Photoshop Type Effects Visual Encyclopedia (VOICES)

I learn quite an amount from this book, but waste a great amount of time experimenting different color values and fonts. The time that I could have spent to read many more books about Photoshop.


sure to inspire you   October 30, 2002
Tim J. Thomas (anchorage, ak United States)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

Photoshop is an amazing tool and each new version brings with it new tools, features, options, and complexity. Even long-time users can find it hard to keep up, especially in areas that aren't your speciality.

For instance, I use Photoshop fairly extensively as an image editor for my photography. But when it comes to Photoshop's text manipulating capabilities, I'm behind the curve.

If you want to use Photoshop to a degree even approaching it's potential, you need help. Thank Buddha, there are lots of good books being written about Photoshop and how to use it. Among those written specifically to educate users how to handle type and type effects, Photoshop Type Effects Visual Encyclopedia from New Riders is one of the best and deserves a spot on your bookshelf.

Author Roger Pring sets forth to inspire, inform, and teach in his book designed to turn on your creativity where type designing is concerned.

In the first section of the book, Pring lays out basic information explaining the various ways to work with type in Photoshop. In the later part of the first section, we see real-world examples of type at work, including many examples of signs and signage.

This book is called an encyclopedia after all, and the second section includes 72 different effects with step-by-step instructions so you can try them out. And many of the effects include alternatives with the instructions.

The effects are grouped into categories, like reflective effects, atmospheric effects, lighting effects, simulations, and mood effects.

There's also a very good appendix at the back of this book showing page after page of type with Photoshop filters applied, so you can see and compare what different filters do.

One way to increase our productivity in Photoshop is to learn to use Photoshop's built-in shortcuts. We know that keeping our hands on the keyboard is more efficient than switching to the mouse for things like changing tools and views. So there is a complete listing of all Photoshop's shortcuts at the end of the book.

The book also includes a CD filled with all the various effects samples, and a collection of about 20 Photoshop 'actions.'

If you want to learn more about handling type in Photoshop, pick up a copy of Photoshop Type Effects Visual Encyclopedia. I give it a solid rating of 4 stars.


What a surprise! Sophisticated instructions & fun techniques   September 13, 2002
Leslie Davidson (Southern California)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

When I saw this book, my first impression was `Cool, it looks like a great new Photoshop 7 cookbook.' If that had been the case, I would have been happy enough, but it turned out to be the type of book the expression `Don't judge a book by its cover' came from.

When you first hold this book in your hands you instantly know it is something special. The cover is made of a beautiful thick material and has large flaps that can easily be used to hold your place when you have to grudgingly walk away from the computer.

The next pleasant surprise is the table of contents. I had no idea this book not only included some of the classiest style ideas I've seen in a long time but also some lessons in typography, a very important part of the art world that has been struggling to break into the minds of many web designers.

There is no way this book will sit on your bookshelf. Instead, it will be one of the first you open when deciding how to start a job or complete a logo or fix a clients problem.

Happy Styling! Leslie


Stunning   September 22, 2002
J. Erb (Florida)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

This gorgeous book is jam packed with photorealistic effects which are also included on the CD. This book is written for Photoshop 6 and 7 for PC and Mac.

The tutorials range from downright easy to extremely complex. The book begins with an overview of using type in Photoshop. The book is heavily illustrated throughout. The layout is clean and sharp and is packed with information. There are a lot of dialog boxes showing the settings used in the tutorials.

You'll find various realistic metal effects, gorgeous polished chrome including realistic reflections, and every imaginable texture or effect. These effects are very professional looking.

There is also an encylopedia section with 72 different effects and an appendix showing all the Photoshop built-in filters and type effects. I found this book a great inspiration and easy to follow.


Best book on font effects   July 6, 2002
Barbara Rhoades (O'Fallon, MO USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

PHOTOSHOP TYPE EFFECTS
Visual Encyclopedia
AUTHOR: Roger Pring
PUBLISHER: New Riders
REVIEWED BY: Barbara Rhoades

Making a web site? Want a special type effect but nothing you are making creates the mood you are trying for? Are you fresh out of idea? Get a copy of Photoshop Type Effects - Visual Encyclopedia to put a stop to creator's block. There are eighty - yes that's right - 80 - different effects you can apply to fonts. Each effect is explained on two facing pages. Each step is written in simple terms and visualizations are provided in each step.

This is one handy book to have when you get brain freeze! It definitely gave me lots of new ideas and how-to's on using color and type to spice up a site. I am keeping a copy close to my computer for reference.