Need help with CP artwork

[LeedsFan]

OK guys... I'm really useless when it comes to arty type stuff. But I've been trying for ages to find something that fits my CP layout nicely. And I wondered if I put it out to you guys if you might find something suitable.

Basically I am building a "Solitaire" control panel and the layout will be like this: (the trackball plate will not be visible though)



Because the TB is to the left I'm finding it hard to find a generic CP overlay. For a two player panel with a TB in the centre it's easy because the TB can be the focal point of many great example I've seen. (Neon Mame springs to mind).

In fact I really like the Neon Mame CP and I've decided I want a blue/black design. Though the word "Mame" won't be on it. I also really like Space type artwork and I've been scouring the net looking for examples.

I've also thought about keeping things really simple with maybe a plain background (like the hexagon pattern on the Fusion panel) and then just making blue/white halos in Photoshop around the controls and buttons. But I can't even get the hang of that. Photoshop is a proper professional tool and it seems so complicated to me.

Is there a place for simple Photoshop ovverlays or backgrounds you play around with? If I got to know how to make those halos I could come up with something.

[BULL]

knievel has an exellent guide on his site.

http://www.knievelkustoms.com/tipstricks.htm

BULL