Learning Xara

[LonK]

I've been trying to learn Xara for about a month now. Here is my most recent effort.
http://nickelcandy.com/blog/images/gallery/Cheers.jpg

I've posted a few others in my blog gallery too. Have a look if you're so inclined. Your comments are welcome.

I'm at the point now where I'm hooked, but still need more basic knowledge of the program -- and, of course, practice. I realize that this forum is an excellent place to get questions answered and that XaraXone is the premier source of program info. I have read through the "manual" posted there and have started working through the tutorials.

The problem I find is that XaraXone contains SO MUCH information that's it's hard to know where to go. So, this is probably directed to Gary more than others. What I'd like to ask is: what path would you suggest one take through XaraXone to best come up to speed with Xara? For example, I'm looking at tutorials now. I started with the oldest (circa 1996) and am working forward. Should I perhaps be going the other direction?

Essentially what I'm asking for is a sequential roadmap of articles/topics to progress through that would most quickly bring me up to speed with the current version. Does such a thing exist?

[Mike S]

that is great! i tried that tutorial over and over iand i still cant do that one. why i dont know http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

[John Rayner]

hi Lonnie,

I usually suggest watching the movies for a quick primer, then attempt to do whatever tut rings your fancy. After a while, you can just audit the tuts and pick out a tip or 2 that are new.

BTW: you did an exellent job on this tut...

[Soquili]

Hi Lonnie,

I started with the tutorial that was current when I first found XaraX. From there I worked all the tutorials back to 1996, because the next tutorial wouldn't be available for another two weeks http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif I've been following them as they are ready and have done some of them multiple times for fun and learning.

[MEB]

It´s true, sometimes i don´t know wich one to pick up too...
Maybe Gary can post the difficulty level of the tutorials or something similar from now on to help new users to choose from.

Anyway great start! I loved the depth of field effect you applied to your Cactus Sunset image. The colors are very nice too.

I think you can improve the glass effect in the base of the cup(? - sorry my english isn´t that good http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/frown.gif )a little. It´s not quite there yet, but it isn´t an easy subject anyway...
I remember someone has posted a tutorial about this some time ago - a "cup" of glass - unfortunately the search function of the forum isn´t working... http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/frown.gif
Maybe someone has the link in the favorites...


Miguel B.

[Saz]

You did this after just a month?! I think I was still playing with basic shapes and fills at that point! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

With regard to doing the tutorials, I don't follow any particular order. Instead I pick and choose according to what mood I'm in and whether I want to do something challenging or something not to taxing. http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[John Rayner]

"I remember someone has posted a tutorial about this some time ago - a "cup" of glass - unfortunately the search function of the forum isn´t working..." - Miguel B.

I think that was one of the early guest tuts if my old memory serves me correctly.

[gwpriester]

John

I did two champaign glass tutorials. One way back in 1997 I think and then a revisitation of the same tutorial in January 2002.

Gary http://www.xaraxone.com/tutorials/jan02/330102.jpg

[alan1753]

Gee you guys are good. I wasn't aware there was a "glass" tutorial though it doesn't surprise me. I get to read a few tutorials and pick up a hint or two, but I haven't found how to squeeze 28 hours out of a day to get all done that I would like. My glass is from trial and error and error.
http://www.binaryarts.ca/Com_files/F...ssFullSize.jpg

[John Rayner]

Looks Pretty good to me Alan.... Now try one with something in it... http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif