I find that it works better to take all the files and open them up and inspect them, put them in the same RGB color space, save them at lower resolution (100-150 dpi) and then import them into a new document that matches the lower resolution. At this point you have much greater flexibility to move, resize, allow for accidents and to just have fun with the possibilities. When you have come close to what you want, then flatten that file, resize to 300 dpi and use it as a master file (bottom layer). Then re- import all the files you need placing each file over it's corresponding image to match size and position. That way you can take each layer and finalize it's color and sharpening (each image has different qualities regarding need for unsharp masking).
The general concept and work process are helpful. While I've done some collaging, I have MUCH to learn. Every bit helps.
In response to those who disagreed, I believe that the components of a collage can be medium rez (150-200 ppi) and "up-sampled" to 300ppi when combined. The individual elements will not fall apart (I believe) when output at 300. One of the negative responses alluded to this as well.
Submitted by photocrawf on Sat, 08/17/2002 - 03:14.
If you have a huge, mostly empty hard drive and tons of RAM this technique could work.
If you have average equipment, you should not paste all your potential images into one Photoshop document before you begin to work. If you do that, the file will be very large and slow - if your computer can handle it at all. Each time you go to save your changes, you will likely get an out of memory message and you should save often.
Also, if you put every potential image in the original file, then the decision-making process is not as considered and you are liable to end up with a big mess. Notice how all the pieces in the sample image are the same size. Nothing wins.
Think about each piece before you add it to your final file. Don't worry about the colors, if you open an RGB piece and your final file is CMYK, when you paste the RGB into the CMYK file it is automatically changed to CMYK and vice versa.
The final photoshop document will only have one type of color. Set your resolution and color preferences before you start.
This perspective is based on the need to print your work. If possible, I always work at 300dpi for print resolution. Even if the project is for the Web or TV where the resolution is quite low, a successful piece may have print applications later on and trying to reproduce an exact copy at a much higher resolution is time consuming and frustrating. Consider doing your work at a high resolution because you can always save a low-res copy.
A good example of why you want to do your originals at 300dpi even for the Web is because you may be printing the piece for your portfolio. Type that looks fine on-line, will be small and choppy when printed out for your portfolio.
Have fun. Layers can allow you to make some wonderfully complex images.
Aloha I need to do my product labels as a picture so I can import them into Mastro label template softwear by on-line labels. I thought that some of the info above would help.
What I need to do is have a white or transparant backrround in a 1.95"x1.95" box.
9pt text for product brand, then the logo pic. centered below it. Text in 8pt with product name, text in 6pt with instructions below that.
Would you please give me simple instructions on how to do this? I have really limited photoshop skills, sometimes it is just not knowing the term for what I want to do.
Great tutorial! I have developed a site dedicated to collage and mixed media art. There is some cool stuff on there. You can check it out at http://www.kohlage.com.
Work at lower resolutions first
I find that it works better to take all the files and open them up and inspect them, put them in the same RGB color space, save them at lower resolution (100-150 dpi) and then import them into a new document that matches the lower resolution. At this point you have much greater flexibility to move, resize, allow for accidents and to just have fun with the possibilities. When you have come close to what you want, then flatten that file, resize to 300 dpi and use it as a master file (bottom layer). Then re- import all the files you need placing each file over it's corresponding image to match size and position. That way you can take each layer and finalize it's color and sharpening (each image has different qualities regarding need for unsharp masking).
Good info for Newbies like me
The general concept and work process are helpful. While I've done some collaging, I have MUCH to learn. Every bit helps.
In response to those who disagreed, I believe that the components of a collage can be medium rez (150-200 ppi) and "up-sampled" to 300ppi when combined. The individual elements will not fall apart (I believe) when output at 300. One of the negative responses alluded to this as well.
Huge files are hard to work with.
If you have a huge, mostly empty hard drive and tons of RAM this technique could work.
If you have average equipment, you should not paste all your potential images into one Photoshop document before you begin to work. If you do that, the file will be very large and slow - if your computer can handle it at all. Each time you go to save your changes, you will likely get an out of memory message and you should save often.
Also, if you put every potential image in the original file, then the decision-making process is not as considered and you are liable to end up with a big mess. Notice how all the pieces in the sample image are the same size. Nothing wins.
Think about each piece before you add it to your final file. Don't worry about the colors, if you open an RGB piece and your final file is CMYK, when you paste the RGB into the CMYK file it is automatically changed to CMYK and vice versa.
The final photoshop document will only have one type of color. Set your resolution and color preferences before you start.
This perspective is based on the need to print your work. If possible, I always work at 300dpi for print resolution. Even if the project is for the Web or TV where the resolution is quite low, a successful piece may have print applications later on and trying to reproduce an exact copy at a much higher resolution is time consuming and frustrating. Consider doing your work at a high resolution because you can always save a low-res copy.
A good example of why you want to do your originals at 300dpi even for the Web is because you may be printing the piece for your portfolio. Type that looks fine on-line, will be small and choppy when printed out for your portfolio.
Have fun. Layers can allow you to make some wonderfully complex images.
how to build a custom label in 5.5?
Aloha I need to do my product labels as a picture so I can import them into Mastro label template softwear by on-line labels. I thought that some of the info above would help.
What I need to do is have a white or transparant backrround in a 1.95"x1.95" box.
9pt text for product brand, then the logo pic. centered below it. Text in 8pt with product name, text in 6pt with instructions below that.
Would you please give me simple instructions on how to do this? I have really limited photoshop skills, sometimes it is just not knowing the term for what I want to do.
mahalo nui loa (big thanks)
Liona
Far too much missing as far
Far too much missing as far as step by step. Put everything into new document! HOW.
Too much that you don't tell for step by step.
:O
wadafak is this!
EYESBLEED
A new site dedicated to collage!
Great tutorial! I have developed a site dedicated to collage and mixed media art. There is some cool stuff on there. You can check it out at http://www.kohlage.com.
bad
this is awfull