One of my favorite reads at the moment is Photoshop Masking and Compositing by Katrin Eismann et al. Partly, I want to improve my photos of books so they look professional for web and catalogues and that sort of thing. I also want to keep improving my photos and illustrations for use in my books. One of the things I love about Photoshop is that there is always something new to learn about Photoshop. Every time I start feeling a bit cocky, I realize I hardly know anything, really.
As one of those whose early design experiences date to before the computer era, I don’t think I’ll ever lose a vague sense of wonder as I watch my photos and digital art transform on the screen. And then to have the ability to do professional-level typesetting and layout in InDesign that can be printed out right here at home…! It’s just a part of life now, but when I think back to the world of pre-computer graphics and design, it’s like magic or science fiction or something. I know people just 10 years younger who barely remember film in cameras and don’t understand the lingering sense of amazement the computer brings, even now, to a middle-aged codger who finished her BA before the 90s (well, in 1990, to be precise).
I needed a picture of a clock for one of the BAO books I’m frantically trying to finish. I wanted it to look photographic and sort of old. I could have taken a photo of a clock or obtained a stock photo. But then I remembered the 60+ clock faces I’d put together for the Minute book earlier this year. However, they are flat, black and white and definitely not photographic-looking. But perhaps, I thought, with a little digital tinkering…? After a little fiddling, I began with this:
And after some playing around, I wound up with this:
I’m sure I could have done it with more authenticity, but for my tiny miniature, it works. Kids, I’m telling you, this is like sci-fi!
You needed a clock? Now I’m trying to figure out why…
(I just want more time!)
Time…uh…yeah… the irony! I’m not sure how much I should reveal before it is made and sent. It’s for Group 10, Poison.
Oh, my husband uses Photoshop and routinely calls me over to look at all the amazing stuff he can do by just clicking on a few buttons.
(“See, all I have to do is adjust the benton order here and tweak the justuaning color and add the noilier effect, and look at what happens!”)
It is pretty incredible, even if I don’t understand WTH he is doing or remember anything he said, mere seconds after he said it.
Very cool-looking clock!
Ah, yes, there is that aspect of trying to remember what I’ve done or how to do something…Bwahahahahahaha!
My goodness you are clever. There is so much in this technological world which fills me with awe. And much of it could be very easily described as magic. An explanation I understand much more easily than techno speak.
Thanks E.C. I must say, depending upon how fried my head is on a given day, techno speak can indeed be more than a challenge and a half.
Hehehe! Well done Ellen! Photoshop can be a buzz, I agree, but frankly I’m feeling let down… I mean where the heck are our jet-packs???
Greetings Amanda. A jet-pack would be nice, but I want a device that will do all the cooking and cleaning!
Oh yes! I think the cleaning is supposed to be covered by a robot, but unfortunately wasn’t the prediction for food just tablets? I take enough of them already I reckon.
Sigh…oh yes… tablets. One thing neither of us needs more of, I’m sure!