Digipac practice

Adobe fireworks is a photo editing program I am totally new to, it in is basic form is quite simple to use but as you delve deeper for me, I couldn’t grasp it without guidance. So, in one lesson we as a class got taught step by step instructions of the slightly complex but constructive sectors of fireworks, which make for a professional finesse of visual effects. Our teacher gave us two images to work with, one of a babies face and the other of a human skull, in the making of a rather disturbing CD cover.

Firstly, we had to import the images as JPEG files, then resized, positioned and rotated these so the two lines up in features, changing the transparency of the top image to see the arrangement was accurate. After completing this section I had to draw a path outlining the skull image. This took a great amount of concentration, as where using a pen tablet which was tricky at first as you have to have the knack for it but after a few runs the required effect was produced. After that I converted the paths to Marquees, and then I removed the background so the babies face was apparent behind the skull. Next, I had to create a mask with a gradient which gradually faded the image off in alteration from one to the other. The alignment of this gradient, and feather amount also were important to make the general image striking, fine-tuning these until the desired effect was created. With the hard part completed all that was needed was the album title/band name, which also was experimented with adjusting the fonts, warping etc.

This exercise has helped me in understanding how to use certain areas of fireworks which I were not accustom to, developing my skills so I am confident when coming to use it for the digipac and magazine cover. Reflecting on this I feel I could accomplish a professional quality result which is in accordance with the style of my music video. Nevertheless, I will continue practicing using fireworks, exploring each tool and effect with appropriate guidance when needed.

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