Workshops

So I finally went to my two STAR Lab workshops for class.

The first workshop I went to was Photoshop II. Here, I learned about layers and how they work within the program. I also learned how to flatten an image. My instructor explained that flattening an image takes all of the layers and makes them into one image, thus making that single layer a background layer. Flattening an image is beneficial because it creates a smaller file to work with.

I also learned how to work with selection tools like the rectangular marquee, elliptical marquee, polygonal lasso, magnetic lasso and the magic wand. I also learned some general selection key commands to help maneuver around the program more quickly.

The second workshop I attended was Flash I. I had never worked with this program before but I learned a lot of the basics. The instructor talked about keyframes and basic animation. During the workshop we learned how to animate our names, and make a boat float across the screen.

From going to these workshops, I basically learned that the only way to get around these programs is through trial and error. Luckily I have access to Photoshop outside of the STAR lab. I've already started playing around with it a little bit but it's kind of overwhelming since there's so much you can do.

As for Flash, it seems a lot easier than Photoshop. I'm sure with a few visits to the STAR lab I can have some cool animation on my website.