So as the end of the year approaches, I have come to the realization that, I'm about to lose access to a lot of my files. I'm talking files from up to 7 years ago, they're all going to disappear in a puff of smoke unless I transfer them. This is because I'm gonna be kicked out of schoology, my school google drive account, and possibly even my laptop because it is getting old and I'll probably get a new one before college. Soooo, this means it's time to transfer files, and part one of that is finding old work from schoology and putting it on my personal google drive or a flash drive, so I decided I'd share some of that work from my first Sci-Vis class with you here. That's really all I have to say about transferring files, here's some of my old work: I think it's pretty nice holding on to old artwork so that you can see how far you've improved. I won't save every single piece of art from schoology, but I'll save a few like these so that I can remember where I started, and how quickly I can grow when I set out to learn new skills. Hopefully I'll have enough storage for all of these files.
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We've spent a lot of time learning how to use both Illustrator and Photoshop. While learning Illustrator, we were given two weeks to use tutorials from a website to learn the basic tools. However, what I found to be most useful was the one day in class after our hands-on quiz where Mr. B showed us how to use all of the tools that had been on the quiz. While a lot of it had been covered in the video, there were a few things, such as how to adjust the number of sides on a shape and how to move the vertices of a shape, that I had somehow missed while going through the tutorials. Both of these tools were very helpful, and it is likely that while watching the videos, I saw one on making shapes and figured that I already knew how to. It was nice to have an actual teacher in the room show us all of the useful information in one go, since it can be easy to omit a lesson with how long the list of tutorials is.
For Photoshop instead of video tutorials, we were given four assignments to complete in two weeks following the instructions on a website for each. I think each assignment was equally helpful, except maybe the black and white colorization one. When we had to make a beetle advertisement, we learned how to use quick mask and the clipping mask to make selections and hide things, as well as how to change layer opacity. The only new skill introduced in the colorization assignment was how to add filter type things to the color. The Warhol assignment taught how to select similar things, as well as how to adjust canvas size. Lastly, we had to put items on a stage and create reflections for them, teaching us how to duplicate layers, use the transform tool, change layer opacity, and how to use the feather effect. This was my favorite assignment because I used items from Portal, so I had fun with it. The feather tool also is very cool and should come in handy. I think the next assignment we have, following a video tutorial to make game art, will end up being the most useful, because so far it seems like it will teach a lot. Overall I could use a little more attention to detail. A lot of people tried to be pixel perfect, but I didn't go quite that far for most things. While it isn't always necessary to do so anyway, it can be important. Other than color in a few instances, I think I used the design elements and principles fairly well for the most part, but some more observation as well as trial and error will be necessary to see what works and what doesn't. My last post was about vectors. This post focuses on the other kind of image/program: Bitmaps. Though similar, Bitmap programs, such as Photoshop, are used for more realistic pictures thanks to their wide array or colors and "pixel perfect" design. I like bitmap images because of that, although making/ editing them can be tedious work since specificity is key, though it's worth it for the finished product.
I prefer using Photoshop rather than Illustrator, mainly because of the tools. It's nice to have a classic eraser tool again, rather than Illustrator's eraser that is more like scissors because it splits things up. We hadn't really explored the brush tool of Illustrator thoroughly, but it seems like in Photoshop it is much easier to just draw with the paint tool to make a shape or to color something in. I like how specific I can be in Photoshop with the quick mask feature being used to clarify selections, though it does take a while. I like bitmaps better because I have used more bitmap programs, and it feels closer to traditional art. There's a different logic needed in order to use vector programs which will take a little while to adjust to. I see why Illustrator would be useful, but I prefer Photoshop myself. Bitmaps programs could be used for texturing things in video games since they can be extremely specific and realistic. Most game art from the cover of the box to promotional images to art in the game could be done with bitmap programs. Bitmaps could be used a lot more than vectors, though vectors would still be needed for logos and other such things. Using both according to the strengths and weaknesses of each would yield the best results. We've been learning how to use the vector program Adobe Illustrator lately. Personally I really like it. My favorite thing has to be how smooth the lines look. It is very nice for line work, and that is how most people use it. The ease with which you can scale things is incredibly nice. I think that it's pretty easy to manipulate lines and shapes, though I still need more practice with the pen tool. I like all of the different features, particularly how easy it is to select one anchor point and move it so that you can have more specificity.
However, one problem that I have had is alignment. Without a classic eraser tool, it becomes difficult when the edge of a shape sticks out over another when they are supposed to line up. As I mentioned earlier, anchor points can be moved to try to remedy this, but often it isn't precise enough to be able to line them up. This may be because I had rotated the shapes in the instance where this was happening, but it was not very easy to fix. In the end, the eraser tool did work for me, but it was more difficult to use than I would have liked. I think that we will use this program for line work, and usually move to Adobe Photoshop for color, as I have heard people say that that is the most effective way to use to programs. This makes sense since Vector programs have such a limited color scheme. Illustrator will be useful for game making however if you need a logo or icon. For instance, in a card game you might want to have the game's logo on the back of each card, but also perhaps on the box. Though they might be different sizes, with a vector program, it wouldn't be a problem. Then, any art for a game that would need complex colors could be done in another program. Overall though, I think vector programs are pretty useful. |
AuthorHi, I'm Abi, a DSA student who likes games, drawing, writing, and acting. Archives
February 2020
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