Inside Graphics Moment: Half the hours it takes me to design a piece is spent in finessing, even the greatest, photography provided. On the left, is one of the author photos supplied for the ad/poster as provided. On the right, is the result of my careful digital retouching, honed over 20 years of work, for this client, editing photos. It took me several years to develop the skill to alter a person’s face yet still maintain the essence of who they are. I don’t make anyone look younger, rather rested and at their best and most appealing.
Specifics: Paul’s genuine joy was evident in the photo but the harsh shadows closed off his eyes and made him seem a bit haggard. I gently opened them up and softened the facial shadows without changing the natural feel of the room light.
I digitally ironed his shirt and even smoothed out the back of his collar. Paul’s neck seemed gaunt at the original angle, when I know first hand that he is manly and buff, so I thickened the appearance of his neck, in both directions, to better reflect his true energy.
Paul’s skin tone was lightened and its redness adjusted to better harmonize with the other author photo and the background’s hues were shifted to compliment the book cover image. I often do this so that the authors themselves are what’s noticed and not a jumble of elements.
I carefully blend the resolutions of images of all parties on a piece so that one isn’t sharp while another looks like an afterthought. It’s a subtle psychological nuance that I pay attention to so that the message/communication is that the publisher presents cohesively. I accomplish this by gently adding or subtracting noise to key areas.
I feel this kind of attention to the smallest detail results in a far better crafted and more effective promotion as a whole.






![Website Design.
Digital Photography, Digital Art, Information Design, Art Direction for Coder for 80+ page multimedia interactive website for MSIA’s tithing and seeding program.
Oversized postcard collateral mailpiece campaign to announce and promote new website. MSIA.
[Concept, design, photography, art direction, 3D collage art, digital art, mailing producer, digital printing]
(click photo to visit the site)](http://15.media.tumblr.com/SDSG42baFogbjg3fGvxdYMyTo1_500.jpg)




![Custom designed sculptural Paper Pop-up for Bar Mitzvah invitation.
[Full color digital printing, original dieline, laser cutting, hand folding, removable reply card attached inside self-mailer]
(Click photo to see a demo video)](http://13.media.tumblr.com/SDSG42baFofx9jr8S6E4py5Ro1_400.jpg)