Photoshop - 10 things everyone needs to know

Adobe TV is a great source to find videos on just about anything related to Adobe Creative Suite software. Please feel free to browse it on your own. You will need to find a "how-to" video on either youtube or Adobe TV to share on your blog before the holiday break. You might want to browse through it as you are learning more about Photoshop. For this blog assignment - find a tutorial or how-to video, WATCH IT and write a brief synopsis (1 paragraph or less) that tells us what the tutorial is about, whether or not it was helpful and how you might be able to use it in the future. Also provide us with the link! Title this blog post - Software Tutorial - (whatever the topic is).

CLICK HERE for the video on 10 things about Photoshop with Terry White.

Make sure you really understand how to use masks and selective adjustments for your Black and White + One photo.

PHOTOSHOP Black and White Experimenting

Using three or more of your best and most dramatic photos from the garden (or anything - perhaps you've taken some award-winning photos this year for the yearbook, or for personal use - but please, only photos taken with a DSLR!!), experiment with some of the techniques shown in the videos to convert your image to black and white to achieve the most dramatic effects with a good tonal range.

REMEMBER - you need to be able to see detail in the blacks and the whites and a good range in between.

Black and White techniques:

1. Channels - Using the Channels palette, see which of the three channels in RGB mode looks the best. If one of the them looks like a great starting point, then use it.

2. Channel Mixer - experiment with the channel mixer from the adjustment layers

3. Gradient Map - experiment with the gradient map (try making your own gradient)

4. Black and White adjustment layer - experiment with making your own presets and mixing the various colour filters. Notice what happens when you add red vs. subtract red and how that impacts the tones in the black and white image, depending on the colour in the original.

Decide on ONE of your colour images and make THREE different versions of it in black and white using THREE different techniques. Make a note of how you achieved the effect you did - because you'll be posting it on your blog!

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Submit your three images as psd files (so I can see your work) in the Yearbook - CyberARTS - Year One - Photoshop BW 1 folder (NAME IN FILE NAME - e.g. name_bw_chanmix.psd)

2. Post each of the three on your blog (you'll need to save them as jpgs first) and describe the techniques you used - step by step. This will help you remember what you did and also provide you and others with a reference point to go back to.

3 images in black and white DUE in folder AND posted: Tuesday November 25, 2014

Math Posters - submit

Please hand in your math posters as both .ai files AND pdf folders.

Make sure your name is in the file name!!!!!

Please put them in the CyberARTS folder found in the Yearbook folder.
Find Year One and a folder called Math posters.

Please only put your final posters in the folder.

Thanks!

Math Posters - Year One Tech

For Thursday and Friday this week, you need to begin the design process to develop your ideas for the math posters.

Step One: Know your objective!!

Create a math poster that is FUN, INFORMATIVE and/or that makes math ACCESSIBLE

Should be sized up to 18x24" (so if you're using Photoshop please remember that resolution is extremely important!!!!)

Step Two: Research

Review the PREZI HERE

Check out other math posters and also research some of the math concepts from the handout you were given by Mr. Meli

Step Three: Brainstorm

Choose two or three ideas that cover at least one INFORMATIVE poster and one FUN (math marketing) poster.

Brainstorm using a mind map and also create 15-20 thumbnails sketches for your ideas.
Yes, about 15-20 per idea. Which means a total of 30-45!!!

You can come up with 4 or 5 different ideas and then modify them (change the positioning and placement of text and image) in 4 or 5 different ways.

Be prepared to discuss your ideas with Ms. Silverman on MONDAY and to show your COMPLETED thumbnails sketches!!!

Year One Checklist and Written for T-shirt Design

Here's what you should have completed so far:
Everything here MUST be completed by Wednesday October 28, 2014 to be included in this report card!!

1. Typographic Identity - image and written on blog

2. Illustrator Logo - images (colour versions - indicating your 'best', black and white and grayscale) and written (see blog post for instructions on what to include in the written statement). + post original photograph as well.

3. Drop .ai files for Illustrator assignment into the CyberARTS year 1 folder found in the Yearbook folder in 1059. Make a folder with your name on it and place it into the Illustrator Logo folder.

4. Drop off T-shirt designs into CyberARTS year 1 folder in T-shirt Designs. Please use a pdf format as well as your original file format (.ai or .psd)

5. Post T-shirt designs on your blog and include the written statement (see below for instructions) AND the link for your pinterest board created for the research phase of this assignment.

6. Link your pinterest board to your blog in a blog list.


WRITTEN STATEMENT FOR T-SHIRT DESIGN

1. Discuss your creative process. How did you go from Step 1 - Understanding the goal to research and brainstorming to come up with your final idea? Discuss the steps involved.

2. Explain your technical process. What did you do to take your initial sketch to the final version you submitted. Discuss using correct terminology - include layers, scanning, tools used, programs used.

3. Elements and Principles of Design. Discuss your final choice for colour and why you feel that's the best choice. Any other elements/principles that seem relevant (shape, line, balance, emphasis etc.).

3. Your thoughts. Are you satisfied with your final result. Why/why not? Did you meet the initial objective? Why/why not? Discuss both form and function (visually pleasing design and sending the required message)

YEAR FOUR - VISUAL IDENTITY ASSIGNMENT

Your last year in CyberARTS is meant to prepare you for admissions to University/College programs or apprenticeships, internships or starting your own business if you're really bold and brave.

You need to begin thinking about your portfolio requirements and what you might need to add to your current work to 'beef' up your existing portfolio.

But FIRST, you will design a logo and visual identity system for yourself.

Create an identity for your 'company' - whether you want to sell your own artwork, or be a video game designer, you should have a logo, a business card and a graphic identity system that helps you visually define you setting you apart from others doing similar things.

• Read through this article on Branding, Identity and Logo Design 

In particular, take a look at the list of visual devices you can use to identify yourself.

Understand the difference between a brand, an identity and a logo and begin to think about how you will create the foundation of your brand.

Look at the first three links at the bottom of the page - all except the one on finding a logo designer. You'll be designing your own logo.

Submit an initial proposal by Monday November 3rd - on paper (to submit to Ms. Silverman) 

AND be prepared to discuss your ideas with the class.

Your classmates may be able to offer some feedback and great ideas.

Requirements:

A company name (could be your name - doesn't have to be fancy)

A logo (could be typographic, pictographic, abstract pictorial, or combined image/text)

A stationary system (letterhead, business card, envelope)

A flyer (to use as a template to announce upcoming shows or to send out/leave places to advertise your services)
An animated logo (make it move in Flash or After Effects - 10-15 seconds max)

At least two other types of visual (and/or audio/smell) devices (apparel, packaging, messaging, video etc.)

Final Deadline: Monday Dec. 1st

Keep in mind you are also working on your independent photography project coming soon is your Major Independent Project...

Start juggling!

Year One - LCI Technological Skills Challenge T-shirt Design

Objective: Design a t-shirt with an image that expresses the excitement and fun of the LCI Technological Skills Challenge that speaks to an audience of Grade 7 students. The image should communicate something about technology, Lakeshore C.I. and fun.


Deadlines:

Due Thursday Oct. 16th by the beginning of class - Your Pinterest Idea board (researching inspiring shirt designs and/or Technology/skills related materials)

Due Thursday Oct. 16th by the beginning of lunch - 15-20 thumbnail sketches (based on your research and inspiration and brainstorming process)
These should indicate layout of how the text will look and work with the image on the t-shirt.

Ms. Silverman will circle the designs that stand out as having the most potential.
You will each meet with Ms. Silverman briefly to narrow down your best 2-3 designs to begin to create a rough mock-up of your best design on the computer (or hand drawn if that is your preference)

Due Monday Oct. 20th by the end of class - A refined version of the t-shirt design. Complete with font choices and colour options.

Due Tuesday Oct. 21st - Finished design.

Note: It's very important that you check in frequently with Ms. Silverman and with each other to "test and analyze" your solutions in order to get the best possible outcome in an extremely tight time period!