Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Paint.Net Collage Wallpaper


8.RST.3 - Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.

8.RST.7 - Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table)


 

Paint.Net  Collage Wallpaper

For the Next 2 Classes we are going to build a collage that we can use as a computer wallpaper. The collage must have a theme, include several images, have some sort of text (i.e. a title), and fit the dimensions of a typical computer screen.


Before we begin, I will demonstrate some of the cool layer styles and effects that you find useful in your project.  I will also demonstrate the basic collage building process.  You will then have the next two days to build your collage.
  1. Create a new Paint.Net document using your choice of the following dimensions:  (Dimensions from W3Schools 9/19)
    1. 1366x768 (18.7% of computer screens use this resolution) 
    2. 1024x768  (13% use this resolution)
    3. 1280x1024  (11.5%)
  2. Sometimes it's better to fill your canvas with a certain color (i.e. black, blue, or green) to serve as a base for your pasted images, although you can create some interesting collages by using a textured background or even an image (i.e. the example showing Asian writing).
  3. Begin finding images [within your theme as well as being classroom appropriate] and save them to your pics folder in my Document\Tech 8.  Make sure the images are large enough that you don't have to stretch them on your canvas.

  1. Begin "pasting in" images and dragging them to the best fit on your canvas.
  2. You will use the Gradient Tool and choose one of the following: Linear, Linear Reflected, Diamond, Radial, and Conical to blend your images and soften the edges of your images.
  3. Choose a font that fits your theme, and place a title on your page.
  4. Choose a small font and put your name on your new artwork.
Finally, make sure you save your file as a PDN (Paint Dot Net Document) as well as a JPEG, then upload the JPEG to your Edublogs.org.

Here are some examples of Photoshop collages:









2 comments:

  1. Paint.net is (at least in our opinion) the simplest option on the list. It still comes with a ton of powerful features like layers, adjustments, and user-created plugins, but is simple enough that complete newcomers can grasp it immediately. The features are across the top, and filters are accessible from a drop-down menu.
    Some of the special effects are pretty cool: sharpen, blur, distort, emboss, etc. You can even get some Instagram-esque vintage effects in there for good measure. We don’t want to waste too much time on this one. It’s got a lot of features, an easy interface, and a simple layout. If you’re struggling with others on this list, then stick with the easiest option.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Paint.net is (at least in our opinion) the simplest option on the list. It still comes with a ton of powerful features like layers, adjustments, and user-created plugins, but is simple enough that complete newcomers can grasp it immediately. The features are across the top, and filters are accessible from a drop-down menu.
    Some of the special effects are pretty cool: sharpen, blur, distort, emboss, etc. You can even get some Instagram-esque vintage effects in there for good measure. We don’t want to waste too much time on this one. It’s got a lot of features, an easy interface, and a simple layout. If you’re struggling with others on this list, then stick with the easiest option.

    ReplyDelete