Which of these assignments did you enjoy the most and why?
I really enjoyed the photoshop layers and drawing tools assignment for two main reasons. Firstly, I really got to know how to use photoshop because although I did know how to do a few things with this program, I got to learn many more of the functions. Even though I did learn all photoshop in my digital art exploration in grades six and seven, I forgot how to do most tasks so using this assignment to jog my memory was very helpful. Secondly, through this assignment, I was introduced on how to use a drawing tablet which is something that I’ve wanted to try out for a long time. I found that it was a nice and easy way to be introduced to drawing digitally.
Which of these assignments did you struggle with the most and why?
Out of these four past assignments, I think that I struggled most with the GE combined with Covid-19 photoshop assignment. I also think that it took the most effort and time. After learning some new photoshop skills in the layers and drawing tools assignment, I found myself getting confident in my editing ability. However, when this assignment began, I had no idea where to start. Eventually, I came up with the creative idea to make the halls of our school with hand sanitizer, which is how my hands have been feeling lately. I especially struggled with finding the perfect water overlays to add on top of the image to pull off the slimier texture of sanitizer. Once I did find the right overlays, I then struggled with making the layers fit in with the lighting in the hallways. This is where I had to ask Mr. Ross for some assistance with the filter effects that I implemented to help the water appear to have a more liquid texture. In the end, I enjoyed the final product, and I am proud of what struggles I overcame.
Where did you grow the most this week? What new skills have you learned, and which would you like to continue to refine?
This week, I grew the most at my photoshop skills through the assignments that we received. Although I had a small amount of experience with photoshop, layer usage was new to me. I found that I now comprehend how they are useful in creating specific looks with images or even in basic colour editing as well. In addition, I grew upon my drawing skills, especially my digital drawing skills during our layers and drawing tools assignment where we traced an image we took and added artistic designs to make our image look more visually appealing. A skill that I would like to continue to refine is my efficiency in photoshop. Although I know who to use a majority of the tools, I find myself taking quite a bit longer than I would expect to complete easier steps in the image editing process.
This is an exemplary reflection Glen, well done. I agree with your thoughts, your “lines and layers” was very well executed. I know you worked hard on the covid layers assignment – the challenge of depicting the halls full of liquid was….challenging. I think you did an admirable job.
You will find, like with most things, that the more you use photoshop you will grow a “kit of tools and techniques” that you are comfortable with. I look forward to seeing this emerge as the quarter continues.