STEP 1: In Photoshop or Illustrator create a PDF portfolio page like the sample. Dim: 1024 px x 1645px x 150 ppi (resolution). (These dimensions are more a guideline and you can vary it if you have a different idea for your layout)
Include:
6 images from previous classes and your own work
add descriptions of the images: what tools and techniques did you use?
place a banner of your own work on top
a title (Portfolio of Work)
your name
save the file as a Photoshop PDF or Illustrator PDF
STEP 2: Create text fields in Adobe Acrobat Pro and add descriptions to your work. The descriptions need to state what tools and functions you used.
STEP 3: Save the final PDF and upload to MyKangan.
Follow the in-class instructions on how to use the Crop Tool or follow the tutorial below the image.
The crop tool works on two basic levels:
free-hand – simply select the crop tool (Shortcut C) [Visit Shortcutworld for more Photoshop Shortcuts] and drag a window over your image. You can adjust the size of the crop selection by dragging the edges and corners. You can even rotate your crop selection (with CS4 or higher). Hit Enter to complete the crop action and accept the new size.
key in dimensions – after activating the crop tool enter the width: 500 (in px for web), the height: 600 (in px) and the resolution: 150 (72 is suitable for web)- the values need to be entered in the options bar (also called properties bar). See image below as an example. Next drag the crop window and press enter to except the change.
Note that the window is restricted in its scale.
See the dimensions of the Crop Tool: 450px x 400px with 72ppi resolution.
Follow the in-class demonstration. A nice and basic function, it allows you to change the brightness and correct the contrast. Move the slider to change the values.
Image>Adjustments>Brightness/Contrast
Tick and untick the Preview box to observe the changes before accepting it.
Use the sliders. It is self explanatory.
Levels
With the Levels function you can adjust problems with tone (eg a photo that is very grey and does not show enough dark and light aspects) or colour related problems (eg too much blue).
The Short Cut: Ctrl+L (Cmd+L) or use: Image>Adjustments>Levels
Overview: follow my in-class introduction to how to use the Levels in simple steps. Use the attached photo by Matthew Bridges of the old house at a lake.
The easiest and most basic way to apply the Levels function is by moving the sliders for the highlight (white) and shadows (black) below the graph of the input levels inwards. Moving the highlight will brighten the image up and moving the shadow will darken the shadows.
This is a good basic function to start of with and it is useful for the majority of your photos, may they be basic shots or more sophisticated and at higher resolution.
Follow this tutorial to learn how to use the Level Adjustment more detailed and how to create an Adjustment Layer:
Follow the in-class demonstration (shortcut: Ctrl+M or: Image>Adjustments>Curves). The Curves function is similar to the Level function, but the graph is a lot more visual and intuitive. You can manipulate it with your mouse. See image:
Try the presets and see how it affects your image, and then manipulate the curve yourself.
The short cut is Shift+Ctrl+L (or: Image>Auto Tone). Follow the in-class demonstration. The Auto Tone function readjusts tonal settings in your image and in most cases this results in a crisper image with the click of a button. The Auto Tone option looks for the darkest and lightest points in an image and resets them to pure white and black, resulting in clearer tones.
Because Auto Tone adjusts each color channel individually, it may remove color or introduce color casts.
Auto Contrast
Follow the in-class demonstration.
The short cut is Alt+Shift+Ctrl+L (or: Image>Auto Contrast). Auto Contrast adjusts image contrast automatically, at the click of a button. Unlike Auto Tone it will not affect colours. It clips the shadow and highlight values in an image and then maps the remaining lightest and darkest pixels in the image to pure white and pure black . As a result the image will have lighter highlights anf darker shadows and a crisper contrast.
Auto Color
Follow the in-class demonstration.
The short cut is Shift+Ctrl+B (or: Image>Auto Color)
Auto Color adjusts the contrast and color of an image. It is able to search images for shadows, midtones, and highlights. It then neutralizes the midtones using a target color of RGB 128 grey and clips the shadow and highlight pixels by 0.5%. Personally, and from experience it effects images less and Auto Contrast and Auto Tone bring more convincing changes in image quality.
Vibrance
Follow the in-class demonstration. Click: Image>Adjustments>Vibrance
As the name suggests this function will help you making a photo look more vibrant. Colours can be shown more intensely with higher saturation. It is easy to grasp this function, simply move the sliders to the right to increase vibrance or move them to the left to decrease vibrance.
Follow the in-class demonstration. (Ctrl+U or Image>Adjustments>Hue/Saturation)
Using Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer with a mask showing the original (yellow) below.
Photo Filter
Photo Filter
Follow the in-class demonstration. Press: Image>Adjustments>Photo Filter.
One of the best image adjustment options, you can select from a set of preset filters: use a warming filter to create a lighting sense that you would encounter indoors, in autumn (fall) or during a sunset when there are more yellow, orange and red colours around. Use a cool filter to create a typical outdoor setting or a winter atmosphere. You can tick the Color box and select your own colour or select a colour from the image itself (simply click on the part of the image).
You can also change the amount of density, more density results in a stronger impact of your filter. Find a level that you like – try to be more conservative and chose a little less density than you like for a print).
Shadows/Highlights
Follow the in-class demonstration. Click: Image>Adjustments>Shadows/Highlights.
With the shadows and highlights you can easily lighten up an underexposed, dark image. Use the functions sparsely to not overdo the changes, which can easily create an unrealistic look. The image shows the changes on a dark photo.
All the image adjustments that we have looked at above can be done directly to an image or in from of an adjustment layer. It is far better to create an adjustment layer, this allows you to create changes in form of a layer. You can always delete or hide the layer and your original image remains unaffected.
How do you create an adjustment layer?
With your original layer selected click on the Create a new fill or adjustment layer button and select what type of adjustment layer you want to create. Next do all the adjustments to it.
Alternatively you just click on the Adjustments tab and select the Adjustment Layer that you want to create.
(See image)
Create an Adjustment Layer
Task in Class
Perform these two tasks to show that you understood today’s class ( If you have missed this class you need to do this!!!)
Use the image by Matthew Bridges (or select an alternative image). Use the crop tool and resize to 500px x 600px at 150ppi (resolution). Apply 6 different image adjustment layers and mask them off in strips (see examples of student work). Add titles to your strips. E-mail the file to me as a PNG (not PSD) and keep a copy for yourself.
In your second task I would like you to use Matthew Bridges’ image only. The photo is very grey and it looks foggy. I would like you to improve the image using any of the image adjustment functions that you have learnt about. When you are happy with the improved image e-mail me a PNG version of it (no need to crop the image).
Create a before and after version of the image.
Student Submissions:
Work by Benan ÜWork by Michael TWork by Tristan SWork by Vlad KWork by Jo WWork by Justin A
The Custom Shape Tool allows you to draw custom shapes. These are actually vector graphics, which is uncommon in Photoshop.
Custom Shapes and Custom Shape Icon
The Custom Shape Tool can be activated with the U shortcut and by scrolling through the shape tool options using Shift+U until the custom shape tool appears. Load all custom shapes in the options (in CS6 click on the cog or in earlier versions click on the arrow). Use any of the shapes that you like. I opted for the dog and the cat with a rounded rectangle in the background.
Draw shapes by dragging the cursor. Hold shift to keep the proportion.
Layer Blending Options
Double click around the name of the layer.
Activate the Layer Blending Options by double clicking next to the name of a layer (in the Layer Palette) in the high-lighted area (not the thumbnail). In class I will give an introduction to the various options. I want you to focus on the Stroke option. Click on the word (not just the tickbox) and change the colour of the outline.
Vary your line thickness on the different shapes.
Next click on the words Blending Options: Custom and reduce the Fill Opacity to 0%
Next click on the words Blending Options: Custom and reduce the Fill Opacity to 0% and vary the Fill Opacity with the different shapes.
Today’s Task
Create an image with shapes that have outlines and no or low Fill Opacity.
Suggested dimensions:
Web Preset, 800px(width) x 600px (height) 72ppi (resolution). Save your work for on-screen viewing, as JPEG or PNG.
We will focus the majority of today’s time on you practicing Photoshop. After the completion of your tasks I will expect you to stay and practice more. Class time is the time when I will be able to assist and the time for you to experiment with the software.
So, today we will have fun and afterwards will have some more fun until the imaginary bell rings to announce the end of class.
Creative Commons
Creative Commons or the Creative Commons License relates to a way to distribute content, such as photos and other images for free. Last week’s sample photo of the Ameland geese by F Schouwenburg is under the Creative Commons License.
Source: Flickr – photographer: Frans Schouwenburg
Creative Commons are generally used for non-commercial and educational purpose. If someone makes a profit with a product they should pay for the image they use.
Generally, the author, creator or owner of the content needs to be mentioned. So, in short, when using images from Creative Commons sources ensure that you mention the source of your image.
This can be done in various ways. One would be to place a tag underneath the image with the source as you see it done in this blog.
Creative Commons on FlickR
There are different forms of Creative Commons and it pays to read the details beforehand. To the right is another example from FlickR:
Examples of Creative Commons Resources
Try out the Links to Creative Commons to the right of this post:
Your task: find a photo to suit the themes Urban environment and blue skies with each search and download the image. Include the meta data of the photographer and source of website with the photo.
First start a new Photoshop document. Place one of your new photos into it. Place your second photo as well.
The Layer Blending Mode can be accessed through the Layers panel. A text box (Win) with the word Normal or a small button (Mac) indicate the Layer Blending Mode box.
Look at your layer blending mode with the top layer active. Try the layer blending modes below and see how amazingly easy Photoshop lets you change the appearance by creating a blend between two images.
Now click on this link and access the tutorial on Layers TV Episode 105 about how to use the Layer Blending Mode.
Layer Mask
If you completely watched the tutorial in the link above, you will already know how to create a layer mask and can proceed to the task for today.
Last week we looked at clipping masks and today we look at a layer mask. The process is very similar. Make a selection on your active layer and click on the Layer Mask button (add a layer mask) beneath the Layers panel. Your selection is still visible and the rest has disappeared.
You can also create a layer mask from a selection by going to the main menu: Layer>Layer Mask>Reveal Selection. (see image)
Alternatively (press Ctrl+Z or Cmd+Z) you can hide what you have selected: if you use the Layer Mask button press Alt at the same time to hide your selection with the Mask. You can do the same from the main menu: Layer>Layer Mask>Hide Selection.
While the layer mask is selected you will be in the mask mode. You can use the brush to add or take away from your layer mask. If you use the brush (while in mask mode) you can make parts disappear by drawing with black as foreground colour. You can equally make things reappear by drawing with white as foreground colour.
Using Gradient Tool with Layer Mask
A good tool to use is the gradient tool with the layer mask. You can create a gradient mask that way, which means the image will gradually become invisible. See image below.
French Ancient City Banner – Source: Image Base – Free Stock Photography Click the image as a link.
You can see the gradient used on the right part of the image. This is how you do it:
Create a new document (use dimensions below)
Place an image and change size as you see fit (press Enter)
Create a layer mask (click the layer mask button)
Activate the gradient and drag from one part to another within the imageIf white is your foreground colour the image will become invisible in the direction of your dragging. If black was your foreground colour the image will be invisible on your first point and become visible in your dragging direction.
For a more detailed tutorial on how to use the Layer Mask in Photoshop go to: PhotoshopEssentials.com
Today’s Task
Create a banner for a website using two images that blend into each other (use Layer Blending Modes and Layer masks) with a title, either use your name or an imaginary title.
Image by Alvimann found on morgueFile.comImage by Noboru found on morgueFile.comUrban Stories Banner by F.Viola
The images must suit the themes:
Urban environment
Blue Skies
Dimensions of banner: 980px(width) x 174px (height) 72ppi (resolution)
Add a title to the banner, that preferably also blends with the background images. Save the file as a PNG file. Keep a copy of this file and the 2 images that you have used. Upload your work onto MyKangan.
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. If you cannot open the file get it from here:
Geese in Ameland, Photo by Frans Schouwenburg
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.
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, 2011
Layer 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.
Actually – in class we ended up straying and did the grassy rabbit instead. I am happy with either. See image:
Grassy Rabbits
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.
Link to all Classes Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6
Today’s Class
Photoshop CS6
Ways to open an image
Selection Tools
Use of Hue/Saturation function (Image adjustment)
Feedback
Photoshop
Good morning and welcome to our second class together! We will look at some beginner’s tasks in Photoshop, based on images with white backgrounds.
So, let us start with that!
Ways to open an image
First ensure that you use a good folder structure. Save your images from your USB onto the PC that you are working on into a folder with a short, yet descriptive name, eg images.
Select File>Open – find your images folder and select the image that you want to open. Photoshop will open the image at the image pixel size and at the resolution of the file.
Open the images folder and have Photoshop open and accessible. Now drag the image into the Photoshop window.
Create a New Document in Photoshop and choose File>Place. Next place the image into the document.
There are other options, such as dragging an image directly from a webpage into the Photoshop window or selecting File>Open As Smart Object. Photoshop is a very versatile software package. The most important is to know a way that keeps the resolution high.
Selection Tools
The Selection Tools in Photoshop are one of many strong points of this package. We will work with this slow loading instructions from the Teacherlink site: Selection Tool Instructions
Below is an screen shot of the Selection drop menu with annotations:
Source: The Graphic Designer’s Digital Toolkit, Alan Wood, 5th Edition, 2011
The Rectangular Marquee Tool (Short cut M) – This tool draws square (with the help of Shift) and rectangular selections (freehand). It is important to understand that you are actually not drawing as such, you are simply creating a selection and will be able to do something to that selection only and only on the current layer. Drag the image below into your Photoshop workspace and select a rectangular shapes. Press Ctrl + U and change the colour settings – just play with it. Keep the file active.
The Elliptical Marquee Tool (Short cut M) – This tool draws circlular selections (with the help of Shift) and elliptical selections (freehand). You can draw the ellipse or circle commencing from the centre by holding Alt (option for Mac) while you draw your selection. Visit this tutorial on PhotoshopEssentials.com to see a good example on how to use the Elliptical Marquee Tool. For this class select the red cylinder and change the colour as per instruction above.
The Lasso Tool (Short cut L). Basically you draw your selection freehand. It is an early Photoshop tool and has some good uses still (like creating a quick shadow underneath a vehicle with the help of Gaussian Blur). It requires a high level of mouse skills. Try to select the handshake with the Lasso tool and change the colour. Visit this tutorial on PhotoshopEssentials.com to see one good use of the Lasso Tool.
Polygonal Lasso Tool (Short cut L). You draw your selection by dropping points. It is an advanced version of the basic Lasso tool and can be very useful. It requires practice. Try the tutorial from PhotoshopEssentials.com: Polygonal Lasso Tool.
Magnetic Lasso Tool (Short cut L). You draw your selection by clicking once to select the outline of your object and then you simply follow along the outline and the tool does the rest for you. If a mistake occurs use Backspace to go back one step. It requires practice. Try the tutorial from PhotoshopEssentials.com: Magnetic Lasso Tool.
Magic Wand Tool (Short cut W). You make your selection by clicking in the field of what you want to select (eg inside the suit). The Magic Wand selects pixels based on tone and colour. You can change your selection criteria, for example by increasing tolerance your selection will be wider and less affected by tonal variations in the picture. That will result in a larger selection. If you bring the tolerance down it will result in a smaller selection, which means that changes in tone or colour will affect your selection earlier. Try the tutorial from PhotoshopEssentials.com: Magic Wand Tool.
Quick Selection Tool (Short cut W). This tool is extremely useful as a selection tool. It is similar to the Magic Wand, but it is more advanced and user friendly. You make your selection by clicking in the field of what you want to select (eg inside the suit). The Quick Selection Tool selects pixels based on tone and colour, but it also has the ability to detect similar textures in an image. As a result it is better at detecting the edges of an object. You can change your selection criteria by changing the size of your brush tip: increasing it will widen your selection and decreasing it will narrow your selection. For a more in detail description please look at this informative tutorial at PhotoshopEssentials.com: Quick Selection Tool.
How to add to or subtract from a selection Hold the shift key to add to an existing selection. Hold the Alt key to subtract from a selection. You will need to hold the key while adding or subtracting.
Use of Hue/Saturation function (Image adjustment)
This is a very quick intro to this function: Press Ctrl + U. 3 sliders allow you to change either the hue (the exact colour), the saturation (the amount of colour) and the lightness (the tone, lightness and darkness). You can also tick colorize to get a nice retro effect, it makes your selection monochromatic.
Layer overview
We will cover this in more detail in the next class. We basically will just have a look at the layers to get a broad understanding in class.
Feedback
Please leave your feedback in form of a comment. Your feedback and suggestions will help me to make this blog more user friendly. Thanks!
Link to all Classes Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6
Today’s Class
Introduction to Delivery Format
Looking at RAE
Looking at MyKangan
Introduction to the Content
In-class Task
Introduction to Delivery Format
This class will be delivered in 2 hour schedules every Monday morning . The content will be posted on this blog as well as on MyKangan. Tasks, discussions and research will be conducted inside the 2 hour slot and at home.
You are expected to work towards goals independently and to be able to operate as part of a team. In a work place you will sometimes be lucky to work with people that you easily get along with, but unfortunately you might often have to work with people that you might not easily get along with. A professional looks beyond this and finds ways to function in a professional environment with a range of personalities.
Assessments:
Important: You need to submit all your assessments on MyKangan. It is your responsibility to follow up due dates and access to MyKangan.
Day 1 Task – this task is a simple comprehension task to establish student participation. (due: after the first class)
Assessment 1 – Portfolio of Work (Interactive PDF)
Assessment 2
RAE – Research and Exploration or Class of Federico
This blog will be or main form of contact. It will be accessible from anywhere as long as you have internet access.
Make sure to explore the links when you have some free time. The best learning is done by yourself exploring and questioning.
MyKangan
MyKangan is Kangan’s content delivery platform for all classes. You will find all the content on MyKangan and as stated before: you will submit your assessments here.
To access MyKangan please open Kangan’s student portal and click on MyKangan. Next find the class by unit title. This can be a bit hard to see, so make sure to know the unit titles.
I will run you through this in person.
This is also where you will submit your assessments. You will find hyperlinks with names such as Submit Assessment 1 here.
You can send messages to your teacher and you can leave comments as well. I am always open to suggestions, so please feel free to forward ideas about content or software that you would like to cover.
Please click on the link to view the Unit of Competency Text. Please look over the text and at least read through the Elements to get an idea what you will learn in this class.
The CS5 Workspace (overview)
Please open this Link –CS5 Overview– of a 10 page PDF file (from Adobe Systems Incorporated 2010) in a new window.
On your screen find the application bar, the menu bar, the options bar, the document window, the tools panel as well as the other panels or palettes.
Source: Steve-hamlin.com
Activity: Click on Window in the menu bar. (Here are all the panels and palettes that you can activate or deactivate.) Click on Navigator and see the palette becoming active. Next drag the Navigator palette to the very left of the workspace or document window. Do the same with the Character Palette (this one is a bit harder to find and I leave it up to you to figure it out).
Next select New Workspace from the workspace switcher menu, name your workspace and tick the 2 boxes.
You have just created a new workspace for yourself. To get back to the standard workspace layout select Reset Essentials from the workspace switcher menu. Changing the workspace to suit your need can speed up your work and is more fun.
In-class Task
I would like to emphasise how useful the Adobe TV site is:
Please activate this link to a Adobe TV Tutorial: How To Get Started with Photoshop CS6 – 10 Things Beginners Want to Know How to Do It will give you an introduction to Photoshop CS6 by introducing 10 functions. By the way: the shortcuts given are for Mac and if you want to use them on your PCs you need to use the Ctrl function instead of the twirly symbol.
Please do not expect to understand everything, it is an introduction. Try it out with any image that you have.
Your task: manipulate an image of your choice while viewing the video. E-mail me a copy (JPEG) of the original image and a copy of the image that you have manipulated. I do not expect any big changes, just have some fun with it and next week we will work on it together.
Thank you!
Feedback
Please leave your feedback in form of a comment. Your feedback and suggestions will help me to make this blog more user friendly. Thanks!
Link to all Classes Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6
Today’s Class
Introductions
Introduction to Delivery Format
Looking at RAE
Following Instructions on the White Board
Ask Questions
Introduction to the Content
In-class Task
Introductions
Good morning and welcome to our first class! I hope you are relaxed to start our journey together and excited enough to get into the new topic. I will introduce myself to you and I would like to get to know you a bit as well. It is nice to be able to link a person’s name and face to a story.
So, let us start with that!
Introduction to Delivery Format
Thanks!
This class will be delivered in 4 hour schedules every Friday. You will find every class posted here on RAE (Research and Exploration) or just COF (Class of Federico). This blog isaccessible from anywhere as long as you have internet access. At the beginning of class check this blog to see what we are going to do for the class.
I will present tutorials and tasks in class and you can follow the tutorials on the white board. Please make sure to look at the white board when I present a tutorial. Afterwards I will ask you to repeat it on your computer.
Don’t worry though, we will do this at a good paste, so that you have time to do it yourself.
Ask Questions!
It is important to ask questions when learning a new topic. You cannot know everything, so I am happy for you to ask questions. I actually want you to ask.
Assessments:
Important: You need to submit all your assessments on MyKangan. It is your responsibility to follow up due dates and access to MyKangan.
Day 1 Task – this task is a simple comprehension task to establish student participation. (due: after the first class)
Assessment 1 – Create a 3D image in Photoshop
Assessment 2 – Create a basic 3D animation
Introduction to Content
Over the first weeks of the class you will get and introduction to Photoshop CS6. We will have an overall look at the package. You will learn how to find your way around it, how to type text, how to place photos, how to add images and how to create 3D content.
Next, you will learn how to create a basic 3D animation. If time allows I might be able to show you some basic 3D modelling, which can be a lot of fun.
In-class Task
Please follow the in-class instruction. Create a basic image in Photoshop and save the image as a JPEG. E-mail the image to me.
Feedback
Please leave your feedback in form of a comment. Your feedback and suggestions will help me to make this blog more user friendly. Thanks!
I used CS5, but this tutorial will work on all recent versions
The tutorial is written for IBM PCs, if you are using a Mac convert the short cuts:
Ctrl becomes command
Alt becomes option
Final product! Based on photo by kconnors from morgueFile.com
In this tutorial you will learn to
create a file for the Web,
place an image,
place a semi-transparent layer on top,
adjust the size of an object,
add text,
group layers,
make text ‘punch through’ a background
save a file for web purpose
Step 1 – New Document
Create a new document (Ctrl+N or File>New…) and use these settings:
Preset: Web
Size: 620 x 411 px (h)
Resolution: 72 ppi
This is a fairly small size and you can go for a larger size if you wish (eg 800 x 530px). I chose a small size to keep the file size small.
Insider joke: do not use Ctrl+End, but Ctrl+N (Feray and Cliff will understand)…
Step 2 – Save Image
Click the image of Sydney Harbour Bridge (by kconnors and found on morgueFile.com) for this tutorial and save it to your computer or USB. Preferably you want to get a large enough file to work with. So, click on the image and follow the link, select Download Image on morgueFile.com.
Photo by kconnors on morgueFile.com
Step 3 – Place Image
Place the photo in your document (File>Place and find the file).
After placing adjust the size to fit in your image window. Make sure to hold Shift while adjusting the size (by shifting the corner points). Hit Enter to except.
Step 3 – Drag from corner points and hold shift to maintain same ratio.
Step 4 – Create a New Layer and Fill With White
Create a New Layer
Press Ctrl+Shift+Alt+N (yes this is a looooooooooong shortcut) or click on the icon for New Layer in the Layers panel.
Fill the layer with white
Press Shift+F5
Select White at 70% Opacity
You can change the opacity in the Layers panel later.
Step 5 – Change Size of White Layer to Small Banner
Use the Free Transform function (Ctrl+T or Edit>Free Transform). Follow the instructions in step 3 in regards to changing the size. Reduce the opaque white background to the size of a banner and press Enter. (See image)
Step 5 – Drag the centre points down and up to be left with a banner, next press Enter.Step 6 – The underlined text and insertion point at end of the word indicates that you are still in the type mode.
Step 6 – Type the Title
Use the Type Tool (T) and using capitals, type ‘SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE’.
Font: Pick a Sans Serif, eg Century Gothic
Dimensions: something that fills the page, eg 46 pt.
Click on the tick on the top right hand side of the page or click on the move tool to exit the type mode.
Now you can use the , or use the Free Transform (Ctrl+T) to adjust the size.
Step 7 – Group the Layers
Click on your Type layer to select it
While holding Shift click on the layer with the banner (most likely Layer 2) – this should select both layers.
Press Ctrl+G to group the selected layers.
Step 8 – Blending Options
Access the Blending Options by double clicking on the Type layer. Click on the blue, high lighted area around the title. It should open the Blending Options/Layer Style window.
Change the Fill to 0% and the Knockout to Shallow.
Press OK.
Step 8 – Blending Options – Change the Fill to 0% and the Knockout to Shallow.
Step 9 – Save the File
Save it as a PNG and select interlaced. Finito! Benissimo!
Illustration by Jessie Ford, found on DzineBlog.com
Screenshot – 82 Everyone is a Marketer by Seth Godin from What’s Your Story by Joyce Hostyn
Example of applied changes
Poppies – Vector art Federico Viola based on photo by hotblack from morgueFile
Photo by dharder on morgueFiles.com
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/
Work by Jo W
Lines and Gradients- Courtesy of: psdtuts+
Photo by mcconnors on morgueFile
Finding the Right Candidate for a Job… – Photo AdamRiley from www.projectnoah.org
Photo by DTL on morgueFiles
Outlined text changed in size and colours dropped into the individual letters with Eyedropper tool using LMB + Alt
Image Source: www.photoshopessentials.com
Experimental Photomontage by Robert Heinecken
Photo by hotblack on morgueFile.com
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
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)
Screenshot 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
Based on photo by xandert found on morgueFile
The calming effect of horizontal lines, image: courtesy of flickr.com, Photographer: jaikdean
Based on a photo by delboysafa from morgueFile.com
Illustration: Jamie McKelvie – Art Brut Record
Leonardo’s St. John the Baptist, Louvre, Paris, Image: courtesy of A World History of Art – www.all-art.org
Courtesy of The Art of Mass Effect Universe’, 2012
Uncle Sam Wants You, WWI Propaganda Poster for US Army recruits, Design by James Montgomery Flagg, 1916, image found at: Live Auctioneers
Milk Poster – Swiss International Style Reference – by Annabel Stephen Salip
Light Streaks – Courtesy of: PhotoshopEssentials
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
Colours, Numbers and Boxes – very happy and alive, personally I do not like the distortion of the word content – found at: Flickr
ruthworkx -http://ruthworkx.files.wordpress.com
Custom Shapes and Custom Shape Icon
Examples of Output and Display for web-content. Image: live.surveyshack.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
Using the Reflect tool (o) to reflect the i downwards as if it has collapsed in front.
Illustration by Jessie Ford, found on DzineBlog.com
Luminescent Lines – Courtesy of: PSDLearning
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.
Good Morning! Photo: wallyir, from: morgueFile.com
Illustration by Kate Miller, found on DzineBlog.com
Illustration by Gary Neill found on P.A.P.-Blog – http://garyneill.com/ http://garyneill.tumblr.com/
The grass layer has been turned into a clipping mask with the shape of the rabbit below.
Contemporary design in style of Construcitvism by Teo Brito found at LauraGreen92 – click image for more information and link to her blog
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)
Only practice will help you learn! Photo by BreonWarwick on morgueFile
Free Transform and Ctrl – I am loving it!!!
Vertical lines of a dark fence, image courtesy of p.ic – Photo Internet Collection – www.photoic.wordpress.com, photographer: Federico Viola
Based on image by hotblack on morgueFile.com – F.Viola
Swiss travel poster from 1934 by Herbert Matter – Source: http://swisstype.wordpress.com/work/
Photo by matthewbridges on morgueFile.com
Colourful Table of Content – Ribbons in Primary Colours – found at: LifeBlue.com
Pink Ribbon Day – Swiss International Style Reference – by Hwan Rochanabuddhi
The underlined text and insertion point at end of the word indicates that you are still in the type mode.
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)
Massive Attack – The Essential Mix
Image source: Data Center Knowledge
Illustration: Jamie McKelvie – Suburban Glamour Comic Series
Illustration by Tavis Coburn found on DzineBlog.com
‘For Great Road Trips: Switzerland’ Poster by Herbert Matter in (Swiss) International Style – Source: http://swisstype.wordpress.com/work/
Photo by mconnors on morgueFile
Close-up at Fed Square, Federico Viola 2013
Found at Inc.com
Photo by omdur 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
From ‘Henri’s Walk to Paris’ 1962 – children’s book by Saul Bass Found at: Brainpickings.org
Photo by ariadna on morgueFile
Vista Lighting Effect – Courtesy of: Tutorial9
Photo by agathabrown on morgueFile
“Step into my office” Source: The Age, click image for link
Illustrator unknown – found at: Ephemera – World of Rare Books
Study – Lines and Grace Kelly – by Federico Viola photo: courtesy of GettingCheeky.com and curved lines wallpaper: courtesy of FreeFever.com
Constructivism Reference – by Lylah Livingston
Text and Shapes – This design lends itself to an interactive use – found at: Klafferty.com
A Beautiful Piece by Aerosol found on his Facebook
Couple found at http://frenchbydesign.blogspot.com.au
Concept for Gallery Screnshot
Image from morgueFile by lemai13
Geese in Ameland, Photo by Frans Schouwenburg
Britons, Lord Kitchener Wants You! Propaganda poster design from WWI by Alfred Leere. Image: courtesy of WorldWarEra.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
The Glossy Reflection is transparent on top and gets whiter towards the bottom.
Michael Pointing in GTA V – Courtesy of Rockstar
Study – Lines and Grace Kelly – by Federico Viola photo: courtesy of GettingCheeky.com and curved lines wallpaper: courtesy of FreeFever.com
Peace- Swiss International Style Reference – by Maryam Chananeh
The Face by drfranken found on ChromoArt.de
Some of us have there most enjoyable moments in nature at the beach, Photo by rivediamoci on morgueFiles
Photomontage: Amir Ebrahim Photography
Jenga, photo courtesy of: Design-Crit.com
Photo by clarita on www.morguefile.com
Your Lipstick Needs You, an entertaining take by Digital Media Artist Samantha Cain. Courtesy of: Samantha Cain, http://www.behance.net/samanthacain
The swirls in the image are made up of numerous lines. Courtesy of: www.openprocessing.org
Work by Egon Schiele, found at Mom.org
Layers in Photoshop are like a Collage of images stuck on top of each other…
Illustration by Gary Neill found on Dzineblog.com – http://garyneill.com/ http://garyneill.tumblr.com/
Photo Montage by SGlider12 on Webdesign.org – Click image for great Gimp tutorial
Steel Curves, Image: courtesy of flickr.com, photographer: Margeois.
Based on photo by dhester from morgueFile.com
He loves OHS! – Photo by Karpati Gabor on morgueFile
Screenshot of Endless Alphabet 2, courtesy of AppsPlayground.com
x 411 px (h)
![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](https://classoffederico.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/world-war-propaganda_auch-du-sollst-beitreten.jpg?w=244&h=312 "world war propaganda_Auch du sollst beitreten")
RAE - Research and Exploration 