PhotoshopMadeSimple just around the corner
The New PhotoShopMadeSimple tutorial is just around the corner, and you can check out one of the new Photoshop tutorials right now:
“How to create a gel button”
While you’re at it, we’d love to here from you…
You see, we’ve created the tutorial using 2 different styles, and we’d like to hear from you which one you prefer.
I’ve uploaded 2 videos and they have one thing different between them – The way the text is displayed.
Video 1:
For the first video we’ve used the traditional “Bubbles” for the text:
Video 2:
For the second video you’ll find a new method for displaying the text. With this method the text is displayed at the bottom of the screen and it can be turned on and off:
Click the links below to watch the 2 videos, then leave a comment letting us know which video you prefer and any other comments.
As a special thank you for your feedback, if you’re one of the first 20 people to let us know which video you prefer and leave a comment, we’ll be sending you a special discount coupon, which you can use on any of our products including the new up and coming PhotoshopMadeSimple.
Click the image below to watch Video example 1.
Click the image below to watch Video example 2.
And remember to leave a comment letting us know which style you prefer and any other comments…
September 27th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Hi there Mark, I really like the format that you are using in your tutorials.
It’s good to be able to follow the instructions and interact with the tutorial.
I think that this will help most people, as you are doing as you learn.
As to which video I prefer, I think I will go with #1 as I think that having the text
on the actual screen helps as you really don’t have to look for the text in another
place.
Keep up the good work !
Kind Regards
Rickrey
September 28th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Hi, Mark.
The tutorial is really well done. The first video with the text works well. Reading, as well as doing, helps you remember the steps better.
However, the second video is the one I would personally choose to use. The text scrolling across the bottom is obviously not as noticable. After a few screens, I shut the text off and found that it worked better for me than the first video. So, my choice is the second video. I like the feature to turn the text off/on.
Thanks.
Susan
September 29th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Hi!
I personally like the #1 demo. Having the text righ below the action makes the most sense to me. I think otherwise, people may even miss the text not thinking to look below the screen.
Great Tutorials-really appreciate your hard work!
Julie
September 30th, 2009 at 5:31 am
I didn’t have much of a choice as the information on Video example 2 did not show up on my screen but even if it did, I would like Video example 1. I don’t like having to look for instructions and having right on the video is best.
I like all of your other videos, they are very easy to follow and you can rewind them if needed.
Thanks.
October 1st, 2009 at 9:10 am
Video 2 worked the best for me, the text is there if I need it and off when I don’t
as I will need to watch this video a few times to get it right I like the option of haveing the text off.
Great video, Photoshop is still a mistery to me too many buttons and options so I need a step by step course.
Steve
October 1st, 2009 at 9:25 am
I liked the text/set up in tutorial #1 better. It was easier for me to read short lines of text rather than the longer running line of text in video #2.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:04 am
Hi Mark;
After viewing both videos, i would prefer #1. I like the text on the screen(color made it more visible) while video #2 caused me to take my eyes off the stage, it would be great if you could turn it off or on. I really appreciated the pause feature, i remember really needing that as a beginner. also the highlighting of sections was useful. Keep up the great work.
Leathal
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Hi Mark,
good work. I think the 1st option is better. The text comes right infront of the screen. So its easier to read and follow. Some one can follow it even without listening the audio. It would be great if it was downloadable. So that I could go through it even offline.
Thanks with regards
Soumyo
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Hi Mark,
Looking at the two options, whilst #1 is very good, it does take over quite a bit of the screen area. #2 gives you the flexibility to be on/off, which is good, but because of where it is, it sometimes obscures part of the bottom section of photoshop (no problem in current example, but a thought for the future). Because of this, could I put in a vote for #1 in a smaller text size (not as small as at the bottom of the screen), and with an on/off function if adobe provide that option on the callouts? … and when will the photoshop made simple be available? looking forward to it … Regards, Nick
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:22 am
Mark,
For someone like me, who has very little computer experience but is still trying to build a website, I think Option #1 is preferable. Listening and reading at the same time is more reassuring as I try to learn how to navigate on a computer and in programs. Thanks for all the free tips you’ve been sending my way.
Roger
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:33 am
Number 1 heaps better for me and very visible – couldn’t even find a toolbar with text along the bottom in the 2nd example!
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:43 am
Hi Mark,
I feel Video #1 and Video #2 are both put together real solid. Everyone will have their own personal preferences but I prefer Video #2 for the Closed Captioning and being able to choose on or off. The only thing I would change is to make a short intro video or add to the current videos that offer the CC Option to point out how to use it (turning that option on and off) some new viewers do not understand how to do that and I always keep the beginners in mind when making videos. I would also try to offer the Full Screen Option for those who might have a Dual Monitor Setup so they can view on one and do on the other (Not everyone has this but it is a nice feature if using Dual Monitors). I would also like to suggest that you have a download of the Tutorial(s) too (PDF Transcription). I try to offer those when making videos so someone can print them out and read them to follow along with. Some people still prefer reading. A download of the free videos would add a nice touch for offline viewing at a later time or when you have no Internet Access. Well, that is enough rambling on for now and I hope you are not offended by the suggestions. Take care and keep up the great work Mark.
Fred.
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:58 am
Given the two choices, I like #1 the best because the text stands out more and is easier to read. However, I did like that #2 had an on/off feature… sometimes trying to read the text is distracting from paying attention to what I should be doing, so I prefer to turn it off. Like Nick Goodenough sasays, if you could have #1 with an on/off button, that would get my vote. As it stands, between the two, I vote for #1.
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:58 am
Mark -
The tutorial is excellent! I’ve been using photoshop for years and still learned 3 or 4 new techniques that I’ll be applying immediately. Liked the voice over and the process of starting and stopping the video to allow time to try out the technique. Thanks for a splendid addition to my ongoing education for this amazing tool. Best, Bob
October 3rd, 2009 at 9:46 am
I prefer method No. 1
The instructions are right there in front of you and you don’t have to move your eyes away from the action.
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:12 am
Well, I did not see any text on the second video. However, I would still prefer the “bubble” version. From the pictures of the “videos” It appeared as though the text on the second video would have appeared at the bottom of the screen. If I could dream, I would like the option to turn off the “text” as I prefer, just to listen rather than having text obscure “my view”.
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:36 am
Mark,
Wow! Great video!! Both are fantastic, but I really (really!) liked version #1. Talk about an easy way to learn! Hearing the video and seeing the words together produces the effect you were aiming for — a super easy way to understand and learn. These are first class videos and I think they’re the best I’ve seen (and I’ve looked at a lot of videos on the web, both free and ones I’ve purchased). The pause feature is a great feature, making it so easy to follow along. Thanks for the great videos. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
Pam
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:42 am
hello-
great tutorial . i prefer example # 1 . the text is much easier to read . this format is really the fastest way to learn a new skill because not only do you hear the instructions , you see the instructions and actually work right along with the tutorial. great job .
thanks
rich
October 3rd, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Hey,
Good Tutorials, I was unable to access video #1 for some reason, but I did like video #2. I’ve never used photoshop before, but this video took me step by step to create a button. One complaint I have, is the part where it asks you to right click an area next to the button, when I do that, it gives me a pop up menu with 2 options, settings, and about adobe flash player 10… left click didn’t work, and the right click popped those options, so I had to stop there.
October 3rd, 2009 at 12:35 pm
greetings
Text in the first option is easier to read, and I was more comfortable being able to read the text along with hearing it, as opposed to listening to it only. Nicely done tutorial!
October 3rd, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Hi Mark
After a couple of looks I actually found text of any sort distracting, the interaction you have built in is so good that the text is not necessary so for me option 2 with the text off is brilliant. Thanks for this sample I have already learned how to make a glass buton!!
October 3rd, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Hi Mark
I liked the second tutorial better than the first. the first was okay but the writing in the box distracts a bit as it is continuous the second tutorial allows you to listen better to what is being said and the optional read at the bottom allows the viewer to concentrate more on what is happening instead of trying to read at the same time as the tutorial is going on. I own some dvd tutorials on beginners photoshop and I must admit they did not do much for me this one makes it look so easy. and excellent tutorial
October 3rd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Video is really nice and understandable. I prefer the first video, for two reasons:
1. You can put the text near the action. Especially on a larger screen the second video made me miss some pointers because my eyes must go forth and back (how lazy can a person be…).
2. I found the text in the first video better to read, because of the ‘shinethrough’ background in the second video. Making the background solid would be better imho.
October 3rd, 2009 at 4:55 pm
I have just been back again to the video and created yet another excelent button.
I would not have had a clue how to do this with without this help.
Well done I’ll be looking forward to release date
steve
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Mark;
Great job as usual. I too had problems when the videos came to making the reflection. It asked me to right click in blank area next to the button. It offered me two options: settings and about Adobe flash player.
The two videos are equally useful, I understand that some will like video #1 as opposed to video #2. Depending on peoples preferences they will pick what works best for them. Myself I prefer video #2 with the option of turning off the text. It does not clutter the main viewing area and you see the whole workspace. I have used different videos and I prefer this as it helps in concentrating on whats going on. The text can be turned on if needed as a crutch. I also would prefer an offline version that I could use while traveling without a Internet connection.
Keep up the good work.
Mike
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Hi Mark
I really enjoyed the tutorials and found the first easier to follow. Just watching the one vidio confirmed that there is a lot to photoshop I never realised was there!
Unfortunately I must have found a glitch as I couldnt get to duplicate the button in either tutorial
Regards
Rob
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Mark,
Having watched both sample videos a couple of times, l found that video 1 was easier to follow as the tutorial was clearer to read in the bubble, whereas video 2 l had to select the cc button at the bottom of the page to turn on the text and the visibility of the text was not as clear. On clicking the return to blog button l received an error message “Sorry ! we could not find http://www.infowbelink.com – Do you mean http://www.infoweblink.com“. Having both vocal and text tutorial seems an excellent way to learn.
Sonia
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Hi i found both videos good to work from the first was probably easier to see as the text box is quite large however I am more inclined to choose the second as the text is out of the way plain and can be turned of if you require so better options on the second would swing it for me and overall the tutorial was great loved it
Pete
October 3rd, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Hi Mark,
I personally find both tutorials great, and could learn by either approach however, I find video 2 suits me more, as the ability to turn the text on and off is great, and therefore doesnt distract from the tutorial should you not wish to read at that time, but if you do want text … it is only a click away.
Keep up the fantastic work!
Sarah
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:31 pm
I liked the glass button with reflection it is fairly simple to do . I look forward to the release.
Sue
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:31 pm
nice video. Very easy to understand and follow. I had trouble clicking on the buttons for the part where you needed to right click and then duplicate and the one where you held the shift key down and drag. They did not work in either video. Could be my computer. I am not familiar with masks, so when it got to the part about masks I would have liked a little bit of an understanding about masks. I got lost with the concepts at this point.
October 3rd, 2009 at 9:34 pm
being an computer science engg. student i really found this and most of kostner’s productive video tutorials very helpfull.they not only make it look simple but they inspire for further explloration since he just DONT SURVIVE HE RULES..U ROCK KOSTNER!!–Anuj Sharma
October 3rd, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Whatever you choose 1, or 2 make sure you can turn the captions off. For this reason I prefer 2. I notice a number of people didnt know about turning closed captions on so you might like to try your test again to get a more accurate feedback.
October 3rd, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Loved the simplicity and straightforward flow of the video 2. Clear and easy! Ran into two glitches, don’t know if it was my system or not. When it came to duplicating the button, nowhere I right-clicked did I get anything but an error message. An informational hint would be a great help here for any this happens to. Had the same problem when it came to merging layers. I circumvented each problem by restarting the video from than point and proceeded as if I had completed the steps.
Looking forward to the book.
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:48 pm
I have made buttons with other software. Getting them to work successfully in multiple browsers was sometimes a challenge. I viewed the Photoshop tutorials #1 and #2 on how to make buttons.
SUPER. I really like the personal involvement to click along. I was comfortable with the voice and pace of the training. I immediately opened my Photoshop and made two buttons to replace some buttons on my site. I was able to get the color I needed to blend with my site with the options shown in the video. I did not know they existed as part of the Photoshop package. Now for the time to update my site!
I believe I will start using Photoshop more as I get more confident with it after using the PhotoshopMadeSimple tutorials.
A winner as a training tool.
Thanks,
David
October 3rd, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Terrific instructions Mark, by far the best I’ve seen and I love the interactivity. It is as good as having personal instruction!
Thanks,
Steve
October 3rd, 2009 at 11:20 pm
By the way… i like the first tutorial… text is a good addition.
October 3rd, 2009 at 11:38 pm
it’s fantastic video.Someone easily understand all about photoshope.Great video i enjoyed it.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:38 am
Mark,
Your PhotoshopMadeSimple tutorial is exceptional! There is nothing like seeing, listening, and DOING to make the Tutorial come alive and then to actually apply what you are learning at the same time. This is the way that ALL Tutorials “should be.”
Hats off to you for all the hard work and perseverance on this. You have just enabled the “rest of us” that dabble with Photoshop actually learn how to use it. Thanks for a great job, and keep the excellent work up!
October 4th, 2009 at 3:32 am
I can see that the majority is overwhelmingly in favor of #1. I agree. Although the text box takes up space in the video screen, it does not interfere with the visibility of what is happening. For people not very familiar with the location of tools, they can stop the video and still have the instructions available while they look for the tool or setting they need at any given time.
Version #2 is more elegant, but there is a time and place for elegance. A training video should be easy to follow and #1 really is. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to give our input.
October 4th, 2009 at 6:25 am
well done this is soo cool, great work!
October 5th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Hi, Mark.
I went through the videos again and still prefer the second video. The video still guides you to the correct location on the screen and teaches you the names of the areas on the photoshop screen.
Thanks. Susan
October 6th, 2009 at 2:47 am
Hi, Mark!
If I had known you were coming out with a PhotoshopMadeSimple training package, I probably wouldn’t have signed up for the Photoshop Fast Track for Newbies. This is a good training package, but I am much more impressed with the simplicity of your videos and the step-by-step approach that your training follows.
I prefer the first video. While the text is sometimes distracting, I believe it is much easier to read and the follow the steps being discussed. The second video was good as well. I didn’t even realize, until I started reading some of the comments, that the cc was an option that could be toggled on and off. This is a nice feature, but the text is much less legible on this layout.
Hope that helps with your decision on which to use. Whether I win the package or not, I will definitely be interested in purchasing this video series.
Thanks, Mark, for your efforts in making website design and publication a little less daunting and a realistic task for anyone willing to spend some time going through your trainings!
Keep doing what you’re doin!
Kelly Hildebrecht
February 28th, 2010 at 10:15 am
I think the video 1 has a better retention rate than video 2, which has no text.
February 28th, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Hi Mark,
I am Bhaskaran, here, as for the video tutorials, I like the first one since when we miss out the words we still can see the texts and follow the lesson.
You have been doing a yeomen service in teaching website designing where knowing Photoshop is an essential part.
I am eager to have a feel of it soon…
Thanks,
Bhaskaran,
vakil123@yahoo.co.in