Brianna Munson-Perez

1. In as much detail as possible record the steps it took to create this project in photoshop. Use complete sentences.​

- First I created a new file, made the background transparent, and set the project horizontal. I used the text tool to type out my name and used the free transform tool to make the text larger and held shift to stretch out the the text vertically.  I searched the web for photos and dragged and dropped the ones I wanted to use into the page. Once I had 15 photos I started to resize them by using the “Free Transform” tool to make them the respectable size. Once I had an idea as to where I wanted to put the photo I clipped it into the text. If any photos went into another letter that I didn’t want it to go into then I used the paintbrush tool on the layer mask that I put on the layer to paint away any part of the photo that I didn’t want to be shown. Then I find what I want to make a pop out and make a copy of the layer with the photo that I want to make a pop out out of. Finally I use the quick selection tool to select the part that I wanted to keep and pressed the layer mask button to just keep what I selected, making sure everything is aligned and adding drop shadows to the pop outs and text to finalize it. 

2. What are clipping masks? How do they differ from just using the eraser tool in photoshop? How might you use them in the future to create more projects in photoshop?

- Clipping masks are used to put layers into a group that goes under the very first layer. The first layer is what determines the visible boundaries. This differs from the eraser tool in photoshop because it is much easier to clip the photo under the shape then to go around every image and try and erase it to the shape or text. It is also easier to be able to change the position of the photo if you no longer want it in that spot, you won’t have to erase it all over again. I might use this in the future to help create things like birthday cards or a collage of photos. 

3. What was successful in your project? What was unsuccessful and what would you do differently next time to solve this problem?

- The pop outs were most successful in my project, I was even able to add in an extra then required. I wasn’t unsuccessful at any part of the project but I could familiarize myself more with the different tools in photoshop and with any helpful shortcuts. 

4. Based on the learning target, "Create a multimedia collage of personal interests, identity, and culture in photoshop that demonstrates knowledge of media and technology skills by utilizing clipping masks and layer masks.  " what level of mastery does your project demonstrate (Exceeds, Meets, Needs Work, minimal understanding). Why do you think? Make sure to provide specific evidence.

- I think that my project demonstrates exceeding mastery because it completes all parts of the learning target and I was able to add in extra photos and pop outs while still making good time in the completion of my project. I was able to complete the project by using my resources (watching the videos) if needed, so I was able to complete the project by myself. Another thing I did was include a different font then provided by using a download off of Dafont.