Resources for Web Development Students @ Robin’s Blog

Thousands of graphic, Web development and design related tutorials are available on the Internet. Still, it’s difficult to find tutorials that a beginner can follow. So many tutorials are written for other designers and developers and unfortunately, they lack the detail that’s necessary for someone who is learning. I’m not quite sure why this is – I think it’s the beginners who really need the tutorials.

I know that I post and tweet a lot of resources and I overwhelm you with information at times. So I’ve decided to feature a tutorial site on a weekly basis that I think offers quality tutorials that contain enough detail and are easy for a beginner to understand. I’m still going to twitter my heart out – you’ve selected a career path that truly requires “lifelong learning” and I AM a “Resource Monster”.

Drum roll please!

Minervity.com is a site by the talented Web and Graphic Designer, Richard Darell. Richard strives to create tutorials that are “open to all levels of users”. He has succeeded in doing this by writing detailed and easy to follow tutorials that contain lots of screen captures to help you with the proper effect settings. I also love Richard’s conversational writing style; it makes you feel as if you’re sitting right next to him while learning.


Here are some of Richard’s Photoshop tutorials:

1. How to Create a Realistic Chrome Text Effect
2. 2 Ways To Create Realistic “Depth of Field”
3. How to Create a Realistic “Neon” Sign Text Effect
4. How to Create a Realistic 3D “Stone” Text Effect
5. Mastering “Bevel and Emboss” – From Beginner to Pro
6. How to Create a Realistic Game Boy
7. How to Create a Realistic iPhone

Now you may think that you have no reason to learn “How to Create a Realistic iPhone”, but you would be wrong. This tutorial teaches you how to create shadows, reflections, shapes, surfaces, and textures that look real. These are skills you must have as a designer. Plus you can say you have an iPhone.

Minervity.com isn’t all Photoshop. You’ll find articles on Illustrator, Flash, CSS, PHP, icons and inspirational roundups.

Richard is kind enough to share his knowledge with all of us. I can honestly say he is an awesome guy – friendly, engaging, and helpful. Over 14,000 people are following Richard, @Minervity, on Twitter and you should be too!