Me, Myself, and IAlter-ego trading cards

Stephanie Escobar

Cristina Rivera

Megan Suender

Christine Rojas

Overview

A computer assisted lesson using Photoshop in order for students to learn basic tools and effects possible through the use of this program.

Students will create a 2D digital composition and print wallet size copies to be exchanged in class.

Students will create a unified composition from several different sources. By doing so we will focus on these tools…

Tools

Art Concepts

Exploration of the various sides of an individual’s personalities.

Juxtaposition of these differing personalities integrated into one composition.

Exchanging of cards will allow students to understand each other in a fun way to help create unity in the classroom.

Art History/Artists The ancient Roman god Janus with his two heads

looks simultaneously back at the last year while looking forward to the new year. He is the god of gates, doorways, beginnings, endings, and time. He was worshipped at events like harvest, planting, marriage, and death. He was often used to symbolize change or transitions in time. The month of January, derived from the Roman calendar’s Januarius, has its origins in the name of the two-faced god.

Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s painting The Two Fridas explores the split self by the doubling of herself. This doubling suggests an inner and outer reality being played out in the body, a typical theme of Surrealist art work. The painting began after the end of Frida’s tumultuous relationship with artist Diego Rivera; it is believed to be an expression of the loss and confusion Kahlo experienced as a result of the couple’s divorce. Each Frida represents a different side of herself, the Frida on the left represents the unwanted “Frida” dressed in typical European fashion hinting at her mixed Spanish, German, and Jewish heritage while the Frida on the right represents the loved “Frida”, dressed in traditional Mexican garments she embraces her native roots. Frida once said “I experienced intensely an imaginary friendship with a little girl more or less the same age as me … I told her my secret problems. Which ones? I don’t remember. But from my voice she

knew everything about me…”

Before students begin creating their Alter-Ego compositions they will be exposed to a brief history of art related to the concept of another “I”.

Art History/Artists Contemporary photographer Derek Blanks is a

self-labeled “connoisseur of imagery.” Blanks has gained notoriety with his famous celebrity “Alter Ego” shoots. He plays with the opposition of his subject’s personality while playing up the drama

and glamour. By placing unusual elements together he forms unique and beautiful

transformations of his subjects. Extensive use and knowledge of programs like Photoshop are used to

seamlessly create his compositions. Cindy Sherman, conceptual photographer and

film maker, constantly embodies different “I’s”. Her photographic portraits explore the sometimes

conflicting roles and representations of women in modern society. Sherman has said “I feel

anonymous in my work. When I look at the pictures, I never see myself; they aren’t self-

portraits. Sometimes I disappear.” Her photographs are arranged in series around a general concept; in these series she takes on

different personas through make-up and costumes. These photographs are meant to evoke

different reactions from the viewer ranging from the playful to very dark.

Examples

Me, Myself and I: Alter-Ego Trading Cards: Computer assisted Project Once Photoshop program is open: Go to File and select New Title your project Change the size: width 2in. height 3in Change Background to white To open images - go to File select open and select images (do one image at a time) To crop a section of the image use: -quick selection tool on left hand side toolbar Use plus icon located above to select all areas you want to crop out. -use subtract tool (also above) to undo or unselect something you have previously done. Copying and Pasting -Once you have selected the area of the image you want to crop, go to Edit and select copy -Click back to your original canvas; go to Edit and select Paste Size and Scale -To make an image larger or smaller go to Edit and select transform, then select Scale; to enlarge or minimize drag corner of the

box with you mouse. Cropping -To crop a picture use crop tool on left hand side toolbar; for a more detailed crop zoom in using the zoom tool on the left hand

side tool bar or apple + Merging Layers -Everytime you add a new image or an effect to your original canvas it adds a layer; to combine layers; go to Layers and select

Merge Down (this will combine all your layers in one). -If you want to move layers (if you want to move something to the front or back) go to the Layers toolbar on the right hand side and

drag the layer up or down depending on desired effect. Saving File>Save as> JPEG

Problems anticipated with students

Cheat SheetWhen researching for images be aware of sources to avoid viruses

*Enlarge image: Control plus sign

To make image smaller: Apple minus sign

*Undo: Control Z

*Copy: Control C or Edit and select copy

*Paste: Control V or Edit and select paste

*To undo minimal mistakes or you change mind:-Go to Edit and select Step Backward (it will undo the last thing you’ve done)

-If you dislike the results and want to return before using the step backward, go to Edit and select Step Forward.