Deck Framing in AutoCAD

These tutorials walk through a process for creating the AutoCAD linework for the framing plan of wooden deck. The first video discusses strategies for drafting the linework, adjusting the lineweights, and strategically copying repeating elements throughout the plan. The final design demonstrated in this video includes the framing components (post, beam, joist, blocking, and hardware)…

Getting Started in InDesign

The tutorial walks through the steps for creating a new InDesign document and using three basic tools: the rectangle tool, the pen tool, and the type tool.  Each of these tools was essential in the building of a portfolio template.  The video also demonstrates strategies using a template to quickly insert content to create a…

Creating Shrub Masses in Perspectives Using Photoshop

Vegetation in perspectives can be tricky, whether in first-person or aerial perspectives. 3D Modeling programs like SketchUp can struggle with quickly and effectively placing large masses of shrubs and groundcovers. While programs like Lumion can help automate that, there are times where collaging images in Photoshop can more effectively communicate the design idea. This video…

Basic Tools in SketchUp

This tutorial walks through the very basic tools and concepts in using SketchUp. It is intended for people who are using SketchUp for the first time or are looking for a refresher on the basic tools and procedures. The video demonstrates how to build basic objects using the line and shape tools, modify those shapes…

Getting Started in Adobe Illustrator

This video walks through the steps for creating a base for site plan diagrams in Adobe Illustrator. The tutorial begins with a New Document setup, creating an 11×17 sheet in landscape orientation. It then examines how to link jpeg and photoshop files, create a clipping mask, use grids and guides, discover color themes, and lock…

Creating a Section using Photoshop

This tutorial demonstrates a process for creating a section using AutoCAD linework and Adobe Photoshop to collage images and apply color. The tutorial begins by demonstrating how to export the linework from AutoCAD, open in Photoshop, and make minor edits to the linework (1:41). The first rendering steps in Photoshop involve applying base colors to…

Inserting Grass in Photoshop Perspectives

Outside of advanced materials and external renderers like Lumion, it can be difficult to represent realistic grass in perspective renderings. Often it will simply appear as an image of grass on a flat surface. This video tutorial will discuss replacing this approach to grass with a photograph to create a more realistic representation of grass…

Using Gridded Soils in GIS

This video walks through the steps for using gridded soil data from the USDA NRCS Geospatial Data Gateway.  The video will describe how to download and extract the data and use the join tool to merge soil characteristics into the 10 meter raster file to then map the data by soil characteristics. The video will…

How to Save a PDF from Adobe Illustrator

In many instances, saving a PDF of an Adobe Illustrator file using the Illustrator Default settings can create an incredibly large pdf file. This can create various problems including trouble printing the file, emailing file, or simply opening and viewing the file. For this reason, it’s important to choose another option other than the Illustrator…

Applying Base Color in Photoshop

This tutorial will demonstrate two techniques for applying the base color to your rendering in Photoshop.  The first technique uses the paint bucket tool to apply color to new layers in your photoshop file.  The second technique uses the solid color fill approach and demonstrates two advantages of using this technique over the simpler paint…

Customizing your AutoCAD interface

There are several reasons to customize your AutoCAD interface. One reason might be to add certain toolbars for the project or type of work you are performing. Another reason would be to remove certain toolbars to maximize your view of model space while working. This tutorial will explore some of the basic strategies for customizing…