Although I didn't get a chance to use Illustrator in the production of the newsletter for 502, I can see how useful it is to create graphics--logos, ornamental flourishes, or flat-out illustrations. If I hadn't had a Soundgarden logo already at my disposal, I would have created one with that program. Also (and though I had no trouble using simple, recognizable glyphs), it would have been fun to create some unique symbols of my own to use throughout the newsletter.
I have already used PhotoShop on numerous occasions to help unify the color palate, temperature, and mood of photos in a given set. I like my photographic images to have deep, rich hues, and I like them to have high contrast. Of course, this is a personal aesthetic and may not always be called for. Photoshop gives you the opportunity to go in the opposite direction as well and make things muted and monochromatic. Unity is the key, and that's where I find PS to be most useful. I look forward to expanding my skills in creating composite images as well, and learning how to re-touch images as necessary.
Finally, InDesign is a wonderful layout tool. I have been creating posters for many years, but my experience lies primarily in making positives for silkscreens that are too big to scan. I have always wanted to be able to create digital posters, and now I understand that endeavor is really not dissimilar to creating spreads and layouts in InDesign. It all pivots around making text and images interact in both a functional and aesthetically pleasing way.
The most valuable thing I'll take away from this class is also the thing that presents to greatest challenge: I had zero familiarity with Illustrator before this fall, and it's the program that both intrigues and intimidates me the most. I look forward to working with it in depth in the future!
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