Chapter 5

Effects

Even the best designers can overdo it when it comes to applying effects. Effect etiquette isn’t about limiting your options aesthetically so much as it is establishing clarity with what the effect does.

Use Overlays Appropriately

Let’s take this cerulean rectangle and make it mauve with a color overlay. WHYYYYYYY?! i

Use Overlays Appropriately

Try to match the overlay color to the thumbnail preview, and vice versa. Helps when scanning a document.

Easy Does It

No bonus points for the amount of effects used. i

Easy Does It

Without knowing how an image translates to CSS, you could be greatly limiting its use by loading it up with effects.

Be Intentional

Don’t treat the layer effects panel like a checklist; modify the default settings with care. i

Be Intentional

Though less gaudy than before, Photoshop’s defaults are their interpretation and not necessarily the best style for your project.

Know Your Strokes

While it’s possible you intended to have a round corner with a sharp inside, I’m guessing not. i

Know Your Strokes

Inside makes things square, Outside makes things round, and Centered does a little of both.

Consider Light Sources

Light coming in from 90deg. And 120deg. And 180deg. Wait, how many suns does this planet have?! i

Consider Light Sources

Your light source should be consistent, and also realistic when possible. Same goes for heavy drop shadows on white: they’d take a literal spotlight to have that effect, right?