Mad Mad Manipage

[sevendeadlyfun]

So, I really really really need to shut down Photoshop and start writing. I'm pledged for three ficathons, I have two WiPs, I need to get of my lazy ass and use my ninja cut/paste skills so poor athenewolfe  doesn't go berserk from uploading all by her lonesome, and oh yeah, econ final is next week. See why I need to step away from the Photoshop?


But, I'm having such fun....

Now do you see why I don't wanna write?

Comments

[mithril-56.livejournal.com]

They're really beautiful! I love them all. You've seen my lj, so you know I know nothing about photoshop. Well, actually I do know the program a little, but I have no idea how to put up background art on an lj, how to lay out a design, etc. Could you maybe give me some advice so my site is prettier (and by pretty I mean with some pretty Angel and Spike images, of course). And re the fic writing - I love your art, but I would also love to see some fic!

[sevendeadlyfun.livejournal.com]

Sure, I'd love to help! Do you have anything specific in mind? By that I mean, do you have a banner you want displayed or would you like one made for you? What colors do you want and what journal style? Just let me know what type of ideas you have and we can go from there :)


I know, I know...I'm just in a writing funk. I have ideas, and actual plots laid out, but the whole typing them out thing? Definitely not appealing to me now. I get this way sometimes, where I just want to make pictures and read. I'll snap out of it soon...I hope!

[mithril-56.livejournal.com]

I really don't have a clue, not about the images, not about the journal style. I've tried a few of the different formats, but in the absence of images, I was simply looking for functionality and readability. I also have no clue as to how to go about finding the right images, getting permission to use them, etc. I would definitely like it to be a vampire lair sort of thing, warm, soft, hazy colors, like candle light at night, etc. Angel and Spike featured - of course. I'm really at square one here.

Re the writing funk; I know what you mean. Writers should write every day, and when I'm in the groove I generally do that. But... I get out of the groove and focused on other things, and then it just doesn't happen. Right now I'm in the groove, and have high hopes that as I finish posting what I've written so far of MF, I'll continue directly on to new material. I'm very anxious to get to it, at any rate, and that's always a good sign (as opposed to reluctance :> When the words won't come, it's difficult. Sometimes then having a plot laid out is a detriment. Maybe you should set that organized outline aside and just do a random drabble, just to get your motor going. I really admire the way you artists can make such beautiful images, though - worth a thousand words ;>

[sevendeadlyfun.livejournal.com]

Hmm...difficult. Well, let's start at square one then. Warm colors...pick three, one main color and two supporting colors. Then give me a theme...for example, Spike and Angel fighting (just an example, I know that's not what you want) or Fanged Four Spike/Angelus...something like that.

Images are pretty easy to find. The right images, well that's another story! But, there a couple really good screencap sites and several excellent JM and DB fan galleries. If you give me a general idea, I can set up a test journal for you to look at and tweak. That way your main site isn't a shambles while you figure out what you want. Also, there are a few excellent LJ layout sites that you can peruse for style ideas...check my friends list in my profile for the links :)

I do need to get writing. The problem is the way I write. I don't do well with making up the story. Usually, I just get the stories. This sounds psychotic and I'm pretty sure medication worthy, but the stories just show up in my head. I actually have a three part story over at Bloodclaim that I wrote based on a dream. I'm deranged...

Thank you so much for the compliment. I really don't think of myself as an artist, even though I make pictures. For me, manipping is brain dead time. Pictures are so much easier (mentally) than words. That's the reason behind my fits and starts with pictures...I use it to recharge.

When you figure out a couple colors and a basic theme, hit me up and I'll set up the test journal. Would you like me to make your banner or do you want to do it yourself? I'd be happy to do it for you, but I'll understand if you want to it. If you'd like me to do it, give me your journal title and a favorite quote or BtVS/AtS line...or a prompt word or something and I'm rambling so I clearly need to post this now :)

[mithril-56.livejournal.com]

Warm colors...pick three, one main color and two supporting colors.

Black (main)
Gold
Brick/Earthy Red

These probably aren't a good pallet of three, are they? I just have no sense of this at all! I mean I chose black for two reasons: 1) vampires=night, 2) Spike's duster and Angel's leather coat. I chose Gold and Brick Red because they seemed good to represent the warmth of fire, candle-light, etc. and for that reason supported night. But when I look at other sites, I know this isn't how they're designed. Oh well, :<

As for the theme, I would loved a sire/childe, master/lieutenant theme - a vampire hierarchy thing that displays pomp, ritual, family bonds, etc. while still showing how important the two are together.

Okay, and now I'll even more ignorance: what is a banner?

It's amazing I found some A/S lj's at all, isn't it?!





Then give me a theme...for example, Spike and Angel fighting

[sevendeadlyfun.livejournal.com]

Nope, your colors are totally do-able. And a banner is the nifty picture up at the top...Mine, for example, was made for me by tamakin and I requested smirky Spike, because do I love that vamp's smirks or what? So, yours can be done by you or me (I'm a PS mood, can you tell?) and it'll go at the top of your new purdy LJ. Functional, no. Decorative, of course. :)


If you'd like to see my beginning test page go to:

http://community.livejournal.com/mith_test/


Let me know if these colors work for you. Also, the layout. I chose Flexible Squares because I think it's the cleanest, but if you don't like the look of it let me know and I can change it. There's at least ten different LJ layouts to choose from...

I love projects...does it show? LoL

[mithril-56.livejournal.com]

NOW I get what you meant by the 3-color pallet! I thought you were talking about colors for a picture - I think maybe I was envisioning the banner/top piece, now that you've told me what that is. I like the colors - the gold lettering on red is a good reading contrast. And I really like the flexible squares lj layout - much better than mine is now.

Okay, when you say I can make the banner, well, I assume you know something I don't... Seriously, I haven't got a clue how to do such a thing, but maybe it's easier than it looks? If you can help, I would love it, because I can't imagine I could make one at all, much less a good one.

I'd also like to have some A/S images for my posts - like your 'snerk' Spike. Where to you get those?

And yes, I can see that you do love projects, which is very lucky for me! :>

[sevendeadlyfun.livejournal.com]

Well, I got the snerk icon from Tamakin. It's what got me to bug her for a banner. But, you can get them in quite a few places. vamptastica makes lovely icons, and so does tamakin. Those are the two that I'd recommend most highly. But, if you check around a few of the communities, like darker_spike and such, there's usually a bunch of icon posts hanging around. Just be sure you give credit to the artist, either on your profile or in the little section where your icons hang out...

If you know Photoshop, making the banner isn't difficult. Well, okay it is but no more so than any other PS project. But, since you're so willing to let me do it...YAY! I have a couple of images I think might do the trick. Do you want just Spike/Angel or would you like some William/Angelus in there as well? Also, do you want words as part of your banner (like my family banner above?) or do you just want images? IF you want words, do you have a particular phrase or quote that you'd prefer or do you want me to fire up my greatest quotes website and pick one that I think fits?

See, you'll have plenty to do here. No just lolling around writing great stories for you, hehe!

[sevendeadlyfun.livejournal.com]

Oh and if you'd prefer to continue this in IM, I have MSN, Yahoo, and AIM. Screen Name same as my LJ name. Just let me know in your response which program to use and I'll hop on!

[mithril-56.livejournal.com]

Okay, I know IM is instant messenger, but I don't have one. If that works best, I can download I'm sure. Which do you like?

[sevendeadlyfun.livejournal.com]

I'm usually on MSN...it's pretty easy to download and install. Microsoft owns the world, but at least they're user friendly overlords!

[mithril-56.livejournal.com]

I would love images of both A/S and A(us)/W - best if it's like a collage of all they are, as long as it's central theme is the two of them, with perhaps the concept of a progression through time to get where they are now - i.e. A/S and their swirly black coats ;>

I'd love words, maybe subtle ones that are a backdrop of sorts? Sire, childe and the like would be great for me. Fire up your quotes website and lets see what it kicks out!

Wow, this is exciting!

P.S.
Do you think the black background is too much of a dark thing? It's probably hard to picture it as a whole until there's a banner to look at - just wondering.

[sevendeadlyfun.livejournal.com]

Nah, I like the black. Well, my own page proves that. Black as a background is less distracting, at least for me. I'll get the image made and see what I think for words...it's easier than trying to force an image to fit a quote, you know?

[sevendeadlyfun.livejournal.com]

Hey hon! Hit over to http://community.livejournal.com/mith_test/

I finished the banner tonight and put it up. Tell me what you think. If it's a go, I'll send you the stylesheet for the CSS modifications.

Yes, if you hop on MSN or Yahoo or AIM, I'll walk you through it... :)

[mithril-56.livejournal.com]

I love the banner and the quote!

Okay, so what is the stylesheet and CSS modifications and what do I do with them? (I know, I know, what a dolt!)

I went to the msn web messenger, but I can't figure it out. I seem to be registered (though I'm not positive) but can't seem to find anything for actually initiating an instant message! I'm beginning to feel like a ludite!

[sevendeadlyfun.livejournal.com]

Oh goody! All right, did you download the MSN program? Sometimes the streaming online version can go wonky on you. If you're registered, download the program and install it onto your computer...

I'm headed to bed, but I'll be online tomorrow! I promise that if I walk you through this, it will be almost painless!

[(Anonymous)]

Hiya! Home from work, a few things done, and settling onto the computer for the evening. Are you on? If you are, whenever you're ready, we can try the MSN thing. Also, how did you get the pick to look like candlelight? I keep staring at, it's so cool. Is there a way some words can sort of faintly flow across the image? The words I'm thinking of are Sire, Childe, Teacher, Student, Brother, Friend, Lover (in no particular order - just random).

[mithril-56.livejournal.com]

Ooh, in different text style and sizes to enhance the random appearance, and sort of hazy, dissolving, as though viewed through the candlelight of the image.

[sevendeadlyfun.livejournal.com]

I'm on...hop on whenever you get this. And yeah, I can modify the image...just give me another day. I have a final tonight :)...Hop on and message sevendeadlyfun

[mithril-56.livejournal.com]

Darn, I am really sorry, but I must have just missed you. Usually I'm a real night person, but lately I've been working a lot during the day, and so the lack of sleep finally caught up with me - I went to bed at 9 pm last night! It's not quite 6 pm here now (arizona) so if you get this and you're on, let me know. I'll be up late tonight, so time shouldn't matter.

What was your final in and what are you studying? I've sort of been a life-time student myself (got both my BS and MBA while working at a large corp. some years back). I loved being a student!

[sevendeadlyfun.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'm here and I'm on....I just got this message. It's 9 a.m EST here. I'll stay on all day, so just hop on when you get the time.

Sigh...maybe we can actually get this together now. If not, I'll email you the stylesheet and as detailed instructions as I can manage...I have to go out of town for two weeks...

[mithril-56.livejournal.com]

Aack - missed you again! I saw in another post that you'd be going out of town. Don't worry and don't rush on my account - I really appreciate your help, and can certainly wait until you return and have some free time. Have a great time wherever you're going (I hope it's a trip for fun and not duty, etc.)

[sevendeadlyfun.livejournal.com]

Sweetie, it's no big. I'll be here all Thursday...I'm leaving late Friday morning. So if you have time to hop on, that's great!

Are you on MSN or something else? Because I've had my MSN open yesterday and today and I haven't gotten a message from you. Can you give me your SN so I can message you?

[mithril-56.livejournal.com]

No, I'm not on MSN - can seem to figure out how to access it. Ludite. Could you send an addy so that I can be sure I'm in the right place trying to register? The place I was at required an msn or hotmail email. I have gmail, though of course I could always open another one.

[sevendeadlyfun.livejournal.com]

Since MSN seems to be giving you a headache, we'll try AIM. It's not as popular, but I do have it. Same username as my MSN.

Here's the link for AIM download...


http://www.aim.com/

[tamakin.livejournal.com]

Wheeeeeeeee hun these are looooovely!! So good that yeah i didnt notice the lack of spike in the last one! And dude i LOOK for spike! hehehe so kudos to you!
*hugs*