Scanning!

Scanned images can sometimes come out with a moire pattern so it is important to select the 'descreen' button if you have the option. Some scanners, like mine, actually have this feature included automatically.

When scanning for blogs and the web, it is best to select the dots per inch (dpi) of 70-80, however the higher the dpi, the greater the clarity of the picture. This image was scanned at 75, and again at 150, 300, and then 600 dpi. [pictured in this order, from left to right and top to bottom.] There is a subtle moire pattern on the images at the top, but as the dpi gets higher; the shadow on her face gets clearer, and colours slightly brighter.

Interestingly, scanning has better results when the image is gloss not matt, according to the scanning tips from Digital Fashion Communication.

This design development sketch was scanned in black and white at 75 dpi, as that is the best resolution for a blog.

This fabric was scanned in colour, also at 75 dpi, as this is the ideal resolution for blogs.

moire image: win wenger

Homework task #2!

Let me take you on a journey into the land of photoshop.

Each image is usually made up of layers, which separate different aspects of the image, so they can be changed without disrupting the other parts of the picture. So this image to the left has 5 different layers; the blue oval, the grey shadow, text, the background, and the model. Therefore if I wanted to erase the grey scribble, I could select to work on that layer, and wouldn't end up erasing the background too!

If I wanted to perfect the shape of the blue oval, but can't see the bottom of it...I could hide the layers with the model, grey shadow, and text [this is shown in the picture below.]





So it's exactly the same image as above, but the layers have been switched around.

You can do other fun things like make a layer more transparent, or delete the whole layer if you decide you hate it...but the rest of the image will be the same as before.

And there's a tab at the side of the screen, so you won't lose your mind flicking between the layers...

Homework task #1...

*Find 2 interesting fashion blogs to follow, and explain why you have chosen them.

1. So before this homework task I knew of Tavi Gevinson, and her blog, but I was a sceptic. It just blew my mind (/perhaps filled me with a touch of envy) that this 13 year old girl attended the top international fashion shows, was so knowledgeable about fashion, and had a killer wardrobe, with labels like Yohji Yamamoto, Comme Des Garcons, and Dior millinery!!!

But then I read the blog.

And it is brilliant.

It's totally unpretentious, easy to read, and entertaining. She is super-savvy about the fashion industry, with a really interesting perspective... like comparing Prada fall 2010 with the 1960's musical 'How to suceed in business without really trying'.

She has links to really interesting articles, like: Why fashion is worth blogging about, Bloggers Vs Traditional Fashion Media, and Why I hate fashion.

Tavi's sophisticated insight, easy to read writing style (far from the look-what-I've-done-with-my-life-and-I'm-only-13 Smugness I was expecting) and amazing pictures, make her blog a winner!

I wonder what the kids at her school think.

2. Number 2 was vary hard to decide. Can i call it a 3 way tie??

* Fifi Lapin is an absolute aesthetic treat. If nothing else...worth a visit for the pictures! Such a cute concept for a fashion blog. A lovably cute cartoon + detailed fashion coverage. What more could we ask for??

*Fashion toast. Amazing pictures: lovely and clear, interesting, and beautiful! The backstage perspective of fashion shows gives the blog kudos...something different from the regular catwalk perspective.

*Could be the adorable name/fringe. But Susie Bubble, of Style Bubble has got a blog worth reading. Again there are great pictures, as well as a warm, easy to read writing style!

Another blog I've begun following is Girl With a Satchel. While not explicitly a fashion blog, it delightfully rounds up the latest fashion media. Insightfully written by Erica Bartle, a former Girlfriend mag employee. Definitely the perfect pre-newsagent hub!

Images from: A chic life, Circulador, Grazie la Brenno, Trendy Crew.