Instructions for Project
The Objective here is to create a three dimensional space using abstract shapes which you create. You will rely on your own imagination and skill to complete the project!
Be sure to complete the helpful tutorials before you begin your project. They will help fuel your imagination and get you started. Remember: The type of space we are designing is the opposite of the compressed, tight, shallow space of the Color Wheel Project.
Begin with the background.
1. Make a 7 x 5 or 5 x 7 file, 72, RGB, transparent file.
2. Choose black as the foreground color and a dark blue as the background color.
3. Click G on the keyboard to get the gradient tool. Be sure the tool is set to “foreground to background” in the options. (in the drop down menu it is the first choice on the left)
4. Drag the black to blue gradient across the page.
5. Make a new layer, fill it with black.
6. Choose Filter/ Noise/ Add Noise. Use 12, gaussian and monochromatic as the choices here.
7. Choose Image / Adjust / Threshold. Move the slider to the left until you see the stars appear. Stop when you like what you see.
8. In order to see the blue/black gradient you will change the blend mode (on top of the layers palette) to screen. This blend mode eliminates black from the layer. Now you can see the stars.
9. You may experiment with lighting effects, filter / render /lighting effects or lens flare.
You may alter this background to reflect your personal choice. This is just the starting point for your design.
Create the Abstract Shapes
Click d to change foreground/background to b & w, then x to make white the foreground color.
1. Use the rectangular marquee tool to create a tall rectangle.
2. Press G to get to the gradient tool, select the linear gradient, and drag across the rectangle to create the three dimensional shape.
3. Create a Brushed Metal Action and apply it to the shape. (see Left).
4. Create Spheres by choosing the elliptical marquee tool and making a circle. Select the radial gradient. Fill the circle with the gradient.
Apply the metal action.
5. You may choose to tint the objects using any of the colorizing methods.
Add Details
1. To create a “screw” draw a circle with the elliptical marquee tool.
2. fill it with the radial gradient to create a sphere.
3. Make a new layer, DO NOT DESELECT THE SPHERE.
4. Use a small hard edge brush to create the line in the center of the screw. Hold the shift key to draw a perfectly straight line. Double click the layer to bring up the layer styles box. Choose Bevel and Emboss and then in the dialog box, choose pillow emboss. Adjust the settings.
5. Click ctrl / e to merge the line with the sphere. You may want to further emboss the screw in the layer styles.
6. Add inset lines and cut outs, etc.
7. Use the dodge and burn tools to add shadows and highlights to the forms as one overlaps the other.
Design the Page
Use what you know and the examples you have viewed in class to create you space. Think about creating modular units which can be combined and repeated. Use the gaussian blur to smaller objects in the background to create space, make objects in the foreground large.
Cut holes in objects, create a series of inset lines and add screws and details. Use your knowledge and skill in Photoshop to create your own unique three dimensional space.
The Frank Project
Project: Frank Project
Objective: Create a Three Dimensional Space Using Abstract Shapes
Tools: Gradient, Dodge & Burn, Marquee (elliptical and rectangular), Lasso, Polygon Lasso
Techniques: Using Actions, Gaussian Blur, Motion Blur, Creating Brushed Metal Texture, Blend Mode, Lighting Effects
Helpful Tutorials:
To Create an Action
Photoshop gives us the ability to record a series of steps and then play them over and over again. It works like any recording device.
1. To create an action go to window/ actions to view the palette.
2, Before you begin recording this brushed metal action you must create a shape filled with a gradient.
3, Click New Action from the drop down menu on the actions palette.
Name the action Brushed metal.
(be sure your object is selected before you apply the texture and record the action)
Click the record button
4, Go to Filter / Noise / Add Noise, 20 -30 for the amount and gaussian, monochromatic options.
5. Then Go to filter / Blur / Motion Blur, 20 -30 for the amount and angle to 29 degrees.
6. Press the stop button on the actions palette.
7. Create a new shape filled with a gradient and, with the object selected, choose the brushed metal action and press play to see the texture applied automatically!