Friday, December 19, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Photoshop Tips Gold Mine
Of all the programs we have used in CAPP 30523, I am still the least confident about Adobe Photoshop CS3. I just feel that there are so many different ways to use Photoshop and that I am still a "noob" at using it. That's why I was so excited about finding this helpful website. The Photoshop Cafe has news, tutorials, videos, action guides, work samples, and software reviews all explicitly for Adobe Photoshop. My favorite part of the Photoshop Cafe is the tips page. This page describes many useful tips for mastering Adobe Photoshop CS3 and even the new CS4 version.
For example, here is a tip entitled "Want to use RGB Filters while working CMYK?".
"As you know some filters like the render filters are disabled in CMYK. Here is a neat tip, work in RGB mode with CMYK preview turned on. CTRL/CMD+Y build your file as normal then when you are finised, convert it to CMYK. This will allow all the filters to work, give you a smaller file size to work on (used 1/4 less memory) and you won't 'lose' your colors when you convert it. Only use CMYK for going to a commercial printing press."
For example, here is a tip entitled "Want to use RGB Filters while working CMYK?".
"As you know some filters like the render filters are disabled in CMYK. Here is a neat tip, work in RGB mode with CMYK preview turned on. CTRL/CMD+Y build your file as normal then when you are finised, convert it to CMYK. This will allow all the filters to work, give you a smaller file size to work on (used 1/4 less memory) and you won't 'lose' your colors when you convert it. Only use CMYK for going to a commercial printing press."
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Flash Tip: Instance Names, Symbol Names, and Confusion
One of my proudest "Flash moments" was when I leared how to place a movie clip inside a different movie clip. Learning how to do that was exciting and fulfilling, but not easy to do. In fact, I often got confused when it came to naming symbols in the library and naming instances on the stage. Specifically, naming one Movie Clip instance separately from the other Movie Clip instance within which it was located. So, here are a few bits of information about naming that you will want to remember:
1. Every symbol in the library has a unique name, and there can be only one version of a particular symbol in the library.
2. When you "drag" that symbol from the library onto the stage you create an "instance," which can be named separately from its master symbol.
3. I recommend giving each Movie Clip instance a unique name so that it can be addressed directly by action scripts.
4. Just because the master symbol in the library has a name, that does not mean an instance of that master symbol will automatically have a name.*
* Forgetting to name instances is common, and is often the cause of scripting errors.
1. Every symbol in the library has a unique name, and there can be only one version of a particular symbol in the library.
2. When you "drag" that symbol from the library onto the stage you create an "instance," which can be named separately from its master symbol.
3. I recommend giving each Movie Clip instance a unique name so that it can be addressed directly by action scripts.
4. Just because the master symbol in the library has a name, that does not mean an instance of that master symbol will automatically have a name.*
* Forgetting to name instances is common, and is often the cause of scripting errors.
Flash Tip: Getting Custom Colors
When I first began using Adobe Flash CS3, I had trouble using the "tint" function to alter the color of different instances of symbols in my library. What particularly frustrated me was that the "tint" function only permitted me to select certain color swatches when I wanted truly custom colors. However, after studying "Hour 4" in greater detail, I found out that it is possible to select any color you want. To do so, follow these simple steps:
1. Open the "color" panel first.
2. Then, open the "tint" function.
3. Then, to set a custom tint, just click and hold on a swatch, and without letting go, point to the color you want on the "color" panel.
1. Open the "color" panel first.
2. Then, open the "tint" function.
3. Then, to set a custom tint, just click and hold on a swatch, and without letting go, point to the color you want on the "color" panel.
Sitting Lady Falls
One of my favorite things to do is go hiking. I grew up as an only child, and I believe that instilled in me not only an ability to entertain myself but also an appreciation of being alone. In truth, sometimes I enjoy great inner peace just by being alone. Hiking gives me that opportunity. While not ideal from a survival standpoint--I could fall and hurt myself, or get lost--hiking by myself allows me to clear my head and refocus. This image of a waterfall, which reminds me of the many hikes that I have taken in my life, was taken by Sylvan Mably in 2004.
Hurricane
As mentioned below in the post entitled "Chrome Dreams", my CAPP 30523 class used Adobe Photoshop CS3 to take .JPG and .BMP images from the internet and alter them significantly. We were asked to create images that shared, or centered on, a theme. Therefore, I chose the theme “abstract art” and tried to be as creative as possible. By selectively deleting parts of the original picture and then adding special effects such as filters and color, I was able to transform the original image into what resembles a hurricane. I have provided a description of the changes that I made to the original picture. To visit the original Flickr page, please click here.
To create this piece, I:
1. Applied the "cutout" filter to the original image
2. Used the magic wand tool and the delete key to remove the background of the original image
3. Used the paint bucket tool to fill in certain areas of the image with a pre-set pattern
Doing so created my favorite piece of the six in this set of abstract images; an image that strikingly resembles a hurricane.
Barloh's Wild Things
Of all the in-class exercises that I got the opportunity to do this semester, my favorite in-class exercise was the "Wildthings Assignment". For the Wildthings Assignment, I had to use Adobe Flash CS3 to create multiple movie clips (and even a movie clip within another movie clip) and utilize multiple different motion tweens. My particular submission features a black background, spinning pentagons, moving circles, an automobile complete with rotating wheels, and the exclamation "Extreme!" that automatically increases and decreases in size. Barloh's Wild Things has been attached to this post.
The Death of the Computer Mouse
Original Article: http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/07/is-the-computer.html
After reading a Wired news article about how the computer hardware company Logitech had produced and shipped one billion mouses since it was founded in 1981, I found an article describing how the mouse--as a piece of computer hardware--will be dead by 2013. This second news article describes five technologies—eye-tracking, force-feedbacks, accelerometer sensors, voice commands, and gesture recognition—that will “kill” the mouse within five years. I guess we’ll see if they are right.
After reading a Wired news article about how the computer hardware company Logitech had produced and shipped one billion mouses since it was founded in 1981, I found an article describing how the mouse--as a piece of computer hardware--will be dead by 2013. This second news article describes five technologies—eye-tracking, force-feedbacks, accelerometer sensors, voice commands, and gesture recognition—that will “kill” the mouse within five years. I guess we’ll see if they are right.
Logitech Celebrates Its One Billionth Mouse
Original Article: http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/12/logitech-celebr.html
While I was perusing Wired for interesting articles, I found this astounding gem. Apparently, computer hardware experts, Logitech, have produced and shipped over ONE BILLION mice since the business was founded in 1981. That is quite the accomplishment. The original article which can be found here also talks about this milestone in the context of the coming death of the mouse. Apparently, Wired believes that new user interfaces such as the one employed in the iPhone foreshadow a day when every kind of mouse will be obsolete. I will see if I can find an article discussing the coming death of the mouse and post it to this blog.
While I was perusing Wired for interesting articles, I found this astounding gem. Apparently, computer hardware experts, Logitech, have produced and shipped over ONE BILLION mice since the business was founded in 1981. That is quite the accomplishment. The original article which can be found here also talks about this milestone in the context of the coming death of the mouse. Apparently, Wired believes that new user interfaces such as the one employed in the iPhone foreshadow a day when every kind of mouse will be obsolete. I will see if I can find an article discussing the coming death of the mouse and post it to this blog.
Vienna, Austria
One of the greatest, and most exciting, parts of attending the University of Notre Dame is the vast array of study abroad opportunities that the average student gets to enjoy. However, I worked so hard to get into Notre Dame, and formed such strong relationships with friends at Notre Dame, that I could not bear to be away from campus for a year or even a semester. So, I studied abroad last summer in Vienna, Austria. I had never spoken German before, so the first few weeks were a bit of a "culture shock", but then I began to understand the language and, ultimately, I had a great time. The above picture was pulled from Flickr and it is a picture of the old and beautiful Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna. It was taken by "MorBCN"; the Flickr page can be visited by clicking here.
Swiss Army Knives
Every since I was a child, I have had a great love of Swiss Army Knives. I think my love for them started with my love of the television show, MacGyver, which I used to religiously watch when I was younger. In that television show, a spy--Angus MacGyver--always used his Swiss Army Knife to get out of impossible situations and accomplish cool tasks. I guess I just thought that Swiss Army Knives were the epitomy of awesomeness. Anyway, I started collecting them, and now I have too many to count. The above image was pulled from Flickr, and it was created by Richard Thompson. Of all the images I have seen on Flickr--including my own--this is my favorite. The original Flickr page may be visited by clicking here.
Chrome Dreams
For CAPP 30523, we used Adobe Photoshop CS3 to take .JPG and .BMP images from the internet and alter them significantly. We were asked to create images that shared, or centered on, a theme. Therefore, I chose the theme “abstract art” and tried to be as creative as possible. We were also asked to provide a link to the original image that we chose to alter in addition to a detailed description of the changes that we made to that image. I have provided a description of the changes that I made to the original picture. To visit the original Flickr page, please click here.
To create this piece, I:
1. Cropped the original image down to 900 pixles X 887 pixels
2. Rotated the newly-cropped image clockwise by 90 degrees
3. Converted the image from full color to grayscale
4. Used eraser tool to erase the edges of the image and create a new border
5. Used the paint bucket tool to fill in the new border with a pre-set pattern
6. Used the smudge tool to distort the areas where the image contacted the new border
The result is a piece of abstract art; a fantastical dream in shades of chrome.
Bud Light Presents: Real Men of Genius
As evidenced by the YouTube Video that I posted below, I really like the line of commercials that Bud Light created entitled "Bud Light Presents: Real Men of Genius". This YouTube Video is dedicated to "Mr. Silent Killer Gas Passer". Is it crude? Yes. Is it a little vulgar? Perhaps. But is it hilarious? I certainly think so. The video quality is not superb, nor is the audio quality, but it will certainly make you laugh. Try to pay attention to the high-pitched voices of the three supporting vocalists in the background--honestly, I believe they add a little depth to the commerical.
Bud Light Presents: Real Men of Genius
If you cannot laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at? I do not agree with every statement in this YouTube Video, but I realize that it is extremely funny. It appears as if it was first uploaded in October of 2007, which would explain that outdated statement concerning our consecutive losses to Boston College. Just for the record, I am proud to attend the University of Notre Dame and to repeatedly cheer on our football team, but, again, this video is hilarious—especially if you have ever listened to any other “Bud Light Presents: Real Men of Genius” recordings.
Photoshop CS4 Explots Mac Hardware Features
Original Article: http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/09/photoshop-cs4-e.html
According to Wired News, Adobe Photoshop CS4 more or less “hijacks” hardware features that are built into Macs but not necessarily built into PCs. Specifically, the article refers to the “multi touch pads found on the MacBooks Air and Pro” as well as scrolling that is “very similar to the scrolling on the iPhone.” Since most graphic designers that I know regularly use Macs, this does not necessarily sound like a bad thing. In fact, it would only adversely affect graphics designers who use PCs only. Regardless of the type of computer you use, however, the article certainly is interesting.
According to Wired News, Adobe Photoshop CS4 more or less “hijacks” hardware features that are built into Macs but not necessarily built into PCs. Specifically, the article refers to the “multi touch pads found on the MacBooks Air and Pro” as well as scrolling that is “very similar to the scrolling on the iPhone.” Since most graphic designers that I know regularly use Macs, this does not necessarily sound like a bad thing. In fact, it would only adversely affect graphics designers who use PCs only. Regardless of the type of computer you use, however, the article certainly is interesting.
Podcast Project: The Clipper Ship
For CAPP 30523, each student had to compose, record, and publish a podcast about one of the many sculptures in and around the Notre Dame campus. I was assigned the sculpture entitled "1850 Brigg Rigged Vessel" or simply "The Clipper Ship". To listen to my podcast, click here and agree to open the file. To the left is a picture of The Clipper Ship.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Website Review: Center for the Homeless
While it is clear that the site was authored by a member of the Center for the Homeless staff, the exact identity and qualifications of the author remains unclear. Nonetheless, the website contains information that can be used to contact the Center for the Homeless and its staff. The “About this Site” page contains the general e-mail address for the Center for the Homeless, and the “Contact Us” page contains the telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address for Center for the Homeless. The website lacks advertisements aside from that of the company that designed the website’s layout and the nine local businesses and eleven local radio stations that specifically support the Center for the Homeless Cars Program. While advertisements are almost nonexistent, there are numerous links and graphics that encourage users to donate to the Center for Homeless. In fact, there is a graphic on the homepage featuring NASCAR driver Ryan Newman that encourages users to donate vehicles to the Center for the Homeless. Thus, judging by the repeated requests for donations, all expenses are probably covered by donations, fundraisers, and community partnerships with other non-profit organizations in which services are shared with the Center for the Homeless. The website does not target one particular type of audience. The website appeals to employment-seekers, would-be volunteers, potential donors, and members of every age, race, gender, and socio-economic class. The goals of the website are also varied—the site attempts to educate the general public about the Center for the Homeless, the services it provides, and the ways in which it combats homelessness. The site then uses this information to persuade potential donors to contribute to the Center for the Homeless. There seems to be no commercial element to the website; in fact, the Center for the Homeless does not even sell apparel, tickets, or any product on the site as a fundraiser. The site remains focused on its goals of education and persuasion, and this focus makes the site very effective at educating the general public and recruiting donations. Requests for donations are omnipresent, and clearly indicate the need for the Center for the Homeless to constantly receive donations in order to survive. Despite the ever-present requests for donations, the site covers a broad range of subjects from self-sufficiency programs, community partnerships, news bulletins, and upcoming events. However, the website does not present its visitors with an overwhelming amount of information. It provides the audience with enough information to answer all major questions, and refers users who want further information to the Center for the Homeless staff. The information even appears grammatically correct and free of misspellings.
Aesthetically, the site is actually quite pleasing. Each page in the website is divided into identical rectangular sections, and within each section text is perfectly oriented and colored so as to contrast with the background of that section. Headings are formatted differently than body text thus making it clear what information is a heading and what information is simple text. The only animated graphic in the website is a small rectangle in the upper right-hand corner of each page that alternates between two images and encourages visitors to the site to donate to the Center for the Homeless. However, since the text color and background color in both images remain the same, the graphic is noticeable yet not annoying. Text and images are in line with each other and are arranged in an organized fashion that enables easy reading of all written content. There are no distracting banners, no music playing in the background, and no pop-ups of any kind. This does not indicate a lack of imagination, but rather a commitment to maintaining a professional image that potential donors will find informative and worthy of contribution. However, some pictures currently on the website cannot be viewed clearly, and others are pixilated or amateurish. Nevertheless, graphics and text interact in a pleasant way that does not obscure the content of the site, but rather provides the Center for the Homeless with an image of a professional, results-oriented organization.
In terms of interactivity, the site again performs excellently. Dead links, glitches, and errors are completely absent. All hyperlinks, even hyperlinks to other websites, work flawlessly. The website does not contain embedded video or audio files, but that does not detract from the functionality or the aesthetics of the website. What does detract from the functionality of the site is the absence of a search box. Even though the information on the website is neither too detailed nor too broad, the website does cover a broad range of subjects and a search box would be a huge help to visitors who are unfamiliar with the site. The site also lacks other advanced interactive elements such as page trackers, guest books, polls, shopping carts, and interactive games. However, as mentioned previously, their exclusion may be in keeping with the goals that the Center for the Homeless has for its website. For, even without advanced interactive features, the website provides helpful information and portrays the Center for the Homeless as a professional organization. The user’s control is admittedly limited. There is no flash introduction to the site and the user cannot alter the language, text size, or font color of the website.
The website for the Center for the Homeless has a good sitemap that enables users to fully understand the composition of the website. While the sitemap does not list every page that comprises the website, and while the link to the sitemap should be moved from its current location so as to become more easily noticeable, it easily teaches visitors all about the site’s hierarchy of pages. The column of links that are at the left of nearly every page enables clear and easy navigation of the website. Furthermore, body text is clearly differentiated from hyperlinks and users can get information from the website efficiently and effectively. In truth, there are no animations or color changes that would occur as a result of user feedback, but each page loads quickly and users are not confused by the site’s operation. The website makes use of no audio files whatsoever, so it is readily accessible to people who have hearing disabilities. Furthermore, most of the graphics and hyperlinks have ALT text that could be read by screen readers used by the blind. The website is not restricted to a particular software platform and is even equally functional on Internet Explorer, Safari, and Firefox.
In summary, the site does an excellent job of conveying information that appeals to the various types of individuals that the Center for the Homeless needs: employees, volunteers, and donors. In addition, the site operates flawlessly and is both professional-looking and aesthetically-pleasing. Unfortunately, the site lacks advanced interactive features like a search box, and the quality of the site’s graphics needs to be improved. Regardless, the absence of advanced interactive features and high-quality graphics does not prevent the site from effectively achieving its goals of recruiting donations and educating the public about the Center for the Homeless. The needed improvements are minor, so the website for the Center for the Homeless is deserving of 3.5 stars.
Aesthetically, the site is actually quite pleasing. Each page in the website is divided into identical rectangular sections, and within each section text is perfectly oriented and colored so as to contrast with the background of that section. Headings are formatted differently than body text thus making it clear what information is a heading and what information is simple text. The only animated graphic in the website is a small rectangle in the upper right-hand corner of each page that alternates between two images and encourages visitors to the site to donate to the Center for the Homeless. However, since the text color and background color in both images remain the same, the graphic is noticeable yet not annoying. Text and images are in line with each other and are arranged in an organized fashion that enables easy reading of all written content. There are no distracting banners, no music playing in the background, and no pop-ups of any kind. This does not indicate a lack of imagination, but rather a commitment to maintaining a professional image that potential donors will find informative and worthy of contribution. However, some pictures currently on the website cannot be viewed clearly, and others are pixilated or amateurish. Nevertheless, graphics and text interact in a pleasant way that does not obscure the content of the site, but rather provides the Center for the Homeless with an image of a professional, results-oriented organization.
In terms of interactivity, the site again performs excellently. Dead links, glitches, and errors are completely absent. All hyperlinks, even hyperlinks to other websites, work flawlessly. The website does not contain embedded video or audio files, but that does not detract from the functionality or the aesthetics of the website. What does detract from the functionality of the site is the absence of a search box. Even though the information on the website is neither too detailed nor too broad, the website does cover a broad range of subjects and a search box would be a huge help to visitors who are unfamiliar with the site. The site also lacks other advanced interactive elements such as page trackers, guest books, polls, shopping carts, and interactive games. However, as mentioned previously, their exclusion may be in keeping with the goals that the Center for the Homeless has for its website. For, even without advanced interactive features, the website provides helpful information and portrays the Center for the Homeless as a professional organization. The user’s control is admittedly limited. There is no flash introduction to the site and the user cannot alter the language, text size, or font color of the website.
The website for the Center for the Homeless has a good sitemap that enables users to fully understand the composition of the website. While the sitemap does not list every page that comprises the website, and while the link to the sitemap should be moved from its current location so as to become more easily noticeable, it easily teaches visitors all about the site’s hierarchy of pages. The column of links that are at the left of nearly every page enables clear and easy navigation of the website. Furthermore, body text is clearly differentiated from hyperlinks and users can get information from the website efficiently and effectively. In truth, there are no animations or color changes that would occur as a result of user feedback, but each page loads quickly and users are not confused by the site’s operation. The website makes use of no audio files whatsoever, so it is readily accessible to people who have hearing disabilities. Furthermore, most of the graphics and hyperlinks have ALT text that could be read by screen readers used by the blind. The website is not restricted to a particular software platform and is even equally functional on Internet Explorer, Safari, and Firefox.
In summary, the site does an excellent job of conveying information that appeals to the various types of individuals that the Center for the Homeless needs: employees, volunteers, and donors. In addition, the site operates flawlessly and is both professional-looking and aesthetically-pleasing. Unfortunately, the site lacks advanced interactive features like a search box, and the quality of the site’s graphics needs to be improved. Regardless, the absence of advanced interactive features and high-quality graphics does not prevent the site from effectively achieving its goals of recruiting donations and educating the public about the Center for the Homeless. The needed improvements are minor, so the website for the Center for the Homeless is deserving of 3.5 stars.
Monday, September 1, 2008
BroJo Mojo
This blog is named in honor of the rector of my residence hall. The purpose of this blog is to enhance my experience in CAPP 30523 and will be primarily for course-related material and submissions. Enjoy!
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