Custom Playmat Help!
Gear forum
Posted on June 10, 2015, 8:57 a.m. by JollyOxe
I have an idea for what I would want on a custom playmat, but I don't have Photoshop - even if I did, I can use Photoshop. Is anyone willing to help me out? Thanks!
Since you've worked with inkedplaymats, you already know the format. I would have them print it, yes.
I had a idea of a duel life counter on the side with some sort of Legend of Zelda art in the middle.
Something like this for the duel life counters (but on the left side of mat):http://s3.gatheringmagic.com/uploads/2011/12/07/ML_10.jpg
I like this Triforce art:http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/194/a/5/hq_triforce_by_thegeminisage-d3pern6.jpg
But I am open to suggestions.
June 10, 2015 9:37 a.m.
Epochalyptik says... #4
GIMP is a free image editor, and it's actually quite powerful. I recommend experimenting with it.
June 10, 2015 10:19 a.m.
libraryjoy says... #5
I agree with Epochalyptik about GIMP. It's a great piece of software. I've found it confusing at times, but it's also helped me do some fun stuff for the library. If I played with it more often, I'd probably get on better with it. And it's free. Can't argue with the price.
June 10, 2015 11:47 a.m.
I tried it and couldn't figure it out. I have never been able to work programs like that, thus my asking for help. It looks like a great program though, if you know how it works.
June 10, 2015 11:50 a.m.
The problem is that for the people who do use Photoshop/Illustrator/GIMP on a regular basis, it's actually work, the kind that typically is paid $70/hour...
So, go grab a copy of GIMP (or "acquire" a copy of Photoshop) and run through a few tutorials via Google. Have fun! Learn new skills!
June 10, 2015 12:11 p.m.
Cobthecobbler says... #8
If you need another voice to convince you, I highly recommend GIMP as well. Its very powerful, almost as powerful as PS, and free. You should experiment with that, and InkedPlaymats can provide you with a template to use to map it out, too.
I would be able to help you out, but at that point I would need some form of payment/commission, and it would be more in your interest to do it yourself. Its very rewarding and you get that much more excited when your mat comes in the mail ready to play, since now you've got a one-of-a-kind playmat that is completely and entirely you.
June 10, 2015 1:30 p.m.
Cobthecobbler says... #9
There are lots of tutorials online, and they're just a google search away, and its very easy to learn with no experience at all.
June 10, 2015 1:31 p.m.
I think I got it. I have put something together that I like.
June 10, 2015 7:51 p.m.
Get the template InkedPlaymats offers. Find some good artwork. Size of 1920x1080 pixels minimum. Make sure you're using 150 PPI. Resample your image using bicubic smoother. After you've scaled the artwork itself, make sure you've got the overlay adjusted properly. Respect the margins you've been given.
June 10, 2015 8:09 p.m.
It says on the inkedplaymat site this:
Make sure image size is 24.5" x 14.5". Approximately 1/4" around the sides of the image will be cut off. We need the extra size so the image bleeds to the whole mat. On our template (Photoshop or Gimp) there are helper guide lines already placed on the mat. Make sure in your editing program you have guides turned on to see them. (DO NOT add 1/4 of an inch solid color trim.)
And the template download has what appears to be a border within the whole that seems to be 1/4 inch smaller all around. Are they saying to fill the template knowing that the 1/4 inch will be what is printed, allowing for bleed?
June 11, 2015 8:54 a.m.
Epochalyptik says... #13
Yes. Fill the entire template, but know that you'll lose a very small amount off of each side. They'll print the entire sheet, then cut the edges.
June 11, 2015 8:57 a.m.
I ended up with this. I think it will turn out pretty good when I get it printed.
http://imgur.com/gallery/k2dOZGv/new
Arvail says... #2
Hmmmm... This is for InkedPlaymats? They did mine. It came out pretty awesome. I can help you, but it might take me a week to get to you.
June 10, 2015 9:12 a.m.