Cool Photoshop Tip for Using a Logo with a White Background

OK - So you've created this awesome layout in Photoshop but the only version of the logo you have has a white background and you want one with no background... here's how you can do it.

Place the logo into your layout and with it selected open the Layer Style dialog.
In the 'Blend If' area click on the white triangle on the top slider and move it to the centre. This will start to make the white portion of the logo transparent. You may need to split the triangle in half to refine the transparency more - to do this press the Option/Alt key and click on the triangle and it will split in half. You can now adjust the transparency by moving the 2 halves of the triangle till it looks best.

Technically the white box is still there and you'll see it if you add any other layer styles to the logo. You can get around this by doing the following steps:
Click on 'Create a New Layer' icon to add a new layer.
Select both the logo layer and the new blank layer and press Command-E/Ctrl-E to merge the logo layer and the new blank layer. Now any style you apply to the logo will appear around the shape of your logo rather than the square box.

Staying In Style

Graphic styles, like clothing and furniture, changes over time. Even with a strong brand image, you'll want to update your look every so often to stay current with the times. Take a look at Coca-Cola (my favorite, so if anyone is inclined to buy me a Christmas present, a case of Coke will do! :) ) for an example of how brands change with the times.

Why You Should Hire a Graphic Designer: Reason #11

I'm going to use #11 as a recap of the top 10 reasons to hire a graphic designer.
#1 - They can do cool stuff!
#2 - They help you look professional.
#3 - They help you save time.
#4 - They help your business get noticed.
#5 - They save you money.
#6 - They can help you figure out what it is your business needs.
#7 - They are good communicators.
#8 - They have the software.
#9 - They are problem solvers.
#10 - Your business is worth it!

Now to come up with another 354 reasons... my brain hurts

Why You Should Hire a Graphic Designer: Reason #10

Your Business is Worth It!: Can you imagine if companies like Chrysler, Ford, Apple, Nike, or Telus didn't hire graphic designers? What if they used Microsoft Publisher or Word to design their advertisements? I have a feeling that they wouldn't look quite as good. Isn't your business worth just as much? You might think that you are just a little business and can 'get by' designing your own advertisements - well they were all just little businesses once too...

Why You Should Hire a Graphic Designer: Reason #9

Problem Solvers: Good designers find a way to communicate difficult concepts, enhance your product’s credibility and in turn, help your product sell.

Why You Should Hire a Graphic Designer: Reason #8

Industry Standard Software: Graphic designers have industry standard software to create designs in acceptable formats for various uses: web, print, specialty formats, etc. With software like Publisher or Word you'll find that you are very limited in both creative design as well as available formats, and many printers or other companies won't be able to open your files or use them for professional printing jobs.

Why You Should Hire a Graphic Designer: Reason #7

Communication: Good graphic designers are communicators. That is what design is for: to communicate a product or service in a way that is visually appealing, positive and effective.