As computers and other technologies advance, there is more and more than can be done to aid enameling. This chapter provides information in this area. For example, it already provides a few ways your smart phones can be used to aid enameling - like an app that converts photos to etchable images. From talking with others, the author finds out additional uses of technology. This page provides the new information, not in the book, in the order of the sub-table of contents enteries. How to organize this page was a bit of an issue so I decided to first list the Technology chapter's Table of Contents (TOC). Within this are links to the new information. Technology Chapter - TOC
File/folder NamingThis one does not fit into any category of the TOC, but... My background is math and computer science. Most, if not all, people with this background are very organized. From my experince in programming I know how important it is for code and files to be organized and easy to maintain. This led me to develop a naming convention for files and folders associated with my artwork. I offer my convention here for those of you that have trouble coming up with a file name for a piece and/or have trouble finding it.
Smart Phones/TabletsThe book discusses different ways to use these devices for enameling. Here are some not already listed... Color Value CheckSometimes enamels of different colors have the same value and thus are not a good match for side by side coloring. To test for this, take a photo of the colors on your device and edit the photo to black and white. If there is not much of a difference in black and white, you might consider choosing different colors. Magnifier on an iPhoneDid you know that your iPhone can be used as a magnifier? I'm sure the other smart phones have this feature, but I am not familiar with them. Just knowing, though, that you have this feature will allow you to search the web for how to use it. The instructions below are for Apple iPhone (and similar for iPad) devices. The magnifier allows you to freeze an image, enlarge it to various magnifications, and save an image for future reference. Certainly better than a normal glass. You can also use the flashlight to brighten the image or use Auto-Brightness, and apply color filters To start using your magnifer you will have to enable it.
How to useOnce you have enabled the magnifier, access it by one of the methods described above. The screen you get is similar to the camera. Focus the camera's eye over the object to be viewed. Then you can...
For more information, watch this video by MacRumors. Computer GraphicsThere are bascially two types of graphics on the computer - Vector and Raster. Here is a descripton of how they differ. Note two things: photos have to be raster and if you are drawing and want to re-size the image, vector is a better format. The industry standard for vector graphics is Adobe Illustrator, and for raster graphics is Adobe Photosop. These are expensive software programs. The good news is that free or inexpensive, less feature rich programs, are available - search the web. Just be sure that the software will allow the saving of files in .jpg and .svg which are needed for many devices. Cricut MakerThe Cricut Maker is another plotter/cutter that can help you with enameling. Teri Brudnak has cut "Paper, cardstock for roller printing and stenciling enamels, drafting film, adhesive vinyl masking for anodizing and etching, wax stencil paper, 40 gau copper sheet (also embossing for copper sheet), thin plastics and decals." See the photo at the right. Here is her document that Teri has permitted me to post that describes the differnent types of computer grahics, some basics in using Adobe Illustrator and links to free equivalent drawing programs, basics on preparing and saving files using the Cricut Maker. Go Teri! Photos Into DrawingsHere is a really great free service to turn your photo into a line drawing. it's by a site called Rapid Resizer and could not be easier to use. I find it useful to get proportions correct. The resutling drawing is the same size as the one you started with so if you need a certain size, use a photo with the correct sizing. Here's a sample: Engine Turning MachinesEngine turning may be a dying art, but some still do it. In the past most engine turners do not sell to other artists, but here is one who does! His name is Tig and he is in Canada, but from the US. Tig's Engine Turning site is informative and his work is beautiful. He works with not only Rose and Straight line machines, but with a Brocade machine which gives incredible results. Photos will be coming soon!
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