Friday 19 April 2013

How To Create an Outfit Post if You Don't Know How to Use Photoshop

If you're interesting in doing an outfit post but you don't have any experience with Photoshop or Illustrator there is a really great program you can use and it's free to download.

It's called Serif DrawPlus (the starter version). I'm going to walk you through the very basics of using this program to create outfit posts. Once you learn the basics, you will have the knowledge to use Illustrator as these programs are very similar.

STEP 1: Download Serif Drawplus at http://www.serif.com/free-graphic-design-software/
















STEP 2: Once the program is downloaded, find the picture you want to use. Bookmark the page to use when you are ready. (Be mindful of copyright).

STEP 3: Open Serif DrawPlus and start new drawing. Select portrait. Select snapping and make sure pixels are displayed. Make a rectangle to suit your blog post width settings (usually 400px-500px width works).

Step by step tracing tutorial
Step 4: Create a title. Copy and paste the image into the picture.

Step by step tracing tutorial - illustrator and serif
STEP 5: Crop your image using the pen tool. Enlarge image and zoom in very close to get a good trace. The closer you zoom and the shorter the distance between the dots, the better your trace will be. You may have to practice with this pen tool for quite a bit before you get the hang of it. When you want to create curves you must click and keep your finger down on the mouse and drag before clicking again to make another dot. (PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK TO SEE A TUTORIAL ON TRACING USING THE PEN TOOL).

Once the image is fully traced via the crop tool, use the black arrow tool and select the trace. Do not move it's position. Then put your finger on the SHIFT button and make sure you select the original image. Once both are selected at the same time, right click and choose "crop" then select "crop to top image".

Step by step illustrator serif tracing tutorial.

Step by step illustrator serif tracing tutorial.
STEP 6: Keep pasting images and cropping as needed (or, use images with white backgrounds so you don't always have to crop them). Add text and shapes if you desire.

EXPORT IMAGE by following these steps:

Using your mouse, create an invisible box around the completed image, selecting the entire rectangle and everything inside. While everything is highlighted, click file->export->export as image. In the next screen, export it as a .png. file. 

Step by step tracing tutorial for fashion outfit posts.
STEP 7: Import your final image into blogger. Select 'original size' and make sure you enter information into the properties tags so Google indexes the photo!

How to crop an image. Striped dress trend
Creative derivative work of original image by Eva Rinaldi
STEP 8: Email me if you have any questions!

Question - If you already know how to make an outfit post, which image program are you using? Have you used Serif Drawplus before? Would love to hear your thoughts.

-Tara

20 comments:

  1. Wow that is amazing! The cropping tool looks easier than photoshop! Will definitely consider this. :)

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    Replies
    1. Awesome! Yeah it's very similar to Adobe Illustrator. Very easy to use once you get the hang of it. Very straight forward if you already have Photoshop experience.

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  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. 'm so happy I discovered this post. I was so clueless before, this helped a lot. Thanks! xoxo, Amber.

    unexpressedpotential.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing Amber.

      I'm glad you could get something out of the post. Email me if you have any questions @ fashionblogging101@gmail.com :)

      Tara

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  4. Great tip Tara! Cool tool!
    I am lazy to create such so I actually just rely on Polyvore. LOL. Hahah.
    Hope we can follow each other dear! Already following you.
    Happy weekend! Keep in touch!

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    ❤ ~Chai
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    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lol!! I love Polyvore :D

      Thanks Chai. Cute blog and am following ;)

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  5. Such a great idea!! Thanks for the tips!!

    XO XO
    Ashley

    www.shimmereveryday.com

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome Ashley, thanks for commenting! I'm glad you enjoyed it

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  6. this is SUCH a great tip, i'm so glad I discovered your blog! i use pixlr.com but it isn't as versatile as this looks. will definitely check it out!

    ps - check out my JewelMint giveaway!

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    Replies
    1. Awesome!! Glad you got use out of the post. I've never used Pixlr I'll have to check it out.

      -Tara

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  7. This is a great post! Really helpful!

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  8. Very good explanation!

    THE2NDAVENUE.blogspot.com

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  9. Thanks for sharing such a great tool.

    Stay Stylish,

    TL. Xx
    Twynkle Loves
    http://www.twynkleloves.com

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  10. This is fantastic Tara. thank you xxxxxx
    www.livingtalkingdoll.com

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  11. this is great!! would polyvore be similar as well??? I have an account with them and it seems much a like. great information.

    julesofstyle.com

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  12. Hey thanks :) This was really helpful! Looking forward to more posts from u. xxx

    ReplyDelete