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.