E12: Pixel Graphics

In this unit, we will work with pixel graphic software which is often called photo editing software. Specifically, you will be working with either Adobe Photoshop or Gimp 2, a freeware program.

Where in vector graphics you had to think in terms of objects, in pixel graphics you think in terms of tiny dots. Blow up a pixel graphic and you will see the tiny dots that make up an image.

Selection is the most challenging aspect of working in a photo editor. Because of this issue, both Photoshop and Gimp have robust selection tools. You can select in a rectangle or in an ellipse. You can select a color mass using a magic wand or a random section using a free form lasso. You can add to the selection or take away from it. You can feather the sides which will make any deletion have a soft edge. Both software tools have a selection menu with even more options.

Though robust and a challenge to learn, photo editors have a great deal of artistic power. You can merge photos, add a color wash, or add all kinds of interesting filters.

Search the web for guidance in this project. Photo editors are powerful. Powerful software programs are complicated so use your resources.

Exercise: Pixel Graphics

Create a series of 4-6 “cards” or images that all fit together. You might advertise a business, support a cause, create a series of invitations, or celebrate an event—a birthday, a holiday, an anniversary, or the like. It will work if it is at least PG-rated and appropriate for an employer to see.

1. Read through the directions and plan out your cards at the beginning. Plan for elements that will make all cards look like they belong together (fonts, borders, colors, etc.).
2. Plan your card size based on your final purpose: posting on Facebook (4 h x 3 w), postcard (3.5 x 5 either direction), or another dimension.
3. Choose a color scheme or palette of three-to-five swatches. You can choose a preset palette or make your own.
4. Add your swatches to the swatches panel.
5. Add at least 4 images. Give credit for the images in VERY small unobtrusive text, even if you created them. (hint: search the Net for your topic and “creative commons,” Pixabay is a great free source)
6. Stripe one image with three different color tones (Photoshop: select à fill à overlay or fill on another layer and make it transparent, Gimp: create an overlay layer).
7. Blur the edges of one image (hint: select and feather).
8. Use two different stylize filters on the two halves of another image.
9. Have at least three instances of type.
10. Fill one type instance with a pattern. (Photoshop: outlines, Gimp: search web for how to fill text with an image)
11. Create a thick stroke on another instance of type. (Photoshop: outlines, Gimp: search web for how to add a stroke to text)
12. Photoshop: use a layer style on an instance of type. Gimp: 2 use the perspective tool to change an instance of type.
13. Create a personalized gradient.
14. Use your gradient as the background of one of the cards.
15. Find a border or picture frame online. Delete the background where the frame/border itself is the only part left of the image.
16. Place another picture within that frame on one of your cards. (hint: use layers)
17. Create your own picture using at least four of the drawing tools. You can place this on top of another image as long as you have enough contrast.
18. Play with the artistic filters.
19. Save the files.
20. Export the files to a JPEG or PNG.
21. Turn the files in, if applicable.