FUN PROJECTS Adobe Photoshop_ TCEA

8504 Explore Fun Projects Using Adobe Photoshop

Patricia Kougar-Melton This workshop is designed to share lessons that I have found to
be successful and fun for beginning High School students in
Spring Woods High School
learning Adobe Photoshop skills and basic Design Principles.
Digital Media / Tiger Productions
After years of teaching Digital Media classes at Spring Woods
Studio K-207
H.S. and sponsoring our Tiger TV Broadcast Team, I have found
2045 Gessner Road
Houston, Texas 77080
that mastering Photoshop skills fosters a creative student that can
express an idea in our rapidly changing digital world.
Phone The following lessons were designed for students to learn, retain
713 365 4475 ext 3206 and think creatively with Adobe Photoshop.
Fax The fun part comes with involvement with the project, success
713 365 4474 from knowing the process, creating a product and the realization
that Photoshop application skills opened innovative ways to
Email solving a problem!
patricia.kougar- Teachers that have a basic understanding of the application will
melton@springbranchisd.com gain the most from this presentation. If you are new to
Web Photoshop, there is information on the Disk that will point you in
www.springbranchisd.com/springwoodshigh the right direction to gaining skills. If you are an expert on CS3
http://sbisdstudent.com/tigertv/ PS, please feel free to share helpful tips.

OVERVIEW
Welcome to PHOTOSHOP FUN for teachers of the Adobe Creative Suite
Ninety minute Workshop / Demonstration of two basic lessons
MAC Lab, Adobe Photoshop CS4

INTRODUCTION
Instructor background
Participant survey of experience
Lesson Demo / Participant Practice
Lessons
o Curriculum & Evaluation Guides
o Documents & Tip Sheets
o Galleries
o Lesson Plans
o Tutorials and Instruction Sheets
o Web sites

PROJECT ONE _ select and paint as creatively as your minds-eye!

DONUT
Football
Guitar

PROJECT TWO _ composite and transform with unlimited possibilities!

Digital Photos
KALEIDOSCOPE
Animation

SUMMARY _ Gallery Walk

www.kougarmedia.com

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Photoshop Donuts
Timing: Unit Activity approximately one week
Grade Level: High School
Subject: Digital Graphics / Electronic Media
Technology Applications

Lesson Description
Often students find it hard to work with PS selection tools and to come up with original ideas. This activity is
designed to show beginning students how easy it is to be original and set themselves up for artistic success as
well as becoming creative designers. In constructing a Photoshop Donut, students learn to think and be creative
with Photoshop tools. Use this lesson to introduce the concept of light and shadow and essential visual design
principles. Students will create a digital donut to illustrate their understanding of the concepts presented. Digital
compositions can be extended into other applications in the Adobe Creative Suite and design elements and
principles, such as balance and space, color, shapes, textures and text can be seen as universal to excellent
design. The desired outcome is a fun experience in developing a passion for learning.

Students will: one of many Video Tutorials on PS Basics http://www.graphicsdistrict.com/tutorials/video/photoshop-cs2-selections-part2/

Use Adobe Photoshop to create an original digital composition with a selected theme
Learn basic organizational and editing skills using the Layers Palette
Use, practice and learn PS selection, paint, brush, and text tools
Manipulated and transformed to form a balance composition using application skills
Illustrate understanding of the application and design concepts presented through an organized layered
Photoshop document illustrating the project theme.

Lesson Materials http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/photoshopextended/features/

Adobe Photoshop CS current version
Process Guides / Example Gallery
Lab with work stations & set up for demonstration
Digital examples with teacher demonstration
Reference Materials: on Elements & Principles of Design and Assignment Overview with Check List
Adobe Help Menu Overview

Lesson Steps

Introduce the project http://swhs.springbranchisd.com/movies/Donut2.mov http://www.goshen.edu/art/ed/Compose.htm#balance

1. Introduce the digital donut project to students. Explain why it is important to learn how to make accurate
selections. Demonstrate using the brush & text tool and options menu. Explain the color picker and
swatches palette. Demonstrate text tool options and related compositional issues. Continue the
reinforcement of learned application skills and processes. Stress organization.

2. Student should learn about the concepts of light and shade as it relates to form. They develop a critical eye
for good design and compositional elements (basic colour theory could be covered in a previous lesson)
Go to various web sites for a background on drawing, painting & compositional elements (Demo)
Practice organizational skills by showing how to use Bridge basics

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Donut Design Lesson for Adobe Photoshop Patricia Kougar-Melton kougarp@earthlink.net
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Creating the project http://www.graphicsdistrict.com/tutorials/video/photoshop-cs2-resizing-images/

3. Have students practice using PS tool options.

Students first create a new document (8 by 10 in RGB/72 transparent)
Students make an elliptical selection using guides
Students take away from the selection making a donut shape
Student use the paint brush with options to create shading for form
Students create toppings on new layers with paint tools. Layers are to be named and grouped
Students create a new layer for an interesting background. Show basics of gradient tool usage
Students use the text tool to add creative text to the document.
Students fill out file info from the main menu and save as a .psd document

Backgrounds can be as complex or simple as the experience level of the student, however it should
complement the composition. Balance: http://daphne.palomar.edu/design/bsymm.html

4. Students can draw with the use of tools in Adobe Photoshop CS3. By knowing how to create form using
selections and PS tools, students can better understand the use of PS styles. After students have created their
donuts, demonstrate how important composition (the arrangement of objects on a page) is to the design
Resources_ http://www.adobemagazine.com/ http://www.adobe.com/support/training/products/photoshop.html
WEB site Basic Skills_ http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/photoshop/l/bllps5out.htm

5. After students have created their Digital Compositions, instruct them to fill out a Check List on the required
elements for a successful design.

Presenting the project

6. Have students share their creative PS effects with other class members

7. Have a digital and hard-copy Gallery Display of selected student works

Extension Activities http://www.adobestockphotosentertowin.com/gallery/mashup.aspx

You can extend the content in this lesson into other simple shapes
Have students construct a Football using the take away selection tool
- Explain lesson basics showing expected design qualities

- Students should used organized layer files

- Add skills such as pattern overlays for pig skin effect
- Add transformation skills to create lacing
- Add Text as compositional object
- Finish as a graphic for a school event
- Introduce poster layout for publication/web design
Have students construct a Guitar using all selection tools

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Students should demonstrate an understanding of the basics light and shade, composition and PS technique:
PS brush tool options can be used to create airbrush effects _leads to better understanding of styles
PS selection tools provide a way to tell the application the intentions of the artist
PS layers provide a way to organize and manipulate
Experience gained from creating a simple object in a creative digital document is priceless

Assessment see also: ISTE NET*S Standards for Students

http://www.adobe.com/education/instruction/teach/visualdesign.html

Does Not Meet Expectations Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations

Image
Did the student
complete a digital
graphic showing the
image as a form?
Research
Did the student
acquire the required
information?
Presentation
and Understanding
of PS skills
Did the student solve
the problem?
Absent or incomplete image
Absent or incomplete document
Absent, incomplete, or
unfocused presentation
Creates a visual image of a
concept related to the
assignment.
Provides a document as
assigned, on the principles
of design and a clear
description of PS skills
Presents a psd file as
detailed in the check sheet.
Creates a clear and precise
visual image of a concept
related to donuts and
compositional organization
Provides documentation
detailing compositional
balance and the use of
Photoshop skills
Presents a clearly
outstanding psd
presentation. Makes a clear
connection to composition
and the use of PS skills.
Demonstrates the best
techniques (as listed in the
check lists) to create the
image.
Extra credit for inventive
brush techniques

*Visual Design Curriculum with instructor project guidelines and reproducible student materials from Adobe
http://www.adobe.com/education/instruction/teach/visualdesign.html

This lesson can be altered in many ways to allow for the creative use of a simple idea.
For beginners, I have found that this is the easiest way to introduce the essential PS skill sets and at the same time give a feeling
of accomplishment and success. Many thanks to Adobe for this wonderful tool

http://www.adobe.com/education/

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Donut Design Lesson for Adobe Photoshop Patricia Kougar-Melton kougarp@earthlink.net

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http://ncsu.edu/midlink/rubric_how-to.htm RUBRIC How-to
CHECK LIST: Did You________________
Real Donut Example_ TIP_ as the light hits the top of
the donut it appears lighter then the hole or the
edges, where the light is blocked. Use a feathered
brush tool with the opacity lowered and air-brush
the surface of your selection until you see your
selection shape take the form of a donut!
Donut Design Lesson for Adobe Photoshop
01. create a document with the correct size,
resolution and color mode
02. use the selection tools plus options to create a
basic donut shape
03. use the brush tool plus options to create a
lighted form from the selection shape
04. use the brush tool plus options to create
topping layers
05. create a design appropriate background
06. create design appropriate, imaginative text
using the text tool plus options
07. balance all objects within the canvas border
08. organize and named all layers
09. fill out the file information
10. save as: donutYOURLASTNAME.psd
11. sign your name in black Helvetica size 10 in
the lower right corner
12. use your vivid imagination _ congratulations
you are now a Photoshop Artist!
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Patricia Kougar-Melton kougarp@earthlink.net
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 P. Kougar-Melton kougarp@earthlink.net Strategies for Digital Media

Photoshop Donut Instructions: Create a digital composition called: donutNAME.psd

00. Go to the main menu File > New. Create a document that is 8 by
1. SELECT FORM 10 inches, RGB, 150 pixels per inch resolution.

01. After your PS document opens go to the main menu View > Fit
on Screen and (show) >Rulers. In your Document Window Click on
the white of the ruler and pull Guides to the top 3,4,5, and side
4,5,6, inch marks.
Go to the Tool Panel (on the left) and click on the Marquee
Selection Tool and hold until the Elliptical Tool appears. Look at the
2. PAINT FORM top Options Menu to make sure the first (New Selection) Option is
selected. Hold your mouse curser on the center cross hairs and
holding down the option key on your keyboard click and drag to
make a donut outer shape. (holding down the option key causes the circle to
open from the center/ normally it opens from the edge) Next, look at the
options menu again to make sure the third (Subtract from a
Selection) option is selected and this time hold your cursor on the
outer most upper left cross hairs, click, hold and drag to the outer
most lower right crosshairs. You should see marching ants in the
3. ADD TOPPING shape of a donut. Go to the Main Menu > file SAVE.
LAYERS
02. Go to the Tool Panel and click on the Brush Tool. Go to the
brush options and select a 200 pixel feathered (soft edge) brush.
At the top of the page in the Options Menu, change the opacity to
25% (this will create an air-brush effect) (change opacity as needed)
Look at your Layers Palette (on the left) and select Swatches. (If your
Palette is not showing go to the Main Menu > Window > and check on: Layers,
Swatches, Styles and History) (You can arrange & move palettes)
Pick a donut dark color in the Swatches Palette. Paint your donut
4. ADD STYLES shape to create a 3-D form. (The top of the donut is lighter because it gets
the most light. As you go towards the hole, light is blocked, so you must use
darker colors. Use darker colors around the edge to show form)

03. Create a New Layer (icon next to the trash can at the bottom of your
Layers Palette) Click on your Brush Tool and go to your Brush Options
to select a hard edge #13 brush. Make an icing mark around the
top of your donut. (check to see that you still have your marching ants and that
you are in a new layer) (use the brush options to create toppings on 3 layers)
5. MAKE 3 TOPPING
04. Go to the bottom of your Palette and click on the add a layer
LAYERS style icon (2nd from the left) Select Bevel & Emboss (size 3)

05. Make a total of 3 different topping layers, as described above.

If your marching ant selection goes away, use the Magic Wand Tool to select the
background (transparent pixels), Shift Click on the center hole to add it to the
selection. Go to the Main menu > Select Inverse

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 P. Kougar-Melton kougarp@earthlink.net Strategies for Digital Media

Photoshop Donut Instructions Continued page 2:

Make sure that your have selected the correct layer before you tell Photoshop
make a change. This is the number one trouble shooting suggestion when
something will not work. SAVE OFTEN

06. Next you need to move the donut and toppings to the top of
the page to make room for text. Shift click on each of your layers.
Go to the bottom of your palette and click on the Lock (chain on the
6. LOCK LAYERS left). Select the Move Tool (top tool)(keyboard short cut letter V) from the
TO MOVE FORM Tool Panel. Move the donut with toppings to the upper canvas.

07. Add a new Layer by clicking on the New Layer Button at the
bottom of the Layers Palette. Go to the Tool Panel and select the
Gradient Tool (if it is not showing, click and hold on the paint bucket as the
gradient tool is a hidden tool)
Select a Gradient from the Options Menu at the top of your
document. (gradient colors should show off your donut)
7. ADD BACKROUND
LAYER 08. Add Text by selecting the Text Tool from the Tool Panel on the
left. Use the default horizontal type tool setting and select text
options such as formatting, color and alignment. Type your title.

09 For added interest you can add the Warp Text Option to your
title. Go to the Text Options Menu and click on the Warped Text
Tool Icon (T on an arc) and select from the available options.
To add even more interest to your composition; go to your Layers
8. ADD TEXT Palette > Styles and select from the options available. Pick a style
that complements your donut and background.

10. Add a Drop Shadow to give your donut a 3-D look. Select the
donut layer > go to the Main Menu > Layer > Layer Style > Drop
Shadow (or go to the bottom of the layers palette to use the icon)
Organize your Layers by using the New Groups from Layers
options in the Layers Palette. Click on the triangle button at the top
right side of the Palette to show this option. First you need to tell
9. TEXT OPTIONS Photoshop what layers you want to group. Shift click on the donut
and topping layers and then go to New Group form Layers. Name
this group Donut & Toppings. Continue to group layer as needed.

Always check your options when

Photoshop does not respond as
you expect. For example the brush
opacity might be very low and that
10. ADD DROP 10. GROUP is the reason your brush does not
leave a strong paint mark!
SHADOW LAYERS

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 P. Kougar-Melton kougarp@earthlink.net Strategies for Digital Media

Photoshop Donut Instructions Continued page 3:

11. Next you need to clear your guides. Go to the Main Menu >
View > Clear Guides
Although the guides do not print, it is good to look at your final
composition to make sure it is balanced and has an excellent over-
all appearance
11. CLEAR GUIDES
12. Go to the Main Menu > File Info and fill out the information.
You may copyright this document. It is an original work!

You should now save in a: .PSD file format to preserve all aspects
of your work.

CHECK to make sure:

12. FILL OUR donut created with airbrush shading (form in space)
FILE INFORMATION three different topping layers
one gradient layer background
text with effects
balanced composition
organized layers with names
file information completed
saved as: donutYOURLASTNAME.psd file

CONGRATULATIONS

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Kaleidoscope
Timing: Unit Activity 2 parts over 2 weeks
Grade Level: 1012
Subject: Digital Graphics / Electronic Media
Technology Applications

Lesson Description http://www.kaleidoscopestoyou.com/hiofka.html

Often students find it hard to come up with original ideas. This activity is designed to show students how easy it
is to be original and set themselves up for artistic success as well as becoming skilled digital designers. In
constructing a Photoshop Kaleidoscope, students learn to think and be creative with application tools. Use this
lesson to introduce photography, practice PS transformations and to further develop layer organization skills.
Students will create a digital kaleidoscope to illustrate their understanding of the concepts presented. Digital
compositions can be extended into other application concepts such as motion graphics using Adobe Photoshops
animation palette and visual arts elements and principles such as balance and space, color and shape in a
composite fantasy landscape or self portrait. Background on pattern: http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/p/pattern.html

Students will:
Use a digital camera to capture photos of car wheel coverings & ornaments.
Learn organizational and editing skills using Adobe Photoshop
Create a Color, Radial Balanced composition using photos creatively manipulated and transformed using
application skills (color/rhythm) http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/Pr.html#anchor1212158 / http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/r/rhythm.html
Illustrate understanding of the application and design concepts presented through an organized layered
Photoshop document.

Lesson Materials
Adobe Photoshop CS current version
Process Guides / Example Gallery
Lab with work stations & set up for demonstration
Digital Cameras or Stock Photos
Handouts: Required research on Radial Balance and Assignment Overview with Check List
Adobe DV_module_18.pdf (Photography) Adobe Help Menu

Lesson Steps

Introduce the project http://www.kaleidoscopesusa.com/Direct02.html http://daphne.palomar.edu/design/bsymm.html

1. Introduce the digital imaging project to students. Explain why it is important to take original photos for
design purposes. Discuss Kaleidoscopes and how the concept can be demonstrated using Adobe Photoshop
tools and application processes. Start the process of developing a critical eye for strong design and
composition. Continue the reinforcement of learned application skills and processes. Stress organization.

Research http://www.artsconnected.org/toolkit/watch_value_tint.cfm http://home.att.net/~B-P.TRUSCIO/SPECTRUM.htm

2. Student should learn about the concept of balance and develop a critical eye for good design and
compositional elements (basic colour theory could be covered in a previous lesson)

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Kaleidoscope Design Lesson for Adobe Photoshop Patricia Kougar-Melton kougarp@earthlink.net
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 Go to various web sites for a background on kaleidoscopes & compositional elements
Practice organizational skills using Adobe bridge
Creating the project http://www.goshen.edu/art/ed/Compose.htm#balance http://home.att.net/~B-P.TRUSCIO/COLORMX.htm

3. Have students take digital photos of car wheel coverings and upload the files to their computer.
Students must organize files using Adobe Bridge
Students must resample images to assignment specifications
Students must edit images in an innovative and creative manner
Student must make use of layers, options, and tools in a creative way
Students must organized layers so as to create a progression of design interest areas

For example, a student might quarter a section of a wheel cover and transform the sections into a radial
composition through duplication, rotation and flips. These layers would be grouped, duplicated and re-
edited for use with layer modes for a continued variation of design possibilities.
4. Students can create their representations with the use of tools in Adobe Photoshop CS3. By knowing how to
create from selections and transformations of photos, students can create sophisticated designs. After
students have selected and edited their photos, demonstrate creating the kaleidoscope effects using layer
options in Photoshop CS3.
Adobe Photoshop Guide: How to Make Selections / Transformations
Adobe Photoshop Guide: How to Rotate, Level, Crop, and Size Images
Adobe Photoshop Guide: How to Use Layer Options
Adobe Photoshop Guide: Resolution and Image Size
5. After students have created their Digital Compositions, instruct them to fill out a Check List on the required
elements for a successful design. Students should also make sure they have completed the required design
and skill sets on Kaleidoscopes, Radial Balance and Colour Blending.

Presenting the project

6. Have students save their compositions in a PSD file format for evaluation. Student should now go back
into their files and organize the different design layers for use in the animation palette.

7. Have students present their documents to the class, using the animation palette in Photoshop. This can
be a lead-in to an extension activity or a way of showing off project organization.
Adobe Photoshop Help Guide with Teacher Demonstration

Extension Activities

You can extend the content in this lesson in the following ways:
Have students use the Animation Pallet to create a motion graphic
- Explain animation basics

- Students should used organized layer files

- Make use of layer modes as well as transformations
- Use filters sparingly as they tend to flatten the composition
- Add timing as needed
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 - Save as animated gif or QT Movie
- This activity could carry over to Science or Psychology classes
Have students create Fantasy Landscapes using their Kaleidoscope designs
Have students add photos for a creative composite Self Portrait

You can extend the technical aspects in this lesson in the following ways:
Have students contribute their designs or animations to a class website, using Adobe Photoshop,
Dreamweaver or Flash
Have students save their designs in Acrobat Professional for poster work.
Have students illustrate the assignment using other CS3 applications.
Have students import their designs into Adobe Premiere Elements to be used for video promos.

Assessment http://ncsu.edu/midlink/rubric_how-to.htm How to Rubrics

Does Not Meet Expectations
Image Absent or incomplete image
Research Absent, incomplete document
Presentation Absent, incomplete, or
unfocused presentation
Meets Expectations
Creates a visual image of a
concept related to the
assignment.
Provides a research
document as assigned, on
the principle of radial
balance and a clear
description of kaleidoscope
principles.
Presents a psd file as
detailed in the check sheet.
Exceeds Expectations
Creates a clear and precise
visual image of a concept
related to kaleidoscopes and
radial balance
Provides written
documentation detailing
radial balance and
kaleidoscope principles.
Presents a clearly
outstanding psd
presentation. Makes a clear
connection to the radial
balance and kaleidoscope
principles. Demonstrates the
best techniques (as listed in
the check lists) to create the
image.
Extra credit for animation
files saved into gifs or QTs

Kaleidoscope used in a student Self-Portrait Composition.

Application used: Adobe Photoshop (student artist Sean Curcio)

Visual Design Curriculum with instructor project guidelines and reproducible student materials from Adobe
http://www.adobe.com/education/instruction/teach/visualdesign.html

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Kaleidoscope Design Lesson for Adobe Photoshop Patricia Kougar-Melton kougarp@earthlink.net
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page 12
WEB TOOLS helpful sites for PS teachers

ADOBE: http://www.adobe.com/education/instruction/teach/visualdesign.html
Certification: http://www.adobe.com/education/resources/ace/topics.html
BACKGROUND Kaleidoscope information: http://www.kaleidoscopestoyou.com/hiofka.html
BLOGS:
http://www.photoshopsupport.com/photoshop-blog/
http://europaukblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/photoshop-using-defringe.html
http://www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials/jennifer.html
http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/
http://davecross.blogspot.com/
http://blogs.adobe.com/jnack/
Brush use
http://www.photoshopsupport.com/photoshop-cs3/video-tutorials/photoshop-cs3-digital-paint-
video.html
COMPOSITION (elements of shapes and forms)
http://www.phong.com/tutorials/sphere/#top
http://www.toxiclab.org/tutorial.asp?ID=31
http://desktoppub.about.com/od/creategraphics/f/shadows.htm
http://www.goshen.edu/art/ed/Compose.htm
Design Principles (balance, color, pattern)
http://daphne.palomar.edu/design/bsymm.html http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/p/pattern.html
http://home.att.net/~B-P.TRUSCIO/COLORMX.htm http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/Pr.html#anchor1512158
Graphics.com How to
http://www.graphics.com/modules.php?name=Sections&op=listarticles&secid=24
Layers Magazine Tutorials
http://www.layersmagazine.com/category/photoshop/?gclid=CM7A8qWKkpECFTyKOAodOTW8Qg
NAPP
http://www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials/cs3-photoshop-
10.html#photoshop_cs3_tutorials_napp_learning_center
Photoshop Professionals Association
http://www.photoshopuser.com
PhotoshopSupport.com
http://www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials/cs3-photoshop-10.html
Photoshop Users TV
http://www.photoshopusertv.com/
Podcasts
http://www.photoshopkillertips.com/
http://www.graphic-design.com/Photoshop/monroy/index.html
http://photoshop911.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu5adJfxuhw&feature=related
http://av.adobe.com/russellbrown/UnderstandAnimationSM.mov
Rubrics
http://ncsu.edu/midlink/rubric_how-to.htm
Russell Brown Tutorials (fast moving)
http://www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials/cs3-photoshop-
10.html#photoshop_cs3_tutorials_russell_brown
SITES: Podcasts can be subscribed to via itunes with no charge
http://www.apple.com/itunes/
http://www.photoshopcafe.com/

Tutorial Listings from Adobe

http://www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials/cs3-photoshop-
10.html#adobe_photoshop_cs3_video_tutorials

Photoshop Fun _ Workshop TCEA P. Kougar-Melton kougarp@earthlink.net