Objective

To be introduced to Photoshop's selection tools, masking options, and adjustment layers. To use Indesign as a layout tool. To recreate the above poster design.

Discussion

Adobe Photoshop contains powerful photo manipulation tools. When used skillfully, the designer can create dynamic images which would be impossible with a camera alone. Indesign can be used to add type and prepare the design for print. Posters continue to be a popular print medium for commercial and educational purposes.

Procedure

preparing the file

1. download starter file, open susan_helms.png in Photoshop
2. image > image size; note image size and resolution
3. practice Adobe navigation keyboard shortcuts: space = hand; space + cmd = zoom in; space + cmd + opt = zoom out; cmd + zero = fit in window
4. rename layer "susan"
5. save as "susan_helms.psd

adding the background layer

1. open space.jpg
2. copy and paste into susan_helms.psd (cmd + A, cmd + C, cmd + V)
3. rename layer "space"
4. re-stack layer under "helms" layer
5. layer adjustment > hue/saturation: lightness -25, saturation +29

adding blue background

1. new layer: rename "blue"
2. sample blue from table with eyedropper tool (I)
3. fill "blue" layer with foreground color (opt+delete)
4. re-stack "blue" layer to top
5. decrease layer fill: 40%
6. create layer mask on "blue" layer (mask button at bottom of layers panel)
7. gradient tool: black, white
8. draw gradient (draw a line half way down the table starting at the bottom of susan's hand)
9. return fill to 100%

adding international space station

1. open iss.jpg in photoshop
2. copy and paste image into "susan_helms.psd"
3. rename layer "iss"
4. re-stack layer to top
5. magic wand tool: tolerance 22
6. select black background on "iss" layer
7. select > modify > expand 2px
8. select > inverse (cmd+shift+I)
9. add layer mask (mask button at bottom of layers panel)
10. reposition, re-size (cmd T)
11. blur > gaussian blur > 3px (make sure image thumbnail is selected and not the mask thumbnail in layers panel)
12. clean up mask if needed
13. adjustment layer > levels
14. attach levels adjustment to "iss" layer (hover between "iss" and level adjustment layer, click when a square and arrow become visible)
15. output levels: 0,185
16. save

finishing layout in Adobe Indesign

1. open "nasa.indd"
2. rectangle frame tool, double click on art board: W 24.5in, H 36.5in
3. reposition (note bleed)
4. place "susan_helms.psd" (cmd D)
5. resize image
6. new layer: "type", stack above "art"
7. draw guilds for margins
8. place type: "nasa_text" (cmd D)
9. series title: adobe caslon pro semibold, 42pt, track open (opt+right arrow)
10. "Susan Helms:" Helvetica Neue LT Std, 87 Heavy Condensed Oblique
11. subtitle: 47 Light Condensed
12. view > overprint preview
13. save
14. file > export "nasa.pdf" ("smallest file size" for web publishing)

grading

1. print your exercise on 11x17 paper
2. file your exercise in your Process Book for individual review
3. publish "nasa.pdf" as a link from your Process Page