg

[artguy]

CS2 on the MAC.

[healtoeit]

Just curious, are you running CS1,2, or 3?
I use CS 3 at school, I don't have enough $$ to buy it for myself (too expensive)

[bad_manners_god]

Just curious, are you running CS1,2, or 3?
I use CS 3 at school, I don't have enough $$ to buy it for myself (too expensive)

I could download it for you, burn it and ship it to you for like 20$

Heck, I'll even include the Plugin Pack.

[nizmainiac]

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u148/FLODEN2007/badgerdamage002.jpg

maybe some one could have a go at this one

[artguy]

I had a little time to kill at work:

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_451x100_uj_w.jpg


http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_600x150_absrct_w.jpg


http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_558x221_badge_w.png


Let me know if you like one. If you need any changes let me know.

AG

[artguy]

i like the second one the best, they're all really cool, could you delete my number plate and put some thing else in there? the only thing i don't like about the other two is the flag in the background and also the number plate, damn good work though:)

What would you like instead of the number plate? Or just blacked out?

[nizmainiac]

i like the second one the best, they're all really cool, could you delete my number plate and put some thing else in there? And maybe just the halo rings instead of the main beams, the only thing i don't like about the other two is the flag in the background and also the number plate, damn good work though:)

[nizmainiac]

if you could perhaps put the 89 525 bit on the plate and do the halos instead of the main beams that would be cool:D

[artguy]

if you could perhaps put the 89 525 bit on the plate and do the halos instead of the main beams that would be cool:D

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_600x150_abct2_w.jpg

No more flag...
http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_558x205_badge2_w.png

The first one doesn't really work without the flag so I didn't rework it.

AG

[nizmainiac]

sorry to be a pain in the arse but could you maybe both sets of halo's and low beams and also the fog lamps on please:p i just need to see what it would look like, if its not too much trouble

[ryan roopnarine]

Mt. Fuji...



This one's for MacV...
http://www.captive1.com/mrk/godzilla_600x147_sig_w.jpg

if shogun doesn't use this one, it would be a darn shame. the best of all.

[artguy]

sorry to be a pain in the arse but could you maybe both sets of halo's and low beams and also the fog lamps on please:p i just need to see what it would look like, if its not too much trouble

I'm away from my MAC until Monday, but I can hook you up then. Stay tuned...

[nizmainiac]

nice one dude

[artguy]

OK, my friend...let me know if they don't look quite right. I like them better with the lights on.

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_600x150_abct3_w.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_558x205_badge3_w.png

If you choose one, post it in the Signature Gallery also:
http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=36880&highlight=signature

[nizmainiac]

OK, my friend...let me know if they don't look quite right. I like them better with the lights on.

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_600x150_abct3_w.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_558x205_badge3_w.png

If you choose one, post it in the Signature Gallery also:
http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=36880&highlight=signature
thats awesome dude, one last thing if i may ask? could you try the background from the top one in the one below please?

[artguy]

Is this what you were thinking?

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_badge4a_w.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_badge4b_w.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_badge4c_w.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_badge4d_w.png

[artguy]

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/artguys_bimmers_sig.jpg

[artguy]

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/dark_xray_466x150.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/grill_type_650x100.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/shore_extreme_490x165.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/bmw_apple_525x100_sig.png

[BFEINZIMER]

hey artguy throw up ur last signature image :D

[nizmainiac]

Is this what you were thinking?

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_badge4a_w.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_badge4b_w.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_badge4c_w.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/nizmainiac_badge4d_w.png
cool, many thanks dude

[Sam-Son]

That looks great. Unfortunately I am not he art guy with PC's and are happy that I can at least post a picture. But maybe someone can make something out of that.
LA looks nice this time of year

[healtoeit]

What is a good image size? For the Initial picture and for the PS version?

[artguy]

What is a good image size? For the Initial picture and for the PS version?
This is hard to answer...because there isn't one specific answer. I'll try to keep it as short as possible.

Basic Rule to Start: "Garbage In = Garbage Out"
In other words...you should try and get as high-res of an image that you can for the initial picture.
With that said, no, you do not need an expensive 12.3 mega pixel camera costing $1900. On the other hand, most camera phones should be avoided due to low resolution and lack of control over the shot.

Here's an example of what I have used:
I have a small Kodak EasyShare CD33 which I use for a lot of general shots. It is only a 3.1 mega pixel camera. Every shot I take with it, I use it on it's highest setting (3.1 mega pixels). That highest setting gives me the following results:
Pixel Size: 2048 x 1536
Physical Dimension: 8.904" x 6.678"
Resolution: 230 dpi
Photoshop size: 9 MB
Saved JPEG size: 896 K

That makes a fairly nice photo. More than enough for anything you will ever do on the web. If you want a high-quality print it would produce a 6.8" x 5.1" print at 300 dpi (commercial printing standard).

Now as far as Photoshop goes:
I like to work with high-res images when I create things like a signature. So my picture above will work at 230 dpi.
Personally I usually resample the image so it is 300 dpi which would still have a Pixel Size of 2048 x 1536, but a Physical Dimension of 6.8" x 5.1" (the high quality print setup I mentioned above).

Then there are no limits. If you add layers and effects the Photoshop File Size will grow. I save those ".PSD files" for future editing and manipulation.

Once I'm satisfied with a Photoshopped Picture, I will flatten it and change the resolution to 72 dpi for posting on the web. The 2048 x 1536 photo will wind up at 492 x 369 pixels. A good size for forum publishing. Sometimes I will play with the pixel dimensions to get the photo bigger, but not usually over 700 pixels wide.

The final step is to make the finished pict as "web-friendly" as possible. To post on the forum you should keep all photos to 45K or less. Makes loading times much quicker. I use Photoshop's "Save for Web" feature. I usually use the Medium or High JPEG setting. By doing this I can get my images down to between 25K - 45K. And they are ready to post up!

Clear as Mud? Hope it helps. Any questions, please ask.

[Jehu]

Ok i'll play.. check Here (http://home.comcast.net/~cpkver8/index.html) and surprise me.

[healtoeit]

Clear as Mud?
No sir! Once this quarter ends I will have some time to make mine. Ill try and get something together within the next week or two.
Thanks for the help!

[Macv]

Ok i'll play.. check Here (http://home.comcast.net/~cpkver8/index.html) and surprise me.

The pic of you 42 years ago at the same spot is really cool. Kind of inspiring. I wish someday in my life I'll be in the position to return to places that remind me of a good time.

[Jehu]

The pic of you 42 years ago at the same spot is really cool. Kind of inspiring. I wish someday in my life I'll be in the position to return to places that remind me of a good time.

Have you decided what you're doing with your ride yet?

That baby pic is in Marshfield,Ma. I took my first steps there. It is a Summer cottage in my Mother's Family. Absolutely some of the best memories of my life. The smell of the salt in the sand, running over the rocks, fishing and diving off the Jetty. Probably why I could never live further from a Coast than I could drive to for a day's fun.

[NovceGuru]

I spent some time in the Marshfield/D(eluxe)uxbury area over the summer, very nice place.

[Jehu]

I spent some time in the Marshfield/D(eluxe)uxbury area over the summer, very nice place.

It has remained amazingly unpoiled in spite of the influx of population over the years. The Beaches are still very nice and the water clean. Snorkling is also a blast . Feel free to ask if you find yourself looking to rent a house on the water this summer there. My Uncle now owns the house where that pic was taken and lives next door renting this one in the warmer months

[BFEINZIMER]

naw art i mean the one that i gave u the idea for awhile back, i like the way that came out :)

[artguy]

naw art i mean the one that i gave u the idea for awhile back, i like the way that came out :)

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/bimmer_sig_0907.jpg

That was an awesome suggestion on your part!
I haven't used it in a while 'cause I wanted to sport the beach pict more, but this is one of my favorites.

[artguy]

Here are some examples of different resolutions and how they look on-line.
These are done using the "Save for Web" optimizing feature in Photoshop.

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/4x6_RGB_72dpi_JPEG_Low.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/4x6_RGB_72dpi_JPEG_Med.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/4x6_RGB_72dpi_JPEG_High.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/4x6_RGB_72dpi_JPEG_VHigh.jpg

You can see the resolution loss in the Low version, especially in the type.
There isn't a big difference in image quality between Medium and High.
There is a BIG difference in file size between the Very High setting and Medium and High.
So the rule is: Choose the setting which looks the best (every pict will be different) and stays around or below 35 KB.

[BFEINZIMER]

uea i really liked the way that turned out :D havent seen it in awhile :P

[artguy]

Here's a few to check out. If you need any changes, let me know. Hope one fits the bill, if not, let me know what you might like to see.

AG

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/JEHU_block_let_w.png

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/JEHU_road_408x150_w.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/JEHU_then_now_sig_w.jpg

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/JEHU_crop_700x135_w.jpg

[artguy]

Makes it much easier for me to find now...:D

[shogun]

if shogun doesn't use this one, it would be a darn shame. the best of all.

Great stuff, use it if you want, no prob for me.
I will also use it case by case. :D

Thanks a lot artguy
http://www.captive1.com/mrk/godzilla_600x147_sig_w.jpg

[shogun]

and another one
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/mustang196718/shogun_2.jpg

[artguy]

...and you said you couldn't work photoshop ;)


and another one
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/mustang196718/shogun_2.jpg

[artguy]

I can't find this camera in Australia, its not sold here, so what other camera do you recommend?

This technology has leveled off enough that just about any brand, when comparing the same features and abilities, will probably do the job.
Canon, Olympus, Nikon and Kodak are all good in my opinion.

A lot of it comes down to how it feels in your hand and if it has the features you want for the price you are willing to spend.

Whatever camera you consider, do a search for some customer reviews, and if you can, go to a store and hold one and look it over...that's always best.

If you want a bit of a higher-end camera, I'm considering buying the Nikon D40 right now: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3435016&Sku=N13-4220
over the Canon EOS Rebel: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1243315&Sku=C930-1094

Neither of these are super-fancy, but they have more than enough resolution and features to do anything I will ever need.

I have always wanted a Canon EOS Rebel. But, through some customer reviews I heard that the Canon can have a tendency to have less-clear pictures versus the Nikon. So that's the only reason I'm leaning toward the Nikon.

Let me know how it turns out. Kudos on the eye-poppin' signature too...;)

[BigKriss]

I can't find this camera in Australia, its not sold here, so what other camera do you recommend?




Here's an example of what I have used:
I have a small Kodak EasyShare CD33 which I use for a lot of general shots. It is only a 3.1 mega pixel camera. Every shot I take with it, I use it on it's highest setting (3.1 mega pixels). That highest setting gives me the following results:
Pixel Size: 2048 x 1536
Physical Dimension: 8.904" x 6.678"
Resolution: 230 dpi
Photoshop size: 9 MB
Saved JPEG size: 896 K

[shogun]

...and you said you couldn't work photoshop ;)

no, no sir, that was also the work of someone else ;)

[bimmerd00d]

BigKriss, had to change the sig man, that aint worksafe.

[Bo525i]

Concerning Canon versus Nikon image quality from dpreview:

"With all that in mind it's a pity we could so easily have predicted the 400D; with the commercial success of the 350D in their minds Canon clearly didn't want to take any risks with the 'winning formula'. This, however, is perhaps the EOS 400D's achilles heel; that it was so predictable. So predictable in fact that Nikon clearly saw it coming and went one better with the D80; they also managed to close the image quality gap to a degree where the differences are as good as irrelevant."

Canons have always been a bit sharper than Nikons in the the SLR low-middle segment, but now Nikon is catching up!

So its a matter of features and handyness now, and here many select Canon out of pure habit, but if I was to choose now I´d get me a Nikon D80! :)

[artguy]

Concerning Canon versus Nikon image quality from dpreview: Canons have always been a bit sharper than Nikons in the the SLR low-middle segment, but now Nikon is catching up!
So its a matter of features and handyness now, and here many select Canon out of pure habit, but if I was to choose now I´d get me a Nikon D80! :)

The D80 would be nice...the only reason I am considering the D40 is price. I can maybe swing $400-$500, but not much more.

[Bo525i]

The D80 would be nice...the only reason I am considering the D40 is price. I can maybe swing $400-$500, but not much more.

Just make sure you get the D40x, its a upgraded model ;)

[attack eagle]

yep, the d40x is worth the extra 100-200.

gives you the same res as the d80, basically is 1/2 between d40 and d80 in terms of features, and almost d80 performance. that is what i am shooting with now.

only USEFUL thing that the d40x can't do that the d80 can, is use older full manual 35mm lenses, and maybe aperture preview.

I shoot in raw, and file size is about 8.5-9.2 Mb.

[Macv]

yep, the d40x is worth the extra 100-200.

gives you the same res as the d80, basically is 1/2 between d40 and d80 in terms of features, and almost d80 performance. that is what i am shooting with now.

only USEFUL thing that the d40x can't do that the d80 can, is use older full manual 35mm lenses, and maybe aperture preview.

I shoot in raw, and file size is about 8.5-9.2 Mb.

I only shoot raw as well ;) ;) ;)

My D40 is amazing. My D40x is just as amazing. My D80 will rip your face off.

[Dr. evil]

anyone what to have a crack at mine? something new mexico related would be nice

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc233/A12volt/IMG_0641.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc233/A12volt/IMG_0642.jpg

[billy]

Just in case you need other motives. Maybe the forum name can be erased to make the pic nicer.

will this do 4 you?

5439

[Triton540i]

Hey... I really enjoyed this thread, do you guys have any more signature ideas?! :)

[artguy]

Had a little time and thought I'd take a stab at it:

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/DrEvil_sig_type_alien.png


http://www.captive1.com/mrk/DrEvil_sig_alien_634x100_w.jpg


http://www.captive1.com/mrk/DrEvil_sig_flag_road_w.jpg


http://www.captive1.com/mrk/DrEvil_sig_mountain_w.jpg

New Mexico theme. Couldn't resist the whole alien thing.

Let me know if something strikes you.

[artguy]

Here's another I did:

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/Binjammin_wrench_sig_w.png

He requested it and I think it turned out pretty cool. Simple, but to the point.

[525i winter driver]

http://www.captive1.com/mrk/DrEvil_sig_flag_road_w.jpg



imo you should use one of dr evil's slick wheels where the roundel is.

hey how come this thread isn't a sticky anymore?



http://www.captive1.com/mrk/Binjammin_wrench_sig_w.png


that is really really cool