GRDSN 166
Photoshop II
Projects:
Working Tips
These projects are long and involved. Please save backups as you work, just in case you need to retrace your steps. You might "save as" a new version of the file for each work session.
As you work on the Angel quizzes, use the “Save and Continue” option to retain your answers. Try looking over the quiz before you start the project; it will help you find the answers later.
How to make a ZIP archive on a Mac
Choose your file(s) or folder(s); pull down the File menu and choose the Compress option; the .zip will appear on your Desktop. See this diagram.
Check your ZIP files
Students often make zips that do not contain files; so check your process before you turn in projects. After you create the zip archive, please check the zip by opening it on your computer to make sure the files reappear. It will save confusion if you move the zip into a new folder before opening it, so the files do not clutter up your existing work.
Where do I find the fonts?
The textbook may ask for a particular type font. Macintosh users in the lab can activate these fonts with the Linotype Font Explorer application. Select the Font Explorer from the Applications folder. Click on the "ATC fonts" folder to activate the project fonts. At home, you can download the fonts from the ATC website (see the book's inside back cover).
If you are working on a computer lacking the ATC fonts, feel free to substitute with a similar font.
Project Files
The files used in the projects are available from the CBE Lab server, AVA-Disciplines. in the GRDSN > Against_the_Clock folder. They are also downloadable from the ATC website. Instructions are on the inside back cover of the book.
Welcome to the Photoshop II course.
The activities in this course are the last four projects in the Against the Clock Adobe Photoshop CS5: The Professional Portfolio textbook. It is recommended that you complete the first Photoshop course before this one. If you have not taken Photoshop I, you should read the Getting Started and User Interface sections to become familiar with the book’s process.
Working Tips
Please pay attention to these instruction pages. If problems and errors are found in the textbook, they will be listed for each lesson.
Read and work through the project in the Against the Clock book. You will use the sample files provided by Against the Clock.
The projects ask you to use the Against the Clock fonts. If you are on a computer that does not let you install fonts, feel free to substitute a similar font from your computer.
The Source files
The project and font files are stored on the server in the graphics labs, AVA-Disciplines/GRDSN/Against_the_Clock. If you work outside the lab, files can be downloaded by following the instructions on the inside back cover of the book.
You have several options for storing your class files at SFCC.
- You have a network account Home Directory with 8 gigabytes of storage space. This can be accessed from any computer you log in to on campus, but cannot be accessed off campus.
- You can use a USB flash drive or portable hard drive to save your work and access your work from any computer you plug this device into.
- If you are working on a Mac, a set of secure folders are created in your “User directory”. These exist only on the machine you have logged onto, and they remain there all quarter. No one but you will be able to access these files. If you return to the same machine day after day you could store working files on the machine. Be forewarned that these machines are not immune to hard drive crashes and other dire events. You could lose everything stored on a computer; this applies to any computer, anywhere. You should always save a backup of your files to the network or a portable device.
- In a pinch, if you have an email account that allows large attachments, you can email yourself an archive .zip file of your lesson. The archive process is explained later.
- Consider saving your completed work onto CD or DVD disks. These are not read-write media, but they are a cheap and stable place to keep backups of files, in case of system problems. It is wise to keep your backup disks at home or another safe place...not a in a backpack or in your car.
Project 5
In this project I will learn to:
- Use filters and adjustments to identify edges in a complex image.
- Create a complex mask by adjusting an Alpha channel.
- Paint directly on an Alpha channel.
- Composite a background image with special effects.
- Add layer effects to spot-color objects.
- Build a spot channel for a special ink color.
- Create warped and spot-color type.
HOW TO PROCEED
Read and work through the project in the Against the Clock book. You will use the sample files from the CD disk in the back of the book. You may find it convenient to copy the files from the CD to your personal storage area.
The Exercises
Complete the exercises for the Catalog Cover.
What to turn in.
Send only the final EPS file of the catalog cover.
Create a compressed .zip archive of your folder. The zip files are a very safe way to move collections of files over the internet, and they usually reduce the file size.
Use the Macintosh Finder’s File>Compress “filename”, or Windows’ “New>Compressed (zipped) Folder” tools to create a .zip archive of the folder. Remember to save a copy of your work folder onto your personal storage device.
Rename your .zip file to 166-5-My name.zip.
Attach this .zip archive to your Angel turn-in area for this project.
Take the quiz
Go to Angel’s Lessons section and take the quiz. You are allowed to retake the quizzes until you achieve a 100% score. You should use the Save and Continue Later option to store your answers, in case you need to retake the quiz.
You are done with the first project!