Rebecca Price- Project 8

1. Rulers and guides, not so impressive to me.. I actually couldn't tell if the snap to was working or not.

2. I like the sketching filter. They made the final image a little more dynamic and textural. For these type of composites I think they help.

3. Smart objects were a snap. Very nice to have a non destructive editing platform.

4. I added a lot more layers than were needed for this composite, which I feel makes it a little better than all my others because it is more finished looking.

5. pretty much the same shortcuts as before.

6. my webpage

Project 9 - Cassiopeia Anderson

1. What was your experience using layer comps? I think layer comps made it easy to save the normal and over states of the buttons. In what way will you continue using Layer Comps in future projects? I will use layer comps in the future to simply making changes to buttons.

2. Please describe which method you used to produce your slices. I followed the method from the Youtube video. I created the buttons, created the layer comps, and then selected each layer comp to save for web and devices and exported only the sliced buttons. Did you experience challenges? No After completing this part of the project, will you use slicing in future projects? Yes What are your thoughts about using Photoshop in future web projects? I like what Photoshop can do a lot. I think you can create much neater buttons, images, graphics, etc. than what you can create in Fireworks.

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? After many attempts, I did not get the adding the image to CSS so I ended up doing it through Dreamweaver so I suppose that is my preference until I get more practice the other way.

4. What web asset did you create for part 3? I added a css rule to center the home button, and I added the footer as a library item. Did you create any additional assets for your web site? No.

5. Did you complete the bonus? No

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now? Ctrl+S, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+C, Alt+dragging

7. Link: http://sws.pcc.edu/student/CAS208_pdeangel_16723/cassiopeiaanderson13/project9/project9.html

Project - 9 Deja Sparks

1.) Layer Comps are awesome! I will definitely use them in future projects, especially with buttons.
2.)The slices were pretty easy, I just used the method described in the video. Photoshop in future web design is a must. I love that site. Hope to use the Layouts soon.
3.)I failed at adding my buttons...
4.)I added text next to the buttons describing the project title.
5.)I did not complete the bonus. bummed...
6.) Same shortcuts as last week.
MY WEBSITE!

Project 9 (Final) -- Emily Keene

1. HOLY CRAP, LAYER COMPS ARE GOING TO SAVE MY LIFE! I don't know if this feature is new to CS5 or if it's been around all along and I've actually wasted a gazillion hours of my life for no reason, but I make rollover images ALL the time... Combined with Slicing (which I hadn't previously known about either) my whole world seriously just got so much better. I think I'm actually going to have some of that mystical "free time" I hear so much about... Stoked!

2. I pretty much just went with the video method, with minor differences that only occurred when I'd made a mistake and had to do things in a weird order to salvage the situation... For example, I made 16 button shapes that I'd sorted into "up" and "over" folders, and in addition to using different FX they also had different background base colors; so, instead of only sorting/saving styles by appearance, I had to leave "visibility" checked off as well. So I had a couple moments of frustration, but it never took long to figure out and recover. I will DEFINITELY use Slicing in future projects.

3. I tend to use CSS a lot more often (even though the Dreamweaver way is so quick n easy) just because I find the rollover script can get kinda buggy. Maybe that's just me, though, I dunno.

4. I made a shiny new version of my web design company logo to use for the copyright section.

5. I did complete the bonus, it was really easy... I just opened the HTML file in Dreamweaver and made the exact same edits that I did for all the other project sites. Simple as that!

6. I'm all over these shortcuts now :) [see my project 8 post for details]

:: Project 9 -- Final Web Page ::

Amanda S Project 9

Layer comps would've saved me time in another class, so I'm sure that I'll use it again. I used the method described in one of the videos--using the layer select. It worked great for the normal image, but the rollovers were cut off at wierd angles and I just couldn't get them right. I didn't understand the directions for adding the navigation to the other pages--it sounded like the directions asked for the image to be a background image AND a rollover. It wasn't until I got to the questions that it made sense, and by then I had already put the work into having them be a rollover and didn't have time to start over.

Karlyn Gibson- Project 9

1.  Layer comps were easy to use, although I did have an issue with the visibility of the text I added for the Over buttons.  This had to do with saving the layer comp "visibility" before creating the text.
2.  I created my slices based on layers.  I will use photoshop in creating future graphics for websites, but I probably won't use photoshop to create the html.  I find it is a more streamlined process to code in html and css and not in software programs.
3.  I prefer the method we used...coding in XHTML and CSS because it is easier to change later on.
4.  I created a border around <table> tags, and I underlined the <h1> tag.
5.  I ended up creating iframes because each of my project index pages used similar names for images (to make changing them out easier).  However, to save these into one universal image folder would create problems.  This is the problem with waiting until the last project to create a navigation bar...you can't predict in previous projects what naming conventions will/won't work.  So, I created new html pages with an i frame that loads each project page separately.
6.  command D, command Z, [, ], shift C, D, command +, command -
7.  http://sws.pcc.edu/student/CAS208_pdeangel_16723/karlyngibson80/Filemanagement/index.html

Project 9 - Virgil Anderson

1. What was your experience using Layer Comps? In what way will you continue using Layer Comps in future projects? Layer comps was pretty simple to use.  Definitely makes it a lot easier to make changes if you need to go back and change something.
2. Please describe which method you used to produce your slices. I used the auto slicing tool that we were shown in the video, and I did not run into problems.  In fact it was quite easy.

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 class in css call .mid.  I used that to center my buttons while maintaining a white background.
5. Did you complete the bonus? Tell us how you completed it. I did not.　
6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now? Control C, Control V, Control z3. 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 prefer adding the rollovers in dreamweaver because it is much easier.7. http://sws.pcc.edu/student/CAS208_pdeangel_16723/virgilanderson12/Project9/project9.html

Project 9: Don Howard

1. What was your experience using Layer Comps? In what way will you continue using Layer Comps in future projects?
Layer comps are awesome, amazing, and whatever other superlative you can think of...

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?
The method? Beat head repeatedly against the nearest boulder ( yea, don't I wish, that would mean I was outside doing something)... I found that finishing it in FireWorks was a decidedly huge improvement in the end product. Did I experience challenges? Refer to second sentence... Yes, I will use slicing in the future, very judiciously... Actually, the slicing was pretty cool, it was using Photoshop to create transparent backgrounds and DW to insert the images that really got things out of control... I will definitely use Photoshop in at least some part of the creation of web sites.

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?
4. What web asset did you create for Part 3? Did you create any additional assets for your web site? Which ones?
I totally prefer creating the text AND the buttons in CSS. The web asset I created was the the whole design of the navbar, and the color choices.

5. Did you complete the bonus? Tell us how you completed it.
Yes, I completed the bonus. I cut and pasted the code from the rest of the site, and then went through the tedious and laborious process of updating it all to fit the new circumstances (it was all one folder deeper).

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
Whatever fits the occasion...

My Final Project

Project 8– Emily Keene

1. Discuss your experience using rulers and guides. I've used rulers and guides for almost every Photoshop composite image I've ever made... I can't actually imagine trying to perfect a layout without them :)

2. Since (most) filter effects are so innately dramatic, my "favorite combination" varies by necessity every time I use one, depending on my intended result for the specific image. I'll use a filter only if it seems like the most efficient/practical way to achieve the change I want, since I typically try to avoid adjustments that I can't go back and tweak later. As a general rule, if a filter doesn't work/improve the image in the way I'd hoped, I just hit "undo" and pretend it never happened... I guess the only times I ever resign myself to a less-than-ideal effect are while I'm working on homework assignments that require a filter on a certain layer, so I sorta just have to pick one and say "oh well" ;)

3. I'm still a little fuzzy about the total benefits of using Smart Objects, but this assignment pointed out a big one that I hadn't been aware of previously: like I said in answer #2, the reason I rarely use Filters is because once you hit "okay" it's done, and you can't adjust the change unless you undo the action and start over... Editable stacks of "Smart Filters" are a seriously cool feature that I will definitely use more often in the future!!

4. I challenged myself while creating my final composite basically just by being super obsessive in getting it to look EXACTLY the way I intended... This one took me forever, haha. I also challenged myself by taking pains to make sure I was achieving all of my results through methods I've learned in this class, rather than the slower/less effective ways I have always used before out of ignorance (and eventually out of habit). If I had to pick one favorite feature (aside from selection tools, obviously) that I now (thanks to this course!) depend on every time, I'd have to go with the layer blending modes– "overlay" in particular. There's just no better way of achieving that surreal, dreamlike superimposed look that looks "natural" but still *pops* at the same time.

5. Fave keyboard shortcuts: zoom in/out, deselect/reselect/select inverse, default colors/switch foreground & background, clear, and the arrow keys for "nudge". Probably more too, but that's all I can think of without actually working on something now that they've become almost second nature :)

:: Link to Gallery ::

final project 9 - Austin Altringer

1. What was your experience using Layer Comps? In what way will you continue using Layer Comps in future projects?
I thought they were difficult, at least for me. Idk if i will be using them 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 your future web projects?
I just made separate buttons then added them together onto one layer then sliced them using the auto slice layer or whatever its called. I would use slicing in the future. I think using photoshop with web design is a great idea, it makes your website stand out.
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 like using dreamweaver only because i know how to use it and it seems easier.
4. What web asset did you create for Part 3? Did you create any additional assets for your web site? Which ones?
5. Did you complete the bonus? Tell us how you completed it. Yes. i sent it in the drop box.

Karlyn Gibson- Project 8

1.  I've used rulers and guides before, so this experience wasn't anything new.
2. My favorite filter is the graphic pen with coloring on top.  It creates a cool effect.
3.  I thought the smart objects worked great, and the editing was a lot easier than have to redo everything.
4.  My favorite feature for the second composition was masking with the pen tool.  It is very easy and quick to mask using the pen.  I challenged myself by trying to create a park out of elements that weren't in related photos or environments.
5.  I used d, command d, [, ] command +, command -, command z, d, and x
6.  http://sws.pcc.edu/student/CAS208_pdeangel_16723/karlyngibson80/Filemanagement/Project8/website/

Karlyn Gibson- Project 7

1.  I like using the horizontal type tool to create text, and then using the character panel to decide on the font, style, and size.  I like double clicking on the text layer to add effects to the text.
2.  In some cases the clipping masks for the text work great.  They can give the text a very unique look.  It is definitely a trick I will use in the future.
3.  It took some time to get used to the pen tool, but now that I understand how to set good points and manipulate them I like it better than the quick selection tool.  The pen tool creates smoother edges.
4.  The shape tools are great if you are trying to create something abstract or simple.  If the shape is too complex the shape tools are difficult to make work.
5.  I like using smart objects because you can edit the layer independently of the composition, and I will probably use smart objects frequently in the future.
6.  http://sws.pcc.edu/student/CAS208_pdeangel_16723/karlyngibson80/Filemanagement/Project7/website/

Ann Nickerson - Project 9

My favorite picture is an improvement on my pirate picture from project #7. Since the background is an animated drawing I thought it would look cool if the pirate boy was animated also. I then decided he needed a black frame. I’m going to print this up for a poster for the playroom, our guest room for the grandkids.

1. What was your experience using Layer Comps? In what way will you continue using Layer Comps in future projects?
Layer comps are cool, but I was a little nervous with making a series of pictures and figuring how to get layer comp to apply. I made all the changes by hand in another file and then redid the layers comp. I’ll continue to experiment with comps.

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 sliced using the divide button because I couldn’t get consistent button sizes doing it by hand.
- Smashing Magazine had a lot of helpful ideas and links. After reading one article I googled photoshop shortcuts and found some useful charts to post near my desk.
- I thought slicing was handy. I’m sure I’ll use it as I develop my website.

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?
- The text was part of the image created in photoshop. I guess I misunderstood the instructions. Doing it in the future, I would put the text in XHTML, and I’d use the rollover buttons of Dreamweaver. (Actually, though, I find rollovers a little boring, and prefer some of the spry widgets that are available through the Dreamweaver user community.)

4. What web asset did you create for Part 3? Did you create any additional assets for your web site? Which ones?
I browsed the internet and found some freely downloadable horizontal clip art. I installed it as a background image of a class and added the class as an attribute of the HR tag, which I then placed between sections on projects 3 through 8. I also put it between sections on project 2, but since project 2 (and 1) were done before I arrived at a common style, these projects still don’t have the same “look and feel” as the rest of the projects.

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

Yes, I completed the bonus item. Actually, I did so before I realized it was even a bonus item; I simply thought it was necessary to endow project 1 with the same navigation bar as the rest of the projects. The way I did it is essentially this: I hacked! First, I added the navigation bar to all the other project web pages. Then I went into the HTML code and grabbed all the stuff that looked like it related to the rollovers – the div tags that supply the normal and rollover images; the preloading of the rollover images in the body tag; the javascripts that implement the rollover; and the title and author text that I made part of the same “boilerplate” header, with the navigation buttons.

That all seemed totally sensible, and I expected it to work just fine. It didn’t, until I hacked around some more, and figured out that some of the crud at the very top of the HTML file – crud that I don’t really know what means – had to be replaced as well. What I think it was all about was that this crud identified the HTML as being of an older so-called standard, whereas when I just cut-and-paste this boilerplate from one of the other projects, it worked fine.

What gave me the clue that this might be necessary was that I happened to notice, in Dreamweaver, when I hovered over the index.html file tab for project 1 versus all the other projects, all the latter had “(XHTML)” jotted down to the right of the pathnames, whereas project 1 did not.

I was a little nervous that changing that boilerplate might bust the slide show, but make the rollovers work. Well, it makes the rollovers work. And the slide show still works, too. The one downside, though, is that unlike before, when I navigate to the Project 1 web page, I get a dialogue box pop up to warn me that a “local application” is trying to communicate with an “Internet-enabled location”. I don’t know what that means, but if I just close that box, the slide show works fine.

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
Mostly the same ones, but now that I have my handy shortcut chart I’ll try to do more.

http://sws.pcc.edu/student/CAS208_pdeangel_16723/annnickerson75/Project9/index.html

Tresa Cavanaugh Project 9 Final

Blog answers:

1: As described in my comment section, I had many problems with this project. Layer comps included.

2: I used the method used in Lesson 13 to create my slices and was able to create 8 buttons each with their own url and text though many of the links failed. I saw the Dreamweaver video and it looked easier as far as rollover buttons go but I didn't use Dreamweaver on this project.

3: As it stands right now, I would use Dreamweaver in the future.

4: I did not create any assets.

5: No bonus this week.

6: No new shortcuts.

Note: In closing, I didn't have enough time to come up with a final project that was more complete. I realize I left a lot out. Throughout the cours I did get help viewing other students postings and projects but all after the fact. I had trouble with instructions quite often.

Project 9 - Brennan Conroy

1. I had an extremely difficult time with layer comps. I I have a pretty decent grasp on it now, but working with the multiple buttons was a serious challenge.

2. I selected all slices and then had to edit each one a bit because it selected both the button and the number.

3. I was using a free version of text wrangler for all the HTML work up to this point. I finally had to break down and get a trial of DreamWeaver to get the rollover images in my page. I would prefer to use DreamWeaver in any future HTML endeavors.

4. I failed on part 2 and 3 of this project. I'm seriously terrible at anything involving HTML.

5. No Bonus

6. Same short cuts as usual.

7. Web Page - doesnt work so hot. I couldn't figure out how to place the buttons in Project 1 - 8 :(

1. I thought layer comps were a good way to apply a style across several different layers and be able to unapply it easily. I could definitely see myself using layer comps to make more rollover buttons.

2. I made slices from layers. This seemed like the easiest way to me. Yes, I would like to use slicing to create whole web page layouts that are too complicated to do with just css. I think that photoshop can be used to create stunning websites but it makes the editing of the layout a little more time consuming.

3. I preferred the first method because it was difficult to line up the html text with the images when they were separate. I would rather have an image with the text included for each button.

4. I did not create any assets for the final project.

5. Yes, I linked the gallery index to my css style sheet with the header and navigation information. Then I place the header with navbar at the top of the body, above the gallery.

6. Ctrl E to merge layers. Was useful when creating my buttons.

7.Check out my final project website here.

Race Jones - Project 08

01) I have been using rulers for awhile now and find them very helpful for lining things up perfectly.

02) I liked the cutout filter, but I don't see myself using them in any future projects.

03) Smart objects are something I never used until this class. It's a convenient technique to use so you do not ruin the original.

04) It was fun making multiple layers of the truck so that I could insert the heads and make it appear like the people were actually inside. Kind of comical.

05) t, v, l, g, e

06) Link

Rebecca - Project 7

oh hi am i behind or what? well. this is my favorite image from project 7....
1. i like my text plain.. maybe a little inner glow or drop shadow to make it pop.. otherwise unless i am doing some graphic design i probably wont be typing on the curved path... fun though.

2. it was cool to learn how to do clipping masks.. sure it will come in handy someday!

3. at first the pen tool seemed impossible and then bang! i got it.. works pretty well . especially seems useful when you have both curved and straight edges in an object that cannot easily be differentiated from its background. yes i was able to modify my selections.

4. the shape tools are pretty simple.. i didn't feel the need for using them. in the exercises i had trouble clipping with one.

5 although this lesson didnt seem to show me how to make a smart object, just import on.. it seems useful for logos and such.

6 cntrl z,x,c,v,s, -, + alt + backspace

7 my webpage!!

Project 8 - Nolan Shearer

1. I think rulers and guides are one of those things you never really use often. After you do use them once you realize how helpful they are. I will be using them ore often.

2. For this project I used the film grain filter and blur filter. I think all of them can be useful and Im glad I learned how to use two at once. For this composition it worked great! Blurring the lotus flowers created a nice effect so that it looks like they are out of focus in the background.

3. At first I didn't really see a use for smart objects. Once I started to resize the images without converting them compared to the ones I did convert, I noticed a big difference. I can see where it could come in handy.

4. I think the hardest part about any assignment is trying to follow every step and still make a composition that you can be happy with. For example, I found it very difficult to warp my text when I thought it would take away from the look I was trying to create. All in all I like the way it came out.

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

V, CMD+S, M, G, T, W

Project 8

Project 8- Maren McGuire

1. Discuss your experience using rulers and guides.
There really helpful. Before I have just been eyeballing it, so this is a great way to know that you're spot on.

2. What was your favorite filter combination?
Crosshatch and film grain rocks.

3. Describe your experience using Smart Objects and the editing process.
Fairly easy to create and really cool that you could edit over the top of them without destroying the original image. Very cool and really nice to know.

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 really applied a lot of filters and masks in this image. I challenged myself by really going through every filter and played with a lot of masks. It was a little time consuming, but pretty fun.

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now? D, Cmd R

6. Link: Project 8 site

Project 8 Brennan Conroy

1. Rules and guides are essential!

2. I don't have a favorite filter, they all seem interesting enough. For me they were kind of distracting, but I suppose if you know what effect your looking for it's got to be in there somewhere.

3. Smart object are great, like coloring in the lines without having to worry about the lines.

4. The second project was frustrating to me, I didn't have a master plan and just tried to meet all of the requirements. I like all of the filters, I think I just need to get more experimental with them so next time I can have an actual plan before I sit down.

5. I printed out this handy pdf and have been using as many as possible. http://www.nobledesktop.com/shortcuts-photoshopcs5-pc.html

6. Website

Project 8 - Virgil Anderson

1.  Rulers and guides are a useful tool to accurately align objects in projects.
2.  I prefer to use only one filter at a time, because I did not notice a huge difference when combining filters.  My favorite filter was the texturizer, and I believe they may have distracted a little from the photo.
3. Smart objects allows objects to be more easily edited.
4.  In my second composition my favorite feature was  painting cloud like spots on the sky and distorting the street performer's shadow with the puppet warp tool.  I challenged myself by trying to make the piece all flow together.
5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?  D to set the background and foreground colors to default, control+S for Saving
6. http://sws.pcc.edu/student/CAS208_pdeangel_16723/virgilanderson12/Project8/project8.html

Don Howard: Project 8

1. Discuss your experience using rulers and guides.
Rulers and guides: Fantastic! They make things so much more accurate.

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 filter combo. I have used so many of them that I don't really remember offhand which one I liked best. It would totally depend on the piece I am working on. Overall, I feel filters generally detract from the work, but when they fit the need then can be awesome. For the most part I used the filters to fulfill project requirements.

3. Describe your experience using Smart Objects and the editing process.
They are incredible! How cool is it to be able to work without damaging the original file? Very! They do seem to use quite a bit more processing power when there are multiple files in one composite...

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?
Probably refine edges and blending. I don't know, it all comes together and my favorite tool is the one that is accomplishing what I need at the time...

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
x, d, /, r, v, m, p, command z, j, d, c, v, ;, w, ...

My Project 8

project 8 amanda s

I was very frustrated using the guides. It took me several tries to figure out why images weren't snapping to the guides, even then it just magically started to work and I never really figured out what the problem was. Another issue I had was trying to space a couple images a close distance together without having them line up, so I tried using two guides about a cm apart and the darn things kept snapping back to each other!

I liked the filter combo I used on the capitol building for my tutorial assignment, it gave it a very 1960's photo feel.

I like using smart objects, but (unless I'm missing something) I don't fully understand why you need it other than the convienience of having it open in a seperate area.

I love the faded effect that feathering gave to my mask of the mask in my composite.

I've learned the hard way that ctl + s is my best friend throughout the class :)

my page

Project 8 - Cassiopeia Anderson

1. Discuss your experience using rulers and guides. I like using the rulers and guides, because it allows you to place objects straight or within a certain distance of each other. It makes things a little easier and of course nicer looking.

2. What was your favorite filter combination? I liked the cutout filter, because it made the image look sort of like a cartoon. How did filters contribute to your results? I wanted each filter to be different, and I think that result looked good. Did they improve or detract from the result you desired? I think the filters may have detracted from the result. I wanted the three nature photos at the bottom of the image to sort of add to the background of the forest, and I think the filters I chose made them look too much like cartoons or not enough like their original pictures.

3. Describe your experience using Smart Objects and the editing process. I liked using smart objects, because it allowed you to add layer styles easier and to adjust the background.

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? My favorite features were the custom vector shape. I used the checkered pattern stamp. I also enjoyed playing with the mask. I challenged myself by spending extra time on the mask to make sure I really got it cut out just right by refining the edges.

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now? D, Ctrl+S, Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Alt dragging

6. Link: http://sws.pcc.edu/student/CAS208_pdeangel_16723/cassiopeiaanderson13/project8/website_project8.html

Ann Nickerson - project 8

I had this great picture of my granddaughter and her friend from camp last summer that I wanted to use. They saw a tug-of-war mud pit at camp and couldn’t resist it. My theme was “in the Garden” so I had to figure how to make the picture fit the theme. I decided to overlay them on a construction picture of my son’s yard, that way we were all “in the garden”.

1. Discuss your experience using rulers and guides.
The rulers and guides were very helpful in composing my poster. I really like the snap function.

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 enjoyed the text for the dirty girls, where I used the bevel & emboss with a gradient overlay and them warped it. The results were terrific.

3. Describe your experience using Smart Objects and the editing process.
I had no problem converting to smart objects. However, that may have made it harder to mask and edit. I had a hard time remembering how to scale the smart 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?
I had the concept in mind for “dirty girls”, so the hard part was to fit all the requirements into the project. I added the ducks so I wouldn’t have to puppet warp one of the girls.

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
I’m still using the select & save shortcuts. I’m trying to add more.

http://sws.pcc.edu/student/CAS208_pdeangel_16723/annnickerson75/Project8/index.html

Project 8 - Austin Altringer

1. Discuss your experience using rulers and guides.
I thought that the rulers and guides really were helpful to center text and images onto whatever I am doing.
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 like the graphic pen and crosshatch combo. the filters, for me, changed the focal points of my pictures depending on the filter. I thought it was a helpful tool because it looked cool and also made it catch someones eye in a different way.
3. Describe your experience using Smart Objects and the editing process.
It wasn't hard, but I'm not quite sure the purpose of smart objects, I'm confused in that area.
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 really liked my use of the clipping mask on the word "rocks" it surprised me on how it would turn out, I like it. I thought it was challenging to crop pictures and fit them together and evenly space them etc. because I didn't have the same proportion sized pictures.
5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
"copy" and "paste", and the "undo" hot keys...haha

Here's a link to my project 8

Megan Stanley - Project 8

1. Discuss your experience using rulers and guides.
I think it was very helpful to use the guides for arranging the smaller images. I think the most useful part is the "Snap To" feature.

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 think this particular photo would have been better without using filters on the smaller photos, but it was fun to experiment with them. I really enjoy using the black and white filters and handpainting the color onto the photo.

3. Describe your experience using Smart Objects and the editing process.
I think Smart Objects makes editing certain aspects of images a lot easier, especially if you want to make changes further down the road. It's a lot easier to edit a Smart Object than it would be to go back to a certain point and change whatever settings you had applied without messing up something else you had done since then.

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?
It was challenging to go back through some of the past lessons and remember some of the options I had to work with in creating this image, but it was fun to combine everything I've learned during the course. The greatest challenge was remembering how to do everything without having it in the specific order as in the textbook.

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
The one I'm using most often is still the [ and ] keys to adjust brush size.

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

Project 8 Hannah Price

Here is my favorite image from this project. It is a poster for my dad's vineyard.

- The ruler tools are great. I am used to drafting so I figured out how to use the rulers easily and I will definitely continue to use them.

- My favorite filter combination was the black and white pen stroke with the color painted over it like I used for the small picture of the wine glass.

- Once I re-read the book lesson and remembered how to actually make changes to a smart object I thought they went pretty smoothly. I like that adding filters to them is non-destructive. I can be very destructive.

- My biggest challenge in my second composite was using the puppet mask. It took me awhile to get the image to actually move how I intended it too but it ended up working pretty well. I can't really think of a reason I would use this tool a lot in the future but it is very cool.

- I've got the D for default foreground and background colors shortcut down now.

Here is a link to all of my images: Gallery

Project-8 Deja Sparks

1.) I didn't have too much need for rulers and guides. I used them for the first composite and that's it.
2.)The filters are interesting...The only ones I tended to use was Texture+Paint Brush Tool. Most of the other filters were too abstract for my intentions.
3.)Smart Objects are a great way to experiment and I think I will be using them a lot in the future.
4.)I liked adding custom shapes and color with the Paint Brush Tool on my second composite. I also enjoy the Texture filters and clipping Masks for text are awesome! I tryed to challenge myself by using Tools and layer styles as much as possible to enhance the overall look.
5.)Pretty much using the same keyboard shortcuts as last week...
MY WEB PAGE!

Project 8 - Adam Staiger - Advanced Compositions

1. Discuss your experience using rulers and guides.

Rather useful for keeping things 'balanced' and for placing assets at specific locations on a layer.

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 liked the sketch filters because they at least looked realistic after applying them (the water color one was neato). I think they mostly added to the results, though I am of a mixed mind on that, but I think the more I use them and fiddle with their settings, the better they'll end up looking. As for improving a result or not, that's entirely situational given that some images just don't look good as a "water color" or an "air brush" but some will. (Some nature/panorama shots looked terrible, but buildings tended to look okay.)

3. Describe your experience using Smart Objects and the editing process.
It certainly makes things easier if you're in the middle of editing/composing an image, but with a little bit of planning, it's possible to not have to use Smart Objects in the creation process.

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 like using the various selection tools; I like to challenge myself by getting the cleanest, best-looking selection I can. The selection for the sky in the background of that image was especially though because of all of the little random bits sticking up -- mostly ship masts, flag poles, and the pole on top of the lighthouse. That was a definite challenge; I could have chosen another bit of the image to remove/replace.

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

Ctrl+T

6. Add link of your completed web page to your blog
Link to my page for this assignment.

Jessica Tenenbaum Project 8

1. Rulers and guides certainly take the guesswork out of lining things up. The snap to feature really helps.

2. I don't know if I have a favorite filter yet. The filters change your results from a photo to what is more like a work of art. In my final project, I think they distracted from the look I was going for because they made everything less real.

3. I still have a bit to learn about smart objects. For example, I didn't like the way the drop shadow on the barn looked after I added the grain filter, but the features I added before creating the smart object, didn't appear to be accessible anymore.

4. I really liked creating the moon from two circles. I would like to learn more about vector paths. And I think the clouds filter is very useful. I still have a hard time getting puppet warp to do what I want and will have to work more with this feature.

5. I am using G for gradient.

Here is the link to this weeks website.

Project 7 - Nolan Shearer

1. I think the best way to create text is to use the Text tool. (I feel like that question was too easy...?) I like to add stroke, drop shadow, and outer glow to make the text stand out.

2. I LOVE clipping masks!! I think clipping masks for text is one of the most valuable skills I have learned this term. I will definitely be using them a lot in the future.

3.The pen tool seemed to work pretty good, I didn't quite see how it was any better than the lasso tool. I can see how the curves might be smoother but other than that not a huge difference.

4. Doing the book lesson I found that creating a custom shape is very easy. I didn't face any challenges with them.

5. As of now I don't see a reason to use smart objects. Hopefully I can find a good use for them in the future.

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

"V", CMD+"S", SHIFT+Mouse (keep ratio of pic)

PROJECT 7

CAS 208 Project 8 Advanced Compositions

Favorite Picture was my final Teton postcard.


Blog answers for Project 8.

Rulers and guides are quite handy for inserting images quickly and placing accurately.

Favorite filter combinations were ones used on bison painting background, grass and bison then creating surreal texture. Filters enhanced all my images favorably.

Smart objects were useful to me in working on background sky. I did a lot of backstepping and editing to reach my final goals.

In the second composite I struggled with my lack of creativity but somehow came up with something interesting. I like text warp, drop shadows and borders. Creating a grainy surface was cool. I can do lessons pretty easily but have a hard time coming up with my own creations. Very challenging.

Shifting background to foreground shortcut pretty handy. Not adding too many shortcuts.


Link to Project 8: http://sws.pcc.edu/student/CAS208_pdeangel_16723/tresacavanaugh21/Filemanagement/Project8/Project%208/photoshopwebsite8.htm

Project 7 Hannah Price

Here is my favorite image from this week. Tropical fish in the English countryside.

- I used the horizontal text tool for all of my text. For the fish dialog I used the pen tool to make a path then applied the text to that path. I like the drop shadow effect for making text stand out.,

- I loved the clipping mask for adding an image to text, that seems like something I will likely use again.

- I find the pen tool difficult. It seems to work exactly the opposite as I expect it too. Once I made it through the book lessons and the two images for the project I was getting the hang of it pretty well.

-Here is the link to all my images: Gallery

Project 7 - Maren McGuire

1. Now that I know how, Clipping masks are definitely going to be used a lot in my near future. For simple text though, I still prefer creating a layer and adding effects.

2. I liked the way the natural light shows through. It kept the text from looking flat. It really made the dimension come thru.

3. The pen tool is rad. Depending on the item you're selecting, this is wonderfully time saving. Sometimes I can't get it perfect with the other selection tools, but this tool is pretty spot on. I like the control it gives the user.

4. Using the shape tools wasn't too challenging. They seemed fairly easy to create and then manipulate. And anything I didn't like, I could always alter with the erase tool. I didn't create an extra shape tho.

5. Not sure yet. Still playing with that one. I see the benefit, but I'm still not the most advanced design person, so we'll see.

6. cmd r (rulers). I check the Show Transform Controls box when using the move tool- super easy way to resize images. Cmd still my fav.

My web page.

Project 7 Brennan Conroy

1. I find working with text extremely difficult in Photoshop. I prefer Illustrator.
2. The Clipping Mask effect for text is awesome and really easy. I will be using it quite often.

3. The pen works great, very similar to Illustrator as well, easy to modify and correct too. Just make sure the history window is open.

4. The shape tool was fun and easy to use, I just didn't really find an ideal use for it in my project. I did like the custom fleur de lis though.

5. Turning objects to smart objects allows layer styles and effects.
6. Didn't use too many shortcuts this time.

Website

Project 7 Cassiopeia Anderson

1. Please describe your preferred method of creating text and the layer effects to make it stand out. I like the clipping mask. I think it creates a neat affect to have another image show through where the letters are. I think it makes it stand out a little more to add the multiply layer style.

2. In which way did you like results from using clipping masks for text and shapes? I think it creates a neat affect to have the image behind the objects show through like a cut out. Do you think you will use them in future projects? Definitely Why or why not? I think it creates a neat, classy affect that will compliment future projects.

3. What was your experience using the pen tool to create selections? It was okay, but a little confusing. It's a lot to remember, and I think it is going to take more practice to become easier. Were you able to modify your selections with the path adjustments tool? Yes

4. What challenges did you experience using the shape tools? The only challenge was trying to figure out how to add it to the picture in a complimenting way. Did you create a custom shape? Yes. What was it? I used the grassy custom shape along the bottom of the image.

5. How will you use smart objects in future projects? I will use the smart objects to allow me to add layer styles to the objects.

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now? Ctrl+S, Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V. I find retaining the shortcuts difficult so I think that is going to take some additional practice and memorization.

Link: http://sws.pcc.edu/student/CAS208_pdeangel_16723/cassiopeiaanderson13/project7/website_project7.html

Race Jones - Project 07

01) Preferred way to make text for this project was to use the pen tool to make the path. I usually add drop shadows and strokes to the text to make them pop a little.

02) It was really easy to fill the text with whatever your layer was. This way is a lot easier and more conventional than the way that I used to do it. I will be using it a lot when I need to add texture to my text.

03) My pictures were pretty linear so it was quite easy to use the pen tool for my selections.

04) I don't see how making a custom shape would be difficult, I don't like using them anyway.

05) I most likely will not be using smart objects in the near future.

06) The same ones as before, mostly shortcuts for specific tools; v, w, l, cmd t, cmd shift s etc.

07) Link

Project 7 - Emily Jane Keene

:: Gallery ::

1. Even though I'm not all that happy with the text I created for this project (something about the font just looks kinda mall-core? I dunno) it was fun to work with. I'd never typed along a path before this assignment, so that was cool to learn. For type, my favorite layer fx are "emboss" and "contour", which give it that 3D effect.

2. I've only ever used masks for text in Flash before now, and I'm really stoked to know how to do it in Photoshop! I think I definitely will use this method a lot in the future.

3. This was my first time using the pen tool as well, and I think I will really like it once I get more practice under my belt.

4. I don't think I've ever found the shape tools "challenging" exactly, I just don't like using them as much other tools. I did create a custom shape, but just as a sort of composition guide to decide where I wanted to place the image parts... the shape isn't visible in the completed image.

5. I'm actually still not totally clear on what the benefits of Smart Objects are, exactly... But I guess I prefer my images to not be stupid? ;)

6. Man, I really oughta start using shortcuts more often...

OH also I just realized I forgot to post my favorite image from last week, so here you go... I guess it's a self-portrait? Haha:

Amanda S Project 7

I didn't have any problems this time :) I loved using the pen tool- it made a cleaner selection than anything else I've done. I found some of the text alterations on other projects, but it was nice to be shown the large amount of things that could be done. I like using the backlighting, it defines the text the most. I'll probably mess around with the mask cutting- I like the effect that it gives. my page




Tangled copyright Disney 2010

project 7 - Ann Nickerson

I really enjoyed this project. I feel I’m starting to learn useful tricks to have fun making posters of the grandkids and creating projects for my business.

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

I like to make text with a good contrasting color then either bevel & emboss or give it an outer glow. I matched the smaller text to the color of the moon, and then added an outer glow to make it spooky.

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

I like using clipping masks so I didn’t have to open 2 projects and drag from one to another. I also like that it’s not destructive to the image.

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 think the pen tool is great. I like the easy adjustments using the path adjustment tools.

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

I created a custom(?) shape by creating a 4 point star and then adjusting the length of it points.

5. How will you use Smart Objects in future projects?
I hope to use smart objects to simplify using pictures that are in different resolutions. I’d like to redo my pirate picture with objects so I can make a poster with it.

6. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?
Still keeping it simple: Save, select deselect.

http://sws.pcc.edu/student/CAS208_pdeangel_16723/annnickerson75/Project7/

Project- 7 Deja Sparks

1.) I guess just using Rulers and Guides to align the text is my preferred method. I don't really see myself using the Pen Tool to create my own Paths. I like a few of the Warp text options, but mostly I just use the Move and Transform option to re size or adjust the shape. I mostly use the drop shadow and Stroke styles.

2.)I really liked my results using the Clipping Mask for text. I think it can add dimension to otherwise flat text. I will definitely use this feature in the future!

3.)I found the Pen Tool a little difficult and time consuming, especially using a mouse.
4.)The custom shape tools are fun, just wish there were more of them...I did create a custom shape from the outline of the woman's hair. I duplicated the layer and changed the color and style. I really like the result.

5.)I will use Smart Objects for projects in the future that I need to edit several times.

6.)Move tool+Alt, CTRL+Z, X AND +,-.
{MY SITE}

Rebecca Price -Project 6

1. Masking doesn't seem all that different to me. I feel like I need a lot more practice to get it perfect. Once I do I am sure it will be easier to preserve details in the image.
- I keep getting the refine edge eraser and paint mixed up on functionality. Also I had trouble because I didn't choose images that stood out from their backgrounds. I couldn't get it to work that well.
2. The puppet tool did just what I wanted(didn't use it on this image) Seems useful for bending images.
3. You would use the quick mask when the edges are more clearly defined.(?)
4. Channels section a little challenging and not enough depth in my opinion.. Book doesn't explain why - just what to do. Have no idea how I will use this, but good to know its there. -no e.c.
5. cntrl z,x,s,+,-,c,v,and alt for subtracting from a selections.

my WEB page!

Project 6 - Nolan Shearer

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

It seemed that everything was a little more user friendly. Definitely a lot easier.

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

No harmed pixels & again easier.

b) Describe your experience using the Refine Edge Tool. Did it allow you to

more closely define your edges?

Of course! I didn't see myself over using it but it definitely was nice to have.

c) What were your challenges?

Figuring out how to manipulate the shadows. It took me forever to remember how to do that process.

2. What was your 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 used the puppet warp to conform my text (in my other pictures) to the background. I found it to be a very fun way to make the text a part of the picture and not just a title. I definitely see myself using this tool to tweak certain part of pictures to make them perfect.

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

When I don't have time or the need to specific detail.

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 really, the book is usually pretty simple. The hard part is implementing these things into your own pictures. I'm just glad I get to keep this book! I didn't get to the extra credit. Just the project in itself takes a very large amount of time...sorry!

5. What keyboard shortcuts are you using regularly now?

I really only use a couple of shortcuts, I ALWAYS use "V" (move tool) and CMD+S (save)

PROJECT 6

Tresa Cavanaugh Project 7 Text & Vector Graphics

We just sold this Jetta so I put it on the road!

Blog answers:

1. Preferred method of creating text would be the Text Tool. Easy and quick to manipulate.

2. I liked being able to bend and resize text using warp.

3. Using the pen tool was quite a problem for me. It was easy to follow the dots in the lesson because they were pre-arranged. Creating the curves to fit my object was extremely frustrating and I hope my endproduct isn't too bad.

4. The shape tool was cool. Yes I made one just for fun in my composite. It was irregular and shaded down just to add another element.

5. Not sure how to use Smart Objects other than how we used them in the lesson.

6. Keyboard shortcuts are getting easier and more commonly used and the shortcut list I have will come in handy for all future projects.

My link is: ftp://tresacavanaugh21@sws.pcc.edu/student/CAS208_pdeangel_16723/tresacavanaugh21/Filemanagement/Project7/Project%207/photoshopwebsite7.htm