Direct Selection Tool and how to move Anchor points
Fill and Stroke (X) and how to swap colours, change colours etc
Type Tool (T) and the Character Panel (Ctrl+T)
Outline Text (Shift+Ctrl+O)
How to Align (Shift+F7) and Distribute
Pathfinder (Shift+Ctrl+F9) and particularly Unite and Minus Front
Task on paper and in Illustrator:
Afterwards you will receive a task that will focus on creating, manipulating and morphing a word according to its meaning.
During this exercise concentrate on and carefully consider the word. What is its meaning and how can you use typography to convey it?
Brainstorm the meaning, synonyms, visual ideas and any concepts that explain the word. Do this on paper and spend a minimum of 10 mins on a word and really dig deep in regards to how to visualise the meaning and feel.
Example: Organisation might be related to grid, rhythm, same colour, repetition, stacking, clusters, military, direction, unity, lack of individuality, mathematical, number related, folders, drawers, etc.
Step 3:
Create the word image in Illustrator. Call the document Type_Class4_yourname_word1 ( Type_Class4_FedericoViola_word1).
Dim: A4, Landscape, 3 Artboards
Step 4/ Homework:
Create a new word! Make it up and give it a meaning that only you know. Give the word visual meaning. The other students will have a try at understanding the meaning from your visuals.
Exercise has been inspired by exercise in Graphic Design School, David Dabner, Sheena Calvert and Anoki Casey, 4th edition 2010
Welcome to your third Photoshop class. Be honest: did you practice what you have learnt last week? Make sure to practice Photoshop as much as you can, preferably daily. If you create a habit and make it fun your learning curve will be steep. If you are to busy to practice every day, try more than once a week.
You can see that we will be rather busy. You will also need to provide me with an image as a result.
If you already now all of the tasks above you can do this straight away –
Your Tasks for this class:
Task 1 – Start a new document – 700x500px at 150ppi (pixels/inch) resolution and background contents set to transparent. Create a clipping mask with a rounded rectangle (fill most of the document space and with a 40px radius) of a photo of geese in Ameland, inthe Netherlands by Frans Schouwenburg. The photo is available under Creative Commons agreement and can be found on Flickr.com. Create a Gaussian blur (7.4px) of the clipping mask and flatten the image. Save as a JPEG with this title: Class3_T1_Your_full_name.jpg (example: Class3_T1_Toni_Varsetti.jpg). Upload the file to MyKangan and keep a copy of the JPEG.
Task 2 – Use the same document from task 1 or start a new document – 700x500px at 150ppi (pixels/inch) resolution and background contents set to transparent. Type the initials of your name in Impact Regular 200pt. If you have not done so in task 1, download the image of the geese in Ameland (see Task 1 for link). Place the file in your document (File>Place). When excepting the size make sure that the image is larger than the initials.
Finally create a clipping mask (the photos should only appear inside the text now). Save the file as a PNG with this title: Class3_T2_Your_full_name.png (example: Class3_T2_Toni_Varsetti.png). Upload the file to MyKangan and keep a copy of the PNG.
If you are in doubt about Toni Varsetti ask Lucine… 😉
The Layer Panel
The ability to create layers is a central aspect of Photoshop. It works like a collage, you place one photo on top of another and the one on top covers up the photos below it.
Layers Panel – Source: The Graphic Designer’s Digital Toolkit, Alan Wood, 5th Edition, 2011Layer Drop Menu Click image to see larger version
The Layer palette is located in the bottom right-hand corner with a tab called LAYERS. There are two menu items you should be aware of in the drop down main menu: Layers and Window.
Click on Layers to see a lot of actions that you can perform with layers. (See image) You can perform these functions directly from the layers palette as well, by clicking on the Layer Options Tab (small icon in the top right of the layers palette).
Click on Window in the main menu and see Layers ticked. This is were you can activate the Layer palette if you cannot see it on your screen. (If you are using a Windows PC notice the shortcut F7? This allows you to activate or deactivate the layers palette.)
Please read all the options of the image of the Layers panel (above) before advancing.
How to create a new Layer
You can simply click on the small icon in the Layers panel that looks like a sheet of paper (too slow)
You click on the Layer tab in the menu bar: Layer>New>Layer (too slow) or
You use the short cut: Ctrl+Shift+Alt+N (Mac: command+shift+option+N) – Nice! This will immediately create a new layer on top of your active layer.
You can use this short cut: Ctrl+Shift+N. This will open a options panel before the layer is created.
Layers in Photoshop are like a Collage of images stuck on top of each other… Monkey photo by deanjenkins and Green photo by omdur, both on morgueFile
How to move a Layer
Drag the layer in the layer panel into the new position. You can move it up (=on top of other layers in the workspace) or down (it will be partly hidden by layers above.
This is an easy and intuitive way. You will need to sometimes move it right between two layers and wait for a dark line to appear before releasing the layer.
You can also use the shortcuts: Ctrl+[ (or Cmd+[ on Mac) to move the layer up and Ctrl+] (or Cmd+] on Mac)to move the layer down.
You can use the Menu bar: Layer>Arrange>Bring Forward (or Backward)
How to make a Layer active or inactive
A layer needs to be active for you to be able to work with the artwork on the layer. Photoshop allows you to work on one layer at the time.
The active layer is high-lighted or shaded (generally it is the layer with the blue background and white text in the layers panel.)
To activate a layer simply click on the layer in the layer panel
If you want to select numerous layers hold the Ctrl button (Mac: Cmd) while selecting more layers.
How to hide and show a Layer
You can make the content of a layer invisible by clicking on the eye icon in the Layers panel. Clicking it again will make the content visible.
How to link Layers
Linking layers can be done by selecting numerous layers (with Ctrl) and then clicking on the chain symbol in the Layers panel.
How to group Layers
Group layers by selecting numerous layers and then either pressing Ctrl+G (Mac Cmd+G) or create a new group by clicking the Create a new group icon in the Layers panel (it looks like a folder) and drag any layer you want into it.
How to delete Layers
The easiest way is to select the layer and hit Backspace; this happens immediately.
If you are the old school type you might to simply drag the layer into the bin icon or click the bin icon and press enter to delete the layer.
How to draw Shapes
Using the Custom Shape Tool to draw a Rabbit – The rabbit is below the grass
Before you draw a shape place an image in the document (File>Place). In the example I have placed a photo of grass (found on http://www.morguefile.com > Petersphoto)
There are several tools that allow you to draw shapes. They basically draw vector graphic shapes that are linked to a layer. Try the Rounded Rectangle Tool tool. (If the tool is not visible, hold down the Rectangle tool near the bottom of the toolbox.) The shortcut is U – and Shift+U allows you to scroll through the tools options (it should be the second.)
Draw a rounded rectangle with a 25px radius (drag to draw).You will notice that drawing a shape will create a new layer as a default!
Try the other drawing tools as well.
I chose the rabbit custom shape. To find it choose the custom shape tool, it looks like a blob, see the sample images! Then go into the options menu bar and select the down arrow next to the custom shape (most likely a black arrow). This will open all the different custom shapes. Next click on the small outward arrow head in the top right of the box you have just opened. Select all and Ok. This will open all the custom shapes that Photoshop comes with. The rabbit should be in the selection.
How to create a Clipping Mask
The grass layer has been turned into a clipping mask with the shape of the rabbit below.
Keep only one shape layer and delete all the others.
Place an image in the workspace: File>Place. Make sure the image is larger in size than the shape on the layer below. Right-click on your image layer and select Create Clipping Mask.
Male sure that you do this to your image layer and that the image layer is on top!!!
Your image layer has been reduced to the shape of the shape layer below. 🙂
Try to move just the image by selecting the image layer.
Try to move just the shape layer.
What is the difference?
How to use the Gaussian Blur
Make sure your shape thumbnail on your shape layer is selected. Go to the menu bar: Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur and enter 7.4px for the Radius.
You should be prompted if you want to rasterize the layer. Click yes.
How to merge two Layers
Select two layers (left click + Ctrl) then right click and select Merge Layers.
How to flatten an Image
Right click on any layer and select Flatten Image or press Ctrl+Shift+E (Cmd+Shft+E on Mac)
Tasks
This completes today’s tutorials, please perform the below tasks:
Task 1 – Start a new document – 700x500px at 150ppi (pixels/inch) resolution and background contents set to transparent. Create a clipping mask with a rounded rectangle (fill most of the document space and with a 40px radius) of a photo of geese in Ameland, inthe Netherlands by Frans Schouwenburg. The photo is available under Creative Commons agreement and can be found on Flickr.com. Create a Gaussian blur (7.4px) of the clipping mask and flatten the image. Save as a JPEG with this title: Class3_T1_Your_full_name.jpg (example: Class3_T1_Toni_Varsetti.jpg). Upload the file to MyKangan and keep a copy of the JPEG.
Task 2 – Use the same document from task 1 or start a new document – 700x500px at 150ppi (pixels/inch) resolution and background contents set to transparent. Type the initials of your name in Impact Regular 200pt. If you have not done so in task 1, download the image of the geese in Ameland (see Task 1 for link). Place the file in your document (File>Place). When excepting the size make sure that the image is larger than the initials.
Finally create a clipping mask (the photos should only appear inside the text now). Save the file as a PNG with this title: Class3_T2_Your_full_name.png (example: Class3_T2_Toni_Varsetti.png). Upload the file to MyKangan and keep a copy of the PNG.
Naşide Clipping MaskClipping Mask by Lachy CClipping Mask by Brandon M and Anthony WClipping Mask Amelia BClipping Mask Dom UClipping Mask Dejanah PClipping Mask Dylan CSelection by TerranceMcGClipping Mask by Surour D
Some of us have there most enjoyable moments in nature at the beach, Photo by rivediamoci on morgueFiles
The concept was used on the German side as well with this ‘Auch du sollst beitreten zur Reichswehr’ [You too should join the German Army], design by Julius Engelhard, Image: courtesy of mental_floss
Photo by agathabrown on morgueFile
Swiss International Style – Joseph Müller-Brockmann – Beethoven – found at www.designhistory.com
Illustration by Kate Miller, found on DzineBlog.com
Text and Shapes – This design lends itself to an interactive use – found at: Smashing Magazine (click image for inspiring article on table of content design)
Couple found at http://frenchbydesign.blogspot.com.au
Concept for Gallery Screnshot
Swiss travel poster from 1934 by Herbert Matter – Source: http://swisstype.wordpress.com/work/
Illustration by Gary Neill found on Dzineblog.com – http://garyneill.com/ http://garyneill.tumblr.com/
Illustration by Tavis Coburn found on DzineBlog.com
Screenshot – 82 Everyone is a Marketer by Seth Godin from What’s Your Story by Joyce Hostyn
From ‘Henri’s Walk to Paris’ 1962 – children’s book by Saul Bass Found at: Brainpickings.org
Britons, Lord Kitchener Wants You! Propaganda poster design from WWI by Alfred Leere. Image: courtesy of WorldWarEra.com
Close-up at Fed Square, Federico Viola 2013
The underlined text and insertion point at end of the word indicates that you are still in the type mode.
Photo by frenchbyte on morgueFile
Italian movie poster found on Abduzeedo.com
Lines and Gradients- Courtesy of: psdtuts+
Only practice will help you learn! Photo by BreonWarwick on morgueFile
Text and Shapes – This design lends itself to an interactive use – found at: Klafferty.com
Photo by matthewbridges on morgueFile.com
Based on image by hotblack on morgueFile.com – F.Viola
Study – Lines and Grace Kelly – by Federico Viola photo: courtesy of GettingCheeky.com and curved lines wallpaper: courtesy of FreeFever.com
Based on photo by dhester from morgueFile.com
Illustration: Jamie McKelvie – Art Brut Record
Good Morning! Photo: wallyir, from: morgueFile.com
Photo by clarita on morgueFile
What Time is it Now? by King_Bobbles
Image Source: www.photoshopessentials.com
Screenshot of Endless Alphabet 2, courtesy of AppsPlayground.com
Mosaic of Sofia Coppola – by Maurizio Galimberti – www.mauriziogalimberti.it
Text-based Table of Content – Very Graphic and Black and White- found at: Smashing Magazine (click image for inspiring article on table of content design)
This is a template for a business website found at TemplateMonster. It is interesting in the sense that it breaks up the main image as part of the navigation. The sound it comes with is annoying.
Steel Curves, Image: courtesy of flickr.com, photographer: Margeois.
The gentle curve of the river and the light green tones of the grass give this image a calming feel. The montains and the clouds have a less calming effect. Image: courtesy of Icon Photography School – http://www.photographyicon.com/line/
“Step into my office” Source: The Age, click image for link
Finding the Right Candidate for a Job… – Photo AdamRiley from www.projectnoah.org
Example of applied changes
I Want You – Emily Strange, The lovable Emily Strange came to life in 1991, designed by Nathan Carrico for Santa Cruz Skateboards. She is referred to as a counterculture icon. I would just call her a sceptic. Image found at: Kollectable Kaos
Examples of Output and Display for web-content. Image: live.surveyshack.com
Photo by ariadna on morgueFile
Work by Egon Schiele, found at Mom.org
Photo by Seemann on morgueFile.com
Source: morgueFile, Photo by matei
The Face by drfranken found on ChromoArt.de
Using the Reflect tool (o) to reflect the i downwards as if it has collapsed in front.
Geese in Ameland, Photo by Frans Schouwenburg
Leonardo’s St. John the Baptist, Louvre, Paris, Image: courtesy of A World History of Art – www.all-art.org
Image source: Data Center Knowledge
Free Transform and Ctrl – I am loving it!!!
Luminescent Lines – Courtesy of: PSDLearning
The swirls in the image are made up of numerous lines. Courtesy of: www.openprocessing.org
Work by Jo W
Custom Shapes and Custom Shape Icon
Layers in Photoshop are like a Collage of images stuck on top of each other…
Pink Ribbon Day – Swiss International Style Reference – by Hwan Rochanabuddhi
Colours, Numbers and Boxes – very happy and alive, personally I do not like the distortion of the word content – found at: Flickr
Illustration by Jessie Ford, found on DzineBlog.com
Based on a photo by delboysafa from morgueFile.com
Constructivism Reference – by Lylah Livingston
Illustration: Jamie McKelvie – Suburban Glamour Comic Series
Illustration by Jessie Ford, found on DzineBlog.com
Photo by clarita on www.morguefile.com
Multimedia Production Cycle – This image is under the Creative Common Agreement, you can use it but will need to reference this site: www.classoffederico.wordpress.com
He loves OHS! – Photo by Karpati Gabor on morgueFile
Setting the grid up.
The calming effect of horizontal lines, image: courtesy of flickr.com, Photographer: jaikdean
Michael Pointing in GTA V – Courtesy of Rockstar
Photo Montage by SGlider12 on Webdesign.org – Click image for great Gimp tutorial
Grassy Rabbits
Found at Inc.com
Based on photo by hotblack from morgueFile.com
Photo by omdur on morgueFile
Illustrator unknown – found at: Ephemera – World of Rare Books
Experimental Photomontage by Robert Heinecken
Your Lipstick Needs You, an entertaining take by Digital Media Artist Samantha Cain. Courtesy of: Samantha Cain, http://www.behance.net/samanthacain
Milk Poster – Swiss International Style Reference – by Annabel Stephen Salip
Light Streaks – Courtesy of: PhotoshopEssentials
Study – Lines and Grace Kelly – by Federico Viola photo: courtesy of GettingCheeky.com and curved lines wallpaper: courtesy of FreeFever.com
Table of Content from Textbook – This design lends itself to an interactive use – found at: Smashing Magazine (click image for inspiring article on table of content design)
Screenshot from What’s Your Story by Joyce Hostyn
Vista Lighting Effect – Courtesy of: Tutorial9
A Beautiful Piece by Aerosol found on his Facebook
Photomontage: Amir Ebrahim Photography
‘For Great Road Trips: Switzerland’ Poster by Herbert Matter in (Swiss) International Style – Source: http://swisstype.wordpress.com/work/
Colourful Table of Content – Ribbons in Primary Colours – found at: LifeBlue.com
Contemporary design in style of Construcitvism by Teo Brito found at LauraGreen92 – click image for more information and link to her blog
Based on photo by xandert found on morgueFile
Poppies – Vector art Federico Viola based on photo by hotblack from morgueFile
Massive Attack – The Essential Mix
The grass layer has been turned into a clipping mask with the shape of the rabbit below.
Fruity Design – This is great for a menu, very appetizing thumbnails – found at: WeddingPhotography.com
Photo by hotblack on morgueFile.com
Photo by mconnors on morgueFile
From ‘Henri’s Walk to Paris’ 1962 – children’s book by Saul Bass Found at: Brainpickings.org
Peace- Swiss International Style Reference – by Maryam Chananeh
Courtesy of The Art of Mass Effect Universe’, 2012
Jenga, photo courtesy of: Design-Crit.com
Photo by dharder on morgueFiles.com
Photo by DTL on morgueFiles
Uncle Sam Wants You, WWI Propaganda Poster for US Army recruits, Design by James Montgomery Flagg, 1916, image found at: Live Auctioneers
Work by Justin Anderson
Illustration by Gary Neill found on P.A.P.-Blog – http://garyneill.com/ http://garyneill.tumblr.com/
Image from morgueFile by lemai13
Outlined text changed in size and colours dropped into the individual letters with Eyedropper tool using LMB + Alt
The Glossy Reflection is transparent on top and gets whiter towards the bottom.
Vertical lines of a dark fence, image courtesy of p.ic – Photo Internet Collection – www.photoic.wordpress.com, photographer: Federico Viola
Photo by mcconnors on morgueFile
Courtesy of The Art of Mass Effect Universe’, 2012
Illustration: Tavis Coburn – Illustration for for an article predicting trends in Apple’s mobile strategy. Found on: TavisCoburn.com
Typographic with Colours and Photos – The use of large numbers is effective and the low opacity of the boxes works, personally, I find it looks a bit dated- found at: JuxtaPost.com