Old Paper
1st edition — by Patrick McNeil — Apr. 14, 2006
The Design Element
Using old paper products in your design is a great way to generate some
atmosphere and cut through the technical feel you might feel stuck in. We
have such a connection with paper, we use it all the time, and we don't associate
it with the computer as much as we do with being tangible. The mind set is
slightly different. It creates a comfortable organic feel.
The first thought that comes to mind is to suggest that you unplug from
the computer and see what you find. Root through an attic, basement, or the
old books at the library. You are bound to uncover some incredible pieces
of paper you could scan in and use for your design. Don't be tempted to create
a hokie paper texture in photoshop just because you are to lazy to find something
to scan. Your design will be so much more powerful if you just take the steps
to give it life. I have provided five paper textures free for the download
at the bottom of this page. Hopefully these will get you started and perhaps
inspire some leg work!
In a lot of ways these sites speak for themselves, so I will just leave
you to browse them and get inspired.
Sample Usage
Downloads
Links
A great source for a few free paper images:
Rare Books &
Special Collections
iStockPhoto is
a terrific source of nice paper images to work with, and you can get them
cheap.
Mayang free paper textures
Folded paper Photoshop brushes (excellent)
