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For Newbies Only: Where Do I Get Those Great Signs?

Jill Fuhrer, of the tag team Lehigh Valley PA Homes - Jill & Ron Fuhrer, commented on my blog this evening, and I went looking for a sign to spice up my comment. Here it is on the left.

When I first started blogging on Active Rain, I had no idea how to find, make, size and insert these wonderful personalized images.

So for the Newbie Group only, here's the skinny. Start using this, and you'll outshine some of the old-timers who have never mastered the Little Green Tree icon right up there at the top.

Go to IMAGECHEF.COM.

The home page isn't intuitive. It took me a couple of tries to get it. Click the orange "Get Started" button. Scroll down to More Categories. (Ignore the pin-up shots; this is a professional website. LOL)

Click on the category that says Signs, and pick one you like. Type any old thing you want into the field (these two had two fields) and click the orange Preview button. There it is. Play with it. I had to put an extra space between "Jill" and "on Active Rain" to make the kerning (look it up on wikipedia) look right, because of the angle of the marquee.

Once you like it, right click on the sign, and save it to your desktop or to a folder on your computer where you keep all your AR photos. Rename the photo, so that the name means something to you. Otherwise, you'll forget where you used it. These signs are addicting, and they're fun.

Now, when you're writing a post, or commenting on a blog, and you want to use one of these cool images, use the little green tree icon to upload the picture. The uploaded image will display in its own dialog box. This is important. The first tab at the top of the box is marked "General." Click the little red square to search for your image. (It's wherever you dropped it, like your socks and underwear, guys.)

Click upload, and the image will come up. Then click the tab marked "Appearance." This is where a lot of Non-Newbies mess up. They forget to click the appearance tab. That tab lets you size your image. If it's 400 x 400, you can enter 200 in the Dimensions field. When you click the next field, the image will automatically resize in the proper proportions, only smaller. the "alignment" field lets you choose where you want the image to be placed--left, right, etc. Play with it. You'll have a ball!

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, Arizona mortgage lender.

Think of me as your AR mentor.

Posted by Mike Jones on 11/18/2007 10:43 AM

Comments (138)

for newbies only, mike in tucson, tucson mortgage, tucson, arizona

Originally posted at: Tucson By Choice!: For Newbies Only: Where Do I Get Those Great Signs?

Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies

138 Comments on For Newbies Only: Where Do I Get Those Great Signs?

NOV

2007

Mike- I always wondered where everyone got those great signs! I'm not exactly a newbie anymore... can I still borrow your site? :)

Non newbies are always welcome at Grandpa's! Thanks for commenting, Sandi!

Mike in Tucson

Thanks Mike, as an 'old-bie' I got a lot out of this post! I've bookmarked it as well as booked marked IMAGECHEF.COM.

NOV

2007

That was pretty cool. Saved to my favorites for future use...thanks Mike!

Way cool. Gonna try it now.

Mike - I just added this information to my pile of "TO DO" items in one of my stack trays. I hope to come up with something like you've done by tomorrow night. Thank you for the input.

Mike-

Thank you so much for this post!!!

Great tip... keep up the good work!

Always,

~Emily

The San Diego Real Estate Expert

Thank you for posting this, it's great! I have to bookmark this blog!

I love image chef!

This is great. I am glad I have subscribed to your blog. Always interesting material. Thanks Mike Jones

Hi Mike-- I visited Imagechef for the first time today after not being able to find what I needed. I knew it had existed however hadn't used it in the past. Very cute and fun site for sure! You are such a giver and good to share a wonderful tip. I remember the first time I saw some amazing signs around the Rain and it took me some time to figure out how the writers were getting them. I did a little research and until today I hadn't use it. I sure liked how 'user friendly' the site was!!

have a great weekend,

Candace

I had forgotten all about ImageChef until I read your post this morning. Naturally I had to get over there and bookmark it for future reference and also play with it a bit.

Thanks Mike!

Good Job! People who write tips and tutorials rock! :-)

Mike, thanks for the tip. Now I have something else to play with for hours.

Good morning, all! Thanks for commenting.

Peggy; You're welcome! Have a ball!

Cheryl: You're my hero and mentor when it comes to tips and tutorials!

For the uninitiated, Cheryl's other blog is Da Blogmother.com. The sidebar header on Cheryl's site says:

Da BLOGMOTHER is a collection of tutorials and informative posts about subjects of interest to me, many first published on Active Rain.

I encourage you to stop what your're doing right now, click the link I've created, and go subscribe to Cheryls blog; it is a treasure trove for the serious blogger and Photoshop wannabe. (But come back and comment when you're done...)

Kris: It's a lot of fun. Thanks for commenting.

Candi: This weekend will be fun. We're putting up Christmas decorations.

Don: As you can see, I appreciate my subscribers! This is one Imagechef sign that has only one field. I wish they would change that so we could edit the top insert as well as the hanging sign.

Linda: Isn't it fun? Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Lorinda: You're welcome. Come back any time.

Emily: I'll sure try. Thanks so much for commenting.

Meg: I'll come over and take a look-see.

Fran: Ditto my comment to Meg! Thanks for commenting.

Sally: See? I made you smile! Thanks for stopping by to comment!

Mary: You're in good company. So far, most of the commenters are Old-bies. Have a great weekend.

Mike in Tucson

Mike, Hey I am NOT a newbie and I did not know this.:-) Thanks for this info. See you can teach an old dog new tricks

Good morning Mike, I have stopped by and read many of your posts before, and always left learning something. Thanks for this insight, I will definitely try these new skills out this morning!!

Matt: No, you're not! From one old dog to another, you're welcome.

Mike: Good morning to you! I'll have to come see what you've done.

Mike in Tucson

I love imagechef, I have so much fun with products like this.

Love it! Thanks for a great idea from Tina in Virginia Beach!

Logo

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the help

Anne

Mike- Wunderbar! Love it - and then to have it specifically for the Newbies... YEAH!

Mike,

This is a cute, easy to read tutorial on posting. Very well done.

Thank you, Mike what a great idea and site.

Thanks Mike. I haven't used ImageChef much, but I probably will now.

Mike, now I know how it works. Always some great content on your blog, thanks! I'll use this pearl today.

Thank you Mike! I haven't posted much yet because I don't know enough about how to get graphics. I'm good with photos, but don't have any. I didn't want my posts to be "naked." Now they'll be ALL dressed up!

Thanks for the great site! I'm a newbie and I just learned how to put graphics and pics up so I can't wait to make my own graphic!

Thanks for the info! I need to check it out and get some more tips...

That is very cool, thanks. I am very new, and I am trying to figure out how to make my site look cool. I did it. I'm trying to learn when a tag is ok to use. I would like to be able to link this information, is that ok to do? Thanks.

Mike- you are always full of so much useful information - for ALL of us!!! thanks!

Thank you so much for the info! I've tried to use only organic photographs (yes, ones I took myself) in my blog posts if I have them, but this will fill in all of the posts that I can't take a photo for it.

I'm fairly new but also fairly active on AR and I am IN LOVE! I'm ADDICTED!

I lol'ed at "the home page isn't intuitive" - why can't they be??

NOV

2007

Mike - This is great info for a newbie. I know when I 1st started I was always wondering where these great signs came from.

Mike, how generous of you. I can't wait to go play. Thanks for "kicking it up a notch" for us.

Mike, what a great idea. I was wondering how and where those signs originated. Now I know. Thank You

The Resident Mark

Mike - Learning , learning everyday...thanks so much for sharing I can't wait to give it a try.

Hmmmmmm maybe in my next post!

All the Best,

Thanks Mike, what an awesome site. I'm still having trouble keeping the pic in one place and wrapping the text around it.

I'm sure I'll figure it out.

Mike! This looks like LOTS of fun!!! Thanks for the resource AND the tutorial

I have so many more uses for this. Hehe. Thank You Mike!

Very cool site, Mike. Thanks for the info!

Mike - I think it's wonderful that you're offering such excellent advice. I've been at this a while and am still learning, but I remember how overwhelming it all looked when I was starting out. Thanks.

Mike, Thank you so much, I have wandered around some of the other sites I have seen mentioned for free photos and such and usually end up more confused than when I started. This site is great and simple enough even for me :)

I had no idea that this site existed, although I have wondered how folks were getting such great graphics for thier blogs. Thanks so much for sharing!

Thanks Mike - We did not know about this site. We are off to check it out! Thanks for the tip!

Mike - I just created a short cut on my computer for this site. Thanks for sharing

Hey Mike, that's so cool. Thanks!

Mike- I love image chef. Thanks for sharing it with the newbies. Congrats on the feature, well deserved. Katerina

Thank Mike, great tip and information, truly valuable!

Oh Mike, You are simply marvelous darling!!! I was hoping to find out how to do this so that I could jazz up my blogs. Now all is need is ideas, words and some creative juices. You are terrific.

Pat Baker, Needham, MA - Newbie since 10/08/07.

THanks Mike. I am going to try this, and yes I am a newbie. Great information.

Mike: Members like you that have such good tips and advice should get special bonus points! I didn't even know about signs, let alone, that I could create one. Thank you very much. I wish I could give back to the members on AR, the way so many give to me.

Way too cool! Gotta try it! Thanks for the cool tip!

Call Ed Nailor for home loan approval

I love Imagechef. But I know there are more sites like this. Anyone know of them?

Ed Nailor
1st Metropolitan Mortgage

www.EdNailor.com

Fabulous post! I had just discovered this site earlier today so it is fun to see a post on it afterwards... gives me even more ideas! THANKS!

Sunday night. It looks like y'all have been busy! And a little gold star. The star belongs to you Newbies who are joining up on Active Rain in droves! When I joined in July, there were about 38,000 members. Our ranks have swelled by 20,000 since then. So it's great to meet the new faces. And thanks to each of the Old-bies who have commented, too!

Missy: Thanks for visiting and commenting. You do a great job with your graphics; I think you got me started on ImageChef.

Lenn: Just what you need--a new toy. I appreciate your blog; thanks for commenting.

Tina: It's a long way from Virginia Beach to Tucson. My Grandpa lived on the eastern shore of Virginia. Thanks for commenting; I'll be over to your blog soon.

Anne & Eddie: Thanks for commenting. I checked out your website from your Active Rain profile. Absolutely awesome!

Mike: The Einstein-at-the-blackboard interactive image is one of my favorites. Thanks!

Tracy: I'll never be cute, so the post will have to do, but I do believe I'm easy to read. LOL Thanks for commenting!

Judith: Thanks. I appreciate you visiting and commenting.

Dan: You're an Old-bie. Thanks for commenting!

Jem: You're an encouragement; keep it up!

Elaine: Naked posts are better than no posts. On the other hand, some of my favorite "members only" posts are a series of photos by Teresa Boardman. They're inspiring! Check 'em out.

Teresa 's Blog

Krista: You'll have a blast! Thanks for commenting.

Josette: You're welcome! Thanks for showing up.

Tami: By all means, go ahead and link. I'm glad you're working on tags. Put the word in the AR search field; you'll find plenty of useful info from some great writers.

Bill & Barbara Jo: I sure appreciate your encouraging comments on my posts! We need to meet up one of these days!

Denise: It IS addicting, isn't it! Thanks for commenting.

Bill: Welcome to Active Rain! I'll be over to visit.

Jeanean: Givers Gain! It's the BNI credo. Thanks for commenting.

Mike in Tucson

There are simply too many comments to respond to all at once, so I'll break this in two, and start the second "thanks for commenting" right now. If you commented, I'll recognize you. You'll want to do the same for everyone who graces your blog with their own comment. It's called "reciprocating." TLW...ROAR is the lady to read on reciprocating... ROAR!

Resident Mark: I think my doctor is named after you! LOL Thanks for commenting.

Therese: I think I'll check out that next post of yours.

Wayne: The Appearance tab is the key to getting the image and the text to obey your wishes. Left and Right are what I used in placing the images you saw in this post.

Joeann: It IS fun! You're welcome! Thanks so much for commenting.

Daniel: You're going to get into trouble. I can feel it coming! LOL

Christy: You're welcome. I appreciate you coming over to comment!

Tom: Isn't ita amazing how usefully AR set up this site to take advantage of sites like ImageChef? Thanks for commenting.

Beth: I'm glad it was useful for you! That's the whole idea. Look for me to comment on your blog soon.

Alecia, Rick & Lynn: Thanks for commenting. You're going to be dangerous now! LOL

Dan: You created a shortcut on your computer for Imagechef. I wouldn't know how to do that. Your turn to write a little tutorial. I'll come comment.

Vickie: You're welcome! Thanks for commenting.

Nestor & Katerina: Newbies need love, too. Thanks for the encouraging comment!

Denise: You're welcome! It's fun to share and comment.

Pat: Thanks, kiddo! There's a real estate post in just about anything. I'm coming over to comment.

Vickie: Welcome to Active Rain!

Love your new logo!Thanks for stopping by to comment and say such nice things!

Michael: It's just fun, and it can help make a point and keep a reader interested. That's the main thing.

Ed: I know there are other sites. Readers should feel free to include outbound links to any site that's similar to ImageChef. On the other hand, leaving outbound links that are self-serving is the AR equivalent of spam. You probably want to edit your comment to remove the link to your website. Readers can click on your name, go to your profile, and get to your website from there. It's okay if I do it, like I did for Teresa Boardman in my comment above, but it's not okay for you to do it without permission. Thanks in advance.

Melissa: I'll have to come check out your new toy!

Mike in Tucson

Thanks for the info, I love finding new places like this website to add some spice to posts! Added it to favorites.

Mike, thanks so much, it's a great site!

What I really want to know is, where can I make my own custom AR sign?

Mike:

This is awesome! And fun too! I love all of these techie tools! I have just added the "stuff" from another one of your posts to my "to-do" list. Thank you!

Mike -- this is great -- I think Maggie Dokic also wrote about imagechef and the newbies may also want to check out her blog as well http://activerain.com/blogsview/156755/Image-Chef-Another-Free . I really like the site and it is a lot of fun. Thanks for suggesting the link.

thanks for tip, it's a great site. my future posts will shine. lol

Mike, Thought I was going to turn in early tonight but then I found this post and got lost in it. Thanks for sharing...shhhh don't tell anyone that I am not a newbie.

Hi, Margaret! I won't tell. I need to go read Maggie Dokic's post, recommended by Joan Whitebrook, before I turn in. Thanks for commenting.

Keith: We'll come check it out!

Joan: Thanks so much for coming back and leaving a link! You're the best!

Mary: The lists keep getting longer. This is fun and easy, though.

Georgina: Is that you showing off the bling? LOL I don't know how to make the customized AR signs I've seen around. Probably Photoshop. If anyone would know, it would be Cheryl Johnson. Click the link. She also has a site of tutorials that I've mentioned before. The link is somewhere above in my comments on this post, I think.

Jennifer: Thanks for the plug!

Mike in Tucson

I love it - one of the best blogging tips in...well, since pictures first made it to blogs.

ps now that I went there, unfortunately I have to qualify that with a "too bad they have to plaster it with near porn" comment...is that all really necessary. Anyone that comes up with a similar site devoid of this please email it to me!

Thanks Mike. Seems pretty straight forward

NOV

2007

It is easy, isn't it, Ronnie? Thanks for the Aloha Beat!

Gabriel: Take a deep breath, and cruise right past it. LOL

Mike in Tucson

Thanks for the info. I need to look more pretty!

Mike, thanks for the information. I will certainly give it a try.

Your post reminded me that I have really used ImageChef yet. So I used it yesterday, thanks to you.

Thanks for commenting on Creating a Photo Layout in Your Active Rain Post

Mike- thank you so much for sharing! I can't wait use it.

Mike

Thanks for this post. It's so easy to use!

Nicki

Mike, Thanks for the info. I might start using them on my blogs.

Mike, thank you thank you thank you... I have conquered graphic/sign-making.. at least I can do some thanks to your blog. Much appreciated.

Attn: All Newbies

No way - these sights are better for pics of all sorts! Try: www.veer.com or www.gettyimages.com or www.punchstock.com

Much better selection & makes you stand out in the crowd.

Thanks for the mention in your comments Mike

Thanks for the information on these new toys!

Hmm. I am not sure this is working for me. Although I am on a MAC and I am limited on being able to make bold lettering and such. BUT! Thank you Mike. I will use this on my PC at work.

And Lyn, Thanks for these other sites.

Thanks so much for this post. I really appreciate your help & can't wait to try it!

Mike

Great content, I am not a newbie and found this info very helpful, thanks so much for posting it.

Mike,

Thanks for sharing this idea! Fantastic!

Dave

Groovy. I think I am going to have to play with that one for a while... People are going to be in trouble now...

awesome...

Pumpkin Pie/ Happy Thanksgiving Sign

Well COOL! Just what I need- more things to play with! Thanks.

Mike, You've just raised the bar again. Good enough is no longer good enough.

Bill Roberts

Mike, I'm so glad you shared this source with all o fus. Now our posts can look llike the cool kids' posts. Going right over to check it out!!! You might be sorry you unleashed this on AR!

What a neat site. I am new & technically challanged but I was able to make a sign & save it, however I cannot find the little green tree icon to upload to other places.

Mike, Thank you so much for sharing this. I make SO many exciting new discoveries on AR every single day, and this one is just loads of fun. I am very new to AR and just cannot get over the level of information here! I fully intend to be an active participant in blogging and contributing back to this community for all it has already given me. I've been a little slow to start writing just yet because I can't stop reading ... and reading ... and reading. So far, I am a "quiet addict" but I'll be jumping in full force soon. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate you and so many others taking the time to share. It really is amazing. Keep up the good work.

NOV

2007

Excellent post! Thanks for the tip...I've wasted 20 minutes trying out different photos!

Mike - You are always so helpful to everyone! Thanks for the tips.

Candy: ...and you are so kind. Thanks for commenting!

Howard: all that time, and no pic in your comment? LOL Thanks for visiting and commenting.

Denise: Welcome to Active Rain. Give in right now and join the Active Rain Addicts group. Tell Adam Waldman, who moderates the group, who sent you!

Patricia: Thanks for commenting. Call me if you still can't find the little green icon; I'll be glad to help.

Bonnie: I'm not sorry! Thanks for commenting. LOL

Bill: It's good to see you again; thanks for commenting.

Leslie: Now I'm hungry! Cool image!

Karl: Got vocabulary? LOL Thanks for commenting briefly.

Lane: You'll have a ball. If only they had more cars...

Dave: Love the sign!

Gary: You rock! But then you've heard that before. LOL

Kathy: You're welcome!

Rockie: Come back and edit your images!

Don: You're welcome!

Lyn: Your comment says No, No, No, but your blog says you love ImageChef! LOL

Gail: Love the license!

Matt: "Might" isn't a powerful word. Go for it! Do it! Get 'er done! LOL

Nicki and Pam: You're both so very welcome! Come back any time.

Dan: What's that about old dogs and new tricks? Thanks for showing up; I appreciate you.

Leon: That's the spirit!

Wayne: Thanks for commenting!

Mike in Tucson

Mike - Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'll be signing my Active Rain life away in no time at all!

Bookmarking this one!

Jackie

Mike, this is so cool! Thanks so much for the info!

Awesome, Mike - thanks! I had always wondered about those. I'll definitely be sprinkling some of these in my upcoming posts!

Mike,

Thanks....Everyday I get 1 thing that helps me out and you are the guy today!

I did it! It's SO much fun! Here's one I made but didn't use yet.

Krista is my Realtor picture

Krista: Now that's a loyal client. How DO you do it? LOL

Keith: Today you're my number one encourager! Thanks!

Katie: Images really keep one's interest, and help the reader. Glad to help!

Brinette: I think so, too. It doesn't take much to make me smile!

Jackie: Come on back any time! Thanks for commenting.

Mike in Tucson

NOV

2007

custom image Oh my gosh, this is Too Cool. Thanks for the tip.

Michele: Thanks for enjoying yourself.
I appreciate your comment!

Mike in Tucson

This info was great, not just for Newbies. I love your blog.

Sandy

Thanks, Sandy! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family.

Mike in Tucson

Great tips! Thanks again.

You bet, Calvin! Thanks for coming over here to comment. It's a long way from the top of the comments to the comment box. You got a workout! LOL

Mike in Tucson

Howdy Mike

I know you said Newbies only. Now that there are 102 comments on your post. I wanted to come back and comment. I have an idea on a sing to make and to thank you for the info.

Have a good one

Dale

NOV

2007

Mike

Thanks for the post. i have seen these on other blogs and such, and have driving myself nuts. Thanks for saving me 100s of hours. Can we use these for other types of marketing?

Hayy Holidays

Uncle Duff

Uncle Duff: The legal stuff on ImageChef prohibits commercial use of the site, so I wouldn't. It's fun here on Active Rain, though. Thanks for commenting!

Dale: Send me an email about your idea. I'd love to hear it.

Mike in Tucson

NOV

2007

How cool is this, Mike? Thanks for giving the advice to a newbie, like me. It is much appreciated. I can't wait to explore the site!

Meredith Amon. Sotheby's International Realty. Breckenridge, Colorado

Mike, I'm NOT a newbie - but I always wondered how those graphics were done. Thanks!

Thanks for stopping by, Brian. Non-newbies are welcome too!

Bret & Meredith: Thanks for commenting. Come back often. What a beautiful part of the world you live in, especially at this Christmas season!

Mike in Tucson

JAN

2008

Mikes best tips mix tape

Mike, what an awesome resource for bloggers! Thanks so much for spreading the word.

Cheers,

Robin

Robin,

You're welcome! I love the little tape! Thanks for taking the time, and for commenting.

Mike in Tucson

This is great. I really appreciate your bog.

This is so much fun. I will bookmark the site right away!! I will check out the site, can we use it elsewhere?

Thanks again!

Audrey

You can use it wherever you like. They keep putting new stuff on their site; it's really a hoot!

Kathleen,

Thank you! I'll be over to visit your blog.

Mike in Tucson

APR

2008

Mike - thanks for the sign website. Just what I needed.

Brian

APR

2008

I have bookmarked this post and will try later. I have thought of adding signs but did not not know how to do it.Thanks for the post.

That's awesome, thanks for the heads-up

Mike - Thanks!!!! It was so easy and I love it. Here is my masterpeice. And you know what I liked the best about your post? The info on the APPERANCE TAB!

License Plate

Mike- I LOVE stuff like this. Thank you so much. I am going to try it.

APR

2008

Carol,

Thanks for saying so! Subscribe to my blog, and I'll do my best to keep you entertained and educated! LOL

Lori,

That info on the Appearance Tab is overlooked by many. Thanks for commenting.

Gita,

I thought you had been using this for ages. Nah. You're too young! LOL

Brian,

You're sure welcome! Come back any time.

Mike in Tucson

AUG

2008

Hi Mike -- Thanks for the information. I look forward to networking with you and reading your future post. Have a great day!!!

Neal,

Thanks for stopping by to comment. Come on over and subscribe to my blog; I promise I'll keep it interesting!

Mike in Tucson

Wow, ask and you shall receive...I had lost this post and was hunting everywhere for it, and today's comments popped it back up into my inbox. Hurray!

Hi, Judith

Glad to see you again.

Mike in Tucson

AUG

2008

So glad to find this post- even a year late! Thanks for the info Mike! I've been so impressed everytime I see one of those signs and ask myself everytime "How'd they do that?" Had no idea it was something I could do!