Assignment: Make a Nameplate with your first (nickname OK) and last name.

• Create a new folder in your period student folder named "Project1"
• Create new document (File/New)
• Select these options (Make name your own!):

• Rotate the image if you need to for your nameplate (Image/Rotate Canvas)
• Press "Cmd R" to make the rulers visible.
• Use the Move tool drag guide lines into your document
• Set the guides so that you are working in a 8" x 10" space
• Use the Text tool to write your name - options will be similar to a word processing program.

Requirements:

• Create a new photoshop document - Letter size, 300dpi, RGB - to create your nameplate.
• Create at least 3 prototypes, then choose one to turn in.
• Name file using the file naming convention
• Put final name tag into the Completed Work folder on the server.

Duedate:

Assignment: Practice using Photoshop selection tools using the provided downloads.

Process:

• Create a new folder in your period student folder named "Exercise1"
• Download the images from the Downloads section below.
• You will use all of the following Photoshop features to complete this exercise.
  • A. Making Selections
    • Rectangular/Circular Marquee
    • Polygon
      • Click to begin and continue to click all around target to end point
    • Magnetic Lasso
      • Click once to begin – drag – click to end
    • Quick Mask
      • Press “Q” to turn on
      • Use brush tool to modify
        • Set brush to hard edge
        • Set forground/background to alternately add or subtract from mask
      • Press “Q” to check progress
    • Magic Wand
      • Set "tolerance" and "contiguous" on Option Bar
  • B. Cutting and Pasting
    • Make selection
    • Be sure that you are on the layer that you want to copy from
    • Click “Cmd C” to copy
    • Click on the image that you want to paste on to
    • Select the layer that you want your paste to be above
    • Click “Cmd V” to paste
      • A new layer will be created with your pasted object in it
  • C. Transforming Selections
    • Select Layer with object to be transformed
    • Choose the selection tool (Arrow at top/right of tool bar)
    • Press “Cmd T” to make transform box appear around object
      • Here you can rotate and scale (hold SHIFT when scaling if you want to maintain aspect ratio)
    • Press "Cntl" and click for more options
      • Skew, Distort, Mirror, etc
    • Press "return" to apply

Downloads: Lincoln Kennedy Napoleon SantaHat1 SantaHat2 FlowerPix

Assignment: Create a poster using the images and selections from the previous exercise.

Process:

• Create a new folder in your period student folder named "Project2"
• Using flower images from the last exercise, create 3 1200 X 1600 pixel posters. The poster will include at least two different selections. Background and other effects are up to you!
• Each poster will demonstrate a different type of Balance:
  • Symmetrical (Project 2S)
  • Radial (Project 2R)
  • Asymetrical (Project 2A)
• On one of the 3 flower designs add text adveritzing the Philadelphia Flower Show (search online for the information)

Requirements:

• Very precise selections
• Background of your choosing (Solid color or gradient - No images)
• Deliberate and conscious use of the three Design Principles:
  • Focus (Center of Interest) calls attention to a point in the artwork. The point of interest is usually in contrast to the surrounding space and can be achieved different ways:
    • Color
    • Size (Scale)
    • Location
    • Intensity
    • Shape
    • Different
  • Unity is the feeling of harmony in an artwork; all parts belong together. Unity can be achieved in different ways:
    • Color
    • Shape
    • Size
  • Balance is the equal visual weight in artwork.
    • Symmetrical: when both sides of an artwork are mirror images
    • Asymetrical: when one side is different than the other side
    • Radial: when the design radiates out from the center of the artwork.
• Three designs - two with flowers ONLY and one with flowers AND text. You choose which design to add text to.
• Files correctly named and in Completed Work
• 6 Files
  • Three original psd file with all layers available, named and organized (Project# 2S, 2R, 2A)
  • Three jpg files 450 pixels on the longest side of both psd files (Project# 2SW and 2RW, 2AW)

Duedate:

Assignment: Using PhotoShop selections skills, create a Black and White themed poster using a grid.

Process:

• Folder Organization:
  • Create a new folder in your period student folder named "Project3."
  • Create 3 subfolders
    • ImagesTheme1
    • ImagesTheme2
    • Templates
• Image Collection:
  • Choose at least 2 themes. Choose a broad topic that will have a lot of different images associated with it. For example, instead of choosing 'converse sneakers' choose 'shoes', or instead of 'cars' choose 'vehicles' or 'transportation'.
  • Gather images pertaining to your themes either from the internet or by taking your own. When using Google Images choose 'large' or 'extra-large' images.
  • Choose a good variety of images - look for interesting shapes.
  • No people or animals that have fur - reptiles and bugs are OK.
  • Choose objects not scenes.
  • Your final piece will be in black and white so don't choose images based on their color.
  • Gather at least 20 images per theme.
• Templates (create at least 5):
  • Open a new document 1200(width) x 1600(height) pixels.
  • Click CMD + ' to show the grid
  • Set the grid
    • Choose Photoshop/Preferences/Guides, Grid & Slices
    • Set the grid guidelines at 50 pixels
    • Set the Subdivisions at 1
    • Click OK
  • Set the foreground color to middle grey (808080)
  • Using the rounded rectangle tool, create 10 to 14 boxes - Set radius to 20
    • Fill the page keeping a single grid box boundry around the edge of the page and around all the boxes
    • Create a variety of rectangle shapes and sizes
    • Remember the 'rule of thirds'
  • Save each template separately named 'GridTemplateN' (N=1,2,3,4,5, etc)
• Contact Sheets:
  • Create contact sheets of your images and GridTemplates
    • Select File/Automate/Contact Sheet
    • Change ONLY 2 things in the options window
      • Select the folder where your images are located
      • Select the column/row numbers
        • 3/3 for the GridTemplates
        • 4/3 for the Theme folders
• Changing your image to Black & White:
  • Make multiple layers of the selection
  • Click on Image/Adjustments/Channel Mixer
  • Check "Monochrome"
  • Experiment with the Red, Green and Blue sliders to get a good contrast
  • Make at least 3 different experiments
  • Keep your image realistic looking!!

Requirements:

• All selections should be clean and close!!
• You must use at least one image that you have taken or scanned.
•  Resolution matters!  Items should not be scaled up more than about 20% of their original size.

• The finished project will consist of the following two files placed in the appropriate Completed Work/Period# folder:
  • One psd file, 1200 x 1600 pixels.
  • One jpg file, 450 pixels on longest side (1600 side), saved at a jpeg threshold of 8.

• The psd file will be named – Period#-Folder#-Project#-LastF.psd(ex. 4-02-3-CalieD.tif).
• The jpg file will be named – Period#=Folder#-Project#-LastF.jpg (ex. 4-02-3W-CalieD.jpg).
• Each image that you choose to use on your poster must be tightly selected.

Assignment: Create 3 interesting patterns using letterforms – any letter from the alphabet, upper or lower case. Each pattern will be a different type of repeat (see Process).

Process:

Part One:

• Create a new folder in your period folder named Project4.
• Create a new folder in your Project4 folder named Prototypes.
• Open 3 new PhotoShop document using the Letter preset (See Project 1 for screen shot).
• Name the 3 files - "1-SimpleTranslation", "2-Rotation" & "3-Reflection."
• Use FontBook to choose a font and case to work with
• Try out many different designs - making a small samples of each type of design in the corresponding file.

• There are only 3 different ways to repeat a 2 dimensional motif.  These three types of repetition or symmetry operations are:
  •  Simple Translation – the image moves up, down, left or right while keeping the same orientation:

• Rotation – the image turns:

•  Reflection – the image reflects as in a mirror:

• Experiment with different letters and repeat types.
• Use simple and classic fonts. Avoid overly decorative or fun fonts.
• Create a minimum of 3 samples of each - translation, rotation and reflection - for a total of at least 9 samples or prototypes.
• Keep all experimental files in your Project4/Prototypes Folder appropriately named.

  Part Two:

• Choose one final design for each repeat type
• Create 3 PhotoShop documents using the Letter preset.
•  Use Cmd “R” to create rulers.
•  Set guidelines 3/4 inch on the top and both sides and another 2 1/2 inches from the bottom (View/NewGuide).
• Carefully create each final design in it's own psd file using the guides to keep the design centered & 3/4" away from the document sides.
• Use the arrow keys to 'nudge' the letters so that you can align the pixels perfectly.
• Check alignment at zoom level 'Actual Pixels'
• Final design file will not be fully rasterized or merged - ONLY each repeatable line
• Each design should have multiple and appropriately named layers

Requirements:

• 6 Files
  • Three psd files (one for each type of repeat) with appropriately named layers (Project# 4-(A,B and C))
  • Three jpg files (one for each design) 450 pixels on the longest side (Project# 4W-(A,B and C))
• 1 Folder
  • Prototypes in Student files / Project4 with all prototypes in it with files and sets names appropriately

Links: Reflection Example

Assignment: Create a single color Type Font Pattern

Process:

• Create a new folder in your period folder named Project5.
• Experiment with all 3 final designs creating a positive and negative color design prototype for each one:
  • Duplicate your final B&W psd file and place them in the new Project5 folder
  • Navigate to your new Project5 folder and rename all the files
  • Open a file to experiment with:
    • Remove all extra layers except for the design and turn off the background and the single letter at the bottom
    • Merge each individual layer set
    • Merge all visible layers
    • Create a new empty layer
    • Create a set folder and place the single design layer AND the empty layer in this set
    • Make copies of the new set
    • Use the layer sets to organize your color experimentations
    • Create a variety of designs - positive space, negative space, solid colors, gradients, etc.
    • Do NOT fill the entire sheet - ONLY the area on and/or around the design!
• Appropriately name these files and sets and keep them in your Project5 folder
• Select 1 final color design from among your prototypes
• Refine your final choices and move it to your Completed Work folder and place a copy in the server Completed Work Folder along with the JPG.

Requirements:

• 2 files:
  • One psd file with appropriately named layers (Project# 5)
  • One jpg file 450 pixels on the longest side (Project# 5W)

Assignment: Create two designs to cover a folded object - paper plane and a box using the color repetition designs from the previous project.

Process:

• Preperation
  • Study the object you plan to cover. Use the provided paper templates, cut out and fold a paper airplane and/or a small box. Directions for folding the plane can be found here.
  • Create a new folder in your period folder named Project6.
  • Download the template you need from the Downloads section below (ctl-click on the file and download)

• Repetition Letter Design Box or Plane
  • COPY (don't move) the letter design psd files that you want to use and paste them in your Project6 folder
  • Open the template that you downloaded from D.A.R.N. for the item you are creating
  • Immediately 'SAVEAS' your file using the filename convention - use 6A and 6B for the project names.

Requirements:

It is required for this project that you plan your design around the folds and joins of the object you are covering. The pattern should appear to continue uninterrupted across the joins of the object.

• 2 psd files (6A and 6B)

Downloads: PlaneTemplate, BoxTemplate

HINT: THIS IS IT!! > > sur·re·al·ism   n. - A 20th-century artistic movement that attempts to express the workings of the subconscious and is characterized by fantastic imagery and incongruous juxtaposition of subject matter. < < THIS IS IT!!

Project Schedule

Assignment: Using views of Ridge High School create a scene with 5 optical delusions.

Note: As always, the project is as much about the process as it is about the finished product.  There is much to be learned in the process.  Preparation is essential.  Take each step as it comes and resist the urge to jump to the end!

Process:

• Create a new folder in your Student Files period folder named Project8.
• Choose a few base photos from the collection of Ridge photos found here.
• Study your choice/s and search the web for (or take your own!) high-resolution photos of objects to add into the images.
• Study your base photos and collection of objects to determine which base photo to proceed with.
• Add 5 optical delusions to your chosen photo:
  • 1 – type distortion
  • 1 – 2D distortion
  • 3 – 3D delusions (no people) 
• Make careful selections from many possibilities 
• Resist the urge to overcrowd your image. Make a few additions and make them well !
• Evaluate the light sources and correct or create shadows to anchor objects to the scene 
• Evaluate the color of objects and correct if necessary 
• Keep ALL original photos in your folder
• Keep ALL original layers in your file – Whenever you are about to make a major change to a layer (i.e. Distortion, color, etc) make a copy first!
• Place ALL of your named layers into appropriately named sets.

How To's

• Putting an "EDGE" on a 2D object
• Moving one object behind another
• Creating Shadows
• Making a "Hole in the Wall!"

Requirements:

• The finished Image must contain:
  • 1 – Type object
  • 1 – 2D object
  • 3 – 3D objects
• 2D object and Type will be distorted so that they match the perspective of the base image.  Their color and lighting will be adjusted to match the base image.  They will have the appropriate shadows on and around them to anchor them to the base image or blended with the layer below to attach them to the surface they are on.
• 3D object will be of the correct perspective so that it matches where it is placed in the base drawing. It’s color and lighting will be adjusted to match the base image.  It will have the appropriate shadows on and around it to anchor it to the base image.
• All added delusions must be of compatible resolution to the base drawing
• Files:
  • One psd file with appropriately named & located layers and sets (Project# 8)
  • One jpg file 450 pixels on the longest side (Project# 8W)

• Effort beyond the minimum required to complete the project
• Artwork patiently done - as good as hard work can make it
• Class time used efficiently

Downloads: School Pix

Assignment: Following the Design Process, create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) in poster form using an actual campaign from the Ad Council.

Process:

• Create a new folder in your Student Files period folder named Project9.
• In a PhotoShop Letter sized document, follow the Design Process below to create your poster.

• Problem Identification:
  • Investigate the Ad Council Web site and find at least 2 campaigns that interest you
  • On the provided sheet, write down at least 3 poster ideas (only 2 may be from the same campaign)
  • Discuss your ideas with your student group and decide on an idea

• Preliminary Ideas:
  • Create at least 3 sketches of your idea on the provided storyboard sheet
  • Brainstorm with your student group
  • Refine your current sketches and come up with at least 2 more based on the ideas from the brainstorming session

• Design Refinement:
  • Meet with your student group and eliminate designs that do not fulfill the requirements of the campaign and approach you have selected

• Analysis:
  • Choose 2 final design sketches from the remaining designs
  • Create more detailed sketches of these 2 final ideas on Paper

• Decision:
  • Select one final poster design

• Implementation:
  • Open a Letter sized preset PhotoShop file
  • Create your poster
    • Keep ALL original photos in your folder
    • Use photos of compatible resolution to your document - or -
    • Create silhouettes and/or graphic symbols and images from found photographs
    • Keep it simple!
    • Keep ALL original layers in your file – Whenever you are about to make a major change to a layer (i.e. Distortion, color, etc) make a copy first!
    • Place ALL of your named layers into appropriately named sets.

Requirements:

• Papers:
  • All preliminary ideas
  • All sketches
• Files:
  • One psd file with appropriately named & located layers and sets (Project# 9)
  • One jpg file 450 pixels on the longest side (Project# 9W)

• Deliberate use of color and type to get point/emotion across
• Effort beyond the minimum required to complete the project
• Artwork patiently done - as good as hard work can make it
• Class time used efficiently

Links: Ad Council WebSite

Composition Help:

• Cropping
• Format
• Positive & Negative Space

How to:

• Smoke

Assignment: Using PhotoShop and ImageReady, create an original web ready GIF Animation.

Process:

• Create a new folder in your Student Files period folder named Project10
• Check out the sample GIFs at the link below
• Use PhotoShop and ImageReady to create your GIF(s)
• All files MUST be 250 pixels or less on it's longest side!!

• Open your correctly named (see below) psd files in ImageReady
• Select File/SaveOptimized
• Navigate to your Completed Work folder
• Click Save

Requirements:

• Files:
  • At least 1 animated GIF file placed in the server Completed Work folder
  • NOTE: The file names will NOT follow the normal naming convention!!
    • Name files with your First Name followed by your Last Initial followed by the file number if you completed more than one animation
      • EXAMPLE: Jane Smith's 2 GIFs would be named
        • JaneS1.gif
        • JaneS2.gif
• Effort beyond the minimum required to complete the project
• Artwork patiently done - as good as hard work can make it
• Class time used efficiently

Links: Sample GIFs

Assignment: Create at least one 6" x 2" bookmark for yourself, a friend, a family member, a teacher etc

Process:

• Create a new folder in your Period Folder named Project11
• Open a new PhotoShop document 6" x 2" at 200 resolution
• Draw on all you've learned about design and PhotoShop tools & techniques to create an original and unique bookmark design
• Name your file/s appropriately (use 11 for the project name) and place in Completed Work
• We will print them out and laminate them

Requirements: Have fun!

Duedate: