Schafer+Project+4

=**Project #1 - Instructions**=

Who knew it would be so hard to make an arrow! Whew!

I used 3 different layers. My first layer had the topic text on it. I tried to add a background color, but then I couldn't get the layering right, so I left it white. My second layer had the image that I captured. I tried two method; Command, Shift 4 on my mac, and jing. The jing image was a little clearer. The third layer I created was for the arrows. I thought there would be a simple arrow button. No chance. So, after much reviewing of my text and even trying to to draw my own, I finally figured it out. I wanted the background of my text box to be a different color for the text to stand out more, but I couldn't figure it out (and I was getting tired).

**Steps 2 and 3**
I did this page a little differently. I thought it was hard to see the text on the captured image, so I made the images smaller, and typed the instructions in a text box. I aligned the text box and the screen shot to the left of the page. I made arrows to indicate what I was talking about. So, I don't know...the image is better in the first one, but the directions are more clear in the second one (steps 2 and 3). I figured out how to change the arrow color! Yeah! But, I forgot to use layers!=( Opps!

**Step 4**
So, here is the last step to my instructions. I know they don't all look the same, but I was experimenting with different ways to present the information. I think I like Steps 2 and 3 the best. I put a blue rectangle behind my text box to make it stand out more. I'm sure there is a way to make the actual background of the text box a certain color, but I haven't found it, so I did it this way. I did a layer for each element on Step 4: the text at the top, the image, the arrows, and the text box.

I created this with jing (it's free!) in a very short period of time, and it looks so much better than what I tried to do in Illustrator. I even did one with audio in jing, but the whole image won't fit on this page.

media type="file" key="MYStep1Audio.swf" align="center" width="832" height="630"


 * I've always wanted to learn how to make instructions with screen shots! Thanks for the opportunity to learn it!**

=**Project #2**=



I used 3 layers for this project. I used a layer for the background color and picture. I tried to place the background color on its own layer, but I wasn't having much luck. The second layer I used was for the arrows. The third is for the side text that outlines the picture. I experimented with putting the text on the path of the arrow and using vertical text. As I create the projects I'm starting to remember some of the tools, liking scaling an object before you can write on it. It seems I have the most problems with basic things (like creating an arrow!). But, I will soldier on!!