Past meets present in these image compositions. Our latest Profile features Mike Bedford, who hails from California State University where he is an Instructional Support Technician. Mike helps Communications students with learning software programs. "While helping the students in the university computer classes, I have occasion to introduce them to Canvas' capabilities. I show them how it would be more efficient for executing their graphics projects. They are very impressed and wonder why they're using three different applications instead of one!" Mike's background is in photography, having studied and worked professionally as a traditional photographer. Lately, his interests in digital photographs has inspired him to learn more about computer graphic design. Although Mike is very familiar with other graphics programs, he says, "I'm using Canvas to create promotional digital images for my website, Retro Metro " says Mike. "I also use Canvas at home to practice graphic design, and to teach my 4-year old daughter graphics basics. She knows about scanning from her Barbie coloring book and using Canvas to color the picture -- 'magic wand, paint bucket,' she says!" Mike's web site is full of thought-provoking collages of buildings and cityscapes, overlaying images from decades ago with new photographs -- hence, Retro Metro. He uses Canvas to precisely scale and distort the images to fit, and then uses SpriteLayer transparency effects to blend the graphics together. On his site, Mike describes through a helpful "How To" the techniques he uses in further detail. "I am most impressed with the new SpriteLayers, which make image masking effects extremely easy to accomplish." "My focus is more on digital imaging than illustration or page layout, so I approach Canvas as a replacement for the much more expensive Photoshop. Even so, if I need to add text or vector shapes to my designs, the tools are right there. As a self-taught artist, Canvas' integrated approach to graphic design has made it easier to grasp and experiment with the interrelated concepts of image editing, page layout and illustration, so I don't have to fight with several different and less intuitive applications." As Mike continues to develop his graphics skills, he says, "I also consider Canvas an investment for the future -- as I grow in my capabilities and needs, Canvas' existing feature set can keep right up with my growth curve."

All images are the property and copyright © of Mike Bedford 1999.

Back to The Pro Files index page. People use Canvas in all different fields, from graphic design to biology to landscaping. We would love to hear how you are using Canvas. Please contact us with your stories at profiles@deneba.com. If your story is used, you will receive a special gift.