1/31/08 - Lesson 6

Today I started Lesson 6 in Photoshop. I reached page 185, step 1. I learned about using a quick mask to protect part of the image being edited and how to save the mask as a channel. (The mask doesn't show in the picture, but it covers the Buddha statue and shows up in red when activated.) This work relates to TEKS 3(c), using graphic software to create and modify images, and 7(b), following safety manuals, instructions, and requirements.

1/30/08 - Lesson 5 - New Project

Lesson 5 - complete!

Today I did Lesson 5. I learned about renaming and copying layers, viewing individual layers, removing a background from an image (Magic Eraser tool!), rearranging layers, changing the opacity and mode of a layer, etc. Basically, I learned quite a bit about layers! I also learned how to flatten an image in order to reduce the size of the file. This relates to TEKS 2(d), identifying and describing the roles of computer technology, and 3(c), using graphic software to create and modify an image.

1/29/08 - Lesson 4 complete...

Before










After



Today I finished Lesson 4. Ha! Haha. I will now be moving on to Lesson 5: Layer Basics. Today I learned about using different selection methods such as the Quick Selection tool, which works pretty well in my opinion... I also learned about cropping images, changing an image's hue and saturation, isolating and saving selections, and using commands such as Refine Edges to alter an image. Work today relates to TEKS 3(c), using graphic software to create and modify images, 6(a), describing the properties and characteristics of computer-related hardware and software, and 18(h), completing work according to established criteria.

1/28/08 - Lesson 4

Before










After

Today I learned how to use the Lasso tool to cut out parts of an image. I also learned how to duplicate an image and change its color and size using the Scale and Invert commands and by pressing Alt while dragging an image with the Move tool. I'm almost done with Lesson 4... I got to page 122, step 1. Today's work relates to TEKS 2(d), identifying and describing the roles of computer technology, and 3(c), using graphic software to create and modify images.

1/25/08 - Lesson 3 continued

Retouched Photo 3: Finished!








Lesson 4 - work in progress...



Today I finished Lesson 3 and began Lesson 4. From today's pages I got more practice with using tools for retouching such as the Healing Brush and Patch tool. I reached page 114, step 3. I learned about placing separate scanned images into one image through Photoshop using tools such as the Magic wand tool. My work today relates to TEKS 2(d), identifying and describing the the roles of computer technology, 3(c), using graphic software to create and modify images, and 18(g), using time management techniques to develop and maintain work schedules and meet deadlines.

1/24/08 - Lesson 2 continued... & Lesson 3

Lesson 3: New projects







After








After

Lesson 2










Before











After

Today I learned about applying an Unsharp Mask to an image to create the illusion of a more focused image and about saving an image in Photoshop for four-color printing. In Lesson 3, I learned about fixing defects in photos using tools and commands such as the Clone Stamp, Spot Healing Brush, Healing Brush, and Patch tool. It's like magic! I got to page 96, step 1. My work today relates to TEKS 3(c), using graphic software to create and modify images and 18(g), using time management techniques to develop and maintain work schedules and meet deadlines.

1/23/08 - Lesson 2

Today I started Lesson 2 in Photoshop... Plus I have a shadow! (Christabella Trible-Quiz!) Anyway, I learned about using the crop tool, making auto adjustments through image commands such as auto color and shadow highlight, and about adjusting tones manually through the Levels dialog box. I liked using the Sponge tool to increase the saturation and adjusting the lightness with the Dodge tool, and I think that knowing how to remove a color cast will be extremely helpful. Basically, I learned mostly about changing the colors of a photo. I got to page 76, step 1. My work today relates to TEKS 3(c), using graphic software to create and modify images, 6(a), describing the properties and characteristics of computer-related hardware and software, and 7(b), following safety manuals, instructions, and requirements.

1/22/08 - New Section - Lesson 1

Finished.


Today I learned about undoing actions in Photoshop, using commands such as 'undo' and the history pallet. I also learned how to use a context menu and about creating a workspace, which involves learning about the different palettes, keyboard shortcuts, and menus. Plus, I learned how to use Photoshop help and Adobe online services. This relates to TEKS 6(a), describing the properties and characteristics of computer-related hardware and software. Mr. Bjerke's blog which talked about the impact of military technology on civilian technology relates to TEKS 11(b), describing how technology has affected individuals, societies, cultures, economies, and environments, 11(c), discussing the international effects of the use of computer technology, 12(d), describing the factors that encourage the evolution of technology.

1/18/08 - Photoshop - Lesson 1

2 New Projects in Lesson 1:







Finished.









Finished!

Today I started off with page 16, step 5 of Lesson 1 in Photoshop. After using Adobe Bridge to open the specified file, I learned about using different tools and commands in Photoshop, such as the zoom tool, elliptical marquee tool, and the curves dialog box. My work today relates to TEKS 2(d), identifying and describing the roles of computer technology, 3(c), using graphic software to create and modify images, and 6(a), describing the properties and characteristics of computer-related hardware and software.

1/17/08 - New Section of Lesson 11 - Photoshop

Exploring on your own.



Today I finished the 'Exploring on your own' section of Lesson 11, completing the lesson officially. From this part of the lesson, I learned even more about applying 3-D effects to objects in Illustrator (I used the 'revolve' command for the first time) and was reminded of how the pen tool works. This relates to TEKS 3(c), using graphic software to create and modify images, and 6(a), describing the properties and characteristics of computer-related hardware and software. I also began working on Photoshop, and have so far learned about different ways to open files (the normal method and Adobe Bridge) in the application.

Lesson 11 - 1/16/08

Before






After



Today I finished the major business of Lesson 11. There is a small section at the end that I'm not sure if I need to do, but I have completed the main project, so I am quite pleased for now... My work today taught me mostly about using 3-D effects and applying map art to objects. Today's work related to TEKS 3(c), using graphic software to create and modify images, 6(a), describing the properties and characteristics of computer-related hardware and software, and 18(h), completing work according to established criteria. I believe that I shall be starting Photoshop tomorrow...

1/15/08 - New Project

Before





After








New Project



I finished Chapter 10 and got to page 321, step 5 of Chapter 11. (Ha-ha! I have reached Chapter 11!) Today I learned about applying affects to artwork. For example, I learned how to apply an effect form Photoshop to an object in Adobe Illustrator. I also learned that the Effect menu commands are editable whereas the same commands in the Filter menu change the underlying object so that changes cannot be modified later on. Work today relates to TEKS 2(d), identifying and describing the roles of computer technology, and 18(h), completing work according to established criteria.

1/14/08 - Ch. 10 continued

Before




After




Today I worked on Chapter 10 again. I reached page 306, step 1. Things I learned today include navigating the brush panel, using and creating pattern brushes from swatches, using a fill color with brushes, and using calligraphic brushes. My work today relates to TEKS 6(a), describing the properties and characteristics of computer-related hardware and software, and 18(g), using time management techniques to develop and maintain work schedules and meet deadlines.

1/11/08 - New Project

Today I started on Chapter 10 - 'Working With Brushes'. I got to page 293, step 1. As you would expect, I learned about using the different sorts of brushes available on Adobe Illustrator CS3, and have so far created a tree. My work today relates to TEKS 2(d), identifying and describing the roles of computer technology, and 3(c), using graphic software to create and modify images. I hope to finish this chapter on Monday... and maybe Chapter 11 the next day.

1/10/08 - Ch. 9 Finish

Before








After

Today I finished Chapter 9 of Illustrator. This lesson was mostly about blending and working with gradients. I learned how to change the direction and coloring of gradients, as well as how to create gradients with more than two colors. I also learned about using the blend tool to make copies of shapes and smooth colors together. Today's work relates to TEKS 4(b), conducting research and experimentation in computer technology, 3(c), using graphic software to create and modify images, and 7(b), following safety manuals, instructions, and requirements.

1/9/08 - Chapter 8; New Project

Before









After















Ch. 8 follow-up










New Project



Today I finished Chapter 8 and started Chapter 9. In chapter 9 I reached page 259, step 1. I learned more about changing and working with layers, putting in shadows, and about using gradients. These things relate to TEKS 18(h), completing work according to established criteria, and 6(a), describing the properties and characteristics of computer-related hardware and software.

1/8/08 - Chapter 8 continued

Oh, the first day back... if only the break could last forever! Today I kept working on Chapter 8 of Illustrator. I got up to page 244, step 5. I learned mostly about working with (altering, combining, etc.) layers in an image. This relates to TEKS 3(c), using graphic software to create and modify images, and 6(a), describing the properties and characteristics of computer-related hardware and software.