Photoshop Project

Assignment #1 -- Composite Narrative (self-portrait)

Snap-shot explanation of the assignment:

• Create two self-portrait type images, one that incorporates your face into the picture and one that does not.  Both images should contain multiple images (on layers) and should serve as a true portrait of your total personality.

Detailed explanation of the assignment:

1. In this assignment you will use Photoshop to create two composite narrative images. Create a new Photoshop file 13" wide by 19" tall at a resolution of 150 dpi, RGB color mode (approx. 16MB file). The resulting image will be shown as an electronic projection on screen during critique time. (Don’t scan or save at a higher resolution, as your storage area will fill up in no time).  Your final image(s) will be printed out using a high-resolution printer (located in lab b at Landon) AND a second version (.jpg format) will be made accessible to the Internet.

nar-ra-tive, n. = 1. A narrative account: story. 2.The act or an example of narrating.
-nar-ra-tive, adj.

How can you represent a composite narrative, visually using Photoshop? Will you narrative be fact or fiction? Will realism, fantasy, fantastic realism come into play? Will the narrative have an emotional impact? Will it be rich with poetic symbolism? What kind of story will you tell visually? What are the themes of your life/your story? This can be as simple as a self-portrait based on your life/your experiences. Or you can create a surrealistic narrative rich with irrational juxtapositions. You’re the narrator, you decide. Stay away from the literal. Be imaginative and experimental.

Use and mix any possible visual resource from your own materials. You may not use published material. It is important to make art from your own sources. Scan textures, found objects, old photographs, lost material in the bottom of your book-bag. You may scan sketches, finished drawings, writing...anything. Do not rely on filters to create an emotional/visual impact. Excessive use of filters is off limits. Instead, think of the formal elements of line, color/value and texture available through Photoshop tools.

2. Before you begin make a series of sketches to consider the design and composition of your piece. This will help you to decide on the size and placement of your Photoshop files. Drawing is the best way to sort out and resolve your projects.

3. When all of your sources are ready open them in Photoshop and begin to cut, paste, clone and transform the composite file. Consider the way in which you will be combining imagery. How is meaning formed with the layering of visual images? You may also use the text tool. Think about the relationship of text to image. How do these elements relate and interact?

4. During the first critique (formal class discussion), be ready to discuss the execution of your first project, from the idea/aesthetics to technique. Bring your preliminary sketches and your project saved on a zip disk. Come to class prepared and ready to promote discussion. It is the responsibility of everyone to make critiques a success. Come to critiques ready to give and receive constructive criticism, ask questions and promote the discussion of digital art and ideas.

Specific grading criteria for assignment #1:  

• Three final quality images.  Each image should include at least three, or more, layers.

• Incorporate thoughtful/personal imagery (personal narrative theme).

• Each image should include two or more applied filters and/or effects/textures.

• All images should demonstrate superior craftsmanship (no jagged edges, blown-out details, etc.).

• Correct size, resolution, and format (800 x 600 pixels, 200 resolution, .tiff and .jpg format).

Samples (images produced by Georgetown University students during the Fall '03 semester -- courtesy of Mrs. Brady Robinson / instructor):