March 2011 - L'addition's addition

The original:

The brief:

Earlier this week, laddition - better known to us, perhaps, as Véro - shared with us details of her new home. Obviously she hasn't moved in yet, and I was wondering if the Forum could help her decide how to decorate the house. 

So what do we know about Véro? Well, we know she creates beautiful artwork, and we know she spends her days managing a warehouse and driving this fork lift truck. 

Finished work:

Click to view full size.

I'm back!

I've been having a pretty tough year, so I haven't been able to post for some time. Here's this week's effort for the How to Cheat in Photoshop forum.

The original:

The brief:

I was staying in a hotel recently that was grand enough to have its own snooker table. If you're not familiar with snooker, it's a British precursor to pool, played on a 12 foot table. 

I've removed all the balls except one, and I'd like you to put them back again. I initially photographed this table just before the start of the game, with all the balls in their starting positions: you can choose the point at which we view the action. Oh, and you might like to replace that blown bulb as well. 

For those unfamiliar with the game, you can see the layout and colours of the balls here. 

I'll post my original photo, with all the balls in place, next Friday. 

Finished work:

Click to view full size.

June 2010 - Dress the car

The original:

The brief:

As I was cycling through London yesterday, I came across an intriguing grass-covered car. 

It was covered in artificial grass to advertise a company called Easigrass, which makes - you've guessed it - artificial grass. 

And it led me to think: what else could we cover a car with, to advertise what kind of services or products? I've provided the car - all you have to do is cover it.

Finished work:

Click to view full.

May 2010 - The unwinding head

The original:

The brief:

I've just done a tutorial on the 'unwinding ribbon' effect devised by M C Escher, and I think it's an interesting technique for us all to have a go at. 

Taking this head as a starting point, can you unwind it in the most appealing way possible? I'll post the location of my tutorial next week, so you can compare your version with my own attempt. 

Finished work: (I told her not to pole-dance so fast!)

Click to view full.

The gondolier

The originals:

 

The brief:

I had a fantastic time in Venice last weekend, which must be the most spectacular city I've ever visited. Everywhere you look, the city is simply beautiful. 

Go round any corner and you'll come across a scene like this. Of course, this view would be greatly improved with the addition of a gondola. Luckily, I have one here. Those seats do look very empty, though... 

Finished work: (going rather off-brief for once!)

Click to view full.

March 2010 - The caveman cometh (HTCIPS)

The original:

The brief:

I had to do a job yesterday that involved a walking caveman. Curiously, even Wikipedia didn't have any photos, so I started from scratch by building this Poser model. After that, I went on to add... well, what needs adding? Can you turn this hairless ape into a convincing neanderthal? 

Finished work:

Click to view full.

March 2010 - a block of ice (HTCIPS)

The original:

The brief:

A technique challenge this week. Here's the word ICE, set in Myriad Bold. Can you make this look like the lettering is made out of a block of ice? 

There are several approaches to this one - I'll be interested to see what you all come up with. 

Finished work:

Click to view full.