Comments on: The Filter Phenomenon

By: Jacob

Jacob — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 09:09:15 +0000

Hey how to I add this comment thread to my blog?

By: Brandon

Brandon — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 16:20:17 +0000

I use the filters all the time!

By: Estherc

Estherc — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 04:05:00 +0000

I don’t see what’s wrong with Filters per se. I understand that the Artistic filters are overkill and I rarely use them unless I NEED that specific effect but I think that there are quite a few filters that are part of my regular routine because they’re useful. Gaussian Blur, Add Noise, Sharpen Marks, High Pass, & sometimes Rendered Clouds, and Pixelates.
I use them like any other tool, as one of many steps to making my final design. I layer up filters with brushes, duplicated layers, typography. I think that what you’re truly saying is that the stage where the designer stops thinking that clicking on the Filter menu will create a work of art for them and actually begins to understand that the filters are tools for art rather than machines to create art.
But all in all, most filters are unnecessary and are just there for show to distract newbies from really being creative.

By: Evan

Evan — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 04:02:10 +0000

Hey that’s my picture! Next time, it would be excellent if you at least notified me or other flickr members when you use pictures from a photostream. But I’m honored, and thank you for at least linking it back to my account!

By: Sean Hodge

Sean Hodge — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:50:29 +0000

@Gino,

Good article. I think you have some of the phases down. Though as a few others pointed out the rediscovery of filters is cool. I’m going through that right now. I’ve been an Illustrator user for years and now I’m making Photoshop tutorials as well. I’m also seeing some fun tutorials out there that use layer styles as well.

Check out: http://www.gomediazine.com/tutorials/badass-bling-effect-in-photoshop/

By: David

David — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 01:37:43 +0000

Totally agree with Carpenter. There are filters that compliment your skills such as the Gaussian Blur, but then there are the filters like the… Uh… Lens Flare? The good old Lens Flare.. Many amateurs LOVE using it but forget that since there is only one sun, you only get one ‘dash’ of lens flare as opposed to 3,4 or 5 that I’ve seen in some designs. The lens flare itself is ugly even if used once.

Filters>Render>Lens Flare> PROCEED WITH CAUTION?> i. Yes ii. No

By: David Zobel

David Zobel — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:37:42 +0000

I have to say I think a lot about filters. I think of how to tell my students NOT to use them in a polite way.! Filters do have there place, but only when you are trying a desired effect, like making something really look like it is embossed, but not to BE COOL!

I tell my students that when you use a lot of filters you are not original and you are using the program to figure out what to do and not coming up with a good original concept.

Too many people go right to the computer without thinking of a good concept. Let photoshop be your tool not your brain.

One last thing, I remember seeing a tutorial that shows you how to make duck tape with filter! really?? why not take a picture of duck tape, that name of the program is PHOTO shop, not Filtershop.

Anything someone can do with a filter, I can match with a mask and a brush.

thanks

By: Carpenter

Carpenter — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:16:55 +0000

Yes, I use Photoshop filters. I think “mature designers” use filters such as Gaussian Blur and Sharpen Masks. These effects are commonly used in photography to clean up or enhance the look of a photo. Most filters in Photoshop can be defined as “destructive filters”. They are filters that destroy the photo rather than enhance it. There should be a check box that you must click that states “PROCEED WITH CAUTION!”

Word of advice, think before you use filters. Always remember the term “overworked”.

By: alyCe

alyCe — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 09:18:17 +0000

I agree, but… it takes more to make a great design with filters than to make a great design without, but the easiest is of course making a crappy one with.

About removing them, I think it’s important to think about that it’s not JUST graphic designers who use photoshop, but digital artists and photographers.

About layer styles, I actually still enjoy the drop shadow (although misused by many, especially in logo- and web-design). It makes the process easier when you have to divide layers in a photoshop-piece rather than having to burn everything manually. But again, it all depends on the work, graphic design is not just one area.

By: Sean McAuliffe

Sean McAuliffe — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 02:26:59 +0000

It’s an interesting point. I’ve always noticed it in After Effects work as well. And there are a lot more filters to get lost in at first!

But to say they should be removed is probably taking it too far. Especially layer styles in PS, they’re indispensable really – especially the “copy and paste layer style” aspect. I think the trick is to realize they’re a tool – a starting point – or a kick start. But in the end, the concept and execution has to be your own.

By: MC3

MC3 — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:10:15 +0000

I agree with RACHEL…for example look at Burt Monroy’s stuff…AWESOME work..GURU at “shop” and he still uses drop shadow …blur….bevel…noise…
you just have to know when and where to use them…its also important to know how to use the tools corectly…for example “displace” awesome effects along with using channels correctly

im sure you all have seen his tutorials. PIXELPERFECT on revision 3

By: Jacob Carter

Jacob Carter — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:36:58 +0000

I have to confess, I used to be addicted to filters.

I have introduced several people to Photoshop and shown them around the layout, and I always neglect to mention filters. This is because they will either find them on their own or will want to play with them when I tell them what they are.

Either way, almost every person that I have shown photoshop to has started out with making simple pictures and then adding 5-20 filters. I think you are right by saying that it is a process of maturing as a designer and I believe that it also goes along with coming more comfortable with the program.

I do think that this stage of filter-madness is great for people starting out in photoshop because they learn quickly what filters can give them their desired effect.

By: Gino

Gino — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:59:17 +0000

Austers – Haha thanks! Not sure how that got by me, bad typo! =)

Creadiv – I think the vector graphics is notable too and also using fonts from free font sites.

Every time a designer discovers something new it takes time and effort to learn how to effectively use the new found resource.

By: austers

austers — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:02:45 +0000

“a period of using filters and layer styles a bitch too much”. Should it not say bit instead of bitch?

I had a filter phase when I began using Photoshop. It was an easy way to make effects whilst learning the program. However, I rarely use them now, only a couple are of some use.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:00:27 +0000

Simply put, PS filters have a time, place, and a use. If someone can tell you used one–then you used it wrong.

It’s learning the how and when, and that there’s sometimes never a when, that pushes you towards being a better designer.