It is best to make images to be printed in a newsprint publication as light and high contrast as possible. The best way to convert color images is to change mode to Lab, select lightness layer in channels, go back to layers palette, then convert to grayscale.

Ever wonder how to get one of those tiny icons that appear next to website urls and bookmarks in browsers? It’s easy! Just download and install the photoshop plugin, and create a 16×16px graphic. Save your graphic as ico, and post loose in your website directory. It should appear automatically on your site next time your browser is refreshed.

Here are some steps I’ve found that work to get the best from less-than-perfect photos.

1. Duplicate the layer & set top layer to overlay mode. Lower the opacity to around 5 – 20%
2. Unsharp Mask filter on the lower layer; ctrl+a, ctrl+shift+c, then ctrl+v to merge and paste in new layer
3. In Adjustments, select Threshold. Drag the slider to the left, hold shift while selecting the center of the largest area of solid white; do the reverse for black. Ok, then ctrl+z.
4. In Adjustments, Levels, you will see the points selected previously. Use the white dropper to select the white point and the black dropper to select the black point. If sliders still don’t touch the sides of the histogram, then move them manually.

Grayscale: change mode to Lab, select lightness layer in channels, go back to layers palette, then convert to grayscale

Monthly maintenance can help keep computers running fast and free of errors. Here are some steps that I follow for my multiple computers:

MAC
1. Software Update: under the apple menu
2. Verify/repair disc: use disk utility in Applications > Utilities
3. Empty trash
4. MacJanitor: a free download
5. Disc Warrior or Techtool Deluxe
6. Delete browser artifacts & favicons: reset Safari and any other browsers
7. Shock RAM: restart computer holding CMD+Option+R+P
8. Check Activity Monitor for available disc space in Applications > Utilities

PC
1. AdAware: a free download to remove spyware
2. Delete cookies: found under user folders
3. RegCleaner: a free download to clean registry
4. AntiVirus: Norton is a good one that also removes spyware
5. Delete unnecessary temp files: run search for *tmp, ctrl+A, delete
6. Scan for errors: right click on hard drive to access
7. Disc Clean-up: right click on hard drive to access
8. Defragment: right click on hard drive to access
9. Windows Update

Finally, in concurrence with my favorite time of year, graphic design work is picking up for me. Many new and interesting projects, and a great current group of clients are bringing a positive, new outlook for closing the year. The most rewarding part of the job is getting feedback from happy customers! A few projects that have been a recent success or currently in progress are:

• the 2009 annual report design for Cleo Eulau Center, a non-profit benefiting children, http://cleoeulaucenter.org/
• beverage label design for First-Class Vending, a healthy vending machine company, http://firstclassvending.com/
• document design for an upcoming documentary on pimp turned author, Iceberg Slim, produced by Ice-T, http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2008/05/01/19766404.aspx
• ongoing print and web design for American Garage Antiques, http://americangarageantiques.com/
• website redesign for composer/musician, Nate Perry, http://nateperry.net/
• complete branding and collateral design for LA Pet Sitting, the best in-home pet care in Los Angeles, http://lapetsitting.com/

I have experienced chronic pain since turning 30. As it becomes part of daily life, have to wonder if anything positive can be inspired by it.  Pain Exhibit

Actually, I just wanted to post this xray…my self-portrait! I have mri images too. I am sure to be collecting more images over the years, as the source of the problem remains undiagnosed.

I never thought much about my name until after moving to L.A., where it was pointed out as being a pretty good name. I was even asked if it was my real name, and eventually began to take pride in being Brooke White. I registered the EIN Brooke White Visual Art and brookewhite.net. Business in graphic design took off well, and I also participated in several art shows, had my own dark room–life was good.

Suddenly, I started getting word from friends and family that there was someone with my name on tv…American Idol. Not only that, she also lived in LA and even shared my middle name, Elizabeth. Next thing I knew, the phone calls and emails from “my fans” began, and receptionists would make comments when I arrived for appointments like, “We have been so excited that Brooke White from American Idol was coming in today to do her taxes.” I received song suggestions, offers to try out for new shows, compliments on my cd, and a call from “Haley from school” who became enraged when I didn’t remember her or accept her congratulations on American Idol.

Sometimes I feel like my life is a big joke on myself, full of interesting experiences and events that never amount to much. Also lots of things I like get discontinued, while things like her become huge. Fortunately, the other Brooke White was discontinued (”voted off”) of american idol. Unfortunately, her online legacy remains, and instead of being at the top anymore when  someone googles Brooke White, I will probably never show up at all again. At least I have been offered link exchanges from celebrity fan sites, and maybe having all these terms in a blog will improve my site ranking.