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CG131 Image Manipulation: Icon

Assignment
In this assignment you will be creating an icon to represent yourself in a chat program such as AOL Instant Messenger or MSN Messenger. In a 32×32 pixel file at 72 PPI, use the pencil tool to create an original Chat Icon. The icon should have the following qualities:

1) Correct dimensions and resolution (32×32 pixels at 72 PPI)
2) Anti-aliased (soft-edged) and shaded artwork that has shape and volume.
3) Created primarily with the pencil tool, built up pixel-by-pixel – no soft brushes, blurs or gradients.
4) Shows attention to detail as evidenced through use of the Zoom tool.
5) Either abstract or representational, but 100% original, and expresses an aspect of your own personality or artistic style. Be prepared to explain why if its not self-evident.
6) Saved in .psd format.

Save file as Lastname_Icon.psd Example: King_Icon.psd

Grading Criteria:
25 points – Built up pixel-by-pixel with pencil. Quality of anti-aliasing and shading
50 points – Originality and artistic impact of icon image
25 points – Correct file format (.psd), size, resolution and PPI

Readings
Photoshop CS4 Visual Quickstart Guide chapters 4&5

Adobe Help Online!
Adobe’s Toolbox Cheatsheet – Use this when you cannot find a specific tool.
Photoshop Tools – This is a good overview of how tools work in Photoshop.
about Scrubby Sliders – I did not make that term up!
Photoshop CS4 Keyboard Shortcuts (There’s a link to a PDF that prints on one page in the upper right)

Online Resources
Pixel Art Shading Tutorial
Dithering Tutorial

Student Examples

Tips

  • Learn the keyboard shortcut for undo. You will use it in every program and can save lots of time every day by hitting Command-Z (mac) or Control-Z (windows).
  • Learn to zoom in and out without using the zoom tool. You can press Command + or – (mac) or Control + or – (windows) to zoom in and out. You can do this with one hand using the Command or Control key to the right of the spacebar and the + and – above the return key.
  • Use the Pencil Tool rather than the Brush Tool for this assignment.
  • Lower the Opacity of the Pencil Tool when Anti-Aliasing and Dithering your icon.
  • Frame the image tightly. Do you need to show the whole face with neck and hair or can you just show lips or eyes? Remember you only have 32×32 pixels to work with!
  • Open up a separate view of your file so that you can see it large and small simultaneously. Go to the View Menu > Arrange > New View… to open a new view up.

Feel free to email me if you want feedback on your project while you are working on it or if you have questions.

Competencies
1. Comprehension of the fundamental Adobe Photoshop interface elements, including the toolbar, palettes and menu bar commands.
2. Creation of a file at proper size, resolution and color depth for use as a buddy icon.
3. Use and control of basic selection tools: Marquee and Magic Wand.
4. Use and control of painting tools: Pencil, Eraser, Line tool.
5. Ability to select proper foreground and background color choices using the swatches palette
6. Use of to Zoom Tool for optimal control over pixel placement.
7. Proper use of the vocabulary terms: pixel, opacity, aliased, anti-aliased, index color and dithering