|
My last entry was about avoiding the mistake of not naming layers or creating groups. Here’s an example of how I used groups to cut down on layer clutter. In the first screen shot, you can see I have three groups, each with a name relevant to the layers in the group. The second shot shows most of the layers in the group called Chair. You’ll notice I forgot to name a couple of the layers, which is not good. You need to name all the layers in the group as well as naming the group itself. This was done in Affinity Photo, but Photoshop or Photoshop Elements are not that much different. Another mistake that I’ve made is not deleting layers I no longer want. Keeping unneeded layers will increase the file size. Not that important if you are printing at home or using it as wallpaper. What if you want to upload the file to a printer or a print-on-demand site like Fine Art America that have file size limits? In my example, the original file is 62.3 MB. I’ve added some layers to my original file and saved it, which brought the file size up to 82 MB. Now, I decide I don’t like those layers and I hide them. They are still there, but cannot be seen. This does not change the file size. It is still 82 MB. If I wanted to upload that file, those hidden layers may be the difference between my file being accepted or rejected. If you are not certain you want to permanently delete a layer (or layers), do a Save As and keep the same name, just tack on a number to remind you that you made and kept some changes. Example: Background Stars, Background Stars2, and so on. Group Examples   File Size Examples 
0 Comments
When doing digital art of any type, you are probably going to end up with multiple layers using many different photos, brushes, filters, blending modes and… You get the idea. Below is an example of the layer panel in Cloud Women. By default, graphic software names each layer by number: layer 1, layer 2 up to infinity! The worst mistake is not naming your layers at all and just keeping the numbers. If you don’t finish your composition right away, are you going to remember what layer 8 was? What was the source, the brushes you used if any, the adjustments? Here you can see that I did name the layers, but they are generic names. “Clouds” does not tell me which brush set I used. Was gears a brush or a cutout photo? I’m sure much of Cloud Woman was painted with brushes I added on. The problem is in knowing which set of brushes and do I still have those brushes or did I delete them? The other problem is in not creating groups. You can create a folder in your layer panel and group similar layers together. Of course, when I did this digital collage, I didn’t know a thing about groups! It really does cut down on the clutter of multiple layers if you create a group and add all the layers that go together. Just remember to label your group with a name that indicates which layers you have in there!  Save time and frustration by learning how to avoid some basic mistakes when using graphic software. I mentioned in a recent Facebook post that I would be sharing some do’s and don’ts related to digital art. Even if you are not an artist and are using graphic software to create cards or retouch photos, you should know some basics. I wish I had known some of this stuff years ago. You think that when you work on a piece, you will remember your sources and what you did to get the look you wanted. You might, for a few days or a week or two. Try going back 5 years later and try to guess what you did or try opening a file you saved in the wrong format. Even though I have learned so much and my art has a greater complexity, every once in a while, I am stumped by something I did in the past. I’ve wasted hours trying to track old photos, figuring out how in the world I got that particular effect or even trying to recreate a file I saved in the wrong format. I will be using a piece called “Cloud Woman” that I created back in 2014. I was new to digital collage/composites and other than reading a book, I had no training in graphic software or doing this type of art. Cloud Woman is not a horrible piece of art, but it is flawed. I am using it as an example of some things you should not be doing. By learning a few basic steps, you will avoid all the mistakes I’ve made over the years! Check out my next post to see some of the mistake I made and how you can avoid them.  No time to go and buy a card? Here are two free Mother's Day downloads for you. Size 6x4 and 4x6. Download one or both.Please don't forward files or re-post on social media. Instead, share my website link with anyone that is interested in my free downloads,  
I don’t know your circumstances, but I think it is safe to say you have faced some difficult times in your life, especially in the last two years. I have gone through some very challenging times both in my personal life and as a nurse. Now, God has called me into a second career as an artist, which definitely has not been trouble-free. Some of my favorite verses over the years are in Habakkuk 3: 17 and 18, which is why I created a digital collage called I Will Rejoice. Habakkuk described a very challenging, even grim situation. Crop failures, lack of available food, animals suffering and more could be taken from today’s news. As a Christian, I am not immune from troubles, from challenges, from reverses in life. What makes a difference in my life is why these verses are among my favorites. Habakkuk states “Even though…and gives a list of disasters.” It is what he states following those words that brings me comfort and hope. He goes on to say, “yet I will hope, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!” This tells me I can choose to focus on my problems or I can focus on God, on worshiping Him for who He is and rejoicing in His love for me. If you do not know Jesus as Savior, please go to my Faith Gallery page and download the free Connect to God file.    I’m sure you know that it is coming up to Easter Sunday or as I prefer to call it, Resurrection Sunday. Some of you are planning a family gathering, while others are staying home. I grew up thinking of Easter as chocolate bunnies and egg hunts. Later, I understood the meaning of this very special day beyond the candy and eggs. I hope you will take the time to reflect on what this day means to you and rejoice in once again celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you are not connected to God through Jesus, go to my Faith Gallery page and download the Connect with God pdf file.  Resurrection download is no longer available.
Spring is finally here, at least according to the calendar in the area of the world where I live. Looking outside at the overcast sky and wet ground does not inspire thoughts of spring! Is it spring time where you live? Do you see any signs of spring? My neighbors have a lovely display of daffodils and tulips. They are always out working in their yard and have beautiful flowers. My spring thoughts are turning toward not only flowers and my garden, but my art. Spring means new art, trying new ideas out and following my creative impulses to see what will happen. Are you doing anything special this time of the year? I sometimes go to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival because I love tulips and taking photos. Here are some photos I took at last year at the Festival. Not only did I take dozens of tulip photos, but I snapped a shot of anything else that caught my fancy! Check out the collage below and download the Rusty Bumper photo for free. 
I thought I would add another free download. This one is a tulip background. It's a little early here for the tulips to bloom, so why not anticipate the real flowers with some printed flowers? I am fortunate to live near the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm and I just checked their field report. Look them up at: https://www.woodenshoe.com/  Tulips2 8.5x11 inches. 
|
|||||||||
RSS Feed