Fall 2008• Prof. Jennifer McCoy
Tuesdays, 2:15-5:25

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the computer as a basic tool for graphic designers and artists. It provides a basic vocabulary with which to understand techniques of page design including the creation and manipulation of illustrations and photographs. The course will cover a range of digital production methods and tools.

• to develop the skills needed for producing images for print or electronic publication
• to provide a thorough introduction to the Macintosh computer
• to develop skills with input and output devices
• to develop page layout skills on the computer
• to develop drawing and illustration skills on the computer
• to develop photographic manipulation skills

Software

This course will provide introductions to and Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator. It will provide thorough experience with Adobe Photoshop. Fluency with these tools provides a great foundation for advanced work in design, multimedia, and digital video.

• complete all assignments
• complete in-class quizes covering basic vocabulary and concepts
• read assigned selections from handouts
• participate in classroom discussion and critiques
• attend class regularly

This class will present a lot of material in a short period of time. This material will be complicated, technical, and detail-oriented. Prompt attendance for all class periods is essential. If you miss more than one class you will not get an A in this course . Class will start on time . Lectures are at the beginning of the session. If you are late consistantly you will not get an A in this course. This course also requires 3 hours a week of outside lab time. You should consider this an absolute minimum. These kinds of projects require a lot of time and energy. They will be impossible to complete unless you work consistently throughout the semester. As lab hours are limited, please reconsider taking the class if you cannot arrange to fufill this requirement.

• 1 or 2 Flash Drives, CD-RW discs, iPod, or Portable Hard Drive for file storage
  here is a resource for Flash Drives
  
• 1 pack of 10-30 sheets of 8" x 10" printer paper (type: photo/glossy). Buy either Epson or Hewlett-Packard brand.
  

Required text:

No text will be required this semester, but it is highly recommended you purchase recommended texts for software training.

Recommended texts :

Robin Landa, Graphic Design Solutions, 2e, Onword Press, 2000

Steven Heller, Design Literacy, Allworth Press, 2nd ed
ISBN: 1-58115-356-2

Sandee Cohen, InDesign CS3, Peachpit Press, 2004
ISBN: 0-321-21348-3

Elaine Weinmann, Photoshop CS3, Peachpit Press, 2004
ISBN: 0-321-21353-X

Elaine Weinmann, Illustrator CS3 for Windows and Macintosh , Peachpit Press, 2004

Click here for software tips and Terms.

All work must be submitted for critique on the due date. You must show work during class to receive a grade. Assignments will be collected on Zip cartridges at mid-term and at semester end. You are responsible for archiving and backing up your work.

FINAL GRADES for this class will be based upon the following:

1. overall quality of assignments both in idea and execution (60%)
2. participation in class discussions and critiques 20%)
3. effort and attendance (20%)

The grading of art assignments can be a subjective process. There are, however, guidelines which I will be using to determine grades:

• A Student explored, researched, experimented, learned and was fully involved in the class and with all aspects of his/her work. He/she produced excellent work that was some of the best in class.
• B Student satisfied assignments, but lacked full involvement and inspiration. Work was good, but not among the best in class.
• C Student satisfied assignments with some effort, but with problems in aesthetics, resolution, understanding of ideas, or satisfactory manipulation of the material. Work was adequate.
• D Student turned in incomplete or poorly executed assignments. If completed, work was not as good as most students in the class.
• F Student failed to turn in work or if it was turned in it was incomplete or very poorly executed. If completed, work was inadequate.