Author: HollySaunders

Creative Images on Photoshop

THE FINAL CREATIVE IMAGES:

DESIGN IDEAS & PROCESS:

POST 1: New Background.

For the ‘New Background’ image, I was aiming for a bright, bold background and a dark coloured foreground. I wanted the background to be obvious that it had been replaced but also blend with the foreground picture so it looks as though it still belongs there. To achieve this effect, I used an image of purple and blue lightning, I wanted the image to still be realistic but also slightly altered. To create this image I removed the original background from my own picture using a clipping mask. I then added in the lightning background and added a ‘hard vivid’ filter on both of the images so the background would blend with the picture. When applying the filter ‘Hard light’ to the photos, It changed the opacity of the hoodie on the foreground photo so it was slightly see through, although this was unintentional I still quite like the outcome of the effect. I am proud of the final outcome and think the neon blue and purple create a striking visual.

Original lightning picture from Pixaby
Original photo – Taken of me
Using the clipping mask
Clipping mask applied
Background inserted
Hard light filter applied

POST 2: Black and white with colour.

For this image design I wanted to create a striking and eye-catching effect using a bright colour and a contrasting  black and white background. To create this effect using photoshop; I created two layers and applied a black and white filter. I erased parts of the second layer (the black and white layer) where I wanted the colour to show through. I think the outcome of the final design is strong and bold; the colours work well together to create this effect. I like how the orange colour of the lanterns ‘pop’ against the background.

Original image – Taken by me
Layers
Black and white cut out
Final design

 

POST 3: Altered reality.

For this design I wanted to create a 3D, altered reality effect. I wanted it to look as though the clouds were coming in through the window, I also wanted to create ‘dream like’ connotations. I achieved this by using soft colours such as light pink and white. To create this altered reality effect, I used a clipping mask on the window image cutting out the window background and replacing it with a pink cloud background. I then added in cloud images in a random order around the border of the photo to create the illusion that the clouds were escaping out of the window and into the room. I added a colour balance to the window image so it matches the soft pink tones in the background. Overall I am happy with the final outcome as it creates the desired dream like effect.

Original window sill image from google

Cloud background image from google
Border cloud image from google
Window sill image with pink tint and clipping mask  applied
Pink tint
Pink cloud image replacing background
Final image outcome

 

SOFTWARE TUTORIALS:

To help me create all three of these image designs on photoshop, I used tutorials recommended to us from Adobe and videos from YouTube. I have a basic understanding of the tools on photoshop but I am not that confident on how to use a majority of the tools. These videos helped me build my confidence when using photoshop tools used to create the three creative images.

When creating the ‘New background’ and ‘Altered world’ images I used the below clipping mask tutorial to help guide me and I have learned a lot about this process as a result. I now know that using a clipping mask helps control the visibility of a layer, It allows parts of the layer to be shown whilst other parts are see through. It also allows for better visibility accuracy, helping to create a polished finish. I will use a clipping mask in future projects. I would also like to use this tool on more complex images which will  help me develop my skills further. Creating these images also helped me develop my erasing skills, this was especially relevant when creating the ‘black and white with colour’ photos and has helped me focus on practicing my accuracy. During the creation of these images, I enjoyed learning new skills on photoshop. The task allowed me to experiment with different colour filters and colour balance as is shown in all three of the images.

I enjoyed creating these images and hopefully I will continue to develop on my creative images skills and use my new skills in future projects. I would especially like to practice more ‘altered reality’ and ‘new background’ styled images.

 

RESOURCES FOR RESEARCH AND INSPIRATION:

I took inspiration, especially with colour, for the designs from pictures I found on instagram and Pinterest. I also used images from Pixaby, Google images and my own images to create these designs.

POST 1:

I took colour inspiration for the first post (first created image below) from galaxy themed pictures I found on Pinterest and instagram. I originally wanted to replace the sky with a galaxy background but came across a picture of lightning on pixaby which I decided to use instead as I thought It would look more striking. The three images below were my main inspirations for the first design, I liked the mix of dark and light colours used in all three of the photos which I wanted incorporate  in my design. I was also aiming to create similar  ‘outer space’ and ‘mystical’ connotations that these images convey. The last photo also inspired the third post that I created.

first created image
Inspiration 1
Inspiration 2
Inspiration 3

 

POST 2:

Before creating the image below (second created image), I looked at a few of my peers work and images from google for inspiration. I chose one of my own images with bright colours so when turned to black and white the colour would standout and ‘pop’ creating a similar effect that the images below convey. I chose to use these images as inspiration as they have bold connotations and use simple yet eye-catching colours. Overall, I think any colour in contrast with a black and white background would stand out but I choose to use a photo with orange as It doesn’t blend in as easily with the background. I would like to explore this technique further using more complex images.

second created image
Inspiration 1
Inspiration 2
Inspiration 3

 

POST 3:

I took inspiration for the third post (Image created below) from the pictures below that I found on Instagram. I wanted to create a dream like altered reality, I achieved this by using soft colours like the colours used in the pictures below. Originally I wanted to create an image similar to the first picture below, however I wanted to challenge myself and see if I could make a 3D illusion (see inspiration 3). The clouds in the pictures below were a big inspiration for my piece, I wanted them to have a pink soft tint to add emphasis that it is an altered reality image.

Third image created
Inspiration 1
Inspiration 2
Inspiration 3

 

TYPEFACES

THE FINAL PODCAST COVERS:

DESIGN IDEAS AND PROCESS:

For the ‘What’s your type?’ podcast cover, I wanted the podcast colour to be bright and have comedic connotations to match the image. I created the cover using layers, filters and opacity changes. I changed the opacity of the image and the filter to ‘luminosity’ so the picture would blend better with the background. I then duplicated the main heading and changed the colour to a darker pink, I also changed its opacity to 40%. I then placed this heading under the original to act as a shadow and give the heading a sense of depth. I’m happy with the end result, the colours are bright, they work well with the image and help maintain a sense of comedy throughout the design.

(the heading without a shadow)
(blending the image with the colour of the background)
(the final result)

For the ‘Typography & graphic communication’ podcast cover; I was aiming to create a mystery themed podcast cover but also incorporate typography. This is why i choose a ‘ransom letter’ typeface. I created the background by drawing on different layers in different colours, then i changed the opacity on each layer so each colour could be seen throughout the background.  I originally planned to make the text seem like it was melting but struggled to create the desired affect; so i used my experimentations of the melting effect as the background. I also used a scrabble type picture in the background with the opacity changed to 15%, this was to connote that the podcast was still about type rather than mystery.

(scramble background)
(opacity of scrabble image)
(first few layers)
(Layers with added colours)
(final result)

For the third podcast cover I wanted to stick with the mystery theme. To help the title stand out, I used a simple bold, sans serif, white typeface for the title called ‘Typefaces.’ I decided to stick with the purple and bright theme, as I thought it was eye-catching. I put the title above the woman’s face, the placement of the type and little information the cover gives creates a sense of enigma. I also incorporated a photo of metal type letters onto the image, this is to further connote that the podcast is about type and provide a sense of drama. In the top left corner I put further information about the podcast, however i don’t think its effective as it’s illegible.

My third podcast cover is my favourite as I like how simple yet effective the outcome was, I also like how it gives connotations of enigma.

(cut out of picture)
(opacity of type photo)
(merge of two pictures)
(filter on woman’s picture)
(the final result)

 

SOFTWARE TUTORIALS:

To help me create my podcast designs, I watched a few videos on youtube. One that explains what makes a good podcast and another for creating melting text. My original idea for podcast two was to add in melting text however I wasn’t happy with the outcome, so I used parts of it for the background. I used pixaby for most of the background images; For podcast one I used an image from google. The youtube tutorials helped me understand the conventions of a podcast and develop my cropping and picture blending skills in photoshop. They also helped me learn how to create a ‘melting text effect.’  In order to develop my photoshop skills further I would like to focus more on photo editing and other text effects.

During the first podcast cover i developed my skills with filters. I went through the list of filters to see what option would help the picture blend well with the background. In the second podcast I developed my layer skills further. I originally wanted the text to have a liquid/melting effect but I struggled to create the effect. In the third podcast I developed my photoshop skills the most, I used cropping, rubbers and layers to create the see through type effect on the woman’s face. I really enjoyed developing and playing around with different photoshop effects, especially exploring the ‘liquid text effect’. The video helped me explore different styles of text and how to manipulate text further. The ‘create podcast artwork’ helped me understand the conventions of a podcast and what makes a podcast look appealing.

The second podcast cover was the most enjoyable to work on as I enjoyed experimenting with the layers and the picture opacity.

These are some of the links to the videos i used:

https://pixabay.com/

 

RESOURCES FOR RESEARCH & INSPIRATION:

I created all three of these designs on photoshop, and drew my colour inspiration from existing podcasts. For my first podcast I drew lots of inspiration from gossip podcasts and drag queen podcasts. The woman featured is a well known drag queen called Bianca Del Rio. The composition of the first podcast cover  reminds me of talkshows, due to the bright colours and body language. I wanted the colour to be bright and comedic to match the woman’s facial expression. These are some of the existing podcasts I took inspiration from, they all use similar bright colours and have comedic connotations:

For the second podcast I drew inspiration from mystery, horror and crime podcast covers. I wanted to give the podcast some mystery and my use of the ‘ransom letter’ typeface was inspired by some of them. I used different layers to create more enigma, I also tried to stick to darker colours to create a ‘horror’ effect. These are some of the podcasts I took inspiration from, they all use similar ghostly conventions and dark purple, blue, red and green colours. I mainly took inspiration for the type from the podcast on the left:

For the third podcast I stuck to a purple theme; like the second podcast i wanted to create an element of mystery. I took inspiration from alternative podcasts which all use similar colours. My original idea was to create a podcast with neon type, and I took inspiration from podcasts with a neon theme:

https://shows.cadence13.com/podcast/dolan-twins

My favourite podcast I created was the third one, this is because it gives the desired effect that I had aimed for. I wanted to create enigma but also connote what the podcast was clearly about. Just like the podcast covers above it, it explains what the podcast is about but also creates mystery through its colours and typographical style.

 

 

 

 

Covid Colour Signs and posters

COVID-19 – POSTERS AND SIGNS

In todays task we found posters and signs online and in person related to covid 19.

i’ve separated the images into two categories related to the theme of colour, blue and yellow. I’ve realised during the group call a lot of the posters include these colours, i think the creators of these posters and signs choose these colours as they aren’t alarming to the target audience but are still clear and attention grabbing.

i found all but one of these signs around campus, they all use sans serif type and use the colours black and yellow, the poster also uses a little bit of blue. Most of the signs also use circles with bold black outlines. I’ve also grouped these together as they’re instructions rather than informing the audience. The colours are bold as they’re suppose to catch your attention when you walk past them. They’re also quick, simple and easy to read and understand.

I found these posters online, i grouped them together as they all use different variations of blue. The first three posters are more of decoration, they’re all telling the public to stay at home. The first poster is an image of a woman in the bath holding toilet paper while smiling, this has connotations towards the toilet paper running out in shops, it uses decorative black type. The second poster is an illustration of someone surfing while on their phone, the type is again decorative and is in white and black. The third poster mimics the jaws poster, the covid atom is the shark and the woman is the home, The text is bold and in red making it seem like the situation is a horror. The bottom two posters are used to inform the readers of what covid is and how to prevent it, both posters have a lot of text and would usually be put in places where the reader has a lot of time to read it. They both use white, sans serif typefaces. The last sign is put in this group due its colour, the type is also in white and uses a sans serif typeface, instead of informing the reader it instructs the reader to ‘wash your hands’ the poster uses a similar calm blue, its eye catching and calming with a strong message , it doesn’t scare or intimidate the reader.

 

 

The Shining

PENGUIN BOOK COVER

In James’ lesson we followed a tutorial on how to recreate a penguin book cover. I used in design to create both of these covers, in the lesson i learned how to use some of in designs tools as the program is new to me. I learned how to group shapes together and how to manipulate parts of type such as the kerning and the height. In my version of the book cover i choose to represent the movie/ book ‘The Shining’ by Stephen King, i followed the same tutorial and layout we had used in class for the new design. I featured some of the films well known quotes such as ‘Here’s Johnny’ ‘Redrum’ and ‘all work and no play makes jack a dull boy’. I changed the opacity of ‘Redrum’ to 21% so it would be easier to see the title and author of the book, i also gave the penguin an axe as it was an iconic item in the film. I also learned how to change the direction of text as well as make certain objects different colours.

Lettering in the Environment

Lettering in the Environment

lettering in the environment

In Eric’s lesson we explored the campus for interesting pieces of typography. The powerpoint above the stop sign image has all the photos i took in the lesson. I feel as though i could’ve arranged them into better categories.

I enjoyed taking photos of different pieces of type around the campus, this activity also helped me explore the campus further. My favourite image i took is the one above, this is because i like the angle it was shot at and also how the bright red of the sign stands out among the blue background making it the focus point of the whole image.

Transmogrify – HS

Transmogrify – HS

In Kim’s project we experimented with the initials of our names and created a monogram with both of the letters combined, the final outcome is in the featured image and image above.

First i brainstormed ideas, i copied the letters H, S in the different fonts: Futura and Garamond. I drew both of the initials in lowercase and uppercase mixing them together. I used pens, pencils, markers, a ruler, a rubber and layout paper to create these brief designs.

I really liked the bottom right design and the one on top of it. I liked how the main strokes of the H were extended down to match the S, However i chose the one above as i like how the letters blended together better.

Here i drew the process of how the initials merged to make a monogram.

Too improve i would create these designs  online so they would have a more polished finish and also so i could experiment with colour.

Chocolate

The dangers of chocolate

In Sara’s project i was given the noun ‘Chocolate’ The first image, which is shown in the featured image, clearly conveys chocolate. The hearts and smiley faces represent how chocolate makes us feel which is usually happy, The hearts are also linked to valentines day as chocolate is a typical valentines day gift. The above diagram shows ideas linked to chocolate i could use in my images. The below image is almost identical to the first however, the Dairy milk has been replaced with the words Heart disease and the hearts and smiley faces have been replaced with skulls and bones, this represents the danger of chocolate and what health problems it can lead too.

In this project i used paper, Pencils, pens and tracing paper. I liked the outcome of the project and how theres a clear link between the two images, However i think i could. have improved by making the presentation of the images more neat and clean.

Obsession Book

BERTA’S BROKEN NARRATIVES PROJECT

In Berta’s ‘broken narratives project’ i chose the theme ‘Obsession’

The book connotes the story of a woman sat in a library, she then sees what she thinks is a mouse in the corner of the room. She slowly starts to dismantle the room bit by bit, this is seen in my book through cut outs and folded pages throughout the book. The final bit of the book which can be seen above and in the featured image, shows the word ‘Nothing’ repeated in different colours and directions this depicts that the woman found nothing and that she was obsessing over something that didn’t  exist. Throughout the book i cut a silhouette of a person which can be seen when the the pages of the book are flipped, this represents the woman throughout the story.

What I enjoyed

I enjoyed experimenting with different tools to represent parts of the story throughout the book, i used scissors, Glue, Markers and a craft knife to depict parts of the story. I feel like i could have made the presentation of the project better, but overall I am happy with the way parts of it turned out. For example, I like how the woman’s silhouette shows throughout the book.