Custom Fundraising Meter

[TWolf]

As webmaster for my son's marching band, I wanted an image that would represent the band to use in conjunction with a fundraiser. I also wanted to an image that could be used to brand posters, bookmarks, etc.

Before


After


The original image was rather small, but was the best photo of the trumpet section that was available at the time. Using Photoshop's lasso tool, I outlined the trumpeter and copied to a seperate file with a transparent background. Further use of the lasso tool and the eraser as needed to better trim the edges. Because the original plume was difficult to distinguish clearly from the dark background of the original photo, I copied a detailed plume from another photo taken at a similar angle into a new layer. Adjusted angle and size of the plume to closely match that of the original photo. Merged the plume with the trumpeter once I was satisfied. I created the meter shape using the rounded rectangle tool with a deep red color. In blending options, added a smooth inner bevel to the meter. Drew a short line for the measurements and copied/pasted the subsequent lines lining them up based on the grid view for proper spacing. Added the numbers to complete the main image. Merged all and duplicated into a new layer. Desaturated and adjusted brightness/contrast of the background layer. Sliced the foreground layer so that each portion could be turned on individually as needed. Make sure all the layers are locked into place so it all stays neatly lined up. Because the image used for the web "meter" was intentionally kept small for bandwidth considerations, I've included in the after picture a slightly higher resolution image of the desaturated background image that is now our unoffical logo.

[ARKreations]

Ahh, the days of marching band fund raising, I remember them well!

Great concept and very original.
The only thing that seems awkward to me is area where the meter and the elbow intersect.
It looks like the red part lies in front of the bottom of the elbow, where the gray meter is behind the elbow. I think if the red layers were moved behind the background image, there might be a bit more continuity. ( suspect in it's present form, you may encounter the same issue with the trumpet at the $150k mark as well.

I like the hint of color in the right member's shirt. I'd do the same for the left member as well.
Thanks for sharing the idea and technique - I see numerous applications for it!

[TWolf]

krossk - Always good to meet another Band Parent! Glad you think the technique might have application for you!

Actually the elbow just butts right up against the red bar just below where the gauntlet begins, but it does seem to be behind it at that level doesn't it. Maybe I should have filled in more of the foreground in my example. The color of the stripe down the front of the uniform and on the edge of the gauntlet changes each year to coordinate with the color guard uniforms, so I opted for B & W for the logo in it's current form on our website and printed material.

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