First impressions can become the last impression. A websites visual appeal is the vital premise for holding viewers to that page. The appeal of the website is a key part in any marketing tool. That’s why the look and feel of a websites aesthetics can increase viewers. A website should be colorful, but not overwhelming. Buttons must be easy to navigate and the pages should flow seamlessly. There are many programs to create unique graphics and intrinsic images. The following resources will provide insight on using the programs and gathering images for making the best impression for a website.

Making Your Own Graphics

Paint Shop- Printable tutorials for Corel Paint Shop Pro X.

Photoshop- Photoshop tutorial presented by the science department the University of Chicago.

Paint Shop Pro- Animated tutorial for Paint Shop Pro.

Adobe- Tutorial for creative suit 4 of the Adobe graphic software bundle.

Computer Graphics-Tutorial and tips for creating graphics.

Corel Drawing –Tutorial for creating graphics using Corel Drawing software.

Xara Extreme-Tips and in depth tutorial for making graphics with the Xara Extreme program.

Collecting Graphics

Clip Art-Several clipart categories provide through the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.
Clip Art Images- Free downloadable graphic images.
Annie School Days- School type graphics from A to Z.
Free Graphics- Free website button graphics.
Vector Graphics- Over 165 free vector graphics and icons.
Free Vectors- Several categories of free vector clip art.

Add Some Pizazz to Your Graphics

Animate it- Create animated GIF’s through this Photoshop tutorial.
Character Animation- Give movement to your character with this tutorial.
In- Betweening- Use the technique “in-betweening” to create animated graphics in Macromedia Flash.
Gimp- Guide for creating animated GIF’s with GNU Image Manipulation Program.
Photoshop Elements 6 – Tutorial for creating animated images with Photoshop Elements 6.
Snow Flakes- Make falling snow with tools using the most popular graphic creation software.
Animated GIF- Simple easy instructions for creating a basic animated image.
Animated Images- Step by step guide to creating animated images.
From Square to Animated- An explicit documentation of transforming a still facial image into an animated speaking image.

Please feel free to print any of the above resources that are of help to you.  Be sure and stock up on ink-jet cartridges or toner before you do so.