Banner Tutorials using Free Software

[Former_Member]

I'm writing three tutorials on how to make a shop banner for Etsy using free (but professional) software called GIMP. They're covering three different styles of banner:

• A solid background with text
• A photo background with text
• A photo or solid color background with text and graphics (like clip art, cartoons, drawings etc.)

There are a million ways to make these kinds of banners more advanced and you can do it all in GIMP. (You can even edit your photos in GIMP with the same pro-level tools as Photoshop without the cost.)

I'll be posting them on my blog over the coming week and I wanted to let everyone know to look out for them!

[Former_Member]

I hope it's OK to post the link to my blog here... not trying to spam you guys!

http://pareandfocus.com

[Former_Member]

The First Tutorial is Up!! If you like it, don't forget tell a friend or your team mates who could use a hand :)

http://pareandfocus.com/index.htm/etsy-shop-gimp-text-banner/

[Former_Member]

I just read your tutorial is fantastic. I will use to assemble my banner. Thank you very much!

[ScrapsofLuv]

How very kind of you! I am currently in the market for a new shop "look" so this is very timely for me. Interested in the second tutorial..

Thanks again,
pat

[TinyTiptoesBoutique]

This looks great and I'm definitely going to check it out! Thanks for sharing!

[Former_Member]

Cool. Thanks!

- Danielle

[Former_Member]

okay this is definitely worth me looking into when I get home :). Thanks for the post!

[Former_Member]

You're so welcome! I write photo-tutorials for a living and it's my pleasure to be able to help out fellow Etsy sellers in the process :)

[Former_Member]

Hi Dainty!

I sort of have an idea for my banner but I don't see it described in your three 'choices'...unless I'm not understanding it, which wouldn't be the first time BELIEVE ME! I'd like a (slightly) textured background with a few (maybe 3) photos of my pieces. And somewhere in there (not sure where) ... the name of my shop. I've been banner-less for too long! Do you explain anything like that in your blog?

THANKS! (And thanks SO much for doing something SO nice to your fellow Etsians)! XO, Judy:)

[Former_Member]

Hi JuJu, This will be covered in the last tutorial -a background with text and graphic designs - I only mentioned adding cartoons and drawings but you'll be able to add your own photos to the banner in the same way.

I'll keep you in mind when I write that one and I'll make sure to mention exactly how to add a texture and how to re-size your own photos to fit on a banner. Hope that helps!

What kind of texture would you like to add, a canvas or cloth texture, wood, or are you looking for something specific? We can add pretty much anything you like but how we do it will depend on what you're looking for.

[Former_Member]

Oh that would be fanTAStic! Ummm, I guess I'm thinking of something sort of 'organic' looking ... maybe cloth texture ... it's the kind of thing that I'll KNOW it when I SEE it. I did see one here on Etsy a few days ago that I liked. Maybe I'll convo you with that info so you can see what I'm sort of looking for, OK? THANKS AGAIN!!!!
J.

[Former_Member]

Having examples of the style you're going for on hand while you make your banner is a great idea. You could check other websites, real world signs... maybe even things completely un-related to signs, and put together an inspiration board for your shop the same way brides put together inspiration boards for weddings :)

Doing something like that might help put together a cohesive look for your entire shop! (And I love the idea you sent me about using the same texture in your banner that you use for your background!)

Thanks JuJu You're really helping get my creative juices flowing!

[Former_Member]

Wow, really? Maybe soon my OWN creative juices will start flowing, lol. Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting this banner done. I can't actually get to it until after the weekend 'cause I'm having out of town guests and will be BUSY, BUSY, BUSY! But I'm thinking a lot about how I'd like it to look. And btw, can I also make a business card using the same (GIMP) technology? I've already downloaded the program but have NO IDEA how to use it! One more question: using the idea I mentioned to you .... will I need to actually photograph these backgrounds (the paper) and save it in my i-photo? I have no concept of how this will happen, as you can see! Thank you so much, Dainty!
-JUDY:)

[Former_Member]

You're in luck! You can use GIMP for all of your graphic design and photo editing needs. And you're not expected to know how to use any pro level software just by looking at it :)

I'm almost done writing a GIMP for beginners ebook and if you're interested I can send you an advanced copy. It will talk you through all of the important tools and techniques that will make you a GIMP master in no time!

Yes you will need a photo of the background/ texture you want to use, but I'll walk you through that a little more in the tutorial.

[Former_Member]

Sorry to bump this : / Just wanted to keep the links to the tutorials consolidated in the same place :)

Here's the next one about using a photo for a background.

It's got bonus tutorials for color correcting your photos, and adding a drop shadow effect to the text.

And GET THIS!!!! I made Videos!!!!

I'm so proud of me :)

Here's the link -

http://pareandfocus.com/index.htm/take-charge-of-your-etsy-shop-make-an-easy-banner-with-a-photo-bac...

Hope you like it! (if you do, spread the word so I can keep making these)