Photoshop as an Art Form

Whew it's been an interesting day. Thanks to everyone for their comments on my last post, they're very much appreciated. I suppose I need to grow a thicker hide when it comes to negative feedback. "Blog rage" is certainly not a new concept, and it's just a part of the blogosphere that I need to accept.

On a lighter note, here's a fun little image I just knocked out. My favorite part of my job, by far, is anything that involves Photoshop. Don't ask what this image for, just take my word that this is relevant to the project at hand. I don't pretend to be a Photoshop expert, but it's a lot of fun and I'm always eager to learn more about it.

The project has a 'Maverick' theme. Ergo, John McCain playing the role of LT Pete "Maverick" Mitchell with Sarah Palin as Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood from the movie Top Gun.

My Photoshop skills have a way to go, I know.

I must say, Photoshop truly is an art form unto itself. It's more than just knowing the program; mastery requires a certain eye for color and shape that is inherently artistic. Without those things, the image winds up looking unnatural and warped (much like the image above). Next on my list: Illustrator.

I think that these program skills are such a commodity in the workplace because so few people have the natural ability to truly master them. The only reason I'm able to use my Photoshop skills at work is because it's a small office, and I'm much less expensive than outsourcing a real designer. Which is something I'm glad for; it gives me an opportunity to practice and build up my portfolio. Any big office would have outsourced anything design related in a heartbeat. The office had been throwing around the idea of getting me classes, but I'm not sure if that's still in the mix. I'm interested in pursuing lessons on my own terms though, so maybe I'll begin taking classes at some point.

At any rate, this is a lot more fun than opening mail and pitching to clients. Keep tuned for more Photoshopping fun.

If anyone has a special Photoshop request and you'd like to see it posted, give me a suggestion and I'll try to make it happen. The more ridiculous, the better!