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Danielle Gervino

Danielle Gervino

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January 9, 2019 · Blogging Tips, Blogging Tips + Career

If Graphic Design Scares You…Read This

Ah, guys...being hard on myself today. Feeling like I haven't been giving the blog enough love and need to get that feeling off of my chest (although I did just launch a podcast, so there's that).

I constantly preach consistency, but to be honest, ever since I took a few weeks off during the holidays, I've been totally scattered and just feeling not like myself when it comes to my business.

One of the things I know I have to work on getting better at is being more mindful with my time. As a fixator, I tend to start a project and it becomes all I eat, sleep and breath for the time being.

For example, earlier this week, I started designing the collage below on Photoshop, just playing around because I wanted some new graphics for my blog. 5 hours later, I was still "just playing around", and that time could have been spent so much more productively. But hindsight is 20/20, right?

 

You Don't Have to Be a Pro

What that project DID get me thinking of, however, is how passionate I am about graphic design (I am not the best, and I wouldn't even consider myself great) but I do know enough.

In today's post, I'm sharing some quick and easy tips with you for adding doodles to your photos and creating collages. If you're wanting to get your creative juices flowing but are feeling a bit nervous to tackle a project from scratch, I promise you'll feel better about it by the end of this post!

TIP 1:

Familiarize yourself with three Photoshop elements: the quick selection tool (allows you to isolate an image, like the photo of me sitting down in the collage), the brush tool (endless possibilities of textures and patterns to play with - the star border around my body and the "xo" were both done with the brush tool), and layers (what overlaps with what, and all that good stuff).

What I recommend if you're a total beginner: YouTube tutorials and practice.

This quick selection tutorial is a great tutorial and super in depth. It will teach you all about the quick selection tool and how to approach those not so easy selections!

 

graphic design tips

On to the brush tool! No, it's not just a boring paintbrush. There are so many things you can do with the brush tool, including textured lines, pattern stamps, and even confetti or sparkle effects.

The photos you see to the right were both simply created with the brush tool and a steady hand (I recommend doing your Photoshop designs at a desktop computer - makes it much easier).

I've put together a zip file containing all of my favorite Photoshop brushes that you can download here! To install a brush file, simply double click it. When you open Photoshop, click the drop down arrow next to your brush to see your new files!

 

graphic design tips
graphic design tips

TIP 2:

Balance out your elements. A beautifully designed collage is perfectly imperfect. I like to balance out my collages with a little bit of text (usually a quote or a short saying), photographic elements (pictures or single images like flowers or polaroids), patterns, textures and layers.

Pick a color theme! The cool part about design is that there really are no rules, but one tip I like to follow is to have a color theme for each of my collages. That doesn't mean everything has to be the same color - pick a palette that works together and work with shades and tones within that palette.

Need some inspo? Search "color schemes" on Pinterest!

TIP 3:

Speaking of Pinterest...use it for allll the inspo! You don't have to 'have an eye' to be able to think up something über creative. If you're struggling with where to start, head on over to Pinterest and search "graphic design collages". Better yet, come follow along with my Graphic Design board.

TIP 4:

For a simpler edit, skip Photoshop and save yourself time with easy editing apps! I made this simple star doodle entirely in an app. Some of my favorites are A Design Kit, Over, WordSwag and You Doodle. Of course, Unfold is my go-to for the borders and backgrounds like in my filmstrip photo above!

So...are you feeling ready to take on your next project? Did I ease your nerves a bit? Hope so! If you still have questions that I didn't answer in this post, leave them below! Would also love to know what type of graphic design video tutorials you'd love to see! 

Filed Under: Blogging Tips, Blogging Tips + Career

Keep reading...

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How to Leverage Instagram Stories to Grow Your BrandHow to Leverage Instagram Stories to Grow Your Brand
I Quit My Job as a Teacher…Here’s What Happened Next

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Victoria says

    February 8, 2019 at 10:23 am

    Thank you so much for this! I’ve been trying to figure this out for the longest time!

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      March 5, 2019 at 6:04 pm

      Ah, glad I could help lady! xo

      Reply
  2. Azanique S. Rawl says

    January 13, 2019 at 9:08 pm

    Thank you for these tips! I would love to learn how to use Photoshop this year 🙂

    xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      March 5, 2019 at 6:03 pm

      Not as hard as you think babe! xo

      Reply
  3. Caitlin says

    January 13, 2019 at 9:36 am

    I just love how you add so much spice and pizzazz to these photos

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      March 5, 2019 at 6:03 pm

      Ah thanks lady! xo

      Reply
  4. Laura Leigh says

    January 12, 2019 at 6:41 pm

    Absolutely loved this post gal! I second Ruthie – you are so creative. Impress me constantly!

    xo Laura Leigh
    http://www.louellareese.com

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      March 5, 2019 at 5:58 pm

      Aw thanks girlfriend! You’re the sweetest and I SO appreciate that! xo

      Reply
  5. Torey says

    January 11, 2019 at 10:23 pm

    Thanks for sharing! I’m terrible at Photoshop but I do love those apps you mentioned! Also Canva

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      March 5, 2019 at 5:57 pm

      Yes! Canva is definitely a great alternative if you’re looking for a program that’s a bit more user friendly 🙂 xo

      Reply
  6. Anna Kaitlyn Ashley says

    January 11, 2019 at 6:49 pm

    Which photoshop app do you use and is it on your phone or a computer?

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      March 5, 2019 at 5:50 pm

      I use Photoshop 2019 on my desktop! xo

      Reply
  7. Ruthie Ridley says

    January 11, 2019 at 12:40 pm

    I am so impressed! You are such a creative!!

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      March 5, 2019 at 5:48 pm

      Aw thank you Ruthie! xo

      Reply
  8. Candace says

    January 10, 2019 at 10:48 pm

    Totally in love!! I really like how it turned out.

    XO
    Candace
    http://www.thebeautybeau.com

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      January 11, 2019 at 10:44 am

      Thanks Candace! xo

      Reply
  9. Stephanie says

    January 10, 2019 at 6:04 pm

    Aaaaand THIS is one of the primary reasons I follow you – you actually SHARE how to do things. I have always admired your edits and designs and wondered how you accomplished them. Thank you so much for putting this post together.

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      January 11, 2019 at 10:21 am

      Aw thanks Steph! So happy to do it and always willing to share. xo

      Reply
  10. ashley hargrove says

    January 10, 2019 at 3:33 pm

    You are seriously my absolute favorite! Your blog is perfection! Your photos are perfection! Teach me your ways! 😉

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      January 10, 2019 at 4:03 pm

      You are ridic lady!! Kindest, always. xoxox

      Reply
  11. Molly says

    January 10, 2019 at 2:49 pm

    OMG I am so impressed!! I am obsessed with this!

    http://www.mollyonthemoveblog.com

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      January 10, 2019 at 3:01 pm

      Ah, thank you times a million Molly!!

      Reply
  12. Nadia Lynn Garcia says

    January 10, 2019 at 2:24 pm

    This article! YES! I just finished my first graphic design class and I loved every single thing about it. I’m having trouble doing stuff unguided on my own though, but this article has just helped me a ton. Love it girl!

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      January 10, 2019 at 3:01 pm

      Oh how cool! Would love to carve out the time to take a more advanced class. I’m sure there is such great info. So glad this helped!

      Reply
  13. Mandy Nicole says

    January 10, 2019 at 2:18 pm

    I am so obsessed! I love how you broke everything down! Don’t be too hard on yourself! I do it all the time but it’s about the bounce back not the actual break! Keep it up!

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      January 10, 2019 at 2:59 pm

      Love it when you put it like that! Thanks lady 🙂

      Reply
  14. Lauren Belzer says

    January 10, 2019 at 2:16 pm

    Absolutely love this + subscribed to your newsletters, new posts and everything in between!!!

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      January 10, 2019 at 2:57 pm

      Aw yay! So happy you’re here Lauren! xo

      Reply
  15. Samantha says

    January 10, 2019 at 2:04 pm

    Definitely book marking this!! Love your post.

    http://stylebysamantha.com/keeping-yourself-accountable-for-2019/

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      January 10, 2019 at 2:57 pm

      Awesome! Thanks lady!

      Reply
  16. Zoey says

    January 10, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    The collage looks fab! I used to do collages all the time when I was back at uni – I might get back in to it this January while i’ve got some free time on my hands!

    Zoey | https://www.zoeyolivia.com

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      January 10, 2019 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks Zoey! They’re actually totally calming for me to just sit and play around. You should totally carve out some time to get back into them 🙂

      Reply
  17. Hillary Conheady says

    January 10, 2019 at 11:34 am

    Your graphics are SO amazing!! I love the idea of using Pinterest for inspiration! Thanks for the tips gal!!

    xo, Hillary | hillheady.com

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      January 10, 2019 at 11:43 am

      Thanks SO much Hillary!! Pinterest is THE best for inspo, use it myself all the time!

      Reply
  18. Cathy says

    January 10, 2019 at 10:58 am

    This is so good. I hardly know what to do in Photoshop. I’ll have to try this and play around. Thank you for the tips!!

    XOXO
    Cathy

    Reply
    • Danielle says

      January 10, 2019 at 11:15 am

      I totally get that it can seem daunting, but what I’ve learned is that you don’t need to know EVERY too. Learn the ones that you need and want to use, and go from there! Much easier to build up your knowledge that way, otherwise it can be overwhelming 🙂

      Reply

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I’m usually alll for neutral nails but decided t I’m usually alll for neutral nails but decided to do a little something different to manifest Spring (trying anything at this point 🤪).  Found these French manicure stickers on Amazon & tried them out with OPI’s “I Am What I Amethyst” (“Put it in Neutral” for the top coat). I did a UV gel, but you can also do this with regular polish! 👉🏼 http://liketk.it/38WIr @liketoknow.it #liketkit #springnails
How long have you been here following along for? H How long have you been here following along for? Have some new faces over the past few weeks so figured it’s the perfect time for a little reintroduction! ☺️👋🏼
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1️⃣ HI 👋🏼 My name’s Danielle, but all of my friends and fam call me Dani (that means you too now) and I was born & raised in NY.
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2️⃣ My husband Joe and I lived in CT for 10 years where I taught 3rd grade 👩‍🏫. 6 years ago, Joe and I both made major career changes. I left teaching for marketing & design, and Joe left market research for commercial real estate.
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3️⃣ We have a black & tan cavalier, Charlie who we often refer to as “the bear” 🤪🐻  4️⃣ A few things I love 💗 : Alone time (ISTJ here) 🙋🏼‍♀️, staying in, dogs, poptarts, all white, jalapeño margaritas, and some gooood reality TV.
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5️⃣ And a few things I don’t 🙅🏼‍♀️: Surprises, bad grammar, slow drivers in the left lane, not having the last word, and my anxiety.
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That’s the ☕️!! Whether you’re an OG or a newer face, I’m so glad you’re here 🙃  http://liketk.it/38VDp @liketoknow.it #liketkit
Dear Winter, I’d like to trade in snowy weekends Dear Winter, I’d like to trade in snowy weekends, below freezing temps & having to wear 67 layers around my house for some signs of Spring. Really, any signs of Spring. I’ll take the tiniest sign you’ve got🙏🏻.  Sincerely, Willing to give up cute snow outfits.  Jacket is 55% off (wearing 6) & my fave waterproof boots are back in stock (size up 1/2 size). http://liketk.it/38QMQ @liketoknow.it #liketkit
If you would’ve told me a year ago I’d be find If you would’ve told me a year ago I’d be finding ways to make sweats look cute for straight up 365 days I would’ve been like...nah girl, #jeans4lyfe 👖💯. But here we are...and I’m totally okay with comfy as the new normal 💁🏼‍♀️  DG BFF’s...#IYKYK!!! Sending a bunch of you coffee on me this morning ☕️💗 Shared the ‘secret formula’ 🤪 to put in the question box in this week’s newsletter. Thought it’d be a fun way to do coffee on me every so often! If you missed this weeks, you can sign up at bit.ly/DGBFFS (or with the link in my bio) 🥰  http://liketk.it/38Mgi @liketoknow.it #liketkit #styledinsoho
Do you stay neutral or add in pops of color when S Do you stay neutral or add in pops of color when Spring rolls in? 🌷  Happy Friday friends! Although there’s defff no signs of Spring here in NY (were snowed in for the 2nd day in a row 😑). I’m ready for allll the Spring colors. So many good finds at @hm right now.  Swipe to see how I styled this vintage crew neck & a few of my fave new arrivals! Everything linked in @liketoknow.it 👉🏼 http://liketk.it/38J7x #styledinsoho #hmootd
Friend days > snow days 👯‍♀️ Anyone else Friend days > snow days 👯‍♀️ Anyone else really MISS friends? Don’t get me wrong, I love Joe’s company but seeing a friend, IRL, has not happened very often around here in the last year 😅😩. Brighter (& warmer) days ahead 🤞🏼. • http://liketk.it/38FJG #liketkit @liketoknow.it
Winter or Spring? ⛄️🌷 Layers on layers are Winter or Spring? ⛄️🌷 Layers on layers are a non-negotiable these days over here 🥶 Spring can’t come soon enough!! Linked up some of my current cold weather favorites 👉🏼 http://liketk.it/38yYK @liketoknow.it #liketkit #hmxme #styledinsoho
Mental health 🧠 Let’s talk about it. This ti Mental health 🧠 Let’s talk about it.  This time of year more than ever for me is always the hardest. That long stretch of Winter, lack of sunshine, short days...add being stuck in the house and sometimes it all just feels like too much.  This is your reminder that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed & to have those not so great days (weeks, or even months). I think a lot of us are feeling a strain on our mental health more than ever right now & it always helps to know that you’re not walking through it alone 💗 http://liketk.it/385TJ

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