.09
This was written as a lesson for a class taught at hat_sorting. Head on over and apply if you like Harry Potter!
REMEMBER. THESE ARE NOT TO BE TAKEN AS "HAVE TO" TIPS. USE THESE TO DEVELOP YOUR OWN GRAPHICS AND TECHNIQUES. :]
Lesson 1, Introduction and Cropping
There are always multiple ways to achieve certain effects. I'm merely showing you some of the ways to achieve certain coloring.
That being said, this first lesson is about cropping. So many icons have been made that are gorgeous in coloring, but the cropping makes it look not so fabulous.
Have You Said Hello To Your Cropping Tool Today?
First off, do you know where your cropping tool is?
In Photoshop, it's most likely found here.
When you use the crop tool, you click and drag to the area you'd like to crop. You can move it around the image to change the focal point of your crop. example.
Consider This:
When cropping, there are many things to consider, especially if you're cropping a picture/cap involving people:
♥ size of the image
♥ focus/position of the person in the image
♥ distance from the edge of the frame
♥ hair, eyes, lips, nostrils, chin, neck - basically, body parts.
♥ background images
♥ your goal.
Size of the Image
As most people realize, it's typically easier to work with larger images. These are often known as Hi-res or High-resolution images. For this lesson, the image i'm working with is here.
If the image is smaller, such as this one, the cropping possibilities are much more limited. Although not impossible.
Focus/Position of the Person in the Image
If the person is staring at something, it sometimes is a good idea to not include the object in the icon. This adds for a bit more mystery and a creative edge. However, if the person is about to kiss someone else, such as here, it might not be a good idea to crop the other person out. But it is your creative license to do so.
Distance From the Edge of the Frame
Using a picture in which the person is very close to the edge of the frame, such as in this picture, you have limited options for cropping. However, as in our example image, the subject is distanced nicely from the edge of the frame.
Hair, Eyes, Lips, Nostrils, Chin, Neck
Often times you want to make sure you don't cut someone's hair, eyes, lips, etc. in half. Examples will be shown later in the lesson.
Background images
Are the people/objects in the background distracting? Will they detract or add to your overall icon? Will they be able to be covered up? For example, if this image was cropped as shown, many people would be look at the gentlemen in the background as opposed to Harry.
Your Goal
Your goal is the most important thing. If you want to focus on someone's eyes, focus on their eyes! Do what you want to do with the image, but keep in mind the rest of the tips. However, there are always times to break the rules.
Examples of Good and Bad Cropping
The issue with this crop is the forehead. It has been cut in half, and it seems to never-end. Also, the hair that falls overh is forehead seems to appear from nowhere.
This crop is good because it allows ample room for text, and it doesn't cut off his face.
Although the head crop is a good idea, his neck is virtually non-existant in this crop. His chin is dangerously close to the edge of the frame, which makes it seem larger than need be.
This crop cuts off the end of his chin, which makes his head seem very wide.
This crop is getting there, but it leaves part of his lips in the image. This isn't quite the effect that the maker is going for typically.
This crop is good because it focuses on his eyes, and allows the rest of his expression to be a mystery.
This crop is both bad and good. It's good because Harry isn't way close up. It has the potential to be bad because of the potential of the objects on the left side. However, the crop does give plenty of area for text.
Center crops rarely work. There is no focal point for Harry's eyes, nor is there room for text, if that's your wish. Typically, center crops work better for profile images.
That's all I have to show you. Remember, these rules can be bent depending on the image chosen. Experiment, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Lesson Two: Black and White
Any questions, comments, etc. let me know. :]
REMEMBER. THESE ARE NOT TO BE TAKEN AS "HAVE TO" TIPS. USE THESE TO DEVELOP YOUR OWN GRAPHICS AND TECHNIQUES. :]
Lesson 1, Introduction and Cropping
There are always multiple ways to achieve certain effects. I'm merely showing you some of the ways to achieve certain coloring.
That being said, this first lesson is about cropping. So many icons have been made that are gorgeous in coloring, but the cropping makes it look not so fabulous.
Have You Said Hello To Your Cropping Tool Today?
First off, do you know where your cropping tool is?
In Photoshop, it's most likely found here.
When you use the crop tool, you click and drag to the area you'd like to crop. You can move it around the image to change the focal point of your crop. example.
Consider This:
When cropping, there are many things to consider, especially if you're cropping a picture/cap involving people:
♥ size of the image
♥ focus/position of the person in the image
♥ distance from the edge of the frame
♥ hair, eyes, lips, nostrils, chin, neck - basically, body parts.
♥ background images
♥ your goal.
Size of the Image
As most people realize, it's typically easier to work with larger images. These are often known as Hi-res or High-resolution images. For this lesson, the image i'm working with is here.
If the image is smaller, such as this one, the cropping possibilities are much more limited. Although not impossible.
Focus/Position of the Person in the Image
If the person is staring at something, it sometimes is a good idea to not include the object in the icon. This adds for a bit more mystery and a creative edge. However, if the person is about to kiss someone else, such as here, it might not be a good idea to crop the other person out. But it is your creative license to do so.
Distance From the Edge of the Frame
Using a picture in which the person is very close to the edge of the frame, such as in this picture, you have limited options for cropping. However, as in our example image, the subject is distanced nicely from the edge of the frame.
Hair, Eyes, Lips, Nostrils, Chin, Neck
Often times you want to make sure you don't cut someone's hair, eyes, lips, etc. in half. Examples will be shown later in the lesson.
Background images
Are the people/objects in the background distracting? Will they detract or add to your overall icon? Will they be able to be covered up? For example, if this image was cropped as shown, many people would be look at the gentlemen in the background as opposed to Harry.
Your Goal
Your goal is the most important thing. If you want to focus on someone's eyes, focus on their eyes! Do what you want to do with the image, but keep in mind the rest of the tips. However, there are always times to break the rules.
Examples of Good and Bad Cropping
The issue with this crop is the forehead. It has been cut in half, and it seems to never-end. Also, the hair that falls overh is forehead seems to appear from nowhere.
This crop is good because it allows ample room for text, and it doesn't cut off his face.
Although the head crop is a good idea, his neck is virtually non-existant in this crop. His chin is dangerously close to the edge of the frame, which makes it seem larger than need be.
This crop cuts off the end of his chin, which makes his head seem very wide.
This crop is getting there, but it leaves part of his lips in the image. This isn't quite the effect that the maker is going for typically.
This crop is good because it focuses on his eyes, and allows the rest of his expression to be a mystery.
This crop is both bad and good. It's good because Harry isn't way close up. It has the potential to be bad because of the potential of the objects on the left side. However, the crop does give plenty of area for text.
Center crops rarely work. There is no focal point for Harry's eyes, nor is there room for text, if that's your wish. Typically, center crops work better for profile images.
That's all I have to show you. Remember, these rules can be bent depending on the image chosen. Experiment, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Lesson Two: Black and White
Any questions, comments, etc. let me know. :]