Objective

To learn Photoshop and Illustrator production techniques by example. To experiment with techniques of manipulating scans for creative effects by recreating the book cover below.

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Discussion

Going from vector to raster is easy: any vector image can be resterized to any file size. Going from raster to vector is harder. Most scanned images don't translate well into outlines. The trick is to know what will vectorize well (i.e. organic shapes with few colors). In this exercise, we will manipulate a photograph to the point where it will translate well as vector.

Procedure

Manipulating the scan in Photoshop

1. open "winona.psd" in Photoshop
2. practice Adobe navigation shortcuts (space=hand, space+cmd=zoom in, space+cmd+opt= zoom out; cmd zero=fit in window)
3. reduce moire pattern: filter > blur > gaussian blur (minimum amount)
4. dupe layer, rename "eyes", hide previous layer (for safe keeping)
5. image > adjust > levels: make hair solid black
6. erase unwanted art by painting with white
7. repeat for "nose", "mouth", "hair", "face"
8. select "face" layer: image > adjustments > invert (cmd+I)
9. rename "face" layer as "bg"; move "bg" layer to bottom
10. composite all layers: layer mode=multiply (except for "bg" layer)
11. retouch any art that is touching (watch the gap around the hair)
12. save, close

Creating the art in Illustrator

1. launch Illustrator
2. file > new "winona.ai" (letter, portrait, CMYK)
3. practice Adobe navigation shortcuts (space=hand, space+cmd=zoom in, space+cmd+opt= zoom out; cmd zero=fit in window)
4. practice essential Illustrator hot key (cmd+Y)
5. file > place "winona.psd"
6. click "live trace", show tracing options dialog (adjust threshold, etc); ignore white=yes
7. expand (click button in options bar)
8. object > ungroup (cmd+shift+G)
9. window > swatches: select all unused, delete (flyout)
10. add new CMYK spot colors (include rich black: 100K+50C) (tip: spot colors show up in InDesign)
11. select bg object, colorize, cut
12. new layer "bg": edit > paste in front (cmd+F)
13. repeat with lips
14. new layer "eyes": draw white shapes
15. new layer "type": add "WINONA" (Goudy Old Style)
16. extend art to accommodate type

Painting with symbols

1. new layer "texture"
2. window > symbols: select all unused, delete (flyout menu)
3. window > symbol libraries > artistic textures: splatter
4. paint with symbol sprayer tool ([ or ] to change size, OPT to erase)
5. adjust symbols with other symbol tools
6. colorize with symbol stainer tool
7. save

Printing with InDesign

1. launch InDesign
2. file > new: 7x10 inches, portrait; margins=0; bleed=1p, bottom slug=3p (more options)
3. file > place "winona.ai" (cmd+D)
4. crop for bleed
5. new layer "box": draw black box (use rich black)
6. new layer "type": add type "A BIOGRAPHY by Jay Smith"
   (Franklin Gothic & Goudy Bold Italic)
7. window > output > separation preview: review each printing plate
8. window > swatches: change spot colors to process
9. add slug at bottom with your name (color=registration)
10. print composite color (setup: page position=centered; marks & bleed: include slug area)

Grading

1. submit a proof with your name on it for grading
2. file your graded proof in your 3-ring binder for individual review