This section is slowly being updated as a new paper model is designed with updated techniques. Please keep in mind that it is not yet complete.
Part 2: Graphics
The pieces are transferred to Adobe Illustrator where color and basic details are added.
Adjacent shapes of the same final color are distinguished by using slightly differing colors. In this way, I will know where the edges of the shapes are, and can more easily apply special effects in Photoshop.
Some advanced graphics, like these stained glass windows, can be designed better in Illustrator rather than Photoshop. Some objects will be very small when printed, so focusing on too many of the tiny details (the faces and subtle designs in this instance) would waste valuable design time.
Next, tabs and extra fold lines are added.
When finished, the parts are separated and sized to fit onto individual 8'' x 10.5'' layers. This size will fit neatly onto the center of 8.5'' x 11'' paper, taking into account that printers typically do not print within a certain area along the edges of the paper.
In the lower, right corner, a simple registration pattern is placed. This is mainly for users to diagnose any print/sizing errors if parts do not fit together properly. In some cases, printer settings may be changed accidentally, and some sheets may be printed at a different scale. Holding two sheets up to a light source and comparing the registration marks tells the user whether the mistake is a printer error or my own error.
Each sheet image is saved as a 300 dpi bitmap and imported into Photoshop for detailing. The final, printed sheet will be 150 dpi, but the larger size lets me add more detail while I work.
Custom graphics are typical of most designs. Some graphics can be tiled to quickly fill an entire region.
With some lighting, shadows, textures, and masks, the required effects are achieved. In this instance, some three-dimensional effects give the flat pieces depth.
When all of the pages are complete, they are all converted to PDF files for printing.
