Just clearing the palate for a sec, enjoying some Irish kids enjoying the heck out of music:

[Via]

Designer Shyama Golden (whose portfolio I’ve mentioned previously) has set up a happy hour for designers this Wednesday in San Francisco, 6-9pm. Interesting folks like Sebastiaan de With & former Adobe/now Apple UI designer Johnnie Manzari should be there, and I’m planning to attend. As always I’d love to hear what you’d like Adobe to be doing vis-à-vis mobile devices.
Also a reminder that if you’ll be a bit south tomorrow night, you’re welcome to check out the San José Photoshop User Group meeting; see previous post for details.

If you’ll be in San José next Tuesday evening, drop by Adobe HQ (map) for a Photoshop User Group meeting featuring Lee Varis:

Lee Varis is a photographer, educator and digital imaging artist, based in LA. He will present a brief overview of his 30 year imaging career and show some of the movie posters and other interesting projects he has worked on in the first portion of the presentation.

For the second half Lee will demonstrate his “10 Channel Workflow”, a radical new image enhancement routine. The workflow is based on applying individual channel luminosity to the color image to manipulate tonal separation and contrast apart from the color. This approach can create sophisticated effects that could not be achieved any other way. Read on for more details.
Continue reading →

Seriously, meatbag: you’re going down.

[Via]

The interesting little PenMoto project aims to let you switch between stylus & keyboard use more easily. Check it:

If nothing else I want to see a Kill Bill-style shot of design geeks coming down a hallway, flipping handfuls of these things like butterfly knives. (Bahm BAHM bum.) [Via]

Ever wanted to switch among multiple slice sets in Photoshop (e.g. to manage multiple pages within a single PSD)? If so check out SliceMaster from Electric Iris. As the quick demo video shows, the tool lets you associate slices with layers, then switch among them easily. [Via Jeff Tranberry]

As an alternative to RSS, Twitter, and Facebook updates that accompany new blog posts here, you can now opt to get notifications (including context excerpts) via email. I’ve added a widget to the right-hand nav area.  If you sign up & run into any problems, please let me know via comments. (In case you’re curious, I’m using the Subscribe2 plug-in for WordPress.)

I’ve long dug the beautiful light work of United Visual Artists. Check out some recent loveliness:

I’m delighted to see the launch of the Photoshop Family Feedback Site (feedback.photoshop.com), a resource for learning about the app & influencing the team with ideas and requests.  PM Jeff Tranberry has written an intro & FAQ:

Do you have an idea for a feature that would help your workflow? Is there a small change that could be made to make your life a little easier? Let us know!

We will read every post and use the information and rankings you provide to help inform the future of our products.

This feedback site in not an official support channel. We welcome you to use this site to post questions in search of answers – and hopefully – more often than not, your questions will be answered by either someone from the user community or someone from one of the product teams.

Jeff notes that the feedback site won’t replace the user-to-user forums, but over time it may replace feature request and bug reporting form.  “The advantage,” he writes, “is that customers will have better insight on what requests have been made and will have the opportunity to help rate and rank those requests for future consideration.”

And with that, please let us know what you think.

Delightfully simple & absurd:

[Via]

Heh–a novel visualization of classic computer imagery:

[Via]

Whether or not you’ll be in San Jose in a couple of weeks, this may be of interest:

“Ask the Web Experts” Free Adobe User Group Meeting

April 5, 2011 – 6 pm

Adobe San Jose – broadcast live via Adobe Connect

Register here.

Our Experts Panel:

• Sid Maestre, Developer Evangelist, Paypal, Manager, “Bay Area Mobile” User Group
• Doug Winnie, Principal Product Manager, Interactive Design and Workflow Lab at Adobe Systems, Inc.
• Richard Galvan, Product Manager, Adobe Flash Professional CS5
• David Hogue, Vice President, Interaction Design, Fluid, Inc., Co-Manager, “Fire on the Bay” Fireworks User Group

Agenda:

6:00-6:15 – Introduction, Raffle ticket sales

6:15-8:00 – Discussion of trends in web, mobile, interactive design – examples of good/bad design

8:00-8:15 – Break

8:15-9:00 – Questions from the Audience, Raffle Drawing

I’ve long admired the work of BLITZ Agency, from the Flash/Wiimote collaborative drawing tool they made several years ago to the lovely CS5 launch materials.  Check out their new site (“powered by #tigerblood,” they note) for a great pairing of graphic design with HTML savvy.

Speaking of HTML5 (or “HTML,” as the cool kids now apparently say), there just may be some interesting news coming out this week. Stay tuned.

The $9.99 SneakPeek for iOS enables an iPad to preview Illustrator & InDesign documents, even showing fonts & colors used in the latter.  In a comprehensive overview, Adobe evangelist Terry White says, “This app is a must have for the InDesign and Illustrator users out there. It’s also an Art Director’s dream come true.”  Nice.

Bryan Denman’s Mr. Stacks “is a Photoshop script that rapidly generates storyboards, stacks, and PDF(s) for CD check-ins, client-ish presentations, and whatever else it is you do. Helping to Nail some of the most monotonous tasks in art direction.” Check it out in action:

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that DesignScene for iPad, a tool for browsing feeds of visual inspiration, really needed support for saving links to Instapaper (critical for me as I surf around looking for ways to link-bomb you). I’m delighted to see that a new update adds just that; thanks, guys!

“A friend just emailed me this Sapporo commercial,” writes reader Trent, “and I thought, while watching it, that this is in John Nack’s wheelhouse.” I’m inclined to agree. (Full-screen viewing recommended.)

Just as I was graduating from college & researching a design career, I found myself at the Chicago studio of JoBe Cerny, who’s (quietly) known at the voice of the Pillsbury Doughboy & as the silent Cheer detergent pitchman from the 80’s. I found his foley (sound effects) setup fascinating. I similarly enjoyed this glimpse into the world of foley pro Gary Hecker:

SoundWorks Collection: Gary Hecker – Veteran Foley Artist from Michael Coleman on Vimeo.

[Via]

The date almost got past me, but with a few hours left on this February 19th, I’d like to wish Adobe Photoshop a happy 21st birthday! This being the US, the app can now legally drink, and I trust it’s getting its bits sloshed at the Caravan. You can see the team hoisting a few glasses via Facebook.
What a long, interesting road it’s been, as you can see in this infographic on The Evolution of Photoshop. Thanks as always to the Knoll brothers, Mark Hamburg, Russell Brown, and all the other unreasonably talented folks who’ve brought us the app over the years–and to all the customers who’ve let me play my small part in the Photoshop journey.

From today through Wednesday night (Feb. 16 at 11:59pm PST), customers in North America can save 10% on a full or upgrade version of CS5 Suites & individual CS5 apps for Valentine’s Day.  Please use offer code FEBCS10SM at check out on the Adobe.com store.

…with a side of Processing & Cinema 4D:

[Via Kim Pimmel]

As I’ve mentioned a few times, ever since the CS5 release started coming in for a landing, I’ve been working to develop new mobile applications at Adobe. On Photoshop I always worked with a talented group of fellow product managers, but my blog audience may not yet know them well. I’m overdue in helping to set that right, so I asked them to introduce themselves:

Bryan O’Neil Hughes is the Senior Product Manager for both Photoshop and Bridge and a pinch-hitter for the Lightroom team. Since 1999 he has helped to test, drive, demonstrate, and lead development of Adobe’s professional digital imaging applications. Bryan is the Photoshop team’s primary worldwide spokesman and can often be found leading seminars, user groups, and workshops. Before joining Adobe, he was a professional photographer and retoucher. Beyond Adobe, Hughes is a published photographer, editor, and author. He is also a driving instructor for the BMW Car Club of America. When he isn’t driving very quickly, he enjoys running marathons very slowly [Infinitely faster than I would. –J.].

Zorana Gee, M.B.A, is a Product Manager for Photoshop and Photoshop Extended. She has been on the Photoshop team for over 10 years and involved with Photoshop Extended from the beginning. Zorana is instrumental in the 3D effort as well as driving many other feature improvements within Photoshop. She is a published author of 3D in Photoshop: the Ultimate Guide for Creative Professionals and the iPad app Photoshop 3D Guide. Zorana speaks worldwide representing Adobe and the Photoshop family line of professional products. Outside of Adobe, her time is often spent teaching the art of Capoeira to her community. She has been training and teaching Capoeira for over 12 years and holds a black-belt (equivalent).

Pam Clark is the Group Product Manager for Photoshop where she helps define the future of the product, works with the teams to create each version and then ship it out the door to customers. She is also heavily involved in Photoshop’s social media activities on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. If you don’t see her in the office (next to mine), she’s probably out miss-hitting balls [Her words! –J.] on the tennis court.

As for me, I still sit with the Photoshop team, and I remain passionate about helping info flow in both directions.  I’ll try to keep posting interesting bits, and I’m happy to help pass your thoughts to Bryan, Pam, Z., and the rest of the crew.

[Update: I’m brain dead, and the event is scheduled for Thursday, not Wednesday. Sorry about the confusion. –J.]

Russell Brown’s presentation last month drew the biggest crowd we’ve ever had for a Photoshop User Group meeting in San Jose. In case you missed it and will be around San Francisco Thursday night (6:30 start), you’re welcome to come by Adobe SF (but please RSVP as remaining space is limited):

Using your iPad, iPhone or Galaxy Tab as a Photography Portfolio

In the first part of the evening, Russell will spotlight an collection of useful tips for publishing your photo portfolio to your favorite portable devices. Learn some techniques for exporting images from Photoshop CS5 as an album without having to navigate through iPhoto. Also discover the wonders of PDF export from Adobe Bridge CS5 and see how to publish your own portfolio books to share with others.

Create Natural Toned HDR Images, and the Wonders of Camera RAW & Smart Objects

OK, we have seen the classic over-saturated, and super-sharpened HDR photos, but now it’s time to move to the next level of HDR imaging. Russell will discuss some of his favorite new methods for a new, more gentle and realistic looking HDR toning. This process may have you revisiting some of your earlier HDR shots and processing them again. All these techniques will be done using HDR Pro in Photoshop CS5. Also covered in this part of the evening will be Dr. Brown’s Photoshop tips for working with Camera RAW images in combination with Smart Objects. Learn the true art of Photoshop creativity with these nondestructive techniques.

And to top it all off, Russell will be graciously offering some great raffle items!

“If you have never seen Photoshop, you’ve missed one of those glorious rare moments when software approaches perfection. Adobe is humble about Photoshop, calling it a ‘photo design and production tool,’ but no one who’s used Photoshop is so reserved.”

— Byte magazine, April 1993 [Via Kevin Connor, who’s been on the team nearly that long and who was cleaning some old boxes out of his office]

Brad Goodspeed used After Effects to create an interesting planetary visualization. “The basic idea is, each planet you see is the size it would appear in the sky if it shared an orbit with the moon, 380,000 kms from earth.”

See his post for more details. [Via]

Too terrific not to share:

(says the guy who, 10+ years on, still thinks that turning his key to roll all his Golf’s & Jetta’s windows up/down is kinda magical) [Via]

If you’re interested in the intersection of Photoshop & Web/screen design, you might want to tune into The Big Web Show (hosted by Jeffrey Zeldman & Dan Benjamin) today at 12pm Eastern/9am Pacific. Improving the Web design & animation process is what drew me to work at Adobe, so it’ll be fun to get back to my roots.

“I recently heard of a grade school child coming across a old corded telephone in a junk shop,” notes blogger Michael DiTullo, “and exclaiming to her parent ‘look, this way you won’t lose your phone!'” I feel this way whenever our little guys try to push a button on my laptop screen by, well, actually pushing it. Related cuteness/puzzlement ensues:

Somehow I never quite got to this 1987 gem when it made the rounds a few months back. Without further ado, then:

[Via]

Headed into the third day of passionate, contentious, and ultimately very rewarding conversations with a new team, I sent them this image. Seems to have struck the right chord.

17 seconds very well spent. 🙂

I’m really pleased & proud to see so many friends & colleagues participating in the It Gets Better project. I found the piece below quite moving. Well done, guys, and thanks.

Russell Brown will be speaking this evening at Adobe SJ. Please see previous entry for details & RSVP info. And yes, by popular demand we’ll plan to record & post the session for those who can’t attend in person.

I’m always a sucker for behind-the-scenes peeks like this one from Brainstorm Digital:

[Via]

“Everything I did in my life that was worthwhile, I caught hell for.” — Chief Justice Earl Warren [Via California’s new AG, Kamala Harris]

Plotting a hell-catching, ass-kicking 2011,
J.

“Please do not watch this video,” writes Scott Kelby, “if you’re one of those really serious types that’s going to post a ‘Mr. Kelby, I am very disappointed in you…’ comment.” I couldn’t put it better myself.
I found this video funny and really well done, but it contains a Bad Word, so please skip it if that sort of thing bothers you.

(Incidentally, Photoshop does have a dedicated red eye tool.) [Via Barkin Aygun]

If you’ll be around San Jose next Tuesday, the evening of Jan. 11, come see Russell Brown present a double session to the Photoshop User Group at Adobe HQ:

Using your iPad, iPhone or Galaxy Tab as a Photography Portfolio

In the first part of the evening Dr. Brown will spotlight an incredible collection of useful tips and techniques for publishing your photo portfolio to your favorite portable devices. Learn some techniques for exporting images from Adobe Photoshop CS5 as an album without having to navigate through iPhoto.

Also discover the wonders of PDF export from Adobe Bridge CS5 and learn to publish your own portfolio books that you can share with others.

——-

Creating Natural Toned HDR Images, and the Wonders of Camera RAW & Smart Objects

OK, we have all seen the classic over saturated, and super sharpened HDR techniques, but now it’s time to move to the next level of HDR imaging.

In this presentation, Dr. Brown will discuss some of his favorite new techniques for a more gentle and realistic looking HDR toning. This process may have you revisiting some of your earlier HDR shots and processing them again. All these techniques will be done using HDR Pro in Photoshop CS5.

Also covered in this part of the evening will be Dr. Brown’s  Photoshop techniques for working with Camera Raw images in combination with Smart Objects.

Learn the true art of Photoshop creativity with these nondestructive techniques.

As always we’ll offer free pizza and drinks starting at 6:30, with the session commencing at 7. Please RSVP online if you plan to attend.

With Adobe taking a break for the rest of the year, I’m going to lay low for a few days, squire around a couple of rowdy tots, and generally enjoy Christmas with the family.  Thanks as always for reading the blog and for giving me the chance to work on interesting projects here.  I wish you and yours all the best for a peaceful, blessed holiday season.  I’ll soon return to pepper your consciousness with silly, bullet-listed ephemera. 🙂  Until then…

Cheers,
J.

Oh, now this just doesn’t look safe:

If you like the technique, see also Nike’s “Human Chain” ad:

[Via]

• Cool industrial chops: I dig Tokujin Yoshioka’s Transparent Cell Phone.
• Creatures:
  • You can give your cat a Van Gogh’s Ear toy. Really. I have no words for this.
  • Owls! Super cute felt iPad sleeves and iPhone cases.
• Playing with light: check out interesting photos and sculptures.

Rather delightful:

Heh: a little stop-motion fun from the design team in SF:

Update: How could I omit the making-of vids? Thanks to Kim Pimmel (the guy in purple) for the pointer:

According to PetaPixel, Modern Times “is a low/no budget film created entirely against a green screen with friends as actors.”

As often happens, I find the making-of video more fascinating than the more polished outcome:

[Via Mark Coleran]

If using InDesign to publish to tablets is up your alley, check out this live demo/Q&A session:

Upcoming Ask a CS Pro: Friday, Dec 17th,  12pm PST: Producing publications with Digital Publishing Suite! Learn how to use the tools and viewer technology of Adobe Digital Publishing Suite to produce publications for the iPad and other tablet devices.  Join Chris Converse from Codify Design to learn how to use the designer-friendly Digital Publishing Suite tools now available on Adobe Labs to create compelling content that combine the richness of print design with the interactivity of digital.

Dave Dickson and other members of the Digital Publishing team will be fielding questions alongside Chris. [Update: the recording is now online.]

Apple software engineer Andrew Carol pieced 1,500 Lego Technic blocks together to recreate a Greek computer that laid lost on a sea floor for 2,000 years:

[Via Deb D’Andrea]

Hah!

PHOBAR: -adjective, Acronym for ‘PHOtoshopped* Beyond All Recognition.’ A play on the the more popular acronym FUBAR: ‘F’d Up Beyond All Recognition,’ PHOBAR** refers to an image, usually a photo of a person, that has been retouched and airbrushed with digital image manipulation software on a computer so significantly, that the person in the photo is barely recognizable.

[Via Greg Geisler]

*Sorry as always, Adobe Legal.
**Not to be confused with a Vietnamese eatery, or CATOBAR, about which I was reading this morning

Gondrian! Escheresque! Inceptionoid!

I can’t help but think of Michel Gondry’s brilliant vid for “Come Into My World,” which you should see if you haven’t. (Give it a minute to get rolling.)

The Adobe Design Achievement Awards

celebrate student and faculty achievement. The competition showcases individual and group projects & honors the most talented and promising student graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, animators, digital filmmakers, developers and computer artists.

Prizes include a trip to Taipei, cash, copies of CS5 Master Collection, and more.  Check out the site to see details (FAQ) and to submit your entry.  (You actually have a while–’til June 24, 2011–but if you’ve got good stuff now, why wait?)