TUTORIALS

#1 Figure/Ground Reversal – Part 1
The following exercise needs to be completed prior to continuing with the projects. The purpose is by using a predefined grid system, create an interesting design that displays figure/ground reversal. Graphic designers use this concept on a daily basis.

Please Note: There will be a Part 2 to this project that will be discussed in class and will have a
dedicated web page for discussion and review.

Click here for Part 2 of this project.

Definition of Figure/Ground: Any object (photo., illustration, Typography, etc.) exists in space and shapes the space around it. Figure/Ground reversal, in the example below, means that the white areas form shapes based on the position of the black shapes.

Use the tools in Photoshop to create a page of interlocking shapes demonstrating figure/ground reversal. Create a series of studies and submit your 2 best for grading in a 8-½ x 11 plastic sleeve.

#3-WORD AND IMAGE:

NEW... Click here to view the video tutorial for the project.

1. Open Photoshop and make a new horizontal document, 5 x 11inches, RGB, 72ppi.

2. Open one of your scanned images and place them next to the new document.

3. Click back on the new document and grab the text tool in the tool palette and click in the middle portion of the new document.

4. Select a typeface of your choice from the type menu. Experiment with the type size, keeping in mind that your word must fit within the 11 inch length.

5. Type your word, center it on the page and click on your texture image files.

7. Chose select all from the Select menu and Copy from the Edit menu.

8. Click on the new document and paste the image file on top of the type layer.

9. Now select the image layer in the layers palette and choose Create Clipping Mask in the Layer menu at top of window. Or even faster, just click in the Layers palette between the two layers while holding down the Alt key (PC) or the Option key (Mac).

10. If you need to adjust the position of the  "mask", use the Move tool in the Type layer. Or if you need to edit the text, select the type layer and use the type tool.

11. Experiment! Use different texture and pattern elements for each letter in your word as discussed. You might also consider combining or collaging several images into one file to paste inside your word.