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​Lesson 2 sections:​   2-1   2-2   2-3   2-4   2-5   2-6   2-7   2-8   2-9   2-JFF   2-IDEA

A02-IDEA: Portfolio Exhibit Idea Starters
Driving question: Can you create a portfolio exhibit that uses contrast, line, or masking in a creative, effective way?

Lesson 2 was all about masking - using curves and levels, and luminosity masking.  You learned more about the principle of contrast, and one of the seven elements of art and design - line.  You also learned how to create actions to speed up repetitive processes.  Can you come up with a portfolio exhibit that demonstrates that you've learned these skills well?  Be creative! Have fun! Here are a few idea starters! Remember to aim for a variety of graphic design products for your portfolio! Several ideas were also shared in lesson 1-5. Can you think of others?

In your Canvas modules - there is a section right at the top to help with portfolio ideas - "OPTIONAL - Portfolio Ideas and Practical Design Help." Take a moment to explore and see what's there for you!

Photo by Nathan Smith

Here's an idea I had about using line and luminosity masking. I took a photo of a rose and processed it in Photoshop, softening the image, but strengthening the lines of the rose petal. I used luminosity masking to change the petal colors a bit.

Try designing a page layout that uses images you've worked in Photoshop and camera raw, along with text such as this two page layout design. Yours could be about anything that interests you! I used Photoshop artboards and guide layouts to do this one with floral photos I shot.

Organic Lines by Nathan Smith

Here I wanted to just play with lines, shapes, and colors. The area of greatest contrast, and the jewels fall along a cross section of a rule of thirds grid. I wanted the shapes and lines to be organic and fluid. I love the triadic color scheme of red, yellow, and blue.

Photo by Nathan Smith

I took a photo of zebras at the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City. I wanted to emphasize the play of lines, so I've converted it to a black and white image, and adjusted the contrast and cropped in to emphasize the lines.

The Creator's Apprentice - watercolor by Nathan Smith

This is both traditional watercolor and Photoshop work. I created the mat in Photoshop. The painting is traditional watercolor. Here I've had a lot of fun just playing with lines - both to provide perspective and to deliver the message. The area of greatest contrast is the young boy, who has been placed on a rule of thirds cross section.

I love playing with fractal geometry,. Here, I've taken the image into Photoshop and experimented with luminosity masking for color and value changes to create variations in design.

Even invisible lines, such as creating a grid layout for a magazine article, or other published work creates strong visual alignments and helps organize your design. Creating such a layout would make a great portfolio exhibit! You could even use a mock-up to display your work!

Magazine mockup. Click to enlarge

Page last updated December 31, 2019