Some tips that may be of help:

Start off with the circle or square template for the centre of the record or the sleeve. The final shape will influence a lot how the final design finishes.

I also start freehand sketching with pad and pencil. I can't design with a computer, the computer is merely a slave that helps me present my thoughts. No matter how loose and sketchy the preliminary design is if you have the picture of what you want to see in your head starting to come together on a pad of paper you can then transfer it to the computer and make it better. I sometimes scan in my sketches and literally trace over it with the drawing tools on the computer, arcs, lines etc. and then develop it further.

I have CD templates but no actual record templates - Jimfish if you have some vinyl size templates I could really really use these. Please contact me - oh yeah to get text in photoshop to curve you need to WARP it. When using the text tool, go to the top toolbar, there is a little T with a arc under it. Click on this and you have loads of crazy things you can do to the text.

Sorry, on with the programme.

I think you also need to understand the differences between VECTOR and BITMAP graphics. Bitmap are just pixels as displayed on the screen - therefore if you zoom into it the image will lose defination, it will look like it is breaking up and getting pixellated, the image is not as sharp as it should be. Vector graphics use a proper mathematical formula to calculate and form the image (curves, straight lines etc). This means that everytime you zoom into it the formula is recalculated for this zoom and the defination is not lost and the image remains crystal clear whatever the zoom. Conclusion vector graphics should be used as much as possible. If you scan an image in it will be a bitmap graphic and there are going to be chances where it will become fuzzy.

Ah man, I could write for years on drawing, techniques, perspectives, art movements (Cubism is great) I love it. Wanted to make it my life but am now getting disillusioned by the bolshoi business side of things. I can if I can be my own boss. The thing is I have to go right now as I am busy.

Mark and Chrissi I'm gonna send you an email to see if I can help further.

Hope this helps.

Peace.

MM