Adobe InDesign Part 2

I learned;
By default InDesign thinks in pica and will automatically convert any other measuring system that you enter when setting up a document. The blue line around the document is the slug area, this can be printed or not and is extra space at the bottom of the document for additional notes. The red line around a document is the bleed line, this can be used as a guide when working with images if you want to image to print to the very edge of the document.

It’s helpful to know that the most recently added objects appear on the top of a document, if you hold the control button before clicking you can select the object behind. Double clicking on the title of a layer allows you to change the name. To the right side of the layer in the control panel is a square that indicates the objects on that particular layer. By moving this square you can move the objects to another layer. Control, alt, “g” allows you to select all the guides on a page and locking a layer prevents you from highlighting anything on that layer.

The control panel at top of screen gives easy access to most frequently used editing tools and is context sensitive, depending on what is selected.

Certain panels are grouped together. You can change the width of the dock, making only icons viewable or move the placement of the panel by double clicking on the tab. You can customize keyboard shortcuts as well as menus by turning certain options on, off, or highlighting by color. Under the window menu the save workspace option allows you to save your menu customization.

The dotted line shows an image or text that is part of the master elements, not a regular document page and can only be edited from master page.

You cannot create an image with InDesign, it must be imported. When importing InDesign will load a thumbnail of the image on the curser and by clicking you can place it. The type tool creates a text frame as well as allows you to edit text. You can create a shape by using the pen or pencil tool. Click one point and then another to create a curve, click and hold to alter the curve.

To apply an object style to numerous objects first, manually format image the way you want. While object is selected use the object style panel to choose a new object style. By un-checking all the basic attributes it allows InDesign to apply only the effect you want applied. Shift, click to select all the objects you want to alter and choose your new object style. Once this new object style has been applied anything you do to one object afterward will apply to the rest.

The text wrap option is under the window menu. To apply a text wrap it does not matter if the image is in front or behind the text you want to wrap. The buttons at the top of the text wrap panel offer different wrap options, the third will wrap around an image.

I found the first video about setting up a new document the most helpful since it explained how to view numerous pages and the tricks about selecting each one.

3 Tips for Tackling a Self Portrait

http://www.artistsnetwork.com/article/Three-Tips-for-Tackling-Your-Self-portrait/

I found this link helpful because the suggestions were very basic, right to the point, and make a lot of sense. The second two were ideas that I had never heard before when making a self portrait and the first is always good to be reminded of.

I may not be able to limit my time in Photoshop for the final project because of technical difficulties but it would be interesting to create a few quick sketches using the program, once a get the hang of the basics, just to see what happens.

Doing a self portrait in Photoshop would really allow manipulation and exaggeration of one's features. I don't know if I'll be able to manipulate an image in that way but there are other ways of going about that idea and I'm interested in incorporating this into my final piece.

Self Portrait Imagery

http://www.artnet.com/Magazine/reviews/karlins/Images/karlins2-23-2.jpg

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/12/19/Mapping_071219024913107_wideweb__300x375.jpg

The above links will take you to two different sculptural self portraits. The first is done by Robert Arneson, a ceramic artist and the second is by Tim Hawkinson. The second is titled "Ballon, Self-Portrait #4" and is made out of latex. I am very drawn to both of these images.

The overall mood of Arneson's work is very interesting, everything works together while truly highlighting individual aspects of the piece. Arneson chooses to realistically portray himself but the facial expression shows that he can be lighthearted and isn't always so serious. Is something I share and would like to show in my own self portrait.

This is my first time seeing Tim Hawkinson's work. This self portrait is non-specific and when viewing this piece I assume it is to convey a feeling or idea that is experienced by the artist on a personal level but is something that many people can relate to. I like that something that is so personal can shared on a universal level. To me the work describes something that a lot of people can relate to, this is something that I would also like to capture in my self portrait.

Elements & Principle Slideshow

http://s991.photobucket.com/albums/af37/drentm58/?action=view¤t=b0649ad3.pbw

I know for the example slide-show that was given the link does not take you to a page with a bunch of stuff in the background. I'm not quite sure how to do this, the link I posted is the only way I am able to view the show. Other than that putting together the slide-show was very easy and these exercise was a really helpful way to reflect on the elements and principles.

InDesign Videos

Before watching these videos I did not even know what Adobe InDesign was. So I learned the very basics of the program and that it is used for editing or creating graphic design work as well as professional literature. I learned the difference between the black and white selection tool and that you can crop on an angle. I did not retain much information from the working with text video because I had nothing to connect the information to and did not understand the reasons behind the editing he did. The text style short cuts were helpful and seem to be a useful time saver. The first part of the bullet and numbering video seemed very familiar to how those options work in word but the different bullet levels and numbering across unthreaded frames was way over my head. The text wrap demonstration also seems like it would be very helpful and I would like to try it.

The video about making selections was the most helpful because this is something I would utilize a lot in this program. I can't think of anything right now that I would use this program for where I would need to know more advanced ways of manipulating text.

I felt that I got the most out of the demonstrations by Anne-Marie Conception. This is partly due to me finding the information she discussed most relevant. Her speech pattern, the tone of her voice, and the pauses she took made it much easier to follow. David Blatner said a lot of information in a short time and I had a little trouble keeping up, his voice sounded very rushed. Terry White and Colin Fleming were a little easier to listen to.