Graphics Synthesizer -

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Graphics Synthesizer

Studio Artist Graphics Synthesizer
Steven D. King

Studio Artist 1.11 lends incredible paint and creative tools for processing images and movies.

Reviewed by Michael Andre

May 1, 2000

Studio Artist is an Editor's Choice Award Winner!

"This is outstanding software!"

Hyper-Creative Professional Software

When I first loaded the program and started working through the tutorial for Studio Artist, I felt much like I was taking a drink from a fire hose. There is so much this program can do. What a synthesizer is to the musician, this program, a "graphics synthesizer", is to the creative professional. The program is feature laden and can provide endless possibilities to the accomplished artist or those trying to become accomplished in both still and motion.

The interface is quite intuitive and distributed into four distinct areas.

1) The working canvas takes up the major section of the Studio Artist window and is where all the functions are performed. In most cases, this is sufficient, although I found it difficult to know what was happening with the program at times because of a lack of response in this window. (There are times the source image is in the without any indication in this window. Perhaps some type of indicator will appear in future versions.)

2 The source area shows a representation of the image you are working on in its "model" state. This is valuable through your processing, to know what your original looks like in its unaltered state.

Unlike other paint programs, there is a working area (canvas) and the model area (source area). A great plus! Beware, there are buttons in this window that are not intuitive. After finishing the tutorial, I am still uncertain as to remembering the function of several of these buttons. If I chose to customize them, it would even be more difficult.

3) The operation control area is really like a toolbox. With so many options at the artist’s disposal, it takes a great deal of time to become familiar and comfortable with the many options presented here. According to the publisher, there are over 800 preset.

4) The canvas control strip lies at the top of the interface and does just what it says. There are 9 main control areas in this simple strip alone.

Studio Artist Interface

Rich and robust features abound

Intelligent Assisted Drawing

For me, the greatest feature of this program is the ability to have the computer paint an image almost automatically. By loading a source image, selecting the effects I wanted to use, then with a simple click of one button, I could have the computer render my illustration. In areas where I wanted more control, I could stop the drawing by the computer, add my touches and save for a beautiful effect. This single feature is worth the price of the program alone.

This is more than just a process preset by the software engineers. Every feature is fully customizable and allows an infinite variety for the creative. I think it would take me years to master all of the functions available. But the redeeming grace is found in the presets and the palettes already developed.

Should you choose to use Studio Artist for original works, with the change from source image to source color, the artist has a palette of colors to choose from and the ability to create, on a canvas, anything imaginable. Again, the interface was a little cumbersome in changing the parameters of what was in my toolbox.

Image Operations

This section of the tutorial showed the true power and versatility of this program. There are 9 sections in this chapter but at least 9 years worth of experimentation that can be done.

By selecting a source image and defining final appearance, there are over 800 preset paint actions to use and experiment with. Probably more than will ever be needed. But if by some chance, it is not, each of the presets allow customization.

Some of the programs uniqueness comes from interactive warping, where in real-time, an image can be modified and manipulated. By using keyboard letter keys, different areas can be selected and modified.

With the powerful masking capabilities, the artist can choose what parts of an image to manipulate. One of the nicest features here is the ability to mask an area, control the transparency of the applied effect and view the results while the work is in progress.

Of course, no program would be complete without the ability to create and modify layers. However, one shortcoming was the number of layers available. I’m not sure if I would need more than two though; based on the ability the program has to apply the effects and record action histories as part of the document.

Original source picture, Dry brush, Combination of tools, and Mirrored image

The Paint Synthesizer

For creating original works or even modifying processed images, the paint synthesizer of Studio Artist again allows for infinite control. If you draw with the tablet, this section of the software will be your ticket. I found working with a mouse a bit cumbersome as it is in any drawing program where accuracy is a plus and stylus pressure sensitivity allows greater versatility.

Some of the features of the paint synthesizer include working with bezier curves, working with paths, adjusting paths and colors, brushes and brush sizes and shapes, background textures, global evolution and then being able to save for future use, any paint patch presets.

Paint Action Sequences

Just like the musician uses sequences to compose the final piece, Studio Artist allows the creative the ability to create sequences used to compose and process the final artwork. A very valuable tool when creating while experimenting or even recording steps to make sure the process is repeatable.

Of course the sequences captured by Studio Artist can all be edited, saved and used on other source images. Great for keeping a consistent look and feel to artwork being used in a brochure or book.

Movie Files

Another robust feature of Studio Artist is the ability to work with movies, either original or modifying existing QuickTime movies. All the tools and palettes available to the user through Studio Artist can be used in frame manipulation of movies. Through the use of powerful and interactive morphing and distorting tools, images can be used to create simple animations. The list of possibilities is endless.

One of the greatest tools available is the ability to transform an existing movie applying painting action sequences. Simply stated, the artist can import the first frame of a movie, change it with a series of painting actions, save the sequences of that change, then have the program apply that sequence to each frame of the entire movie. Incredible!

Conclusion

Though the interface is a bit more complicated that most programs, Studio Artist provides the creative with a limitless array of possibilities for modifying existing images, creating original art or creating and modifying animations and movies. Be prepared for a steep learning curve to master the entire program but very helpful sections of the program don’t take much time to master because of the intuitive and visual nature of the program.

System Requirements

PowerPC based Macintosh
Mac OS 8.0 or higher
32 MB of RAM
CD ROM

Note: Will be available for PC later this year.

Price

List price
US $329.00 Mac Box Version 1.1 with Color Printed Manuals
US $ 295 Mac CD Rom Version 1.1 with PDF Manuals

Shipping

Next Day $22.00
2-day $16.00
3-5 day $7.50

International

Next Day $40.00
3-5 Days $15.00

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