Photoshop is typically utilized to edit existing photos. Simple touch-ups on professional head shots, contouring certain features o
f models, and adjustment of colors and lightings are very common applications of Photoshop. However, it can also be used to create business cards, illustration, and pattern making.
As someone who is more drawing-oriented, I’m constantly looking to test out different drawing platforms. I had briefly been introduced with Photoshop, but never taken a formal class. Through this Digital Sandbox, not only was I able to learn basic photo editing skills, but also learn to draw via Photoshop.
The final project for this Sandbox consisted of 3 pieces, all inspired by Photoshop Lady. Of my three pieces, my pattern left the most impact on me. The pattern encompasses my favorite flower, the peony, which symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, and honor. These are three aspects I hope to achieve in life.
The pattern was created by translating a repeating basis. The basis was hand-drawn, scanned and redrawn via Photoshop. Colors and shadows were added before the basis was repeated. Each basis consists of groups of threes to reflect the common Asian belief of harmony of hell, Earth and heaven. Overall, the process indirectly correlated to my major, MSE, where crystallography is the reason for many of our materials’ properties.
This piece is an application of my knowledge of one of my major fundamentals, but it also was an outlet for me to express my love for art.