Creating a Himalayan Culture Poster or T-shirt Using Photoshop Elements 2.0

Grade Level: 7 – 12

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Notes for Instructor:

This lesson was conceived as an instruction for a graphic technology classroom but can also be adapted for use in a social studies or Asian languages classroom. This lesson presupposes students are familiar with the basics of the Photoshop Elements toolbox, toolbars and options menus, and palettes. Transfers for t-shirts are available at major office supply stores.

Objective:

In this lesson, you will learn about political and editorial cartoons. Using the principles of the political/editorial cartoons, you will create a design about Himalayan culture for a t-shirt or poster in Photoshop Elements.

Part I: Introduction to Political Cartoons as an Art Form

Handout: Political Cartoons

Resource Websites on Editorial and Political Cartoons:

Part II: Introduction to Himalayan Culture

Your cartoon must be based upon traditional Hindu or Buddhist stories, or other stories of the Himalayas . Visit the following websites to select your story:

• Buddhist Jataka Tales
• Hindu Tales: Tales from Ancient India
• Tales from India
• Tale of the Yeti

(For Chinese Language or History Classes: Tales of the Monkey King Lessons)

Part III: Creating Your Poster or T-Shirt

Your cartoon is capturing a moment in time. The visual should be based upon one of the Himalayan stories and the caption should be the “punch-line” capturing the essence of the message about the story. All visuals must be created by YOU; however, you may trace (not copy and paste) images of the Buddha or other traditional characters or deities in order to create them.

• In Photoshop Elements, create a new file. Maximum size: 8 inches x 10.5 inches
  Resolution: 200 ppi Background: Transparent
  Name the file: yourname_himalaya
• Colors: No more than 3 main colors and 1 accent color.
• Before you begin work, you must have a concept and a caption clear in your head. Do not begin until you have finalized your caption.
• Use a clear font that is easy to read. Use simple bold lines in your design.
• FILE > SAVE as psd file
• FILE > SAVE as tiff file.