Webinars ~ 2012 Attendee Questions

[Merlyn]

January - Studio Live! and in Color

This month we looked at all the ways to add color to our renderings - fill color - both solid and transparent, line color, patterned and gradient color, as well as matching RGB colors (red, green, blue) under Custom Colors.

There were many questions answered and demonstrated after the recorded webinar and several that we will post here.

Before you read on, have your changed your copyright year on your logo template yet? Drag on the template from your Custom tab, sub-select the text box for the copyright and change the year to 2012. Resave the corrected template.
What???!!! You don't have your renderings copyrighted??? You must do this as a New Year's resolution and it only takes a few minutes. Draw a text box and follow the directions in the thumbnail below, depending on your computer type.
If you don't have a logo template, you should consider creating one - it gives your drawings that professional polish! We have a course that takes you step by step:
https://minutes.infusionsoft.com/car...73&naviprod=97

Q: Where can I download Irfanview (pronounced ear-fahn-view)?
A: www.irfanview.com I suggest you download the many plug-ins also

Q: Where can I get the color capture apps mentioned in the slide show?
A: Most of the apps are available through the vendor.
www.pantone.com
www.benjaminmoore.com
www.sherwinwilliams.com
www.behr.com
www.olympia.com

You can also check the apps store at www.apple.com

Q: Where can I get the Virtual Fandeck?
A: Also on the vendor's site:http://www.thebenjaminmoorepaintstor...fan-deck/sb.cn
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/f...onal-resources

Q: How can I draw a panel with color blocking?
A: This thread has the how-to for using two different fabrics:
http://www.minutesmatterstudio.com/f...ht=color+block

Q: Is it possible to show different colors or fabrics for a panel that is pleated to stripe.
A: Yes, it is. There are two ways, but both require a little extra time.
You can either change the horizontal repeat on a striped fabric to much smaller than "real life" which causes the fabric to tile differently and it may line up better with your pleat folds, or you can use the polygon or close bezier tool to trace the the fold of the pleat, add your color or fabric and delete the outline, then place it on top of the filled panel. The pleated heading is ungrouped and the pleats filled individually. Only you can decide if it's worth your extra time. Click on the thumbnail below to see the results.

Q: What are the links to calibrate my computer monitor?
A. Please do not attempt this unless you are skilled at tinkering with your computer. It's not a novice type fix.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...e-your-display

http://gigaom.com/apple/beginning-ma...isplays-color/

there is also software you can purchase to calibrate all your equipment, but it's costly.

you might try doing a check on your computer by importing an image into Studio such as the new Pantone color the year. Then draw a rectangle and use their RGB colors (R221/G65/B36) under Custom to fill your rectangle. See if they match. Then print out.

Q: How can I save more than one color to my custom colors?
A: In the same manner as you save more than one fabric under Fabric Fill Effects. You must select an empty white box, click on it and then save the color. If you don't, you will erase the first color you saved. Remember: the custom colors don't stay in the custom area, they only stay with the file you saved them for.

Q: Is the wainscoting you showed in the dining room rendering part of the program and how did you change the line colors?
A: I drew the paneled wainscoting with several rectangles, aligned to the center and the middle of each largest rectangle. You can use gradient fill to make slight coloration changes to give it depth and change the line color by using the paint brush or Line Color tool.

Q: Please give the link to the RGB site which converts the numbers to paint vendors' colors.
A: www.easyrgb.com

[Merlyn]

January - Color

Beyond choosing and using colors, it's important to learn how color is affected by light or the lack thereof.... Joann Lenart-Weary is presenting a webinar for Window Fashions on this topic in April. To register, click here:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/433769738

For a very informative take on color, visit this site hosted Maria Killam:
http://www.mariakillam.com/
another great article about how color is affected by light:
http://www.mariakillam.com/2012/01/h...nt-colour.html

[Merlyn]

Re: Webinar Attendees' Questions 2012

don't forget - you can join our webinars with your iPad:
http://www.minutesmatterstudio.com/f...from-your-iPad

[Merlyn]

February - Storyboard Module Introduction

BASIC TIPS FOR USING THE MODULE:
Remember to ungroup the template the minute you drag it on, before adding or changing anything. If you want to remove the text in the "suggested" labels, you have to click on them and ungroup, then click on the text part only and hit delete. It helps to really zoom in on the text and place your cursor directly on one of the letters. Add your own text box with your choice of font type, color and size.

To add photos or jpegs of rendering to a "picture frame" - import the image, resize to the approximate size of the frame and then adjust the frame by ungrouping (usually twice) and resizing. Delete the black rectangle which "holds" the place for the photo or rendering. Then bring the frame or border and/or photo album corners to the front.

The swatches and paint or finish chips can be colored or have fabric added and the shadows, pins, highlights, etc., will not be affected. Do ungroup the entire template first.

To change the look of the templates to conform with your branding, ungroup the different layers and add your color scheme, your logo, your business info, and then save to Custom Tab for future use.

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We had many questions today, and I will try to answer all of them. Please let us know if there is something we missed. email: mmstudiocoach@aol.com

Q. How do you use fabric in the Storyboard Module?
A. In the same manner that you fill a window treatment or piece of furniture - click on the image, right click > Properties > Fill and then click on the Fabric tab. Click Load, locate the fabric you have saved from the vendor's website as a jpeg and click OK. Most of the time there is no need to edit the fabric if used in a swatch. To use in a border, you may have to crop to the vertical/horizontal repeats and edit to those dimensions.
One caveat: if you use fabric as a background on one of the templates and save it to your Custom Tab, the background will appear gray when you drag it on to use again.

Q. Can you import actual paint chips into the Storyboard Templates?
A. Yes, use your Virtual fandeck (see last month) with the snipping tool or other screen capture and save as a jpeg. Import the image and resize to fit the template.

Q. Where can I find granite samples?
A. Most vendors have samples on line. Check your vendor's website or use google.com
Save as a jpeg, fill the finish square in the template using the same method described in the fabric answer above.

Q. Can you print a storyboard, or print it larger?
A. Yes, print directly from Studio (Control/P) or export to a jpeg. Use Higher Quality when exporting if you want to have a printer such as Staples, Office Max, etc. make a poster board size for you.

Q. What is the default font in Storyboard?
A. The default font in your Studio program is Tahoma, 10 point. Any font on your computer stored in the Fonts Folder on your Control Panel is available to use.
The font used in the placeholder titles in the Storyboard Module is part of the image and cannot be altered, just deleted. That font is Damned Architect. Download here: http://fontzone.net/download/Damned+Architect/
The text used on the label "bubbles" and rectangles was added by the graphic artist and is intended to suggest where you might use your own text. Ungroup and then delete, add a text box with your font choice and type a new title on the label.

Q. Where can I download the fonts you showed in the webinar?
A. http://www.dafont.com/flux.font Flux Architect
http://www.dafont.com/angelina.font Angelina italicized used on the note
http://www.freefontsdb.com/detail/63...ian-Script-ITC Edwardian Script used in the Valentine

More fonts you may like to try, some of which are shown in the attachment below
TK-ARCHITECT FONT
http://www.fonts101.com/fonts/view/U...ARCHITECT.aspx

ASSORTMENT OF ARCHITECT-STYLE FONTS
http://www.fontspace.com/category/architect

GRAPHITE LITE FONT
http://fonts101.com/fonts/view/Brand...ite_Light.aspx

MCAPITALS
http://www.dafont.com/mcapitals.font

SEGOE PRINT
http://fontzone.net/font-details/Segoe+Print+Bold/

DIGITALSTRIP
http://fontzone.net/font-details/DigitalStrip/

HANDWRITING FONTS
http://kevinandamanda.com/fonts/fontsforpeas/

Q. How do I install these fonts on my computer?
A. Watch this mini-clip
Downloading and Installing a New Font
http://minutesmatter.com/Z_MM/mini_clips/addnewfont.wmv

Q. What is the "aged photo?"
A. It is a template which has a mottled background to appear "antique."

Q. How do you add text to the note card?
A. Use the text box, adjust the font size to fit.

Q. Is the Storyboard Module available for Androids?
A. Yes, if you use Studio in the Clouds you will be able to use all the Studio modules and their templates on your Android or iPad.

Q. Can you use the Storyboard images in your elevations or designs on a photo?
A. Yes, any of the new module's images may be used in any Studio drawing.

Q. I love the ability to add color to the storyboards, but don't want to use up all my colored ink to print them!
A. One solution is to send the storyboard to your client via email. Export it and save as a jpeg to attach to your email or create a presentation on an iPad!

Q. I don't want to lose the highlight and shadow on the paint and finish chips.
A. Don't worry, that part of the image is protected from filling so go ahead and add color and fabric fill to your heart's content! Just don't ungroup those components.

[Merlyn]

March - The Fabric of our Designs

Q. How is Irfanview used in conjunction with Studio?
A. Irfanview is a separate program which we use to crop fabrics, lighten, brighten and adjust photos. Open your photo or fabric in Irfanview, make the edits, click File > Save As, rename the file, and save to the client's folder. Open Studio and import the room photo or use Fabric Fill Effects to add fabrics to your design.

Q. How did you paste the two renderings together?
A. Start with the secondary page and use Control/A (Select All) and then Control/C to copy. Open the main page and use Control/V to paste. Adjust size to match wall height. Ungroup if necessary. Delete any extraneous flooring, molding, wall etc.

Q. Can you demonstrate adding shadow to drapery?
A. Shadows and highlights can be drawn with the polygon or close bezier tool. Fill with complementary color and make slightly transparent. Delete outline (Line Width > None).

Q. Could you go over how to get rid of those tile lines please?
A. The lines or tiles you see in your fabric fill are caused by the white background of the fabric sample. The sample needs to be cropped with photo editing software before using in Studio.

Q. What version of Photoshop should I buy and where should I install it on my Mac?
A. Photoshop Elements 10 is the latest version and can be purchased through Adobe or www.amazon.com which offers specials - keep checking. Install the software on your Mac side.

Q. What is the advantage of using the Snipping Tool over cropping in Irfanview?
A. Once you become experienced with the Snipping Tool, you can capture fabric with the exact vertical and horizontal repeat and save a step.

Q. Where is the Snipping Tool located and if I don't have the snipping tool, what can I use?
A. For Windows Vista and 7 users, the snipping tool can be found by clicking on the Start button > All Programs and looking in Accessories. Right click on the Snipping Tool and choose Add to Quick Launch. Another free program we like is Jing - download at www.techsmith.com It works in a similar manner. Watch this slide show for the steps: http://www.minutesmatter.com/2010/co...e_Tutorial.avi there is no audio on this mini-clip

Q. Where did the bedding collection come from?
A. www.easternaccents.com
Evelyn, Langdon and Sakura collections

Q. Do you have to change the fabric sample size? I get confused about pixels.
A. For the most part, I do not resize the sample in Irfanview, it's not too large. If you take a photo of your fabric in a high resolution, you may want to resize to approximately 400 pixels.

[Merlyn]

April - Looking Outside the Windows

Q. What is Irfanview and where can I get it?
A. It is freeware used to edit photos, crop fabrics, etc. download here: www.irfanview.com

Q. How do you create a mirror image?
A. Select the image you want to use (window treatment, chair, etc.) and duplicate (Control/D). Then click on the Format tab > Rotate tools > Flip Horizontal.

Q. Where can I find out how to create a logo template?
A. You can purchase our video which explains how to draw and use this versatile template to brand your renderings:
https://minutes.infusionsoft.com/car...55&naviprod=97

Q. How does the Auto Save feature work and why couldn't you have used it to find your lost file?
A. Studio automatically backs up files in case of power failure or program shutdown as happened during the webinar when I clicked too fast. Look for these saved files under My Studio Designs > Auto Backup Files. If you had just started working on the file and only a short time elapsed when the program was not responding (under five minutes), the file would not be saved. Unnamed files are called "MM01" or "MM02" so look for that file name in Auto Backup if you did not name your file (shame on me!)

Q. Why couldn't you have sent the entire outdoor scene photo to the back instead of photoclipping a piece for each individual window?
A. See the first image below for the answer. This technique is used for multiple windows in a room, where each window should have a slightly different view of the outdoors, or for oddly shaped or perspective view windows when the outdoor scene photo does not fit. For rectangular windows, resize the outdoor scene photo to be slightly smaller than the window, make the glass transparent and send the photo behind the window.

Q. I have trouble adding spacing in my text boxes.
A. In order to create a space or paragraph you will need to use separate text boxes for each text segment.

Q. When do I use the Control key vs. the Shift Key?
A. Control is for duplicating by dragging off images, for adding or subtracting edit points to polygon shapes. The Shift key is for selecting images, moving edit points.

Q. When using photo clip tool - when I zoom on arm to outline and move away - when I put it back in place later - the fabric pattern is "zoomed" bigger than the original fabric on the rest of the chair?
A. It only looks that way because of the pixels in the clipped image. When you zoom back out to 100%, the pattern is normal looking.

Q. What font did you use in the rendering?
A. It's called Jenna Sue and is available here: http://www.dafont.com/jenna-sue.font

Q. Where did you get the dog?
A. I drew him using Studio. Download the file below. You can also google the specific breed you want to use and click on Images for just the right pooch. Save the image, import it and use Photo Knockout to erase the background.

Q. Can we create our own treatments?
A. Yes, of course, you can draw anything you can imagine with your Studio software. Save the finished image to your Custom tab to use again. We teach drawing window treatments and furnishings in our Advanced Coaching Program using all the drawing tools.

Q. How can I purchase the entire series of webinar recordings for 2012?
A. Click on this link:https://minutes.infusionsoft.com/car...5&naviprod=407

[Merlyn]

May - Image Components

Q. How do you create a mirror image of a chair, for example?
A. If it's a Studio image - a chair from the Living Room Furniture module - you click on it, and go to Format Tab > Rotate tools > Flip Horizontal. If it's an imported image, you must flip it horizontally in Irfanview, Photoshop or the like before importing it into Studio.

Q. Are those cute little pieces like the raffia tie and the shadows part of the Storyboard module?
A. Yes, the little add-ons can be found in the components section and the shadows and highlights come with the paint chips and the fabric swatches. They are protected so that you can easily fill them with your colors or fabrics, without losing the shadows.

Q. What are the advantages to grouping images?
A. By grouping a completed design, you will be able to move it without leaving a piece behind; you can also add color, pattern, or texture or fabric to the group, or lock it down or protect it from selection (rename it first - Properties > Text). It also helps when you are trying to lasso a smaller image next to a group - you won't accidentally grab those pieces too.

Q. Are the paint colors in Step 4 associated with Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams?
A. No, they are generic colors. You can use your eyedropper tool to pick up a favorite color from a paint manufacturer's website using the split screen technique (show windows side by side), or save their fandeck as a .pdf file on your computer.

Q. How do you keep the background from moving when selecting an image?
A. First, be sure to use your Zoom within Rectangle tool, get in close and position your cursor directly on the image you want to select. If you find the background (wall or photo, for example) still moves, select it and use the Lock button or protect from selection as in Question 3 above.

Q. How do you use your cursor as a lasso?
A. Start by placing your cursor outside and above the area you want to capture.
Click, hold and drag across and down until you have encompassed the image(s). Be careful not to select other images. You'll see each image in the group you have lasso'd highlighted in fuchsia while the entire group has the green edit points around the perimeter.

Q. Could you explain how to change the line color in shutters again?
A. This is an advanced technique and requires a little patience. You must click on the shutter and then click again to isolate just the black background. Move it out from under the shutter image. Unprotect it from filling by right clicking and clicking Properties > Protection. Change the fill to match your preferred line color. Then move it back and click away. The two pieces will be reunited and can be moved or resized. see steps below

Q. Where can I download the Jenna Sue font?
A. http://www.dafont.com/search.php?q=jenna+sue
Watch the mini-clip to learn how to install a new font on your computer:
Downloading and Installing a New Font
http://minutesmatter.com/Z_MM/mini_clips/addnewfont.wmv

Q. How do you draw the bling?
A. Use the polygon and draw a free-form star shape with five or six points. Click Line Width > None and resize to quite small and place on your chandelier or hardware or wherever.

Q. Can I change my default font in the text area?
A. Not at this time, but it's a popular request, so who knows...

Q. How did you draw all the images in the slide show that we can view before the monthly webinar, for example the armoire, the open TV cabinet over the fireplace, the round shower curtain and the shadows and highlights?
A. Some of the images are drawn with the polygon or close bezier, some are stock images that have been customized. If you are interested in learning how to use the drawing tools and customize toolbox images, we invite you to register for the Studio Coaching Program. Our next sessions start June 5 (Novice) and June 14 (Advanced) http://www.minutesmatter.com/studio/...onal-training/

[Merlyn]

June - Drawing Scale

Q. What is the font you used on the storyboard?
A. Segoe Print - download here: http://www.fontstock.net/11635/segoe-print.html

Q. When you have saved your Logo Template to the Custom Tab, can you edit the contact information?
A. Yes, drag it on, ungroup, make the changes, group and save again. Delete the original if it's no longer valid.

Q. How do you create the Logo Templates?
A. We have a video you can purchase with step by step instructions:
https://minutes.infusionsoft.com/app...l?productId=97
We also offer this as part of the Studio Coaching benefits.

Q. Where did you get the throw and pillows you used in the rendering?
A. They are part of the Jackie Von Tobel Bedding module; the throw has been resized to fit a chair. https://minutes.infusionsoft.com/app...?productId=345

Q. How did you make the glass on the coffee table appear blue?
A. I changed the line and fill color and made the ellipse (circle shape) semi-transparent.

Q. Could you have used your imported Kravet finials instead of the Studio ones?
A. Yes, they would have to be saved in both a left and right version in Irfanview or Photoshop. Erase the background with the Photo Knockout function and resize.

Q. Are there directions for creating a business card using the Marketing drawing scale?
A. If you purchase the Power of Marketing, there are instructions for creating many different types of marketing materials. https://minutes.infusionsoft.com/app...?productId=325

Q. Does Studio work with the Droid tablet?
A. Yes if you are using Studio Online then you can use the app that lets you connect to Studio. Any of the tablets that let you install RDP i tap mobile app will let you use Studio with the Online subscription. The app runs around $39.95 for the iPad, I am not sure how much it costs for the other tablets.

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To amplify/clarify the cornice template drawing segment for the workroom, please click on the attached image to view how to create the template sections.
here are the directions:

• to create a template or pattern for a hard or soft cornice, use the 1:1 drawing scale.
• click on the Marketing tab below the white workspace or click View > Edit Scale and change 1:1 or 1" = 1" in "real life" or real world dimensions.
• then use the zoom function to zoom out to 20%
• drag on your cornice and delete any parts you don't want
• position the bottom of the cornice - the shape that you want to duplicate - near the top of the white workspace
• right click > change dimension and type in your desired dimension
• then move the cornice so that the left side is aligned with the left side of the workspace within your print margins (View > Workspace Options > Print Margins)
• draw a vertical line through the cornice on the right side of the workspace following the print margin line
• print page 1 of your template or pattern
• group the line with the cornice and move it so that the line is now aligned with the left print margin
• draw another line on the right side, print margin line
• print page 2 of your template
• continue doing this until you have reached the center point of your cornice if it's symmetrical
• paste the pages together and cut out the shape along the bottom to transfer to your wood or fabric

[Merlyn]

July - Formatting Tools

Update: funny blog on the ideal laundry room with some neat photos: http://paloma81.blogspot.com/2012/08...ndry-room.html

I came across this helpful chart of care symbols for the laundry:
https://www.verolinens.com/blog/univ...ens-explained/


Q. What is the website you mentioned with the photos of the laundry rooms?
A. http://www.houzz.com/laundry-room

Q. Where can I convert my RGB colors to paint colors and vice versa?
A. www.easyrgb.com

Q. How do I determine if my logo template will print correctly?
A. Toggle on the Print Margins by clicking on View > Workspace Options. Make sure your template fits within the dotted lines. Do a test print and adjust as necessary. All printers are different so check this first before saving your logo template to your custom tab.

Q. What is the font you used on the Carriage Trade logo template?
A. It's called Edwardian Script; download the free version here:
http://www.azfonts.net/load_font/edw...c_regular.html

Q. Can you import a CAD drawing and design on it?
A. Yes, if you convert it to an image file or a .pdf file.

Q. Could you have added a color fill to the transom triple mullion window you drew?
A. Yes, copy the same gradient fill from the Image Tool Box windows and fill the inner "glass" rectangle. RGB 216-216-229 for the second color, see below

Q. Is it possible to ungroup windows to make new configurations?
A. No, you can use uncased windows or windows without grilles and the drawing tools to create new sizes and styles.

Q. Where did you get the hangers?
A. I drew them rather quickly with the polygon tool. File is attached below to download.

Q. Where can I find a quick reference guide for architectural dimensions?
A. There are many sites on the Internet which offer guidance on typical sizing.
www.nkba.org is a good place to start for kitchens, baths and laundry rooms; or use a search engine with keywords such as kitchen cabinet layout or kitchen dimensions

Q. Does Studio have an offset tool to make designing the layers of cabinets easier?
A. No, the program does not offer that tool.

Q. How did you create the full repeat of the fabric you used in the valance?
A. This is a technique we teach in our Advanced Studio Coaching Program. It involves importing several samples of the fabric, overlapping them precisely and exporting, then cropping to horizontal and vertical repeats.

Q. Can you show how to draw a lazy susan cabinet?
A. It's not possible to draw a lazy susan cabinet in a single wall elevation because it's a corner cabinet. You would have to do a two wall drawing with a modified three dimensional perspective or show only the partial cabinet and door.

For a comprehensive course in using Studio to design kitchens, please review the video here:
https://minutes.infusionsoft.com/app...?productId=313
templates included:
http://www.minutesmatterstudio.com/f...4&d=1146788796
http://www.minutesmatterstudio.com/f...5&d=1146788809
http://www.minutesmatterstudio.com/f...6&d=1146788825

[Merlyn]

August - Photo Knockout

Q. Where did the lamp come from?
A. Here are the sources used for various accessories and furnishings:
http://www.kathykuohome.com/
European primitive style (aka Rough Luxe) all accessories and lighting used in the twin bed photo rendering
www.novica.com affiliated with National Geographic -- African masks, sculpture and hanging used in the real estate staging rendering
www.circalighting.com and www.lampsplus.com various lamps used in the Contemporary and Traditional room renderings
www.kristindrohancollection.com X-Bench
www.bakerfurniture.com four poster bed in real estate staging
http://jonathanadler.com/ headboard for Contemporary rendering
www.massoudfurniture.com leather sided settee from Traditional rendering - customize your selection with their fabrics

Q. What was that name you used for the European primitive style?
A. I called it the Houston style; neutral colors, white slipcovers, seagrass, animal rugs, Belgian/French country furnishings, etc. typify this look popularized in the blogosphere by bloggers such as Joni Webb (www.cotedetexas.blogspot.com)
see post #6 in this thread for a Studio take on it: http://www.minutesmatterstudio.com/f...sign-Challenge

Q. How do you add a font?
A. Please see February's answer.

Q. How do you change the color of a wall in a photo?
A. Use the polygon tool to trace the outline and then fill with the color of your choice. See this thread for more how-to's and .mms files to view http://www.minutesmatterstudio.com/f...20wall%20color

Q. How can I use the a paint chip or a color from a paint vendor?
A. Import the image of the paint chip (try the snipping tool to capture it), select the wall and use the eyedropper tool to touch the color. Alternately, tile the website and Studio side by side and touch the eyedropper to the paint chip on the website. www.easyrgb.com to match the Red-Green-Blue values under Studio's Custom Colors.

Q. Could you explain how you sent the bed curtains to the back of the bed pole?
A. Group if necessary and then hold down the shift key, click on the wall behind the curtains and use the Send to Back button to send both layers to the back.

Q. Will you be offering a webinar or course on how to use the Storyboard Module on the Marketing Tab?
A. In February our webinar focused on the Storyboard Module. Purchase here:
https://minutes.infusionsoft.com/app...?productId=411

Q. Is there a way to change the angle of an imported image to a straight on view?
A. Not in Studio; only Studio images from the toolbox can be changed using the skew/perspective edit points. You might have luck skewing an image using Photoshop Elements. It's usually more successful to take a straight on view and change it to a skewed or perspective view. If you are doing an elevation rendering rather than a design on a photo, you can change the wall to match the image.
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Saw this blog post today about canopies, coronas and crowns - has great photos of ideas for the head of the bed as well as what to use at the foot of the bed!
http://theenchantedhome.blogspot.com...ownsoh-my.html

Traditional Home compiled 35 photos of bedrooms with sitting areas - wonderful inspiration:
http://www.traditionalhome.com/desig...areas_ss1.html

[Merlyn]

Mac Users - Please Read

If you have a Mac that has updated to Mountain Lion, you will also need to update your Flip4 download or the mini clips will not play. You will also have to reboot the computer.

http://www.telestream.net/flip4mac/overview.htm

other options:
http://www.wondershare.com/wmv/play-...tain-lion.html

for more information on upgrading to Mountain Lion
http://www.apple.com/osx/?siclientid...b-446bda076252
you may also want to google Mountain Lion OS X to see whether it's right for your needs

[Merlyn]

September - The Wall Templates Module

Q. Is there a downloadable paint chip file for Sherwin Williams?
A. Not at this time.

Q. Where can I get the Benjamin Moore Virtual Paint Deck?
A. http://www.thebenjaminmoorepaintstor...fan-deck/sb.cn

Q. How did you remove that line at the top of the rendering on the ceiling?
A. I used Line Width > None

Q. How did you bring that checklist to the front and did you draw that shape behind the text?
A. The list was made using the text box (centered text) on a piece from the Storyboard module components section (Inset Shape 3). Whenever you are missing an image, it's usually a quick fix to click on the wall or the photo [if you are designing on a photo], and send it to the back. If there's something hiding back there, it will pop up. The Bring to Front and Send to Back buttons control the layers of your drawing. I put my list back there to demonstrate that technique.

Q. Can you change the perspective view on furniture from the furniture module?
A. Not easily. Sometimes you can access the edit points by right clicking > Properties > Protection and uncheck the Protect from Ungrouping. Then ungroup and click on Edit Points in the Drawing Tools. This is an advanced skill. Most furniture pieces come in an angled view and a straight on view; some chairs and sofas also have a side view. I find it easier to have the wall angle conform to the angle of the furniture, whether it is a Studio piece or an imported furnishing.

Q. How do you save images you've drawn or modified to your Custom Tab?
A. Watch the mini-clip here:http://minutesmatter.com/Z_MM/mini_c...ocustomtab.wmv

Q. Where did you get that hardware you used in the Summer to Winter living room?
A. Those pieces are from Helser Brothers - their Compositions collection - you can mix and match "bracelets" and "cuffs" and finials
http://helserbrothers.com/products/Compositions

Q. If you ungroup a design, will you see the individual images listed in the Image List under the Home or Format tabs?
A. Yes, but you will lose the title of the grouped or complete design. For example, if you drag on Double Loop Top Break Panels from the Scalloped and Cuffed Heading category and click on the Image List, you'll see the full name. Once you ungroup the pieces, you'll see Drapery 1, Hardware and Drapery 2, referring to the two panels. You will no longer have the name of the design. When you regroup them, they will then be known simply as "Group" - click on thumbnail below.

Q. Does Studio have electrical outlets and switch plates, etc.?
A. No, but they're easy enough to draw with the rectangle tool. Measure standard covers and installation heights and duplicate in your program. Save to Custom.

Q. If I don't have Photoshop, can I create a perspective view rug by drawing a polygon shape and filling it with the rug sample as you would fabric?
A. Sometimes. It depends on the type of rug; rugs with borders will not fill correctly, nor will patterned rugs.

Q. How can I show two room views side by side?
A. I think we misunderstood your question when we responded during the webinar and showed you how to stack or cascade the two files under the View tab. If you want to show a client the same room with two different looks or a before and after, you can either use two pages in the same file and toggle back and forth by clicking on the page tabs, or you can create jpegs of the two renderings and import them into one page. They will have to be resized and may be too small to see much detail.

[Merlyn]

October - Gradient and Texture Fills - The Rowley Company Makeover Challenge

Oh, the questions.... someone commented that she didn't think I was human (a robot??!!) but if you spotted that floating medallion, you know I am! What fun!
Because this is a closed thread, please email me if there is something I didn't explain to your satisfaction mmstudiocoach@aol.com

Q. How did you create those shadows under the valance?
A. I duplicated the valance, deleted the lines and made it black then somewhat transparent and a tad larger. see below

Q. What is an overlay and how did you do it?
A. I used this technique on the fireplace over the stone veneer which I filled using Fabric Fill (edited to the width of the fireplace) and I also showed it on the flooring in first part of the presentation. Duplicate the original image, fill it with a color, and make it semi-transparent. Align top and side and group.
You can see both in the image below. The yellow-ish overlay is off to the left.

Q. Where can I download Irfanview and what can I do with it?
A. Irfanview (pronounced ear-fahn-view) is a photo editing freeware www.irfanview.com which can be used to crop fabric, lighten & brighten and crop photos, and flip images such as the horse I used on the mantel. Imported images cannot be flipped or skewed in Studio, only images from the toolbox. I used it to crop the exported jpeg version of my rendering to add to my storyboard.

Q. Who sells that horse?
A. http://www.uttermost.com/searchadv.a...archTerm=horse

Q. Where can I download the Benjamin Moore Virtual Fandeck?
A. Here: http://bm.swatchbox.com/download/indexFandeckUSEN.html

Q. How did you draw those vanishing point perspective lines you used as guidelines on the side window?
A. Start with a line at the ceiling or crown molding, extending it off into gray area. Add a second line on the floor. Then draw two more lines at the top and bottom of the window, extending those to intersect with the ceiling and floor lines. Use the skew/perspective edit points to reshape your window, door or treatment.

Q. Where can I download the Damned Architect font used in the Storyboard Module.
A. Please scroll to the February webinar FAQ and you'll find the link.

[Merlyn]

November - Graph Paper & Guidelines - The Black and White Dining Room

Q. Can you do multiple photo clips in one rendering?
A. Yes, if you missed a piece the first time or if there are several areas that need to be brought to the front, do the photo clipping in separate segments. Bring the original photo to the front each time, so that you don't accidentally photo clip a photo clip.

Q. How do you draw the "bling"?
A. Using the polygon tool (solid color), draw a free-form star shape with five or six points. Click Line Width > None and resize to quite small and place on your chandelier or hardware or wherever. See below.

Q. Please explain how you used the lines to skew the doors and windows.
A. Draw lines following the ceiling or crown molding and the baseboard or floor so that they intersect at a vanishing point. Start a third line at the top of the image you want to skew according to the angle of the wall, and continue that until it intersects with the original two lines. Double click to activate the red edit points and pull your image up and down to conform to the angle of the line. We teach perspective drawing in our Level II Studio Coaching classes.

Q. Why did you draw a rectangle on the side of your rendering where the drapery was hanging off the edge of the drawing?
A. To cover it up, and make a nice clean line when it's exported or printed. Use Line Width > None to delete the outline.

Q. When an imported image has a black background, how do you erase it?
A. Slide the bar back to zero, use the eyedropper tool to touch the black background, and then slide the bar until the background is removed. This works only with solid colors, not vignettes with multiple colors. You would have to use the photo clip tool to extract the image from a multi-colored background.

Q. Couldn't you select each individual component on the Tuxedo panel and fill with black all at the same time?
A. Yes, if the images are all ungrouped, it might be faster to do it this way. We like to demonstrate the Image Components feature many times so that viewers "get" it.

Q. Where can I download the Benjamin Moore Virtual Paint Deck and how can I keep it open alongside my Studio program to use the eyedropper tool?
A. Here: http://bm.swatchbox.com/download/indexFandeckUSEN.html
Right click on your task bar at the bottom of your screen and choose Show Windows Side by Side. Resize Studio if necessary. Click on thumbnail below for a screen shot.

Q. How do the snap to object and snap to graph paper tools work?
A. Click on the View tab, and Snap To; select either graph paper or object. When you move an image next to another image, you'll see a little anchor appear and will then know that you have accurately positioned it. See screen shot below.

[Merlyn]

follow up to November - Designing a Dining Room

check out this competition over at Layla Grace and Olioboard and view all the interesting dining room vignettes:
http://expressyourstyle.laylagrayce....ontest/entries

[Merlyn]

December: Trim the Treats - The Dressing Table

links to trim vendors shown in today's webinar:
www.fschumacher.com
www.kravet.com
www.robertallendesign.com
www.scalamandre.com
www.samuelandsons.com
www.ellensholt.com
www.haywoods-trimmings.com
www.houles.com
www.dkei.net
www.duralee.com
www.wendycushing.com
www.detailspatterncompany.com

Sunbrella trims available through various companies

handy glossary of trim styles:
http://www.decoratorsbest.com/fabric-trim-types.aspx

Sherwin Williams
http://www.sherwin-williams.com/home...ors-by-family/
use their RGB (Red Green Blue) color values to replicate any of their paint colors in Studio; select wall, click Color Fill>Custom>type in RGB numbers provided
read about their digital magazine and get an app for your iPad here: http://www.minutesmatter.com/2012/12...magazine-stir/


Q. Would love to see a webinar on using Photoshop in conjunction with Studio, especially brightening/straightening fabrics, etc.
A. We devote an entire session to this in our Level II Coaching Program. https://minutes.infusionsoft.com/app...l?productId=23
This information is also discussed in our video course:
https://minutes.infusionsoft.com/app...l?productId=83

Q. How do you create the copyright?
A. Timely question - we all need to revise our copyright info for 2013. Here's how:
http://www.minutesmatterstudio.com/f...8&d=1326329613

Q. How did you lasso that window behind the outdoor scene?
A. Place your cursor outside the rendering (it will turn into an arrow) in the area of the image you wish to highlight. Click hold and drag a box around the area. The window will be highlighted and you can use your Photo Clip tool to trace the scene inside the highlighted outline. Delete the original imported photo of the scene and send the photoclipped image behind the window. You can only do this on ungrouped images, not windows or doors that have been grouped with the wall template. See this screen shot:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL94/.../404974265.jpg

Q. How do you save to your Custom Tab?
A. Watch this Mini-clip:
Save to Custom Tab
http://minutesmatter.com/Z_MM/mini_c...ocustomtab.wmv

Q. Please explain how to duplicate tassels and other trims quickly.
A. A few steps: select your trim, resize if necessary, add color fill and line color (!!); then really zoom way in on the area you want add your trim. Work slowly and deliberately. Hold down your Control Key while you are holding down your left mouse button. Click, hold and drag, keeping the control key pressed throughout the duplication. Watch this Mini-clip:
Adding Trim
http://minutesmatter.com/Z_MM/mini_clips/addtrim.wmv

Q. Where did you get the mirror?
A. I used a wood bed frame from the Bedding Module, deleted the mattress, and shrunk it down to size. Click on Image Components and select the Headboard and change fill to Gradient fill > White and Gray.
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL94/.../404974314.jpg

Q. Where can I get the dog and cat images?
A. They were part of a bonus template that came with the webinar recording for April
https://minutes.infusionsoft.com/app...?productId=417

Q. Is there still room in the Novice (Level I) Coaching Program?
A. Yes, love to have you join us. Email me with any questions mmstudiocoach@aol.com
View the particulars here:
https://minutes.infusionsoft.com/app...l?productId=21

Q. How do I purchase the webinar bundle for 2012? Is there a bundle for prior years?
A. Here's the link for 2012 and 2011, prior to that we do not have the recordings for sale. There are several 90 minute courses that have been recorded which you may find helpful.
https://minutes.infusionsoft.com/app...bcategoryId=55