11 March: From what he had learnt last week, we finally started creating digital patterns on the macs using Photoshop. We did mirror repeats and offset repeats.
We started off with Mirror repeats.
I scanned my previous work that I did in the lesson before this. This was inspired by the artists in which I had researched and analysed previously. I went to the printer to scan my work. I had accidentally scanned it in A4 so I had to scan in twice. This cost me some time. I know myself better than anyone and I know I work very slowly in something that I’m not familiar with. As a result, I finished later than the rest but it was worth it in the end.
I then took the photo out of my email and dragged it to photoshop. I used the rectangle marquee tool to help me select the feathers that I wanted. I use the lasso tool to help me select my feathers if they were too close together. I then created new layers individual to what I selected with my tools. At first I was lost and asked everyone around me but I realised the handouts we were given greatly helped me overcome my problem. I found that listening in class definitely helped me visually with my repeat patterns.
With that settled, I created a new blank A3 file. I moved the images holding down Alt to the blank A3 and duplicated the layer. I then went onto edit>transform>flip horizontal to mirror the layer. I made sure they were in line before merging down together. However, I only did this for some of my mirror repeats as I forget to merge it down. I regret not checking it first but I did get it right in the end with my last mirror repeat which is the picture above. I do not like the way I designed my feathers however, it was successful so I can’t really complain. It is after all, a trial. I duplicated the layers until the page was full with no empty spaces. Once I finished, I printed it out. I did 3 mirror repeats.
I honestly wanted to do so much more as I found mirror repeats to be so much more fun. The next repeat was offset which we did not learn in Textiles. For block offset repeats, I had many mishaps. My repeats became way too small and I honestly did not know what went wrong as I went through the handout thoroughly. I even asked my friends who were really good at offset repeats to help me out and she did not know the problem as well. I decided to move onto another Mac next to me. I then got it through with ease.
This was my mistake.
So, first, I created a blank square file 100mm x 100mm.
Then, I moved the images I wanted with a move tool and moved it to the blank file. I arranged it and then I merged all the layers together into one layer only. Next, I applied the offset filter to change the horizontal and vertical axis to 590 and confirmed and double confirmed that every wrap around is ticked.
I did not use the clone tool to get rid of the lines across my patterns as I didn’t see the need to but looking back. I wish I had because I wanted to try it out and learn how to use it. It is a shame.
After this, I defined my pattern and saved it to Photoshop. Once this was done, I made a new blank A3 file so that I could fill up the entire page with my pattern. It wasn’t easy but I somehow managed to do a few of them which is quite an accomplishment for me.
All in all, it was a good experience for me. I liked some of my designs but which had its ups and downs. I will continue to practice making repeats with Photoshop and keep on improving.
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