Category: research interests

These are topics and ideas that I actively research, share, and comment on.

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professional activities professional experience research interests

HRLC presents: Using GIMP and Inkscape

Date: Monday, January 11th, 2010

Venue: Highlands Regional Library Consortium at Hasbrouck Heights Library.

Abstract: In this day-long workshop, we’ll go in depth to discover how to use two fantastic Open Source Design Applications: the GNU Image Manipulation Program (AKA GIMP), and Inkscape.
The GIMP provides layers, effects, painting tools, and all of the features that you have come to expect from a fully featured imaging application like Adobe Photoshop. Inkscape is a vector-based illustration and layout application, similar to Adobe Illustrator in its ability to manipulate text, shapes, paths, vector points, and colors. Because these programs are Open Source Software, you benefit from the work of thousands of volunteer and professional developers, without having to pay anything for the use of the software. In this workshop, you will learn to use these tools by doing a few projects step-by-step. By the end of this workshop you will be able to effectively use painting and drawing tools, brushes, layers, path manipulation, photo manipulation, effects, rulers and grids to meet against your most challenging design needs.

Presentation: http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0Ad-YsRMv5bPqZGNrZm05ZndfMTU1ZHY3cnJoZmQ&hl=en

Commentary and notes:

Categories
brand consulting design principles Illustration Inkscape open source portfolio professional activities research interests teaching

An illustration of Roger Ebert using text cc-by lemasney

An illustration of Roger Ebert using text cc-by lemasney
An illustration of Roger Ebert using text cc-by lemasney
A portrait of Roger Ebert made out of text by John LeMasney via lemasney.com
A portrait of Roger Ebert made of text by John LeMasney via lemasney.com

When I saw Slashfilm‘s post on Roger Ebert‘s list of best 2009 films (20 of them, not one of them Avatar), I remembered watching him on his show for years, up until his cancer surgery that removed a great deal of his lower face and neck. The photo that is the basis for my drawing appears above the post at Despite this surgery, which took his ability to speak, he continued to write, and as a salute on NPR stated so nicely:

“When Roger Ebert lost his ability to speak following cancer surgery, it wasn’t clear exactly what his future would hold, but it turns out that he entered a phase of his career that’s been utterly fascinating. He does talk about politics a lot on his blog, but even if all you read is his coverage of movies and culture, it’s well worth the time.” from Getting Personal: We Salute 10 Of Our Favorite Pop-Culture Humans Of 2009 – Monkey See Blog : NPR at Tue Dec 29 2009 23:35:51 GMT-0500 (EST) on

So, in my quest for doing (hopefully) interesting, poignant, and helpful sketches over the next year, I wanted to share my text-based portrait of Roger, with apologies to the original photographer who is not credited on Slashfilm. Shame. Also, I just read a great essay by Ebert that the NPR piece led me to at

He may not be able to speak, but he has certainly not lost his voice.

Categories
professional activities professional experience research interests technology

Rider University: Identity Theft Countermeasures

Digital Identity Mapping
Image by fredcavazza via Flickr

Event: ID Theft

Date: Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 9 AM.

Venue: Sweigart Auditorium, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ

Abstract:  I spoke as part of a sequential panel on the ways in which we can protect ourselves from identity theft by electronic means.

Presentation: http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dckfm9fw_269svttxnfj

Commentary and notes:

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professional activities professional experience research interests teaching experience

HRLC: Using Gimp and Inkscape

Inkscape
Image via Wikipedia

Date: Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

Venue: Highlands Regional Library Consortium at Somerset County Library.

Abstract: In this day-long workshop, we’ll go in depth to discover how to use two fantastic Open Source Design Applications: the GNU Image Manipulation Program (AKA GIMP), and Inkscape.

The GIMP provides layers, effects, painting tools, and all of the features that you have come to expect from a fully featured imaging application like Adobe Photoshop. Inkscape is a vector-based illustration and layout application, similar to Adobe Illustrator in its ability to manipulate text, shapes, paths, vector points, and colors. Because these programs are Open Source Software, you benefit from the work of thousands of volunteer and professional developers, without having to pay anything for the use of the software. In this workshop, you will learn to use these tools by doing a few projects step-by-step. By the end of this workshop you will be able to effectively use painting and drawing tools, brushes, layers, path manipulation, photo manipulation, effects, rulers and grids to meet against your most challenging design needs.

Presentation: http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0Ad-YsRMv5bPqZGNrZm05ZndfMTU1ZHY3cnJoZmQ&hl=en

Commentary and notes: Some anonymous feedback from participants:

Great presenter – knowledgeable, energetic, articulate.

One of the most prepared instructors I’ve seen recently.

Mr. LeMasney was well prepared and gave an excellent presentation. Thank you.

inspirational.  Great instructor.

Presented all the elements I need to know about how to improve my work.

Speaker was very knowledgeable.

Presenter willing to answer all questions, but not getting bogged down or off track.

The wealth of information presented in a clear manner.

The instructor worked well with people at all skill levels.

I would like to stay in touch with this instructor for further support and critiquing.

Best Class Ever!

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professional activities references research interests teaching experience

CJRLC: Practically Designed

1908 billboard, Salt Lake City, Utah
Image via Wikipedia

Date: Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Venue: CJRLC Offices, Freehold, NJ

Abstract: In this workshop on the basics of visual design best practices, we’ll examine examples and counterexamples of great design, the basics of layout, simplified color theory, rules for fonts and legibility, images and photographs, designing stamps vs pages vs slideshows vs billboards, copyright and creative commons, and free and open source design tools (photo manipulation, illustration, layout, catalogs, and quick editors).

Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/121kHFLhNGrP85vKdR5ti1tRFVzMbwRmboBRuzRLFg7A/edit?usp=sharing

Commentary and notes: Thanks to Amy and everyone who came to the session!

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