What I refer to here as Original Graphic Design is what I have created from assorted avenues such as editing my own digital photos taken, creating abstract and fractural design through the chosen software programs tools and tutorials, and what was not created by anyone other than myself. While there are many acceptable sources of clipart, stock photos, images and objects that are available for purchase/license fee, and royalty fees; I prefer to use and create my own unique photos and designs as to not worry about possible copyright infringement, allowing for truly one-of-a-kind designing. This is not to say that I have not used anything in my works that was not made myself, as I have yet to learn how to design my own fonts, (thus purchase many), and have acquired licenses from PC (Provo Craft) Crafters for some of my merchandised gifts. These graphics on this page, with exception to the background featuring some of my desktop icons, are of my own original design.
Backgrounds are so versatile. They can be used for/in virtually everything you wish to create; stationery, websets, calendars, giftwrap, scrapbook printed pages, and so much more. I prefer to use personal photos as backgrounds rather than simulated textures and patterns wherever possible to make for the most unique layout "featuring" the person, place or thing included within the photo.
Below are some examples of each type background. If you click upon the small image, you will be taken to the actual item made with that image in a larger view.
(canvas cutout background tiles used within this website and my previous business cards and letterhead stationery, to give dimension and texture)
The above tiles aren't yet all linked, as some go with tutorials, and items made some time ago, I hope to link to, once I find them again. They relay only a few assorted effects achieved through the graphic software programs. Here are some background tiles listed as Public Domain that give even wider variety as to the type effects software imaging programs can create.
Personally, I prefer to take pictures with a digital camera, open the memory card through my computer, and pick and choose the shots to optimize for background tile use. Once optimized, I then save them to a drive for using in many capacities through layer opacity and transparency. The following backgrounds are made in this manner, and as above, the linked image will take you to views of actual items made using this technique.
