DECEMBER 2015

Topics & Vocabulary to learn:

Bitmap or raster images, vector graphics (page 208 - Adobe Photoshop CS6 Classroom in a Book PDF on desktop), shape layer, smart objects (page 227), blend modes, color adjustment, advertisements, magazine covers, book covers (and their importance).

This month you will continue learning new techniques and tools in Adobe Photoshop. You will learn to create “Vector Masks” using different images, the Shape & Custom Shape Tools, Text, the Pen Tools (as Selection Tools) and the Path and Direct Selection Tools. You will also review the Photoshop tools already learned and learn others like the History Brush Tool, the Red Eye Tool, the Eyedropper Tool, the Healing Brush Tool and the Stamp Tool. You will also learn how to “enhance” photographs and images, how to use blend modes and adjust color, and how to create “frames” and brushes in Photoshop. 

You will create advertisements, magazine and book covers, and other exercises (“Like René Magritte,” “Like Penelope Dullaghan,” “Like Jim Bradshaw,” Nike Ad & Others).

Why is advertising important?

Advertising is the best way to communicate to customers. It helps inform customers (and potential customers) about available brands in the market and the variety of products and services useful to them.  We can advertise using different techniques and media types, through TV, Website, newspaper, magazine, radio and other ads (advertisements). Through advertising we communicate ideas and transmit messages ("our product is the best," "we have the best price," etc.)

You also learn about "new" products and services through advertising. Companies and other organizations depend on advertising to introduce or remind customers (and potential customers) of their products and services. To try to convince them (and you) to buy their products or pay for their services. It is an important marketing tool!

Many companies would fail (go bankrupt) if they didn't advertise their products. Advertising educates people about the many products and services available out there. The consumer becomes aware of the many choices he/she has.

Advertising is important for both new and existing businesses, as it helps to communicate important information to customers and is one of the first steps in building strong relationships. It raises awareness for different brands that are available in the market. Therefore, creating an effective advertising plan is essential in attaining objectives and goals.

You use advertisements to advertise. The goal is to grab the viewer's attention and try to convince him/her to buy the company's products, or to attend a certain school or college. Messages must be interesting and simple. The simpler the better! You want the ads to be memorable. Check these links for some examples of effective advertising: ADS1, ADS2, ADS3, ADS4 and ADS5. If these sites are blocked, you can check them out at home, or find other examples of good advertising. 

Thank you!