Sequencial Imagery

I composed this set of images in response to one of the big political topics that is under debate in NY. It promotes the drilling of natural gas that generates much needed money for the state to pull itself out of the dumpster. I transposed governor Coumo onto the face of a hundred dollar bill. This was a bit of a challenge, but I was able to create the correct angle by using the warp mode. For the drilling rig I cropped and cleaned up the background. The crane pulling NY out of the dumpster was created by using 3 images. I used the spot healing brush tool to clean the writing off the side of the dumpster. I used a red font to make the type stand out against the black background. Nothing to fancy, but I think it get's the message out. 

Digital Enhancement

Before Enhancement

After Enhancement

For this enhancement I adjusted multiple properties of the image. The before image was too brown, so I adjusted the tones. I then adjusted the contrast and brightness to bring out some of the detail in the face. By doing that I also created a lot of noise around the image. I used the paint brush tool to flatten some of the noise around the head. I also used the paint brush to lighten the eyes. I then copied the left eye and placed it on the binding. The text on the binding was changed from vertical to horizontal. I kept messing with this project trying to find the right blend of detail without distorting the image. It was kind of difficult to accomplish since the original image was a lower resolution and not the best quality. Update -- Changed the color of the main fonts from black to a off yellow. I tried various other colors to make the type stand out. Some colors although they were easy to read, looked out of place with the rest of the design. 

The DaVinci Code

I decided to use the DaVinci Code for my book jacket project. I don't read many books besides the text books and trade magazines. I started with the image of DaVinci from InventionUSA.com. I made some adjustments to the image to bring out the detail that was hidden in the original grainy image. I then made a mirror image of the left side for the binding. I used the Burn tool on around the edges to create a old look. For the text I used Trajan Pro with both the vertical and horizontal text with drop shadows. For the "Wow"... text I used the Felix Tilting font. I tried to keep it simple yet effective. There was more that I tried with the title text, but I feel it made the cover too cluttered.  I keep finding more things to tinker with in the project. I may post some updates if I have any breakthroughs.

Stop the Abuse

I created this poster because of my feelings against child abuse. Nobody feels that child abuse is a good thing, but the fact of the matter is it happens everyday. After becoming a father about 2 years ago my feelings towards abuse emerged. It's not until you have kids of your own that you realize how innocent and helpless children really are. They look up to their elders to guide them in the right direction through positive reinforcement and not physical/emotional abuse. 

I compiled various images mostly from Flickr and one of my own. I used the dark dreary tint to give the feeling of sadness. I wanted to keep a sense of life in the poster by keeping the background boy's eyes soft blue. The compilation of sad or concerned faces looking up is supposed to give a feeling of remorse to the viewer. 

Pat

Sources:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bulthuisp/111117477/

http://www.owningpink.com/2010/04/17/how-to-help-a-grieving-child

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oter/4050296516/sizes/l/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zaxl4/99863335/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/44566183@N00/260881572/sizes/z/

Organic or Not?

This image is my first creation with Photoshop. I was having artist block when trying to decide what to create for the photomontage assignment. So I started looking through the house for ideas. In the fridge I found a package of brown organic eggs. I took one out and starting snapping pictures of it. With a few other photos acquired from Google image search I had a collection. The big question is do we really know if food labeled organic is truly organic?  I really enjoyed using Photoshop and feel totally hooked now.  If you can think it you can do it.

A new journey begins

This is my first post so here it goes. I chose this picture because I enjoy nature. This picture reminds me of how innocent that nature can be with the newly born fawn following it's mother. It also makes me miss the summer time and green grass, especially now that we are in the middle of winter. Sorry that the photo is not the best of quality. I took it out the side window of my car as I was coming out of my parent's driveway. I hope this picture complements my blog well. It is still a work in progress.