Graphic-licious

Choose your resources

So, if anyone here thinks downloading textures, colorings, fonts and others is going to fill you with sudden inspiration . . . you're right. But for that short inspiration and excitement to truly be used, you need to download good quality resources, which is what this chapter's about.

The number of favorites, downloads or comments don't rate how good a resource is. What rates a resource, is how useful it is. The best resources are the ones that keep saving our ass in every graphic, when we're stuck or something looks awful, it must be the resource that fits in everything you place it on.  

Textures are life saviors, but chaotic at many times. Picking them is not really hard, but you must download them because you know you're going to use them at some point. Remember that textures are not the main focus at all times; therefore, try to pick textures that aren't way too complicated so it doesn't outstand everything else. Remember this, textures weren't made to overlap the main focus, but compliment them, blend them in, etc.  

For stocks, anything that can be used is important. So technically, all pictures can be used but it mostly depends on what are you aiming for. The trick to convert them into the best resource is to know how to use them.

Colorings, though, it's a bit different. Colorings are for different styles, but the most useful ones are those which make a graphic stand out. Mostly pick PSDs with vibrancy and contrast, and those that brighten up the image. When choosing a dark coloring, make sure that there is a certain difference between colors and tones, and that the image is actually bright enough to be seen.

Fonts. The only rule for fonts is to be readable and clear, and that's what you must aim for. Pick fonts which are easy to read.

For brushes, patterns, shapes, among others, it applies the same as stocks; the trick is to know how and when to use them.