Journal+6

Reflect upon the process of learning digital imagery and video.

Digital imagery and video are venues with great potential for creation and artistic expression. The key to learning to utilize new technologies is trial and error. Learning to use these tools takes time. This is especially true when the end goal is to use these media for creative purposes. Instructional books are useful, but toying around with software and equipment allows the learner to bring prior skills and interests and interact with the media in unique ways that can ultimately result in products reflective of the user, artist, or director.

On the flip side, taking a purely trial-and-error approach to learning Photoshop, for example, can be overwhelming. With complex software and equipment, introductory instruction can be invaluable. An ideal introduction to creative technology (where the user is creating something) introduces the products enough to minimize frustration, thereby enhancing usability, without being over-adequate and infringing on creativity.

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