SYLLABUS
WHAT IS GRAPHIC ART/DESIGN?
Digital Art 1 is designed to be an introduction to the digital arts. You will have opportunities to learn design industry skills such as illustration, drawing, graphic design and typography, animation, and photo manipulation.
You will gain an understanding for how to use file formats for output devices such as web, color printing, 3D printing, laser cutting, and vinyl cutting. Most importantly, you will learn how to generate ideas and learn the key components of creative problem solving which can be used in a wide variety of careers. The software we work with will be the current industry version of Corel Painter, Adobe Photoshop, & Adobe Illustrator. We will focus on how to apply the elements of art and principles of design to create, present, and critique a work of art using the language of aesthetics. Through a variety of skill enhancing projects, and written assignments, we will explore how to refine a work of art and relate our ideas to the art of the past and present.
THE PLAN (Objectives). We will…
· Learn about elements of art and principles of design and composition.
· Blog and speak about aesthetic, technical and expressive qualities of design.
· Learn how to manage and analyze the use of visual media as a means of communication..
· Explore the significance of graphic art within the larger context of the art word, & its application to the modern world and modern culture.
· Possibly begin formulating your own personal visual vernacular (visual language).
PROJECTS (The Creative Process).
· Projects will be a range of one-class, multi-day, and sometimes week(s)-long activities.
· Critiques (partner, small group, full class) will happen a few times. They’re painless, and will probably make you feel good about your work
Some of what we will do:
PHOTOSHOP:
WHAT IS GRAPHIC ART/DESIGN?
Digital Art 1 is designed to be an introduction to the digital arts. You will have opportunities to learn design industry skills such as illustration, drawing, graphic design and typography, animation, and photo manipulation.
You will gain an understanding for how to use file formats for output devices such as web, color printing, 3D printing, laser cutting, and vinyl cutting. Most importantly, you will learn how to generate ideas and learn the key components of creative problem solving which can be used in a wide variety of careers. The software we work with will be the current industry version of Corel Painter, Adobe Photoshop, & Adobe Illustrator. We will focus on how to apply the elements of art and principles of design to create, present, and critique a work of art using the language of aesthetics. Through a variety of skill enhancing projects, and written assignments, we will explore how to refine a work of art and relate our ideas to the art of the past and present.
THE PLAN (Objectives). We will…
· Learn about elements of art and principles of design and composition.
· Blog and speak about aesthetic, technical and expressive qualities of design.
· Learn how to manage and analyze the use of visual media as a means of communication..
· Explore the significance of graphic art within the larger context of the art word, & its application to the modern world and modern culture.
· Possibly begin formulating your own personal visual vernacular (visual language).
PROJECTS (The Creative Process).
· Projects will be a range of one-class, multi-day, and sometimes week(s)-long activities.
· Critiques (partner, small group, full class) will happen a few times. They’re painless, and will probably make you feel good about your work
Some of what we will do:
PHOTOSHOP:
VALUE
PERSPECTIVE (1-2-3 pt)
MANDALA
ELEMENTS of DESIGN Diagram
LANDSCAPE FANTASY
LANDSCAPE w/ODDNESS
TIGER MANIPULATION
MASKING EXERCISE
ANIMAL MORPH
SIMPLE GIF ANIMATION
CLASSROOM ANIMATION (Exquisite corpse)
IDIOM POSTER
ILLUSTRATOR:
INTRO
PEN TOOL EXERCISES
VECTOR GRAPHICS
SILHOUETTE/HIGH CONTRAST
LOW POLY/GEOMETRIC FRACTAL
TAG. The curriculum and instruction of this course may be differentiated to include specialized groupings, compacting of curriculum, accelerated pacing, and providing of extension / challenge activities (on the principle of "different work" not "more work"), in order to ensure that students designated as "Talented and Gifted" (TAG) receive academic instruction that is appropriate for their rate and level of learning.
SUPPLIES.
Please bring the following items to class EVERY day:
* A Positive Attitude and an open heart
* #2 Pencil or softer
CLASS EQUIPMENT
Computers
Each designer is assigned a computer station for the duration of the semester. The computer can be used for school work only, and is the responsibility of that designer for the duration of each class period. Never engage in video games or non-school-related browsing. Do not change any setting on the computer.
Food and drink are not allowed near computers. If you need to finish eating something, do so near the door.
Bottled water is to be kept at floor level.
The student/family is responsible for repair/replacing class equipment if the damage is caused by negligence or non-adherence to standards of conduct.
THE GRADE (Yes, you can!)
70%---Daily studio/lab work (on-task, focused, practicing, being curious, continually working and exploring)
The daily lab work score includes a 'curiosity' component. For each day we meet that you are intellectually & mentally present and engaged for the duration of class you will earn 0-2 points. The points will diminish if you are observed texting, doing other homework, sleeping, staring into space, etc. for extended periods of time. The whole point of this is to practice working, being curious and being present. The goal is that you develop & practice a work ethic that are curious about your own experience, and are actively engaged. anage your time and work out multiple ideas.
Studio/Lab practice includes:
● Completing homework assignments and meeting deadlines
● Turning in work that demonstrates a wise use of time and quality craftsmanship.
● Consistently demonstrating care and concern for your fellow artist, studio/lab
space, materials and art work.
● In class time management
Daily class points:
A score of TWO points total indicates the student was on task & had focused attention to teacher tutorials and used individual work time productively.
A score of ONE point indicates a measurable lack of focus to teacher tutorials and individual work time (i.e. video games, socializing, texting/phone activity, sleeping, et al.)
A score of ZERO indicates the student was absent, unprepared with homework, sleeping, mostly socializing, pulling focus from teacher tutorials and distracting other students from their own work).
30%---Individual project scores, & Final portfolio score
Up to four (4) points earned for individual assignments/projects as they are completed.
Each assignment/project is scored using the Creative Challenges Rubric (see below, or click here)
A few projects will be worth more than 4 points, as they will involve multiple components.
The final week of the semester will see us meet to discuss your progress, look at your portfolio, and determine a fair/just score that accurately reflects your work habits, learning and growth.
Projects are scored to assess your proficiency in specific technical skills. These skills will be identified and practiced prior to each project. Proficiency is demonstrated by applying yourself to each problem and meeting the specific learning objectives. Someone with the most “talent” is not automatically the most successful.
*You may resubmit an improved project for a higher score. If you do choose to do this, see me and we will find an agreeable time to discuss the changes/editing you did to achieve a higher score.
EXTRA CREDIT.
· Extra credit points are only added to your cumulative semester grade at the end of the semester.
· Extra credit points can be earned by doing more than the minimum (TBD per project) for an assignment.
· Missing assignments nullify any extra credit earned (Meaning: extra credit does not take the place of a missing assignment).
MISSED/LATE WORK. If you are absent, do the following, in this order:
1. Check the blog for the current/new assignment. Do this during your absence, or first thing when you return.
2. After you have an idea of what we did, come to me with questions you have about the assignment on the blog.
3. Ask me to review your blog/work when you have completed and posted the missing work to the SHARED DRIVE & to YOUR BLOG.
*As per school policy, the number of excused absences are the number of class periods you will have to complete missed work.
ATTENDANCE & TARDIES.
Be in class, unless you are sick, have a fever, and/or are contagious.
After an excused absence (with a note) – AND after you have reviewed the website - you will be briefed on what was presented when you were absent.
TARDIES. If you enter the classroom tardy, please do so quietly.
Every two tardies (without a note) for the semester will result in your final cumulative grade being lowered by 2%.
OUR SHARED SPACE (The Studio Classroom).
SAFETY & CLASS BEHAVIOR.
· My top priorities are your physical and intellectual safety, and your artistic/educational growth.
· Autonomy is inherent to the class. You are trusted to make all you do appropriate.
· If learning/safety is compromised, a verbal request will be given. If the compromise persists, the student will be removed/ from the class and/or dropped from the course.
THE END (…or Beginning). If you choose to participate, the outcomes should be:
· Understand technical and aesthetic differences between traditional and digital photography.
· Make informed choices about all aspects of design.
· Make informed choices about appropriate technologies for use in a variety of graphic arts practices.
· Analyze and discuss complex ideas in works of art and graphic design.
· Create original works of art of increasing complexity and skill that reflect their feelings and point of view.
· Describe the relationship involving the art maker, the process, the product and the viewer.
· Demonstrate proper use of techniques in production of a work of art.
· Understand and utilize the steps in the creative process.
· Be aware of the vast amount of career choices in the graphic arts.
· Possibly begin producing a portfolio of work that could be the basis when moving on to Digital Arts 2, Industrial Engineering, Photography, Publications, etc. (They are all related).
NOTE: The Creative Challenges Rubric below will be tackled in parts throughout the semester. The intent is to help you make intentional photographs that challenge your abilities.
