The document describes how the authors created graphics for a magazine spread using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. They made a gradient background in Photoshop using an eraser tool. In Illustrator, they created paint effects and copied them into Photoshop. They were able to edit symbols by breaking the link. They also created drop shadows by applying effects and adjusting transparency. They edited images by removing backgrounds and duplicating layers to combine black and white with color elements. In their evaluation, they felt using both Illustrator and Photoshop created a more professional look for the magazine spread.

1. How we used…
Adobe Photoshop
& Illustrator

2. Making a Gradient Background
We made a gradient
background by creating a new
layer, filling it black and then
using the eraser tool, rubbing
away the part we wanted until
the effect of the gradient was
achieved.

3. Creating the Paint Effects
In adobe illustrator we made
paint effects and then copied
them into Photoshop for the
graphic and unique effect. By
selecting the symbols in
illustrator and then dragging
them onto the canvas we were
able to edit them to our own
preference by breaking the link
of the symbol. Once the link
had been broken we could edit
the colour, size and dimensions
of the shape, this is what we
did before placing it on the
magazine spread.

4. Creating a Drop Shadow
Creating a drop shadow was simple editing technique which enabled us to add a
personal and differential approach to our magazine, whilst keeping to the genre and
considering the target audience. To create a drop shadow we double clicked on the
image layer, selected the drop shadow box and then pressed ‘ok’. The colour we
chose our drop shadow to be was black. Right clicking then enabled us to create a
layer from the ‘drop shadow’ effect. Once this was done we could move the drop
shadow and position it separately from the actual image. We also changed the
transparency so it wasn’t as sticking but more attractive to the audiences eye.
…

5. … Creating a Drop Shadow
Playing around with the drop shadow made us unsure of which shadow to
use as they all portrayed different effective visual expressions. To help us
decide we did some audience research to help get some opinions from the
target audience.

6. Editing the Images
We edited the images by removing the background with the magic wand tool the
selection tool and the polygon selection tool. We then duplicated the image so there
was two layers, doing this allowed us to make to top layer black and white and keep
the underneath layer colour, with this in mind Alice then erased the logo of the top on
the black and white layer so the red from the colour layer showed through. Harry did
the same on his with the red lips.

7. Evaluation
By using Illustrator as well as Photoshop we were able to
achieve a more professional and graphic look to our
magazine spread. Editing the images was an important
part of the process in making the magazine spread, we feel
we achieved the legit look by editing the contrast and
using the colour splash technique for the lips of the model
on Harry Brown’s and the logo of the t-shirt on Alice
Cowlings. Overall the use of Photoshop and illustrator was
convenient and worthwhile.