Module 4

Photoshop Essentials (II)

In this module, we continue learning Adobe Photoshop with the following tutorial: Photoshop for Beginners (PDF, 1.5 MB).

We’ve viewed Episodes 1 – 16 in the previous two modules. This week, we will finish up Section 2 (Episodes 17 – 23). Specifically, we will be learning:

• Pen Tool and Paths
• Smart Objects
• Adjustments
• Adjustment Layers
• Filters
• Blending Modes
• Saving

Goals and Outcomes

Goals

During this module, students will:

• explore more functions in Adobe Photoshop
• understand how to work with paths and the pen tool in Adobe Photoshop
• gain basic knowledge about how to manage complexity and work smart with Adobe Photoshop.

Outcomes

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• use paths & the pen tool
• work with smart objects
• adjust colors and layers
• apply filters
• set blending modes
• set up a document with Adobe Photoshop
• apply 3D paper type effect
• manage complexity and work smart
• create a personal logo
• add type to the design
• save for print in Adobe Photoshop
• save for web in Adobe Photoshop.

Selected Readings

Required

• Section 2 (Episodes 17 – 23) from the following online resource:
  Photoshop for Beginners (PDF, 1.5 MB)
  Download corresponding files: MAC practice files (ZIP, 261 MB), PC practice file (RAR, 242 MB)
  (Note: It is highly recommended to download these practice files and open them while viewing the video tutorials. You will remember those techniques better by following the tutorials while using Adobe Photoshop.)
• How to design a logo fast (Youtube Video)

Recommended:

• Chapters 11, 12, 14, 17, and 18 from the following text:
  Weinmann, E., & Lourekas, P. (2016). Photoshop CC: visual quickstart guide (2015 release). San Francisco: Peachpit Press.

“To Do” List

Adobe Photoshop Exercise #3: Self-Introduction Infographic with Adobe Photoshop

Outcomes

After completing this assignment, you will be able to:

• use paths & the pen tool
• work with smart objects
• adjust colors and layers
• apply filters
• set blending modes
• set up a document with Adobe Photoshop
• apply 3D paper type effect
• manage complexity and work smart
• create a personal logo
• add type to the design
• save for print in Adobe Photoshop
• save for web in Adobe Photoshop.

Overview

Now, you’ve learned all of the basic Adobe Photoshop techniques and you should be confident in using this application to design any graphic. In Module 1, you created a self-introduction infographic with piktochart.com or canva.com. Now, let’s recreate your infographic with Adobe Photoshop.

Note: Some Adobe Photoshop techniques required in this assignment are not covered in this module, but in the following module (Module 5). The reason for introducing this exercise in this module is that this assignment is relatively complicated, requiring longer time to complete. As a result, this exercise is introduced in this module and is not due until two weeks from now—the 1^st day of Module 6. You have a full two weeks to work on this assignment.

Instructions

1. Pull out your infographic image file posted in Module 1 and open it with Adobe Photoshop. By default, your original infographic should be the background of your new Adobe Photoshop document. Leave it as the background and don’t delete it.
2. Recreate each and all elements by adding layers, shapes, photos, text, colors, etc.. Try to mimic your original design as much as you can. This assignment is designed to sharpen your Photoshop skills by recreating the same elements in a infographic. Please note that you are supposed to recreate the elements from scratch inside Photoshop. For instance, if there is a line/shape in your original infographic, you need to recreate that with the line or shape tool inside Adobe Photoshop. This assignment requires you to apply what you’ve learned in the past four modules.
3. Let’s have some fun with this exercise by adding your personal logo. Be bold and creative. I would love to see how you would design a logo to represent yourself. You should design your logo on a separate document. After it is done, you just drag it to your infographic design. Put your personal logo on the bottom-right corner of your infographic design.
4. Save your self-introduction infographic Photoshop file (PSD) and create another image file (JPG) for web display.
5. Save your logo Photoshop file (PSD) and create another image file (JPG) for web display.
6. Create a new page inside Weebly and upload four files:
   1. Your original self-introduction infographic (JPG or GIF).
   2. Your new self-introduction infographic Adobe Photoshop file (PSD).
   3. Your new self-introduction infographic image file (JPG).
   4. Your logo image file (JPG).
7. Add a brief narrative about this page by describing what these four files are (especially, your personal logo) and what you’ve learned.
8. Assignment Examples:
   • http://patiencelockeportfolio.weebly.com/adobe-photoshop-exercise–3.html
   • http://stacyownbeygraphicdesignforinstruction.weebly.com/exercise-three.html
   • http://neilnelsonedtech.weebly.com/photoshop-ex3.html

Submitting and Posting

1. 1. To submit your work, post URL of your Weebly page to the corresponding link under Submissions inside Moodle before 11:59 p.m. U.S. EST/EDT on the first day of Module 6.