_{So by looking at this, we guess you all want to know what you need to do to make a smexy journal or gallery template? Ok, no problem we say!}


Using dA resources to create journal templates


*Working on the Idea!

Before you start you need some ideas of what you want to have. Do you like it dark or light? Should it be minimalistic or full of images? There are a lot of things to think about before. Of course you can start without anything in mind, but it's better to have a rough idea. Sometimes even a simple colour scheme can be enough.
In case you are lacking random ideas, try to browse the lovely CSS gallery. There are a lot of great layouts, but always keep in mind. Inspiration is good, copying is bad.


Some examples:





*Getting Started!

So now that your mind is full of ideas and what not, it's time to get started. Therefore use a programm of your choice, the one you feel most comfortable with and start. What? You don't know how? No problem, there are a lot of tutorials [link] that explain the general process of creating layouts or just how to make tileable textures for example. Read them, make sure you understand everything and be creative!


Some tutorials:





*Using Resources!

While working on your layouts you maybe realize that you want to add some nice highlights, buttons or any other stuff. So in case you are not able to create those nice things on your own or just to lazy to do it, dA's resources gallery will be a treasure chest of pure awesomeness! Or in case you aren't lazy, try to make your own resources with the help of tutorials!

So what would you like? Some buttons you can add for the navigation?
Maybe those?




Or would you prefer some fancy brushes? How about swirly/fleurish ones? Or do you prefer technical stuff? But even it you like it with scratches or flowers or something completely different, the application resources gallery is full of brushes! Just check it out. Look here for Photoshop brushes, here for Illustrator brushes, here for Gimp brushes and here for Paint Shop Pro brushes.

Brush examples



But you know patterns and textures can be nice features too. Once again browse through the great resources people offer for free!

Pattern examples



Texture examples


Of course you can add stock images, 3D models and everything else the resource gallery offer too. Even with a few resources there are endless possibilies of what your journal will look like at the end.
And always remember to credit the resources provider!




*Writing the code!

The part that most people have trouble with, but as long as you keep trying and look at tutorials, there is nothing that could go wrong. Just start with the basic and add more and more details.
Once again you find a lot of help in the tutorials section of deviantART. Some tutorials just refer to a single problem, some explain the whole process of coding. Just look around and try to find those that are helpful for you!


Some examples:





*General help!

For those that want to try to make their own journal layout and don't feel familiar with classes, properties and all the other things that will cross your way, take a look at the reference sheets or basic code templates below(you know there is more in the resources galleries, right?). Look for the things you need and apply them to your own template.





Even tho we listed some helpful tutorials and resources here, do yourself a favour and browse through the resources gallery on your own. You won't regret it and there is so much to use that you can spend years trying this or that!

We hope this will help some people to make their own journal. If you have questions feel free to drop a note or to leave a comment
For more helpful tutorials check our favorites.



*eCSSited
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