Project Two, making a screen saver for both desktop and mobile size, taught me many different techniques in Photoshop. I learned how to start a background from a blank template by adding noise and zooming in on pixels, as well as zooming in on clouds. The newest technique I learned was using the pen tool to select a shape, and then hiding the rest of the image to just reveal that shape. In my screen saver, I applied this technique to the Pepsi logo, and I turned the opacity of the top portion down so it had an ombre effect. I would say that although new, this part of the project was the easiest for me. However, the object that I chose to do this with was fairly simple and straightforward, and I see how it could be very challenging with a more complicated and intricate shape.
I had a few challenges pop up along the way during this project. To begin, I didn’t have a whole lot of objects in my images from project 1, so it was a bit difficult incorporating those. I did know that I wanted to include the pool picture, so I used the gradient tool to fade from the blue water to a dark purple background, and I also added a gray gradient. I had some trouble getting the gradient tool to produce the effect I wanted- it was a lot of trial and error. I also struggled with recreating my screen saver in the mobile size, because the layout and images I chose for the desktop were horizontal and couldn’t easily be turned vertical. I had to alter the layout a bit, but all the elements are still included.
There are a few things I could do to improve my submission. I could improve the clarity of my images and make the lines crisper of some of my shapes. I also could have played with the gradients better to block out or hide parts of my images. I liked the color scheme I chose of blues, purples, and pinks, but I could improve it and tie it together more. There was nothing I would recommend for the professor to improve for the assignment, but if I had the option, I would have liked to be able to incorporate some more outside photos to get more creative.
I can apply my knowledge from this project in future assignments and work scenarios. I now know many techniques to get an interesting background or pattern started, and how to block and hide parts of an image to produce eye catching effects. These could be used in jobs with creating advertisements and social media content. I also am familiar now with desktop and mobile sizing, and how to create content for both sizes. This would be very important to know in a work scenario where the content might be on a website as well as a phone screen. For this project, I did not have any reading or video inspiration.