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.
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AuthorHi, I'm Abi, a DSA student who likes games, drawing, writing, and acting. Archives
February 2020
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