COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Digital Art is an introduction to the basic operating characteristics of TWO major art-related software programs, Photoshop and Illustrator. The course will focus on the interrelationship of computer-based media with the principles and practices of art foundation courses. Emphasis will be placed on developing students’ awareness of the computer as a powerful tool for research, problem solving, creativity, and experimentation. |
OBJECTIVES & CONTENT:
• Operate a computer system and use vector and raster graphics software to save files in different file formats, use file extensions, back up work, create folders for projects, and use keyboard shortcuts.
• Compare and contrast vector and raster applications, capabilities, limitations, and usage of each.
• Import and export files between vector and raster applications, use templates, and define links between files.
• Use line, shape, value, texture, scale, color, and compositional techniques to create spatial effects, pictorial structure, and expressive imagery using both vector and raster software.
• Scan images at the correct resolution based on intended end usage.
• Define color relationships and use different color modes including RGB, CMYK, HSB, grayscale, and spot color.
• Identify color and quality differences in images for web, multimedia, and print.
• Demonstrate use of typography in original designs, define typographic terms, and manage fonts.
• Assess the purpose, scope, and specifications of art projects and formulate solutions by applying the appropriate creative and technical strategies.
• Establish work schedules and prioritize tasks in order to satisfy production timelines.
• Translate preliminary sketches into finished art work by establishing a plan for computer production using appropriate software and techniques to organize design elements and simplify production.
• Demonstrate use of mounts and mats to present final printed output.
• Assess, discuss, and critique designs. |
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLO's)
Students will use a computer and graphics software in class to demonstrate the use of the pen tool to draw a precise path to add a vector element to a raster image of appropriate resolution and color mode for the intended output. |
REQUIREMENTS:
The student will create several smaller exercise projects and take a few quizzes to accompany four major projects based on course instruction. Each project contains specific technical exercises and aesthetic issues. Projects will be printed and/or presented on-screen; both the hard copy (if required) and the digital file should be submitted for evaluation.
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MATERIALS:
Materials are needed. They are:
• notebook
• a flash drive (iPod can work)
• materials for digital manipulation* - discussed on a per-assignment basis
• materials for print presentation,
• three books- see below, each available in bookstore!
(*Any type of digital camera is a plus!)
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Graphic Design, the New Basics
by Ellen Lupton, Jennifer Cole Phillips
Books Online Website
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Adobe Photoshop CS4 How-Tos:
100 Essential Techniques,
by
Chris Orwig
// read more |
Adobe Illustrator CS4 How-Tos:
100 Essential Techniques,
by
David Karlins
// read more |
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EVALUATION:
Projects: 75%
Class Participation, Attitude, Attendance: 25%
Students are evaluated based on the following:
• craftsmanship
• creativity
• participation in class discussions
• attendance
• on-time delivery of work
• helpfulness to other students in the class
• quality of progress
• quality of finished work
ALL WORK FOR CRITIQUES IS DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CLASS. Hang your finished work on the critique wall.
No work will be accepted beyond its due date. If you are unable to attend class for any reason, make arrangements for someone else to hand it in for you. Contact me the evening prior to class informing me of the status of the project so it gets graded properly.
Grading Policy:
A= Exceptional work in all aspects
B= Above average work, distinquished in certain but not all aspects
C= Average and/or unexceptional work. Lowest passing grade
D= Below average work
F= Failing work, why are you taking this class?
Late work cannot be reworked or reevaluated.
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ATTENDANCE
It is essential that students attend all classes, arrive on time, and come to class with the appropriate studio and research materials. If the student chooses to do otherwise it will be reflected in the student’s final grade.
The school's policy on attendance is if you miss more than 3 classes, I can drop you from the class... and I will because it communicates little interest in my time or your classmate's time.
If you have to drop the class, it is your responsibility to inform the Office of Admissions and Records. It is far better to withdraw officially and receive a grade of “W” than it is to stop attending and receive a grade of “F.” |
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COURSE EXPECTATIONS:
Blog:
You will keep a blog as an online journalling of what you are doing in this class, posting your work for each assignment. (Vox.com will be the company we will all use to host our blogs.) Here is my blog.
Class Participation:
What does this mean? Talking, taking part in discussions, turning your material in on time, taking initative, making comments on other classmate's blogs as simple critiques, and helping fellow classmate's if they need it.
Projects:
Each student will complete as series of projects reflecting understanding, development and creative interpretation of Photoshop and or Illustrator. With the completion of a project, students will post their designs to their blog to keep a running portfolio of their progress and work. Specified projects will be required to be printed as well.
Papers:
One paper will be required of you in this class.
Quizzes:
Randomly throughout the semester I will throw a short 10 minute quiz. You will be quizzed about information taught from the materials learned in the classes prior. It will either be a short answer, multiple choice or practicum piece. These quizzes will get averaged into one grade and included as "one" project for final evaluation.
Data Loss:
Students are responsible to back up their files. To do this, save your files in two places before the class ends each day. Save one on your thumb drive and one in YOUR file created on the ArtShared server hosted by ECC.
Students are responsible for re-creation of any lost or damaged files. At the end of some projects, digital files will be required to be handed into me for review. |
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