Monday, May 5, 2014

      1. Elegant (category 2)


To create this image I used a kaleidoscope effect in Photoshop by stacking duplicated layers (command J), transforming the layers by flipping them across the x and y axis (command T), and by changing the blend modes (shift -).  To bring out more of the images vibrant colors I also adjusted the layers’ hue, saturation, and lightness (command U).  Once the completed composition was done I felt it had a very elegant look, something that would make the viewer think of a fancy garden, or a beautiful summer dress.  The image could be used as stationary for a spring wedding invitation, or a dinner party.


before:

Credits:           Kaitlin Denise Sanders


2. Daenerys Targaryen (category 3)

I created this typography image of the “Game of Thrones” character, Daenerys Targaryen, out of some of her most well known quotes.  In Illustrator I used the Type Tool (T) to type out the words, created outlines for the letters (^ command O), ungrouped the letters so that I could transform each letter individually (^ command G), and used the color swatches as well as the color picker to change the Fill (X) of the letters.  I used the Selection Tool (V) and the Direct Selection Tool (A) to transform the letters and to move their anchor points accordingly. Daenarys Targaryen is a very likable as well as ruthless character, and I wanted to convey that not only with her quotes but also with her expression. Using different shades of “tan” I tried to create an expression of seriousness on her face, but also keeping her lovable appearance.



Credits:           Kaitlin Denise Sanders


3.  Pyramids (category 4)

The inspiration for this image was to create something with a Dr. Seussesque feeling, something that makes the viewer believe that the impossible is possible.  From morguefile.com I found a royalty free image of a sandy desert plain to use as my background. I then imported four of my own pictures, and created Mask Layers using the Quick Selection Tool (W). Then using the Transformation Tool (command T) I scaled, skewed, and distorted the four pyramid images to look like they belonged on top of the background while still keeping a look of fantasy wonderment.  For the shadows I used the Pen Tool (P) to create the shapes, and used the Opacity setting to delude the black Fill. I then used the Match Color option to make the pyramid colors blend in with the background a bit more naturally. Finally I cropped the image so that the main focus of the image (the pyramids) took up the majority of the room. The finished composition is the type of image that needs no words to fill the viewers mind with endless possibilities of curiosity and/or understanding.


before:

Credits:           Desert: http://mrg.bz/kZCEIY
                        Pyramids: Kaitlin Denise Sanders


4.  Zombie Bubblegum (category 5)

For category 5 (make something from scratch) I wanted to try my hand at creating something in Illustrator and using the Mesh Tool.  I used both the shape tool (ellipse and star), and the Pen Tool (P) to create the shapes, and used the color swatches and color picker to color the Fill and the Stroke of each shape. I then used the Mesh Tool (U) to add additional shading to the image. The final image I created is a zombie-punk rock girl blowing a bubblegum bubble. This type of image could be used as a brand-marketing picture aimed at children and teenagers because of its bright colors and use of a fictional monster.



Credits:           Kaitlin Denise Sanders


5. Wizard (category 6)

The before image is one I took about three years ago at a show staring “The Apathy Wizards,” a local band from Muncie, IN.  By changing the shutter speed and aperture setting on my camera I was able to create an electrical smeared look to the lighting of the picture. I believe this also gives the mandolin player a magical looking aura. To give the picture an even more mystical look, I used Photoshop to lighten a copy of the Background (command L) and duplicated the original image (command J) to create a mask of just the wizard and microphone. I changed the hue, saturation, and lightness (command U) of the wizard to make him stand out from the background and to make the colors of the picture very bright. I also added a lens flare to the background to give it more substance, and a lens flare to the mandolin as well to give it a magical shine like something out of a fairytale story.  I believe that with the finished photo’s brightened lighting and colors has more of a whimsical wizard look to it than the before photo which might make a viewer think of an evil sorcerer. 


before:

Credits:           Kaitlin Denise Sanders


6. Blue God (category 7)

This image is based on the color blue.  I used the Quick Selection Tool (W) to create a mask layer of the lion and another for his paw, and changed the background color to black.  I then adjusted the hue, saturation, and lightness (command U) of the lion to darken it and of course give him a blue color. I used the brush tool (B) to paint over the mask to let some of the black background show through to give the lion a “faded into the darkness” look like he is drifting through space. For the Earth, I created a mask layer and lightened the color of the Earth to give it a glowing look. To give it even more of a glow, I clicked on the image's blending options and gave it an outer glow effect. The final image is that of giant Blue God, of which the Earth is little more than a crystal ball for him to play with. The purpose is to make the viewers wonder and consider the possibilities of “what could be out there?”


before:

Credits:           Earth: http://mrg.bz/fHrPj1
                        Lion: Kaitlin Denise Sanders


7. “The Lion King” Movie Poster (category 8)

For this image I used both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. In Illustrator I used the Pen Tool (P) to create the outlines of two lion’s fighting,and so that they stayed just outlines I gave them different colored Strokes and no Fill.  I also used the Type Tool (T) to create the text for the movie’s title.  In Photoshop I imported the photo of a bonfire that resembled “pride rock.” I copied the background layer (command J) and adjusted the levels of the image (command L).  I then imported the Illustrator lion outlines as well as the title. I used the Move Tool (V) and the transform option (command T) to place the lions on the top of the “pride rock.”  I also added an outer glow blending option, and took down the opacity so it looks not as if they aren’t actually on the fire fighting, but merely the embers of the memory of their tragic fight.  Using the Elliptical Marquee Tool (M) I added faded black ovals behind the title so that it could be easily read. This is a poster for an animated movie aimed towards children.  The final battle between the two lions is a very emotional climax for the movie, and a child who sees this poster would be instantly reminded of the way they felt while watching it.



Credits:           Kaitlin Denise Sanders


8. Crystal Jellyfish (category 10)

For the “choice” option of the 102 final, I wanted to create something colorful and beautiful.  I took two images off of morgefile.com and combined them using layer masks and hue/saturation adjustments to create an underwater fairytale. I wanted to make the jellyfish look as though they were floating through a sea of crystal. I used the combination of calming and warm colors to create a “feel good” aura. I would like the image to make its viewers feel happy and think of pleasant things.


before:

Credits:           Amethyst: http://mrg.bz/gD9LGp
                        Jellyfish: http://mrg.bz/5rjuOJ