How to Make a Site Background

I get asked the question alot about using Photoshop to create swooshes without using the pen tool. I understand the difficulty in learning the pen tool myself because it took me a while to learn it also. So, the basic tools used were the marguee tool, the paint bucket tool, and the gradient tool. It is pretty simple and straightforward and looks great. I am using the example at the beginning of the tutorial as my current site background, so you can already see what it looks like. This technique is very versatile and can be used in many other places besides backgrounds. Using it for banners, logos, etc. makes them stand out, and gives you a web 2.0 look. You can also use the technique with making glows and other things of the that nature. So, if you are into Photoshop, I greatly suggest you check out this video.