Photoshop and Me

This is the last week of 2D Illustration II, and I feel like I’ve really pushed myself a lot farther than I’m accustomed to. It’s funny how many deadlines you can meet if you really put your mind to it.

I’ve learned a lot about the different techniques of Photoshop, and started to form my own habits with using the program. There are still so many things to learn, but education is a never-ending thing.

I feel like I’ve created some really unique pieces to add to my portfolio, and am proud of my progress throughout the course. I am definitely looking forward to the opportunities that the future holds.

Shortcuts are the key to success

Photoshop shortcuts are key to productivity. While teaching a tutorial, I was informed of several shortcuts that I did not know existed. They make things so much easier, and your work gets done so much faster.

There is also an option to set up your own shortcuts, but I do not recommend this. It may seem easier for you to remember shortcuts this way, but it can only hurt you in the long run of things. Should you have to use an employer’s copy of Photoshop, then you will be relying on the custom shortcuts you learned, and they will not be the same on that version.

It may seem hard at first, but by taking a little extra time to learn the standard Photoshop shortcuts, it will definitely cut down on how much time you spend trying to do a certain action on Photoshop.

Finding a relevant tutorial

We’ve been given the task of finding 3 tutorials (one must be a text tutorial) to teach to the class. Finding a relevant tutorial that isn’t too complex has been a fun challenge.

For my first tutorial, I chose “Changing an image’s color with an adjustment layer.” I found it very useful when working with a few of my projects. It’s much easier to use an adjustment layer, because it can be changed very simply at a later time. It’s very difficult to change the color of an image once you’ve applied the effect directly.

I found my tutorial at Layers Magazine.

It's all about the angle

"A photograph is not an accident – it is a concept."

Ansel Adams

I am starting up 2D Illustrations II, and working with Photoshop again. It's been a little while since I've toyed around with Photoshop. I've picked up some new shortcuts, which definitely make things smoother and quicker when editing a photo.

I spent all yesterday afternoon and evening just snapping photos, to see which angles and lighting work best. I've found that the best shots are planned out, although that's not to say an amazing shot cannot be spontaneous.

I also discovered that the more you work on composition of the photo before you shoot, the less time you actually have to spend fixing it up afterward. I am definitely looking forward to learning more techniques during this course, and hope to see an improvement in my photography style.

Phancy Designs, inc.

Our last project for Delivery Systems II is a website promoting ourselves, and our “design firm.” For my design firm, I chose the title “Phancy Designs, inc.” because it gives off a unique and playful vibe.

I reviewed numerous design firm websites, and most of the basics were the same. There were firms that included many more categories, and others that didn’t include enough contact information.

Most firms included a portfolio showcasing their work, as well as a brief description of what their company actually does, and what kind of service to expect from them.

I also saw many firms featuring past clients, and showcasing the works they created for them, as well as a follow up link to their website.

For my website, I chose to keep in the basics, and made sure to include contact information (although, some contact info is faked, because it is a school project), and a small selection of previous designs.

Taking on Project 365

"Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death."

Albert Einstein

I recently discovered an interesting and motivational activity called “Project 365” and thought this would be a fun and worthwhile task to take on. Not only for the memories I would be creating, but also to help me grow as a designer and photographer.

The basic task of the project is to document a year of your life in pictures. It would be a photo journal, to look back upon. With our busy schedules, so many days pass by, and the days start mixing together. We can’t remember what happened each day, only the really special moments.

With this project, it helps you to see the beauty and inspiration around you, and enables you to create a “special moment” every day. I’m hoping it will further spark my creativity, and help me with new angles, composition, and lighting effects.

Each day I will add a new photo to my Photo Blog. I hope you will follow along on my journey.

A picture is worth a thousand words

"If you see something that moves you, and then snap it, you keep a moment. "

Linda McCartney

I've always loved photography, and capturing special moments. I’ve had the privilege of owning several still cameras, as well as digital cameras. A few years ago, I purchased a DSLR, and never got around to reading the manual. It was very simple to use. I just had to click it to “auto” and I was off and running.

Recently I found my manual, and have been meaning to read it, but it seems like I never get the time. I chose “Basic Digital Photography” for my next project, so I can explore the manual settings in depth. I'd also like to work more with a tripod, and try out some HDR (High Dynamic Range) shots as well.

Positive thinking is always key

"Reality is the mirror of your thoughts. Choose well what you put in front of the mirror."

Remez Sasson

When approaching any situation, especially when meeting clients and potential employers, a positive attitude is always key. Even if you aren't the most secure with yourself as a graphic designer, learn to fake it by exuding positivity.

I believe if you are positive about your work, then others will take on that same attitude. If you try to make your work appear superior by constantly putting others down, an employer or client can see right through that, and it will appear that you are deflecting insecurities about your own work.

With so much negativity going on in the world, a little positive thinking goes a long way.

Instructions are a lifesaver!

“If everything else fails, read the instructions.”

Unknown Author

Week four of Delivery Systems I, and I feel like I have accomplished so much in such a short time. I've come to a better understanding of web design. I'm very excited for Delivery Systems II, and to begin my next website.

Today's final exam was both wonderful and frightening all at the same time. During study group yesterday afternoon, Williams let us know the final exam would have a few surprises, and to read everything very carefully. Test time came, and he handed out what seemed like a booklet. Reading some of the questions, I realized I needed to learn more about hexadecimal colors, and that I was in trouble because I couldn't use Photoshop to just grab the color #.

About two pages from the back, I found some easy questions, and filled out the answers. Then I remembered the instructions, and read all the way to the back. I giggled when I saw the note Williams had left for us. Basically instructing that we only needed to do sections 4 and 6 and then have a great weekend. You cannot imagine the sigh of relief that passed over me! Lesson learned, but it also brought to my attention that I have so much that I've yet to learn.

Search Engine Optimization

"Good design encourages a viewer to want to learn more."

Alexander Isley

Website #2 is a 5-7 page site about one of four topics. I randomly chose "Search Engine Optimization" from the bucket.

It was much easier writing out the code this time around. I still had some snags with it, but I'm happy with the end result. I stuck with a red, yellow, and blue theme (tried to mimic the Google colors without being exact though).

I implemented a few things that I learned throughout class, as well as many of the tips and techniques I learned about through researching SEO. I was not aware of how many factors are taken into account when ranking your website on a search engine.

Here's the finished website! Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

What makes a good website?

"Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication."

Leonardo da Vinci

What makes a good website? Each person will have a different answer because of personal preference (ie. colors, images, layouts, etc.).

Personally, I enjoy vibrant, beautiful colors, or soft, soothing colors. Simple, but elegant layouts. Lots of eye candy, but not so much to overwhelm the viewing experience. I like to be able to find the information I'm looking for, and navigate around the website with ease. A little bit of flash is acceptable, but I want the ability to skip seeing it each time.

When I'm looking for specific information, and need it quickly, I appreciate when the website loads quickly. If I have some time to spare, or am looking to be inspired, I will wait longer for a website to load.

Welcome to Delivery Systems I

"I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it."

Pablo Picasso

This month I am starting Delivery Systems I. I had mixed feelings about it, because I knew a little bit of the html coding, but never how to properly implement it into a website. The thought of learning CSS and PHP was a little daunting as well.

This first week was a lot to take in, but I feel as though I am getting the hang of it. Things are still a little frustrating, because the web pages don't look exactly how I imagined. I still have a long way to go, but with time and practice, I'm confident that I will get there.