Graphics Goodness

Here's another weekend link roundup with a focus on graphics software and image tips and some semi-related things (like a Moleskine hacking contest).

• I admit that I often haphazardly apply the sharpening filters in my photo-editing software. Sharpening Images is a Photoshop tip -- specifically, using Unsharp Mask -- from Glen Demers' commercial printing blog. @glendemers

• As many of you know, I've been a CorelDRAW users for many years. I don't always have the latest version, but I do upgrade every few years. Corel is currently offering a free trial version of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4, as well as CorelDESIGNER Technical Suite X4 and many others. @CorelDRAW

• Bullets are boring. Well, sometimes. One way to dress up a PowerPoint bullet list is to use SmartArt Graphics instead. Ellen Finkelstein, writing for About.com, has step-by-step illustrated instructions. Found via @forPresenters

• I know that using certain mouse and keyboard shortcuts can speed up or simplify working in many programs. But my brain just can't seem to hold them all. So, I often take the long way around even though I know there are quicker methods. But for those of you who do live by shortcuts, this list purports to be 30 secret Photoshop shortcuts. It's one of many useful links twittered by Jason Plummer @electronsws.

• I shoot with a Canon, how about you? My husband bought it for me a couple of years ago after my Nikon bit the dust. Vote in this What brand camera do you shoot with? poll at About.com Photography. Follow Liz @photo_guide.

• This competition would be right up my husband's alley, if he knew what a Moleskine was. Do you love your Moleskine? Would you love to have a lifetime supply (well, 5 a year for 50 years at least)? Then enter the Moleskine hacking contest. All you have to do is "Send us your idea on how to make and do things better, faster, more creative and innovative, for both work and leisure with your Moleskine notebook!" Not sure what that means? My Moleskine 2.0 Competion. Also Update at Instructables. Deadline is May 31, 2009. @instructables