Module 2 Lesson 2- "The Middle Path" (Intermediate)
 - More on Layers and Vectoring (con't)

Let's Giv'em Somethin' To Talk About!

So now the coolmaps resort has a bigger lake. In spite of a higher water bill, Tal has said, "Spare no expense! I want a giant sand box at the resort!

Well, since we know it's easier to spend someone else's money, let's give Tal a real treat! Back in your PSP with your vector image open, create a new vector layer. Choose the Preset Shapes tool and pick a shape for the sand box. (The KROW chose "hexagon"). Be sure that "antialiased, and "vector" are checked in the Properties palette. On the left side of the resort, click and drag to make Tal's sandbox. Notice when you release the mouse, the sandbox stays selected with the box with handles on it. Grab the handles and adjust the size of the sandbox until you think it's either big enough to impress the tourists, or gives Tal enough room to stretch out to make him think he's at a real beach.

Put A Name To That Face!

Once you have the sandbox placed and sized as you like, make another vector layer, then choose the text tool and label your sandbox so everyone can see Tal's new playground!

By now you should have about 12 separate layers in your one image. Take some time and look through the Layers palette to see how the vector objects and different layers relate to each other. Notice when you click on one of the vector objects, it automatically highlights that part of the image. Move, skew, shrink or stretch any of the objects in the image until you get them in the places you want them.

With all these improvements, the map needs a new name! RIGHT click on Layer 9 in the Layer palette. This pops up a menu of options. Choose delete to remove the title on the map. Create a new vector layer and choose the text tool again to make a new name. Use vector text so you can adjust the words to fit your map.

Lobster Anyone?

Ok, one last change to our map, and we can begin selling tickets to the coolmaps resort. Somewhere during the growth of the lake and the increased water bill, Tal managed to get the idea that it would be cool to be the first at the resort with  a tan. In his haste though, he managed to grab the bottle of boat motor oil instead of the coconut oil. After a full day in the sun, he came back sun burnt enough to give any self-respecting "delicacy for dinner" a run for it's money. With your now keen sense of color and sharp wit, figured this would be the "photo opportunity" of a life time to let tourists know the coolmaps resort is truly a "fun in the sun" kind of place to be!

Back in your PSP Layers palette, click to highlight Layer 7. (this happens to be the image layer of Tal on the map). Just to the left of the Layers are slider bars for adjusting the opacity of the layers.

Click and drag the slider for Layer 7 until it reads "56". Watch Tal's face turn a deep shade of red! What's happening is, as you lessen the opacity of that layer, PSP is letting the bottom layer (the red circle) "show through".

When you have all the objects on your map just the way you like them, do an SOS (to preserve the layers for future use....or changes when Tal decides he wants a new marina built for the new boat he's buying....whichever comes first). Then, you can adjust the size of the entire image to suite your needs. (In the menu click "Image" and "Resize" and select your options). Here's The KROW's map:

Next save your image(s) in jpg or gif for web (or another format for other uses) and you're done.

COOL KROW CLUE
Need a great way to inform all your clients and friends about your new work as a graphics designer? Then checkout ccc's SendLetter. The perfect way to keep everyone updated on your latest news and events (what better way to advertise your new map!)

By now you're a real Paint Shop PRO and are able to create most any type graphic. Keep practicing and check back for the final stage of our Workshop: "For The Long Haul" (advanced) where you'll learn how to use the 3rd party plug-ins from "Blade Pro Surface and Texture Generator". With Blade Pro you create sharp, textured effects with the click of a button! Be on the cutting edge of graphics and learn more about Blade Pro here.

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