The 2009 American Glass Guild Conference
July 16-20, 2009
Buffalo, New York
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Don Burt
Photoshop, Illustrator, and The Wacom Tablet: Favorite Techniques
In recent dialogs about digital tools and techniques on the AGG bulletin board and other stained-glass boards, one can sense the curiosity about the Adobe Products, along with reservations about their value and applicability to stained glass. Adobe products are expensive, at least to maintain current versions, and the depth of function in the products can be intimidating. This presentation will include material for both those thinking of wading into this new territory and those already working with the programs. As time permits, and if the attendees include those with less experience but an interest in Illustrator and Photoshop, we could address the following topics:
I. Favorite techniques
A. Demonstration of my favorite Illustrator processes for border design and symmetrical composition
B. Adobe Photoshop and its natural analogy to stained glass: tint, flash, stain, tracing, lead lines. Knockout masking, alpha channels and quick masks
C. Photoshop brush engine, airbrush and ergonomics with the Wacom tablet.
II. Additional introductory topics:
A. Adobe products are not hard to use. The geek approach to challenge. Sources of training.
B. Visualization with Photoshop using the adjustment layers and adjustment tools: An equalizer for those of us with taste, curiosity and willingness to experiment, versus those of us with taste and talent:
C. Tracing other images with Photoshop. Photoshop's incomparable selection functionality.
III. Other topics
A. Open QA or discussion
B. Product comparisons
C. Continuing the dialog: sharing graphic techniques on the bulletin board or even demonstration or design collaboration through teleconference/netmeeting
About Don Burt 
I am an amateur stained glass artist in Wyoming, Ohio. I've worked with stained glass since the 1970's and primarily make autonomous panels for family and friends and occasionally for sale. I've enjoyed working with digital graphic design tools for a number of years for stained glass design. My current toolset is Adobe Illustrator CS3, Adobe Photoshop CS3 and IMSI TurboCAD pro 12. My glass work is primarily with transparent antique glass and stained glass paints and enamels. Using these materials I find that the Adobe products in particular are well suited for integration into my design process. I use a Wacom tablet and stylus for additional functionality.
