#NoFilter

Design Ideas and Design Process

First Image

First royalty free image, edited using Photoshop.

This is the first image I edited using Adobe Photoshop. I obtained a royalty free image online of a sunset and intended to use both tutorials provided and my own to brighten up the photograph. I began by pasting the image on a separate layer and experimenting with existing filters and the ‘liquify’ tool which enabled me to blur lines and make areas appear cleaner. On the adjustments panel, I further edited the contrast, vibrancy, brightness, exposure, hue and saturation to create a desired balance and make it appear more eye-catching than the original.

Second Image

Second royalty free image, edited using Photoshop.

This is the second image I edited also using a royalty free image found online inspired by the famous red bus of London picture. I began by applying the black and white filter on the original image but found this darkened certain areas so solved this by altering the balance of brightness and vibrancy. I then pasted the original photo on a separate layer, ensuring both images were the same size so I could use the pen tool and cut around the bus. After removing the background, I layered the bus onto of the black and white picture and used the blending tool to make it appear seamless.

Third Image

Third photo edited on Photoshop using my own image.

This is my third and final, yet favourite edited image, this time using one of my own photographs. This image consisted of aspects I didn’t like such as a used tissue and part of a phone screen on the table. I watched tutorials on how to use the clone tool and found the task of removing them to be much simpler than anticipated. I selected the desired layer and brush size to clone an area of table to repeat over the unwanted areas. This left me with repeated patterns looking unrealistic which I corrected using the liquify tool to adjust the lines and shadows.

– Development

Below is the development and process to creating my final image.

1) Selecting my chosen image to edit and opening it as a background layer on Photoshop.

5) Pressing option and creating a sample to clone over.

6) Tapping to clone across the sample over unwanted elements.

7) Holding option again to create a new sample for a different part.

8) Finally using the liquify tool to remove repeated patterns.

Software Tutorials

When starting, I knew the basic functions and tools Photoshop offered, including using tools like existing filters, shapes and type to change an image, however lacked understanding of using it at a more professional level, with better editing and the ability to remove things whilst still making the image appear realistic. I chose this task in order to improve this skill and to teach myself how to edit whilst watching both tutorials provided as well as ones I found myself.

Some tutorials I found useful from the list provided for my first images of changing colour include; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg1WS_yOcHM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9fwiNyDHLI as well as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2Lf4cZcIok. These videos taught me the basics of how to use the colour correcting tools in the adjustments panel, such as brightness and exposure and showed me how to create a balance that was meaningful. I also researched and found that https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuy12EOEztg was in depth about hue and saturation which was easy to follow along.

In my third image of removing elements; I found https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/clone-stamp-remove-object.html, https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/photo-retouching-basics.html and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7jf6MCVvmk&t=73s extremely useful as they provided an in depth understanding of the clone stamp and alternative methods such as the spot healing brush which was interesting to learn about to further develop my knowledge. I enjoyed how these videos were short and straight to the point whilst also being easy to follow along so I can apply the same principles to my own images.

Watching these tutorials really boosted my ability to edit confidently and helped me overcome difficulties I was facing when using Photoshop. I also found they aided my ability to design confidently and use tools I was first unfamiliar with. Even though with tutorials provided, I have increased my skills within the software dramatically, I think I would still benefit from learning more about the complex tools it offers (such as duplicating elements) which I hope to learn by watching more tutorials and practicing myself in my own time to design more professionally.

Design Resources and Articles

Additionally, from the resources provided, I found that for my first image, this article was extremely useful (https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/photoshop-sharpen-photos.html). This article explained how to sharpen areas to make it more defined, therefore when changing colours and altering balance, it would be more drastic. I also did some of my own research and found the ones that Adobe themselves provided were helpful. These include both https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/replace-colors.html and https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/photoshop/how-to/change-color-object.html which gave me an in depth understanding at a beginner level and then at intermediate with advanced tips to create a more professional image. I liked how they each described every element in the adjustments panel so I could understand what I’m really changing.

For my third image, which was focussed on removing elements, I found from the list provided that https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/retouching-repairing-images.html and https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/clone-stamp-remove-object.html were useful links when describing the uses and functions of the clone stamp tool and how to successfully apply it to my image. The steps in both of these articles were easy to follow along which I valued. In my own research for how to use the tools, I found https://expertphotography.com/clone-stamp-tool/ and https://www.lifewire.com/photoshop-clone-stamp-tool-tutorial-1697534 explained well what the tool actually did and how I could apply it. Furthermore, I read https://shootdotedit.com/blogs/news/how-to-use-liquify-tool-photoshop which showed me how to use the liquify tool to finalise the edit.

I also looked at pre-edited image to see how successfully others have used the tool, this allowed me to see the extent to which I should use it. These articles helped me to design effectively and also acknowledge me of the uses and functions of tools within the software that I could use when editing my images.

Learning Across the Module

Comparing both quiz results obtained at the beginning and end of the Autumn and Spring terms, I found that I have improved not only my knowledge of softwares but my confidence in being able to use them correctly. At the start of the Skills module, I only knew the basic fundamentals of each software, and had the ability to use simple tools such as type and shapes, but since undergoing the modules tasks every week, varying between Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop, I have developed lifelong skills which will help me become a better designer and work more effectively as well as professionally in the future.

The tutorials I watched, really enabled me to understand each tool in depth and were easy to follow along, which I think played a large part in how I took in information to apply to my own work. Some of the greatest benefits I think I have received from this, is how to use the clone stamp tool, which I found to be much easier than anticipated as well as colour correction. I also have improved on precision using the pen tool in both Photoshop and Illustrator and understood the importance of hierarchy when designing which I think are all good skills to have. I feel like I can use all three softwares to an extent where I’m happy with. including editing images, sorting layouts and illustrating, but hope to continue building on this in my own time to further develop my ability.

Habibah Begum – Illustrator Task (Stickers)

Design Ideas and Design Processes

First idea…

First design idea of a sticker to compliment a podcast cover and postcard.

This is my first idea of a sticker. I began this task by selecting aspects from both one of my podcast cover and postcards, such as the same colour scheme and focal image as well as typeface. I decided on using the shape of a circle based on existing stickers I have looked at and thought this shape would be the most effective. I later placed the image on and adjusted the text to fit within the shape after watching tutorials on how to do so. I like this sticker however noticed how the precision of lines on this design could be more defined, to proivde a cleaner finish.

Second idea…

Second design Idea of a sticker to compliment a podcast cover and postcard.

This is my second idea of a sticker. This design is a much more simplistic attempt compared to my previous one and is designed for one of an alternative podcast cover I designed. I enjoy the colour scheme and I like dominancy of each colour, and how yellow is the most powerful, yet there is less of it. This allowed the sticker to have an easy flow of hierarchy. I like the simplicity of this design but how much it stands out also.

Third idea…

Final design Idea of a sticker to compliment a podcast cover and postcard.

This is my third sticker design which I found to be the most effective. I began this by adapting factors of my previous designs however referring back to my favourite podcast cover and postcard to make clearer links between the three, therefore used the title and typeface. Already this made such a big difference, so I later adjusted the image from being in full sight to being slightly beyond the shape to compliment the type, providing a more abstract look which I enjoyed. I then added a border which provided a stronger balance and developed this by modifying the weight of the strokes to create my final sticker design. I like the outcome of this design as it not only resembles my postcard and podcast cover but is effective independently.

The development…

2. Placing in text and choosing the image.

3. Adjusting the image and text to be balanced.

4. Continuing to adjust placements of image and text until it works.

5. Cutting an image to fit within a shape.

6. Finalising details such as weight of strokes.

Software Tutorials

Initially, I knew the basics of how to use and function Adobe Illustrator, however lacked some understanding of more in depth and complex functions, such as cutting images and adjusting the orientation of text to fit within a desired shape rather than just in a text box with standard orientation, however after doing some research and both reading and watching online tutorials, I became much more comfortable to use these features and incorporate them within my design. Some tutorials I watched include https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-5j6tuPlQA and https://y-designs.com/ideas/tutorials/illustrator-tutorial-type-along-a-path-wrapping-text-around-a-circle/ as well as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E69lde513Yk and https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/cutting-dividing-objects.html which I found to be extremely useful links and helped me overcome some issues I was faced with when designing my sticker such as typing around a circular shape and cutting an image.

Watching and reading these online resources as well as the given tutorials provided, I am much more comfortable using illustrator to design effectively. I overcame my problems and am able to confidently use tools I was first unfamiliar with.

Even-though, I have developed my knowledge and skill set by a great amount through practice and learning, I still hope to build some more by watching alternative tutorials and learn how to use further complex functions and precision using the pen tool to design not only more effectively, but professionally for a much cleaner outcome.

Design Resources and Articles

Additionally, I found previous questions and answers to problems other people where experiencing similar to which, I myself was struggling with, so used them as guidelines to help me improve. I also read some online support given by Adobe themselves on how to use some functions within the software and what to do when I faced technical issues https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/illustrator/tutorials.html. I read online step by step guides to assist me in my designing, such as how to write along paths. One link I found extremely useful was, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c4bEoT_mwE which taught me how to cut and divide a shape, in simple steps which were easy to follow along. I also valued the website https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/cutting-dividing-objects.html where I read on how to cut shapes at a much greater extent.

In general, I looked at websites on how to design stickers and overall sticker outcomes to create my own. This website provided a step by step guide on how to create the sticker https://www.stickermule.com/uk/blog/the-newbies-guide-to-designing-stickers-in-illustrator. As well as this, I studied pre existing stickers, to obtain inspiration. I did this by looking at brands and organisation and their merchandise as well as my peers work using Padlet, where everyone uploads their versions for each other to see their processes https://padlet.com/rewarner/TY1SK21_22.

I built my design ideas, my gaining inspiration from stickers I already had myself, by looking at the shape and amount of information on them for it to not be too overpowering, to design a sticker effectively.

The skills I have learnt and developed throughout this task will help me with future designing and I hope to build on more to ensure I have the correct knowledge and understanding to design both efficiently and professionally.

RFT Poster for a Father with two Children

I have designed a film listing for Reading Film Theatres Autumn 2017 programme with my chosen user being a father with two children both under the age of 10. To accompany my choice of user, I have chosen a hierarchy which stands out in order of importance, in this case which is the age rating next to the title as the most significant, followed by the date, location and time along with how long the film is in bold which is another extremely important factor for this specific user. At the end of each film listing, I have incorporated the director and actors which I believe is the least significant pieces of information for this particular audience. I have used the colours red and black upon white which compliment each other well and is clear to understand, with both a serif and sans serif typefaces.

Letterforms

Being given half the typeface, I had to draw the other halves of the letters to what I expected them to look like, taking into consideration, the curves, thickness and the sizes of the ascender and descender as well as the overhang of certain letters for the word to be visually aligned.

Copying letterforms

On the second task, being given certain letters of a particular typeface, I then designed other letters in the style of this such as a, c, b, d, u and f, following the form of the existing letters and how they curve varying in thicknesses and size. I have also learnt how letters work to be visually aligned, with the use of over hangs and ascenders, however the letters could be shaped slightly better, to provide a more accurate reflection, especially the serifs on the upper side of the U, I have learnt how they only form on one side, rather than across the stroke.

RFT flyer for a Swiss Professor

I have created a film flyer for Reading Film Theatres Autumn 2017 programme designing for a visiting professor working in Reading who is originally from Switzerland. To design accordingly with this user in mind, I have organised the order of type in a way of importance to the audience, with the title and age rating first alongside the closed captions/subtitles or audio description symbols as well as the country of where the film is based to give the user a much clearer understanding of which film would be suitable for them. Below this, I have used the date, time and location lastly followed by the cast and director which I think is of least relevance to this user.

Circus Poster

In Emma’s collections session, the circus advertisement really caught my eye, as the shape was odd in comparison to modern posters however the style of writing and colours remain quite similar. It’s interesting to see the development of posters from what they used to be to now and the hierarchy of importance for each aspect, however in this poster, there is quite a large proportion of empty space, which could have included the dates and times as it does not appear to. e there. The images are simple illustrations demonstrating the age of the work, and the lack of technology that was created at the time. The amount of typefaces used however show how they could be new designs so want to show it off. Overall, I like how unique this poster is in comparison to regular shaped ones and how the colours compliment each other well, however it is quite misleading to the eye as everything is of similar size so is difficult to understand which is the most important.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

I have designed a book cover for my favourite childhood book ‘The Tiger who came to Tea’ in the style of the classic Penguin books, using InDesign. I have kept the cartouche as well as the logo and the same type face of Gill Sans seen throughout the original covers as well as the overall layout. I have however, changed the background to reflect the tiger, and have used colours to resemble the colours seen on the original over of the book; including, blue, purple and pinks. I like how this as turns out as it reflects both the book and the Penguin style, however, if I had more time, I would draw a tiger to replace the penguin logo to be of more relevance.

Noise

After choosing my I chose the theme if ‘Noise’ with was a story of siblings who were forced onto the streets through a window of their house due to hearing noises in smaller sections of their home. I began by altering the book accordingly, with a house cut in the middle and a window in the beginning and ending covers to show their escape route, which ties in the stories, beginning, middle and end.

Information Signs

Instructions, Information and Warnings

Looking around the environment, I chose to obtain pictures of information signs and compare and contrast to one another to see their significance. I noticed how the signs were mainly made using the primary colours; red, blue or yellow, as well as green in regular shapes such as circles to give orders and triangles to give warnings. The text upon them were in a sans serif font in either black and white which enabled them to stand out and portray a clear message effectively to the audience.