This is my Historical Figure Stamp project. This lesson was very interesting for me. I had to learn how to use the Quick Selection Tool properly and refine my mask. I watched the video twice but would forget the little things. This project has shown me that the little things matter. I chose my historical figure, Ernest Everett Just because he was my great-grandfather. We had to choose someone from the 19th century and what better an option than my own great-grandfather. During this lesson, I learned some things about him. Mainly how he died and more of his accomplishments.
For my project, I picked a background image that seemed appropriate to what my figure did for most of his life - science. Then I made a copy of the background image. Afterwards, I used the Mask device to put pictures of him atop the background image. For each picture, I altered the brightness and contrast so that I could most effectively use the Mask tool and so that the Mask tool could differentiate between the background and the segment of the image that I wanted to crop out. I also manipulated the transparency of my image.
This is the final result of my project. My first step was to create my custom template that was 2' by 3'. My orientation was landscape, and I used CMYK and 330 ppi. I then placed the image that is at the top of this blog onto the template. Then I proceeded to lock that layer. I then used the Text tool to type "USA 46¢." I then duplicated that layer, erased the "46¢" and replaced it with "FOREVER" for my forever stamp. I also typed in the name of my historical figure, Ernest E. Just. For my text, I used the transparency tool and changed the colors. I then used the rectangle tool to create a rectangle the size of my template. I then went to Effect, pressed Distort & Tranform, clicked on Zig Zag, and created my border for the stamp. I duplicated this, then made sure that it was on both the "46¢" layer and the "FOREVER" layer. I then added a Drop Shadow by clicking Effects at the top menu tool, clicking Stylize, and then pressing Drop Shadow. I chose the Multiply option. Next, I went to the artboard to make my template larger so that when I saved my data, my stamp edges along with my shadow would be visible. Then I saved this onto my USB and on Webs and Devices and added it to my Google Docs. I am somewhat satisfied with the outcome of my stamp. If given more time, I would try to improve my images and the smoothness of them, but other than that, all is well.
