try to save it as Png without merging the layers, this should solve your problem. Otherwise save it as tiff with transparency, then open the tiff and save it as ping.

Quote - Oiy! That's not good as I'm planning on buying CS4 when I start my Photoshop Classes this fall!

If you have PS CS3 I suggest you stick with it as it's faster and more reliable than PS CS4

I don't know if you already own one, but a good wacom tablet will certainly help you paint all those 'in between' shades that you are looking for.

That's correct, you have to create your own space (although the layer palette should be visible by default in the essentials workspace). Alternatively open the layer palette and detach it from the right sidebar (drag it to the centre of your canvas) and then slot it back where you want it to be (you will see a blue line every time the palette can snap)).

I know it's a different discipline but the principle is the same, go get yourself a copy of Skullmaster DVD, by Craig Fraser: [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pka6QcqxS3I[/url]

Thanks for the links, very good tutorials and advice. Much appreciated.

Livetrace is Ok if you don't need anything too precise. Otherwise patience and pen tool are your best friends!

Thank you all for this thread, very interesting stuff. The artwork on display is of a very high standard. I do agree that the basics are and will always be based on the old masters studies. Time and effort also contribute in creating a good result.

if you have a good printer at home you should be able to get an idea if it works or not.

Excellent tip about the white layer, gonna try it tomorrow at work. Thanks for the post!

That's correct, or create your own workspace and save it, it will then be available from the same menu.

The logo is balanced enough, did you try printing it very small and very large? How does it look like?

I've never heard of instant hair either, what is it?

Definitely, untick autoselect and it should work fine.

Quote - Not entirely sure what it is you want, but try this:

Create a new layer and draw the diamond shape where you want it to be. Fill the shape with any colour.

Set the layer fill (not opacity) to 0%.

Add a Bevel & Emboss layer style and turn on Inner bevel, Smooth, Direction down. Now play with Size, Soften, and the Shading (especially the light angle and altitude) to get the effect you want. You can try other bevel styles if inner bevel doesn't work for you.

I believe the above is the simplest and most flexible way of doing it.