Bryce: 3D Model Using Symmetrical Lattice

We have used the Symmetrical Lattice tool to build a 3D logo, but we haven't yet tried to build an object to be used in a full scene.  For example, if I wanted to create a graveyard for a Halloween scene, I could make gravestone blocks or even crosses, but what if I wanted more detail?  I could create a "bump map" (a square image where black is the lowest elevation and white is the highest) just as we did with our City Scene.

Here are some examples:

If you're looking for even more detail, you can create a painting in Photoshop such as this:

We are going to use these techniques to build a sword from separate pieces.  For example:

I will use this as the guard at the top of my sword handle.  Notice the gradient so the white part will be thicker and the darker gray will be thinner.  It helps add to the 3D effect.  I could also add decoration (i.e. text) if I wanted to.

The blade is pretty much just drawn and then a Guassian Blur is applied to soften the edges.  While common sense says a "sharper" edge would make a sharper blade, the blur gives the edge a gradiant effect, thereby making the edge thinner (or sharper).  Notice the random gray symbols which I can use as engraved characters.

We would still have to create a handle, align things properly, and group them, but you can see that the majority of the work is done now.

Flash: Trace Bitmap Function

We have colored in line art in Photoshop and manually traced an image to create line art in Flash.  Today we will be learning the MODIFY > BITMAP > TRACE BITMAP function in Flash.  Basically what it does is convert a bitmap/raster graphic (i.e. a photograph) into a vector graphic automatically -- or at least with very little effort.

Typically I begin by either importing the graphic to my stage or pasting the graphic onto my stage.  Then I go to Modify > Document and change the Document Properties to match the Contents.  All that does is makes my "stage" the same size as the picture on the stage.

I also give it a Title (and sometimes a description) at this point as well.  You will also notice the Frame rate -- which is something we will be using later when we get to animation.

Next I go to the Modify > Bitmap > Trace Bitmap menu so I can trace my image.  Here I can adjust the color threshold (smaller numbers are more detailed) and the minimum area (again, smaller numbers give higher detail).  You can also adjust your Curve fit or the Corner threshold to smooth the graphics out.

I used various settings on this example image to get more or less detail and to smooth out what I have.

In the Eagle example I traced the outline by hand with a black paintbrush, but did a "Modify > Bitmap > Trace Bitmap" to pull out some feather details.  I also added in some of my own details (using the paintbrush) to make it appear more hand drawn.

Finally I traced a flag using the Trace Bitmap option and placed it behind the Eagle.

Because this project can be done in a number of seconds, what I want you to do is create several different images using different settings and then choose two good example to upload to your portfolio.

Photoshop: Virtual Makeover / Photo Retouching

Today we are going to explore doing a virtual makeover.  In a previous assignment we took a face with scratches or pimples and retouched it to make it look a little more natural.  Today we are going to go a little further by beautifying someone.  In short, we are going to take a photo of someones face and smooth wrinkles, remove blemishes, adjust colors, brighten teeth and eyes, etc.  We can even try some "virtual makeup".  


Remember that we aren't trying to make anybody into a super model, we're simply trying to bring out their natural beauty.


You can search for "no makeup" on Google Images for some examples.  Click here to see a few: [LINK] or [LINK].


Here are some celebrities [mostly] without makeup: http://www.funzug.com/index.php/celebrities/celebs-without-makeup-portraits.html


Here are some examples of Virtual Makeovers:

If you would like to follow along with a video tutorial, you can check these out:

A Sample Image

Photoshop: Dieline Package Design / Re-Design

Today we will taking a dieline (a shape that is flat and ready to be folded into a package) and designing [or redesigning] the package.

The example on the left demonstrates how a flat dieline looks.

Note: Some packages may have panels that appear upside-down when flattened [depending on how the folds are made].

Remember to add important elements to your package.  Include nutritional information if you are doing a food package, for example.  The example on the right shows several key pieces for a package.

Once completed, you may want to create the actual package.  Since we are doing a "box" package, you may want to get some card stock [something that will work in your printer] and print your dieline in color.

You will receive extra credit for a completed package design.

Cereal Box Template

 

Remember when you are looking for photographic components (i.e. cereal, bowls, spoon, cartoon animals, or whatever) that you look for large images.  It's much easier to reduce the size of an image without distortion than it is to increase it.  As you have found, expanding an image makes it blurry or grainy.

If you're considering doing a cereal box, think about cereal names:

• ______ Loops
• ______ O's
• ______ Nuggets
• ______ Smacks
• ______ Puffs
• ______ Crunch

Also, consider types of cereal flavors:

• Honey ________
• Sugar _________
• Crunchy ________
• Apple ________
• Spam _______
  

Is your new cereal based on your favorite movie?  Rock band?  TV show?

If you are interested in going the extra mile and trying a fancy cereal box font, check out this tutorial:  http://www.dzyneo.com/sugarpuffs.php

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Also, this image was in the iStock.com "Free Image of the Week" gallery:

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Recently Adobe (the makers of PhotoShop) did a contest asking graphic design students to create an "Adobe Cereal".  Here are some examples of what was created (I don't expect your boxes to be anywhere near this professional!):

You may find additional resources, dieline patterns, etc. on the Internet.  You can do a Google Search for dieline, do an Image Search for dieline pattern, or check out some of the industry websites such as The Dieline (http://www.thedieline.com/).