Project 9 - Thomas Del Greco

1. What was your experience using Layer Comps? In what way will you continue using Layer Comps in future projects?

Layer Comps are a cool idea, but I struggled to get them to work. I will practice with them more because I like the idea of switching between different states.

2. Please describe which method you used to produce your slices. Did you experience challenges? After completing this part of the project, will you use slicing in future projects? Please review the Smashing Magazine link to see how Photoshop is being used to create web page layouts and assets. What are your thoughts about using Photoshop in your future web projects?

Slices are interesting, and not too hard to work with. It seemed to go well for rollover images, but personally I prefer the selection tools and coding in HTML myself for these kind of projects. I already use Photoshop for my web projects, it's such a richly featured program!

3. In Part 2, you added images to your CSS to create a rollover without the text added to your image. The text was added in the XHTML. Which method of adding buttons do you prefer in your web design, rollover buttons using Dreamweaver or adding the image to your CSS? Why?

Actually, I prefer Javascript since it's something I have studied. I don't have Dreamweaver, and I find the CSS solution to be confusing.

4. What web asset did you create for Part 3? Did you create any additional assets for your web site? Which ones?

I created a unique background image- a blue and green gradient, and it's the background for project 2-8

5. Did you complete the bonus? Tell us how you completed it.

No

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
[ and ] for brush size, ctrl+d, and ctrl+z rule the day.

Project 9

Allan Wakefield Project 9

1. What was your experience using Layer Comps? In what way will you continue using Layer Comps in future projects?
I liked using comps, it made creating different states for buttons easier. I will use it for creating buttons for my web design business.
2. Please describe which method you used to produce your slices. Did you experience challenges? After completing this part of the project, will you use slicing in future projects? Please review the Smashing Magazine link to see how Photoshop is being used to create web page layouts and assets. What are your thoughts about using Photoshop in your future web projects?
I will use slices in the future, It’s a great way to evenly divide objects into separate entities.
3. In Part 2, you added images to your CSS to create a rollover without the text added to your image. The text was added in the XHTML. Which method of adding buttons do you prefer in your web design, rollover buttons using Dreamweaver or adding the image to your CSS? Why?
If I am already going to make the buttons I will place the text in the image rather then with css/html. I know this creates more images, but if you use an image map for your navbar, then you will only upload one image.
4. What web asset did you create for Part 3? Did you create any additional assets for your web site? Which ones?
I created a banner to go on all my pages.
5. Did you complete the bonus? Tell us how you completed it.
I just placed the markup in the content of my template, and then messed with height and spacing attributes till it looked acceptable.

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
All of them!!! I love shortcuts, they speed up productivity and are always there to drive you to the airport. I use ctrl-t, v, ctrl-shift-I, ctrl-d, tab, and all of the tool shortcut keys.


Project 9!

Project 8 - Richard Peterson

1.Discuss your experience using rulers and guides.
This was easy to use after following instructions once. This was also nice to know for future projects when wanting precise alignment.

2. What was your favorite filter combination? How did filters contribute to your results? Did they improve or distract from the result you desired?
My favorite filter combination was sketch and a little bit of blur. Filters add a little bit more artistic touch to plain or other awesome creations. Actually they kind of distracted and improved the result desired.
3. Describe your experience using Smart Objects and the editing process.
The smart object and editing was pretty cool because I could always go back and not mess with the entire project if needed.

4. In your second composite, please describe your favorite features you used to create this advanced composite. How did you challenge yourself in creating your results?
The features I liked were layer styles. I challenged myself by attempting to recreate album covers that I consistently see for artists.

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
I still use ctrl d, ctrl j, ctrl z, ctrl+alt+z


Click here to visit my page!

Alex Watson-Project 9

1. It took me a while to figure out the layer comps but once I did i found it very helpful in keeping my image and rollover image seperate and easy to access. I will continue to use this piece in future projects where I create rollover images because its easy and its saves a lot of time in the long run.

2. I selected the whole top row and divided it into fourths. I oonly had to use it once aned it was successful for both rows. I will use slicing in future projects because when I want to save the individual images I can do it all at once and still keep the whole composition. Photoshop has endless possibilities with web graphics and can take a website to a new level. I hope to gain more knowledge about the different tools as I continue to use Photoshop in the future.

3. I prefered the rollover images in Dreamweaver because I am able to see the outcome as I insert the images.

4. I didn't create anymore assets to my website because I was very confused by the description of that part.

5.No

6. I still use CTRL+ backspace to get rid of backgrounds and CTRL+d to deselect images

7. Final Web Page

Annie Church - Project 9

This Button is the OVER state.

This button is the Normal state.

1. What was your experience using Layer Comps? In what way will you continue using layer comps in future projects?

I was having a difficult time with the instructions. I did the best I could with the time I had.

2. Please describe which method you used to produce your slices. Did you experience challenges? After completing this part of the project, will you use slicing in future projects? Please review the Smashing Magazine link to see how Photoshop is being used to create web page layouts and assets. What are your thoughts about using Photoshop in future web projects?

I used the one from the video. This was very challenging. I have no real idea at this point what I will use them for. I will need to have a better understanding of them. I will need more classes in this to get a better understanding, but I did learn some new things.

3. In Part 2, you added images to your CSS to create a rollover without the text added to your image. The text was added in the XHTML. Which method of adding buttons do you prefer in your web design, rollover buttons using Dreamweaver or adding the image to your CSS? Why?

I did not complete the whole part 2. I could not figure it out. I was disappointed.

4. What web asset did you create for Part 3? Did you create any additional assets for your website? Which ones?

No. I did not have time. :(

5.Did you complete the bonus?

No. sorry.

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using now?

I probably am still using the same ones....



Here is my link !

Jessica Gregoire-Project 9

1. What was your experience using Layer Comps? In what way will you continue using layer comps in future projects.

Working with layer comps was ok. I didn't have a hard time with it, but it definitely took some getting used to. I felt like the book description on this wasn't very informative or I just wasn't getting it. After I played around with this a bit, I started to get the hang of it (just barely). It might be helpful for web design in the future.

2. Please describe which method you used to produce your slices. Did you experience challenges? After completing this part of the project, will you use slicing in future projects? Please review the Smashing Magazine link to see how Photoshop is being used to create web page layouts and assets. What are your thoughts about using Photoshop in future web projects?

Slicing was a bit easier to figure out. I used the method described in the Lydia.com video to highlight all my button layers and then to slice all the layers at once.

Smashing Magazine has some really great looking layouts. I think I need to become more (much, much more) proficient with powerpoint and HTML/Dreamweaver before I am at the point where I could create something that tidy and cohesive without some kind of tutorial.

3. In Part 2, you added images to your CSS to create a rollover without the text added to your image. The text was added in the XHTML. Which method of adding buttons do you prefer in your web design, rollover buttons using Dreamweaver or adding the image to your CSS? Why?

I was having a really hard time with this project. I did all of my coding in HTML rather than Dreamweaver. I know I probably missed a big chunk of this project, but I became so confused I just wanted to get something published. I found CSS coding to be a bit difficult, but I tried my best. It's definitely not a very pretty site, though.

4. What web asset did you create for Part 3? Did you create any additional assets for your website? Which ones?

I changed the table heading color to compliment my background color.

5.Did you complete the bonus?

No

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using now?

I haven't added any new shortcuts since last week.

7. Add the link to your webpage.

Of course, for the last time, here it is

Project 9 - Kasey Myers

1. What was your experience using Layer Comps? In what way will you continue using Layer Comps in future projects?


Layer Comps where great. It has been great this term to learn all of the tricks for saving designs and selections that make it easier for you to duplicate your work from image to image.

2. Please describe which method you used to produce your slices. Did you experience challenges? After completing this part of the project, will you use slicing in future projects? Please review the Smashing Magazine link to see how Photoshop is being used to create web page layouts and assets. What are your thoughts about using Photoshop in your future web projects?


I used the one that automatically sliced them. I can definitely see that I'm going to use the manual slice in the future. I can think of quite a few images that I'd love to turn into image maps of sort.

3. In Part 2, you added images to your CSS to create a rollover without the text added to your image. The text was added in the XHTML. Which method of adding buttons do you prefer in your web design, rollover buttons using Dreamweaver or adding the image to your CSS? Why?

I've worked with some really old design programs that didn't have the ability to remove the text decoration of the underline. If I didn't have that option, I would definitely prefer including the text with the image itself. That's the beauty of CSS and X/HTML though. You can make the text and image a seamless click.

4. What web asset did you create for Part 3? Did you create any additional assets for your web site? Which ones?

I have been coloring the top of my table all along. It's the green box with tan writing at the top of each of my tables/images - the .container .content table tr th tag.

5. Did you complete the bonus? Tell us how you completed it.

I did! I opened the page that was a full screen slide show within dreamweaver and then copied the head tags and the body content into the head tags and body content of the page I use as a template.

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

ctrl alt shift s, ctrl alt i, ctrl alt c, ctrl d, shift c, I'm not sure what else. I use a lot now.

7. Add link of your completed web page to your blog

And here's my link!

Project 8 - Tommy Del Greco

1. Discuss your experience using rulers and guides.

Rulers and guides are handy, but how do you erase a guide once it's been placed. I missed how to do that for some reason. Occasionally, I would put a guide down and just work around it if it was wrong.

2. What was your favorite filter combination? How did filters contribute to your results? Did they improve or distract from the result you desired?

Neon glow is pretty fun even though I didn't use it. I just love the gallery, I'd keep previewing different filters until one felt right.

3. Describe your experience using Smart Objects and the editing process.

Smart objects are interesting, but they haven't really impressed me yet. I have been able to use them, though.

4. In your second composite, please describe your favorite features you used to create this advanced composite. How did you challenge yourself in creating your
results?

Clipping mask, vector shapes, the quick select tool, and the outer glow effect were all very useful.

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

Z , control d, and [ or ] to adjust brush size

My link

Leslie D. Martin - Project 9

Leslie D. Martin / My Button.

1) What was your experience using Layer Comps?

The first problem I had was that I was confusing the instructions from the videos with the instructions from the text. The two are not totally compatible as they apparently take different approaches to the same problem. Complicating it for me is the fact that Layer Comps will only remember the state for certain layers and layer types and not others. To my thinking, a layer is a layer and to ignore a certain layer simply because it is a text layer is illogical.

2) Please describe which method you used to produce you slices. Did you experience challenges? After completing this part of the project, will you use slicing in future projects? Please review the Smashing Magazine link to see how Photoshop is being used to create web page layouts and assets. What are your thoughts about using Photoshop in your future web projects?

Years ago--before the dark times, before Windows--I read an article about how people who only really knew how to use Lotus 1-2-3 and nothing else were using it for everything from writing letters to creating basic illustrations and so on. The point of the article was that people were using what they knew to do a job,  not the best tool for the job. I get something of that same feeling here. Photoshop is certainly a powerful program, but at this point I'm not sure it's the best tool for what is being described here. That's not to say it can't be used for that, and that's not to say I can't or won't have my mind changed at some point in the future, I'm just not yet convinced that this is the best tool for this particular purpose. Though I could be wrong. I was once before.

3) In Part 2, you added images to your CSS to create a rolloever without the text added to your image. The text was added in the XHTML. Which method of adding buttons do you prefer in your web design: rollover buttons using Dreamweaver or adding the image to your CSS? Why?

Keeping the button image from the button text has an advantage in that you can more easily change the button text as needed without having to redo the entire button in Photoshop. Additionally, load time will be quicker since only one image needs to be loaded. On the other hand, keeping the button image and button text aligned is easier when they are both part of the same image and makes changing individual button graphics easier when each button is discreet. Not sure which I will use the most but I suspect I will separate the image and the text for performance purposes.

4) What web asset did you create for Part 3? Did you create any additional assets for your web site? Which ones?

I have used "assets" (if I understand the intent of the word as it is being used here) I have used them from the beginning, those being the red, grey and white textured backgrounds which appear behind just about everything on my pages.

5) Did you complete the bonus? Tell us how you completed it.

Yes. I copied the code from the project pages and pasted it in the body immediately before the container which holds the image gallery. This was required as the gallery container width was smaller than the overall width of the navigation button group. I also had to edit the directory information since the gallery was a couple of directories farther away from the navigation assets than other pages.

6) What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

D and X.

My general index page can be found here.

1. Discuss your experience using rulers and guides.
I thought them useful, and I will use them in the future, mostly when I design a web page to line up elements.
2. What was your favorite filter combination? How did filters contribute to your results? Did they improve or distract from the result you desired?
I don’t have a favorite, although I did like the poster edges filter – it made the image look like it was from a comic book.
3. Describe your experience using Smart Objects and the editing process.
I like using this process rather then placing a destructive filter on a layer that might be adjusted later. For instance, my last composite was over 4000 px wide and I did not pay attention to that when I placed my filters on it. When I reduced the canvas size I also needed to adjust the filters, otherwise it mangled my image.
4. In your second composite, please describe your favorite features you used to create this advanced composite. How did you challenge yourself in creating your results?
The features I love are all the shortcuts, and advanced tools PS has. Puppet warp, auto merge, and auto blend are some of my favorites. I had a hard time with this last composite in just getting an idea on what to do.
5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
I am using the same shortcuts, just with more confidence. When I get going and achieve a PS Zen state, it feels like I am Neo of PS and know all shortcuts. Then I loose my mouse and have to use my crappy notebook touchpad that sucks all of the efficiency out of me.


My Project

Annie Church - Project 8

COMPOSITE #1

1. Discuss your experience using rulers and guides.

Using it was easy !

2. What was your favorite filter combination? How did filters contribute to your results? Did they improve or distract from the result you desired?

I looked at a lot of them, but I did not think it worked well with what I was doing. Although, I can see how it would be useful in with other pictures.
3. Describe your experience using Smart Objects and the editing process.

I don't see the full use yet, I guess. Unless maybe you are doing a lot of different things with one Object.

4. In your second composite, please describe your favorite features you used to create this advanced composite. How did you challenge yourself in creating your
results?

Well I liked it all, but checking out all the filters and the different brushes gave me ideas for other projects.
5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

I use the zoom, the D and the X.



Here is my web page link

Allan Wakefield Project 7

1. Please describe your preferred method of creating text and the layer effects to make it stand out.
I like using the text tool attached to a path. As far as layer effects I like drop shadow and inner glow.
2. In which way did you like the results from using clipping masks for text and shapes? Do you think you will use them in future projects? Why or why not?
I really liked the clipping mask feature and will use it later to create dynamic text quickly and easily.
3. What was your experience using the pen tool to create selections? Were you able to modify your selection with the path adjustment tools?
I had great experience with the pen tool, except for a couple of times the text tool wouldn’t snap to the path, and make this weird shape until I made sure paths were selected on the menu.
4. What challenges did you experience using the shape tools? Did you create a custom shape? What was it?
I found the shape tool to be an amazingly awesome way to select complex rounded areas. I found myself “ctrl+z-ing” quite a lot in the beginning, but after I got used to the tool I loved it. I made an abstract background the and gave it an outer-glow.
5. How will you use Smart Objects in future projects?
Mainly for filters,
6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
Ctrl+t is the most used shortcut. But I often use the tool shortcuts, along with holding down the shift key to cycle through the sub menus.

Allan Wakefields Project 7

Allan Wakefield Project 6

1. How did you find masking different from selecting using the Refine Edge Tool?
I liked using the masking techniques described in this lesson. I found them eaiser to use, and select what you needed. Although I searched for images that would work well with this assignment, so I will see in later projects of my own what I will use.
1. What advantages/disadvantages did you discover between masking and removing your background?
I like masking better, It allows for a nondestructive way to remove unwanted portions of an image.
2. Describe your experience using the Refine Edge Tool. Did it allow you to more closely define your edges?
I am still struggling with the refine edge tool, I am getting better at it - some work looks great, some looks very poor.
3. What were your challenges?
I forgot to clone a channel, I noticed halfway through that I had lost my blue channel and had to start over.

2. What was the intended result you hoped to create with the puppet warp tool? What options do you see the puppet warp tool might offer you in future projects?
I will use this to put more of a smile on my kids faces when we have pictures, but I don’t see me using this feature too often.
3. When would you use quick mask tool instead of the mask palette?
I used the mask palette each time.
4. Did you find the channels section of the book challenging? How do you think you might use it in future projects? Did you complete the extra credit?
I found the channels section of moderate difficulty; I will surely use this in future projects, and I did complete the extra credit.
5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
I am taking off… I use v, then ctrl+LeftClick to select the layer I need. I use shift+shortcut to access sub menus, and I use the slider to adjust the sizes


Project 6

Project 7

1. I enjoyed typing on a path. The drop shadow and outer glow effects are nice in making images and text pop.
2. I like being able to add color/pattern to text using a clipping mask. I will definitely use this method in future projects.
3. I really enjoy the pen tool. It is very accurate and also having the option to edit the path is nice.
4. I didn't really experience any challenges in using the shapes tool.
5. Smart objects will come in handy with modifying images in future projects.
6. command-z, command-d, command-t, command-a, command-space bar, and command-s are all commands I've been using regularly.
7. link

Project 8 - Kasey Myers

1. Discuss your experience using rulers and guides.

Guides would be a lot more useful if my images were even sizes. The center one is great, but it's hard to get others positioned evenly when my image is 3.2589 inches.

2. What was your favorite filter combination? How did filters contribute to your results? Did they improve or distract from the result you desired?

I love cutout and poster edges. I've used them in the past. I like knowing how to do layers for filters within the filter gallery though. It's much easier on me than trying to remember how to get back to just the one filter. I think in this project I liked my pictures without the filters, but I can see it being really nice in others. For instance, individually I liked the filters on my nephew, but if it hadn't been required by the project I probably wouldn't have used them.

3. Describe your experience using Smart Objects and the editing process.

Oh I love smart object now. When we first used it with the title a couple book lessons back I didn't get the use of it but it's great now that I've learned how you would really want to use it.

4. In your second composite, please describe your favorite features you used to create this advanced composite. How did you challenge yourself in creating your results?

I think my biggest challenge was finding images that I haven't used on other assignments. I think the biggest challenge I gave myself is getting my sister's horrible lighting even out picture to picture.

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

I've added ctrl t and ctrl+alt+r to my shortcuts now.

6. Add link of your completed web page to your blog

Here is my link!

Jessica Gregoire- Project 8

1. Discuss your experience using rulers and guides.

I really like working with rulers and guides. I love the "snap" feature that automatically snaps the picture onto the line. It makes laying out your photoshop composites a lot easier.

2. What was your favorite filter combination? How did filters contribute to your results? Did they improve or distract from the result you desired?

I really liked working with these filters, although I'm not sure how I would use them in every project. For the image above, I applied sponge and dry brush to the towel. It gave the image a really cool watercolor effect. I really like the glass distortion filter and the cutout filter as well.

3. Describe your experience using Smart Objects and the editing process.

I thought it was really easy to convert layers into Smart Objects and work with them, especially in the filter gallery. I found the process to be pretty simple.

4. In your second composite, please describe your favorite features you used to create your advanced composite. How did you challenge yourself in creating your results.

I really enjoy using quick select and the filter gallery and I've become pretty quick at grabbing selections with quick select. I also like playing with the layer effects to see how I can enhance the images. I think every project is a challenge, and this one challenged me just because I couldn't remember how to use certain tools and had to do a quick refresher course before starting this project.

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

In addition to the shortcuts I've been using, I started using x and [ ]. I love adjusting the brush size with the brackets.

6. Add a link to your completed project.

Happy Memorial Day! Here's my completed Project 8

Leslie D. Martin - Project 8

Leslie D. Martin / Also Watch Out For Moose on Snow Machines
click on the photo to view my gallery

1) Discuss your experience using rulers and guides.

Definitely useful for helping keep things lined up. The biggest thing for me right now is remembering to turn them on.

2) What was your favorite filter combination? How did filters contribute to your
results? Did they improve or distract from the result you desired?

I'm not sure I have an answer for the first part of that question, partly because filters are still a new thing for me, and partly because it depends on the goal of the particular application. It's rather a non sequitur, somewhat like asking which is your favorite: Chocolate cake or Star Wars? In the case of this image, filters allowed me to create a sense of blur in the snow boarder similar to what likely would be evidenced were this a real photo of a real scene. It also helped reduce the artificial sharpness of the vector items relative to the rest of the image. The result was an improvement to the image, although I think with more experience I could have produced a better blending.

3) Describe your experience using Smart Objects and the editing process.

I still have mixed thoughts on smart objects. Let's say the jury is still out, possibly hung.

4) In your second composite, please describe your favorite features you used to
create this advanced composite. How did you challenge yourself in creating
your results?

The image shown here is the second composition. My two favorite features are: 1) The snow boarder does blend in fairly well with the rest of the image (as long as you view it in a normal view and don't zoom in too closely); 2) I am also fairly pleased with myself about the shadows. There are shadows for the two goats and the snow boarder. What pleases me about them is that they are so subtle and blend in so naturally that looking at the photo you aren't aware of them -- until you get the .PS version of the file and turn them off. I think that (despite myself) I managed (even if was was more by accident than skill) to accomplish what may be the most difficult in photo editing: making something appear so natural that no-one notices it.

5) What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

At the moment, I don't know that I've added any new ones this last week.

The link to my Project 8 page is here and the above photo. I also have begun keeping a general index page up dated and that can be found here.

Tommy Del Greco - Project 7

1.Please Describe your preferred method of creating text and the layer effects to make it stand out.

I like the horizontal type tool, and after this lesson, I'm a big fan of the clipping mask method. To give some text a quick pop, I go with drop shadow.

2.In which way did you like the results from using clipping masks for text and shapes? Do you think you will use them in future projects?
Clipping masks are awesome and add a lot to titles and other tasks. I can see myself using them quite a bit in the future. the paths with text is also neat. I need more practice.

3. What was your experience using the pen tool to create selections? Were you able to modify your selection with the path adjustment tools?

The pen tool was another interesting way to make selection. I could adjust the path some, but it was a little awkward I need to review the lesson more to get a better feel for it.

4.What challenges did you experience using the shape tools? Did you create a custom shape? What was it?

Options like adding from selection, subtracting from selection, and fill/stroke could get a little confusing. I couple times it wasn't doing what I wanted it.

5.How will you use smart objects in future projects?

I like the implementation with Illustrator. Once I'm better with Illustrator I can see myself using it.

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

Alt with the move tool, z, and control d.

7.Add link of your completed webpage to your blog.

Project 7- Jacob Meyer

1.Please Describe your preferred method of creating text and the layer effects to make it stand out.

So far I'm not really in love with layer styles on text. There are cases where I they are very effective, and I'm sure I'll find a project where they are useful eventually. So far they seem a bit tacky, but I know there are countless graphic design applications to use them in the professional world. Unfortunately, my Photoshop skills aren't at that level yet but hopefully some day they will be.

2.In which way did you like the results from using clipping masks for text and shapes? Do you think you will use them in future projects?
I think clipping masks are a great tool. I'll definitely be using it again. I think it will be effective for logo designing in the future. It's a very simple tool that opens up tons of possibilities, and I like working with things like that.

3. What was your experience using the pen tool to create selections? Were you able to modify your selection with the path adjustment tools?

The pen tool was an awesome discovery. it makes large selections so easy. The pen tool plus Photoshop cs5s ability to refine selections makes any selection effortless. Two great features I am going to be using a ton from now on.

4.What challenges did you experience using the shape tools? Did you create a custom shape? What was it?

I have created custom shapes before But i couldn't find an application for this project that enhanced the images.

5.How will you use smart objects in future projects?

I'm still not all that comfortable with smart objects. This was my first time really using them. I ended up having to rasterize a smart object in order to cut a piece out of it for the Jazz text.

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

I'm using so many shortcuts. I work on a mac and a PC so it throws me off from time to time. I have undo and step backward memorized on both of them, I use hotkeys for the eyedropper and changing brush sizes. I use shift-f5 for filling, deselect and select inverse as well. The more hotkeys i learn, the faster I can work. They are great for improving productivity.

7.Add link of your completed webpage to your blog.

Alex Watson- Project 7

1. I usually do the text last to make sure the font fits the image well. I really like usiing shadow whether its inner shadow or drop shadow. And I usually also use stroke to make the text stand out.

2. I really like using the clipping mask because I'm able to make the text and objects look very abstract and detailed.

3. It was very difficult to use the pen tool but once I fiugured it out it became very helpful to select images that have a lot of curves and hard lines.

4. I struggled to make my own shapes because I always found myself trying to create an image instead of just a basic shape. I really liked using the shape tool though because there was so much to do with it and so many directions I could take the same shape.

5. I will be able to save images from the web that usually would get distorted and be able to save them as psd files and place them into image compositions.

6. I still use CTRL+backspace to delete backgrounds and CTRL+d to deselect image selections.

7. Web Gallery

Project 7- Jessica Gregoire

1.Please Describe your preferred method of creating text and the layer effects to make it stand out.

I like playing around with different tools for text. I really like using the clipping mask to add a fun pattern to text. Using the pen tool is something else I enjoyed using during this exercise. My favorite layer effects are inner glow and shadow and drop shadow. I think these effects make the text really pop.

2.In which way did you like the results from using clipping masks for text and shapes? Do you think you will use them in future projects?
I enjoyed using the clipping masks for text more than for shapes. That was just my personal preference. I think the effect is really cool, but it would just depend on the project I am working on and if it would seem appropriate.

3. What was your experience using the pen tool to create selections? Were you able to modify your selection with the path adjustment tools?

I enjoyed using this tool. I found it somewhat easier than some of the other tools we've used before (once I got the hang of it). I didn't really modify my selections for the shapes, but I did modify with the path tool when my text was too long in the Hogwarts image. I found the pen tool very easy to work with and adjust.

4.What challenges did you experience using the shape tools? Did you create a custom shape? What was it?

I used the lightning bolt in the Hogwarts image, but I didn't create my own shape. I enjoyed working with this. I will probably use this if I have a need for a certain shape or it will provide an added contrast my my composites.

5.How will you use smart objects in future projects?

I'm not sure. I wasn't really 100% sure I understood what a smart object was going into this project. I don't have Illustrator on my computer so I just converted an image into a smart object. I didn't like the effect with this particular smart object, but maybe just because I wasn't thrilled about it in the first place. I think it would be helpful in future projects once I get the hang of using it.

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

I am using Ctrl+Shift+D to restore my selection, Ctrl/Alt+Backspace to fill with foreground and background colors and the keys I have previously been using.

7.Add link of your completed webpage to your blog.

Here it is, Project 7

Annie Church - Project 7

Huckleberry Hound

1) Please describe your preferred method of creating text and the layer effects to make it stand out.

I like the clipping masks.

2) In which way did you like the results from using clipping masks for text and shapes? Do you think you will use them in future projects?

I like be able to use another photo for the background, it can always be tailored to the theme. I will use them again.

3) What was your experience using the pen tool to create selections? Were you able to modify your selection with the path adjustment tools?

It was challenging but once you get the hang of it then it is usable. Yes.

4) What challenges did you experience using the shape tools? Did you create a custom shape? What was it?

I created a floral inside a square.

5) How will you use Smart Objects in future projects?

I will save them, but I am not sure what I would do with them right now. BUT, I save everything !

6) What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

I don't remember to use them regularly, but I will try.

Here is my link

Leslie D. Martin - Project 7

Leslie D. Martin / Beautiful Car
click on the photo to view my gallery

1) Please describe you preferred method of creating text and the layer effects to make it stand out.

I type. Seriously. There is only one way to create text, though there are multiple ways to use text.

As far as making it stand out, I guess it really depends on where it is and what the piece is about. I find I have been using the outside glow with very low settings. The result is that the glow is more subtle than other methods and seems more suitable for a wide variety of styles.

2) In which way did you like the results from using clipping masks for text and shapes? Do you think you will use them in future projects?

I think clipping masks for objects will be of limited use for me since it seems to only be usable with vector objects; Since I am not a "graphics" person I doubt I will get into vector illustration much. On the other hand, the clipping for text will be handy.

3) What was your experience using the pen tool to create selections? Were you able to modify your selection with the path adjustment tools?

It works for objects without much edge detail but I don't see it being very useful for the type of thing one normally encounter in images. I did some modifications and found them somewhat unpredictable and difficult to control. Paths tended to go in unexpected directions, especially when adding points around curves.

4) What challenges did you experience using the shape tools? Did you create a custom shape? What was it?

Rather straight forward. I didn't try any custom shapes.

5) How will you use Smart Objects in future projects?

I'm not sure. The single biggest "advantage" of promoting a layer object to a "smart object" seems to be that they are non destructible objects and that anything you do can be undone, but if you keep an unaltered copy of a layer you can accomplish the same thing. It does seem that smart objects may improve the file size but since more images end up being exported to a non-PS format, I'm not sure that is a huge advantage (unless you are working with huge files within PS on a memory constrained computer).

I do see where they can be useful if they are linked to external file such as the Illustrator file used in the Retro Toyz image for keeping objects current.

6) What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

I am adding D and X for color selections, though I do not use them "regularly".

The link to my Project 7 page is here and the above photo. I also have begun keeping a general index page up dated and that can be found here.

Project 7 - Kasey Myers

1. Please describe your preferred method of creating text and the layer effects to make it stand out.


I like stroke and drop shadow. I think for most things I would end up using drop shadow a lot more than stroke though. Not all font will want a border.


2. In which way did you like the results from using clipping masks for text and shapes? Do you think you will use them in future projects? Why or why not?

I loved it for my clouds in the three bears picture. It was an easy way to keep it cartoon-ie but give it a little bit of real life feel too.

3. What was your experience using the pen tool to create selections? Were you able to modify your selection with the path adjustment tools?

I've tried to use the pen tool in the past but could never figure it out. I love it now. I didn't really have to modify my selection for either of my pictures, but I liked the way it worked in the original lesson image.

4. What challenges did you experience using the shape tools? Did you create a custom shape? What was it?

I don't think I had any issues, but I didn't really do anything special. I did create a custom shape, but just the clouds.

5. How will you use Smart Objects in future projects?

I'm not really sure. I think it's a useful way of combining pictures together, but I'm not really sure why you wouldn't just drag it in like we did with the rest of the images.

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

Same that I've mentioned before, and the [ and ]. I want to start using ctrl+J for creating copy layers.

7. Add link of your completed web page to your blog

Here's my link.

Richard Peterson - Project 6

How did you find masking different from selecting using the Refine Edge Tool?
I really like using the masking tool. Very simple and easy to use. The refine tool, helps make the picture look just right.

 What advantages/disadvantages did you discover between masking and removing your background?
Using masking to remove the background is awesome because it saves a little bit more time and adds a transparent background in one step.

Describe your experience using the Refine Edge Tool. Did it allow you to more closely define your edges?
This tool helped on all of my pictures when trying to make the image look a part of another background. I can see myself using this all the time now.

What were your challenges?
ALPHA channels. I will need to learn more of this. It seems to have a lot of coloring potential that I see in a lot of magazines and pictures and I want to master it.

What was the intended result you hoped to create with the puppet warp tool? What options do you see the puppet warp tool might offer you in future projects?
I intended to make the person in the picture mouth look different. Now I have to option to close eyes or open them and move body parts.
When would you use quick mask tool instead of the mask palette?
I would use the quick mask to color something in a hurry.
Did you find the channels section of the book challenging? How do you think you might use it in future projects? Did you complete the extra credit?
The channels section was hard to understand. Once I get down how the black and white parts work I think I will be good. I will use this to create many things in future projects, especially mixtape covers. Extra credit not complete.

What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
ctrl j, the [] keys, ctrl+shift+i,

Click to view my page!

Project 6 - Thomas Del Greco

1. How did you find masking different from selecting using the Refine Edge Tool?
Using the mask edge, I like that it's easier to pick up stray hairs and objects, but I often got confused trying to adjust the radius. With refine edge, you really need to be spot on with your selection.

-What advantages/disadvantages did you discover between masking and removing your background?

It caught me off guard that the background was still there. It was disorienting to move the mask around like a selection.
- Describe your experience using the Refine Edge Tool. Did it allow you to more closely define your edges?

Yes, though I personally I need to work more on stray hairs. I did it perfect in the book lesson, but struggled on this assignment.
-What were your challenges?

This all was completely new to me, so just sorting out all the mask option was pretty challenging!

2. What was the intended result you hoped to create with the puppet warp tool? What options do you see the puppet warp tool might offer you in future projects?
Puppet wrap is a pretty crazy effect! I intended to move around Domo's arm in a couple of photos, and I used it to distort the Hello Kitty Toaster. Whenever I'm trying to impress friends or make a silly photo, I may have to pull out puppet wrapper.

3. When would you use quick mask tool instead of the mask palette?

I prefer the mask palette in general since I'm more familiar with the interface, but I'll experiment with quick mask from time to time.

4. Did you find the channels section of the book challenging? How do you think you might use it in future projects? Did you complete the extra credit?
Channels are pretty complicated. It's on a level I'm not comfortable working with at this point, but I will practice them.

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

Control d, control s, and z.

My link

1. I felt like masking the image was easier than refine edge.
The advantages of masking was the quickness of doing so. A disadvantage I could see was have to refer back to the image that was masked to refine some areas that were not masked.
I felt like the refine edge tool allowed for softening and blending the images edges, rather than define them.
Challenges I had were simply getting used to the tools.

2. With the puppet warp tool, I intended to move the cats right paw nearer to the ball he is playing with. I really like this tool! I can see it be useful in many situations. Very cool!

3. I would definitely use the quick mask tool in the process of trying to shadow an image.

4. The channels panel section was kind of confusing at first, but after trying it out a couple times it became easier.
I would probably use this tool in future projects for shadows and altering backgrounds.

5. I am regularly using command z, zoom in, zoom out, save as, and save.

6. link

1. How did you find masking different from selecting using the Refine Edge Tool?
Both were a bit good to use the backgrounds really in honesty determine if its good to use one or the other. I like masking myself.

-What advantages/disadvantages did you discover between masking and removing your background?

Removing the background was fun and the concept of masking to me just mask cropping and putting it on another layer a little bit more in detail.

- Describe your experience using the Refine Edge Tool. Did it allow you to more closely define your edges?

I tried a couple of different experiences with this tool and just couldn’t get it to work. It seemed that the background would not agree with what I was attempting to do. I will give it more experiments later, but I didn’t like it all to well and it didn’t do much good on my assignments.
-What were your challenges?

Trying to get the refine edge tool to work, instead I just cropped out items with the magic wand and the lasso after 2 hours of getting no where with removing background items after using the quick-select tool.

2. What was the intended result you hoped to create with the puppet warp tool? What options do you see the puppet warp tool might offer you in future projects?
I liked getting the limbs to be put in to different directions. I will use this tool later on in my other projects due to the power of it.

3. When would you use quick mask tool instead of the mask palette?

I didn’t like the quick mask tool that much. It seems the power to alter certain items as far as using the adjustments tool didn’t tickle my fancy

4. Did you find the channels section of the book challenging? How do you think you might use it in future projects? Did you complete the extra credit?
The channels to me were made easier if I just thought of them as a 2^nd set of layers that controlled color and other content. Due to work and overtime I didn’t get a chance to have a crack at the extra credit. I will give it a attempt tomorrow.

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

Same ones as before I do enjoy ctrl z and using ctrl + D saves me more time that I really think of

6. Add link of your completed web page to your blog

click here for my web page

Alex Watson-Project 6

1. I was able to regain parts of the image that were lost when selecting the image in the first place.

1a. I got lost a lot when getting rid of the background and trying to mask it. I found it to be easier to touch up little spots on the image though with masking without losing important parts of the image as well.

1b. I was able to clean up and make stronger lines on my images after cropping them out of there original background and give a cleaner more natural look.

1c. It was hard to find images that worked and being able to select them and completely cleaning them up, so I settled on some images that weren't my first choices.

2. I really enjoyed the puppet warp tool. I really want to explore all the different things I can do with it. It gives the advantage of making an image more the way you want it even if it started out not even close to what you imagined. I'll be able to use it in the future to manipulate photos I have instead of trying to recreate them again the way I wanted it while taking a photo.

3. I used the quick mast tool for smaller objects that didn't take a lot of time painting over. I was able to make small changes without having to go through all the steps with the pallette.

4. I actually found the alpha channel fairly easy to figure out. I have always wondered how to manipulate shadows and now I know how and its pretty easy for me to get the results I want.

5. I use the CTRL+backspace to delete backgrounds and CTRL+D to deselect images

6. Web Page

1. How did you find masking different from selecting using the Refine Edge Tool?
I feel like both could be advantageous. I feel like masking may be easier when there is a busy background. Using the Mask Edge tool can help pick up items that are missed in the original selection. I feel like masking just seemed a lot easier to me.

-What advantages/disadvantages did you discover between masking and removing your background?

Masking allows the background to still be present, which is nice in case you want to change your image a little bit. I had a hard time getting used to the fact that the image was still, in essence, complete.
- Describe your experience using the Refine Edge Tool. Did it allow you to more closely define your edges?

I think this helped mostly in the book lesson. I didn't play around with it too much in the actual project. I think it works well to pick up small items that quick select misses like hairs.
-What were your challenges?

I need more time to play around with the tools to learn what they are really capable of. I'm hoping by the end of the class I'm able to use all the tools we've learned together to really enhance my images.

2. What was the intended result you hoped to create with the puppet warp tool? What options do you see the puppet warp tool might offer you in future projects?
I enjoyed using this for faces. I feel like it might take me some time to use on moving/stretching items in a larger picture. I could see using this to stretch and alter images but I'm not sure in what capacity I will use this in the future.

3. When would you use quick mask tool instead of the mask palette?

I don't know if I would. I didn't find it to be any more helpful than using mask pallette.

4. Did you find the channels section of the book challenging? How do you think you might use it in future projects? Did you complete the extra credit?
I think the channels were less confusing than some of the other skills we learned in this lesson. Again, I'm not sure how I will apply this in the future.

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

I'm a creature of habit, so I'll still using the same keyboard shortcuts that I was a few weeks ago. I'm sure I'll start incorporating new shortcuts as I use the tools more often.

6. Add link of your completed web page to your blog

My project 6

Annie Church - Project 6

MR. MUSHROOM

1) How did you find masking different from selecting using the Refine Edge Tool?

I think it was a lot easier.

2) What advantages/disadvantages did you discover between masking and removing your background?
It was faster, as well as easier !!

3) Describe your experience using the Refine Edge Tool. Did it allow you to more closely define your edges?

Yes it did, it is all in one panel and it is all in the order you would use.

3) What were your challenges?

To complete all assignments on time.

4) What was the intended result you hoped to create with the puppet warp tool? What options do you see the puppet warp tool might offer you in future projects?

It was to tilt the head to the side. I may find a lot more uses, such as moving hands and feet.

5) When would you use quick mask tool instead of the mask palette?

Maybe just for a small area.

6) Did you find the channels section of the book challenging? How do you think you might use it in future projects? Did you complete the extra credit?

NO, it seemed to be explained well in the book. To highlight things such as hair and faces. Not sure, to be honest I was a bit confused by the assignment, and again, it takes me long enough to complete the regular assignment. My guess is somewhere around 18 to 20 hours this week. Good thing I like this stuff !!

7) What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

Just the zoom I guess... I use zoom a lot !!


Here is my link !!

Allan Wakefield Project 5

1. Describe how using Camera Raw to adjust your color settings, sharpening and vignetting features to improved your images.

It is way more time effective to use Camera Raw to do those tasks, then to adjust them in Photoshop.

2. Describe how you will use the Preset feature in the future.

Repetitious tasks are what I will use presets on in the future.

3. What was your intent for results by using the dodge, burn and sponge features?

Bring light to the eyes and highlight hair. I didn’t use sponge that much, only a couple times to make eyes pop. “POP”

4. Explain how you decided which healing tools to remove imperfections of images.

If I had enough room on either side of the imperfection I would use the spot healing brush, otherwise I use the healing brush tool to carefully remove the imperfection. I also use content aware fill for large areas.

5. What challenges did you experience in the process?

Once again I had the hardest time finding pictures that I could use for this project.

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
Ctrl-f for last filter used, and shift-ctrl+i for select inverse.

Project 5

Allan Wakefield Project 4

1. Which blend modes did you experiment with and then use in your project?

I used overlay, multiply, and hard light blend modes. I am still having a hard time getting my head around what blending modes do what…

2. How did you use the stacking order to produce your final results in your most complex composite?

I had to merge some layers to get a little more organized. I put the silhouette behind the split in the clouds, and also played around with the order of the black airplane.

3. What layer effects did you use? Which layer styles did you apply to another layer?

In the Japan page I used drop shadow and inner glow on the text that needed to be copied to other text.

4. What key elements of layer managements in this module that you plan to use in future projects?

All of them, layer management is a HUGE part of being successful at photoshop.

5. What challenges did you experience in the process?

Finding images that were appropriate for this exercise was the hardest part.

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

I have not added any new shortcuts this week.

Project 4

Leslie D. Martin - Project 6

Leslie D. Martin / Crazy Girl
click on the photo to view my gallery

I must explain a little bit about this picture. When my youngest daughter was a senior in High School she went on a school sponsored trip to Europe: Greece, Italy and a couple of other locations I can not recall off the top of my head that also have really old, decaying buildings. These pictures were from that trip.

Fast forward to now. She is 20 years old. She stands 5' 1" if she wears thick-soled shoes. She weights 105 pounds if she is soaking wet and has just finished a huge meal. Hardly seems to be the kind who can seriously pull off the attitude illustrated in this image.

That would be your first mistake. And probably the last time you would make it. She is currently enrolled in a course which trains for corrections officers, Homeland Security and other law enforcement related fields. She is the smallest in the program. By a significant degree. Perhaps the smallest who has ever entered the program. Yet she can no longer find a willing partner to spar with her in the defensive tactics training sessions. Seems that during one session the school had to call the paramedics to treat the student she was sparring with. Fortunately, the nose was not broken! During a demonstration an instructor took her by surprise; She managed to control her response, but not before the instructor nearly got her knee in his crotch. In a word, don't mess with her! Oh, and did I mention that by age 19 she already had several NRA shooting instructor certificates but she isn't allowed to be a full instructor yet because of her age? Don't mess with her!

On to the mandatory questions.

1) How did you find masking different from selecting using the Refine Edge Tool?

Actually, I found them being more similar than dis-similar. Probably the biggest single advantage to selecting for a mask is the refine radius tool. Why this is not a part of the regular selection set I don't know (maybe to give them something to add to the next version). Although this is not a perfect tool, it is definitely handy.

1-1) What advantages/disadvantages did you discover between masking and removing your background?

The selection process was quicker and easier than when not in the mask mode. However, once the mask is set the the advantages quickly fade since there is little that you can do in the mask mode in terms of editing that can not be done in the standard editing mode. If you plan ahead, at any rate.

1-2) Describe your experience using the Refine Edge Tool. Did it allow you to more closely define your edges?

No especially. What it did allow me to do was select fine areas more quickly than doing it by hand.

1-3) What were your challenges?

The same as before: getting the selection the way I want it.

2) What was the intended result you hoped to create with the puppet warp tool? What
options do you see the puppet warp tool might offer you in future projects?

The result was pretty much was I intended to accomplish although I did run into some obstacles along the way. For some reason it did not always want to warp both the base image and the mask that was linked to it. Often it only wanted to warp one or the other (usually the mask). I am not certain why this was, because I was careful to select the layer by clicking on it's name, not one of the layer icons. Apparently I was doing something (or not doing something) that I did not realize that that was affecting the result. As for future options, I do not foresee any specific uses for the warp.

3) When would you use quick mask tool instead of the mask palette?

Probably when dealing with a small area or an easily selected area.

4) Did you find the channels section of the book challenging? How do you think you might use it in future projects? Did you complete the extra credit?

Not particularly challenging. I did the alpha channel exercise from the book and created channels in the additional photos but did not did not do any bizarre colorings with them as in the book exercise. (Don't know if that qualifies as having done the extra credit or not, since I did do the one in the book). It may come in handy for altering color values but I don't go in for weird manipulations so I don't know what else I would likely use it for.

5) What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

Z for zoom.

The link to my Project 6 page is here and the above photo. I also have begun keeping a general index page up dated and that can be found here.