The
Digital Image - ART3613
Fall 2009, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30 to 3:15
Professor: David Stoddard
Goals of this course
This course is similar to a studio course, like a painting or a printmaking
course, in that you need to sketch ideas, and think on paper as much as possible before you "paint,"
before you begin production of the work. For the production of work you will
use several new visual design tools, as well as tools you already have explored
in previous courses. In addition to artistic work you will also be asked to
perform some research and share your results with the class. One project that
focuses on research consists of gathering information and images (or other
media) about a digital artist and the work they do. The project is designed
to help the entire class explore the rich environment of digital art.
I want to emphasize the importance of further developing your knowledge as artists. I challenge you to push yourself creatively. Think, sketch, and take risks. Avoid creating mundane pictures. Stretch yourself artistically! I would rather see you truly try something interesting than to stick to what is safe.
I will briefly refresh your memory on the fundamentals of Photoshop and Illustrator,and then move on to demonstrate more advanced ideas and techniques. You will work on a variety of projects designed to let you explore your own ideas and creativity, as well as discover historic movements and styles in design. There will be some structure in the assignments and there will be deadlines to meet. There will also be freedom to create things that you find interesting. You should look at each project as an opportunity to create something uniquely your own. Literally think outside of the box (the computer). Sketch and build ideas on paper before you settle at the computer use it as a tool in your process not as a means to an end.
Be creative with ideas. I encourage you to mix computer media with natural media. I repeat, I encourage you to mix computer media with natural media. I am open to ideas that vary from the assignment if you make a good case and give me good reasons. For instants, If we do a project that involves a series of image, you may want to turn your series into a book rather than a piece that hangs on the wall.
Writing will be an important method of communication in this course. I encourage you to write and sketch ideas in your sketchbooks. There will be a short essay about an artist of your choice. I will give you essay topics soon. You will be giving a presentation on the artist’s work as well.
I
expect all finished pieces (work submitted for a grade) to be worthy of inclusion
in your professional portfolio. So, the work you submit should be of the best
quality and well presented. If you have questions about this, ask me or any
of the art faculty about giving your work a finished, professional quality.
Grading and Attendance
Craftsmanship, creativity, aesthetics, and communication will all be considered
in each project when your work is graded. Grading will be based on projects
using a scale of 100 total points. The projects are as follows:
| Projects |
Grade percentage |
||
1. |
Multi image and time-based art project Total |
25 100 % |
This course is a portfolio-based course. Although your work will be graded as the semester progresses, much your grade will be decided near the end of the semester. If it is apparent to me that a particular project was good, but your grade suffered due to presentation, I MAY give you the opportunity to resubmit the work to improve the grade. I will give a deadline for resubmitting reworked projects later in the semester.
Attendance
and deadlines
If you miss more than three classes, you will lose five points from your final
grade. Missing a scheduled critique will reduce a final grade by 5 point.
Missing a deadline for assignments will reduce the project grade by 20%. For
example, if you are not prepared to give your Artist presentation on the date
you are scheduled then you will only be eligible for 12 points out of the
15 points possible for that assignment. If you miss more than 5 classes, I
strongly encourage you to drop the course. If you have attendance problems
or problems with a deadline, it is best to talk to me about it as early as
possible.DO NOT EXPECT INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION FOR CLASSES MISSED. YOU ARE
RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INFORMATION COVERED OR PROJECT EXPLORED DURING YOUR ABSENCE.
Arriving late or leaving early will adversely affect your grade. 2 tardies
= 1 absence. A NOTE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE WILL NOT EXCUSE AN ABSENCE. As per
university attendance guidelines, students may be dropped from the class for
non-attendance on the 5th absence.
Course Materials
• Textbook :No required text. The Wow! series is always good if you can find them on CS4.
• You should strongly consider a subscription to Lynda.com. They have an extensive library of video tutorials for the most current design and graphic software. You can subscribe by the month for $25.
• A Sketchbook - no spiral bindings - This is required!
• A camera. You can use disposables, digital or a 35mm cameras as projects
require.
• Photo quality inkjet paper other papers to print and draw on.
• Black foam core board (black core), spray mount, and an Xacto Knife with
new blades for mounting.
• Losing your work because you did not save it in more than one place is not
an excuse for not having your work. Back up your work! I encourage you to
purchase a USB Mini Drive and to back your work up on CD-R’s or DVD-Rs periodically
as well.
Digital
Studio Hours
The Digital Studio will be open during regular business hours (8AM to 5PM)
or on evenings when the lab manager is working. We will have a schedule outside
the door of the Studio soon. You will also have access to the Studio with
your ID card when the building is open. If you are in the Digital Studio when
there is no lab manager, please keep the door closed. If you see people using
the studio that you are not sure should be there, please ask them if they
are art students. No one other than art students should be using the lab unless
they have special permission such as an Oracle staff member. Don't be rude,
but do tell them to talk to me if they have questions.
Contact
Office: RFA 243. Phone: 230-5020. If I don't answer, leave a message
(include a number where you can be reached). The best method of communication
for me is E-mail: stoddad@hsu.edu. The
schedule, assignments, links, and this syllabus for the Digital Image can
be accessed on the web at http://art.hsu.edu/dad/courses/3613/index.html
Other Policies and Information
Students with documented disabilities are entitled to all reasonable accommodation
due them under Section 504. Students must notify instructor of special needs
so that accommodation can be provided.
Instructor reserves the right of flexibility as individual opportunities and
class needs dictate.
Cases of Plagiarism are treated seriously and will, at the least, result in
failure of the class and could result in expulsion from the University.
University Accreditation
National accreditation boards are constantly reviewing the university. This process is design to insure that institutions of high education like HSU meet national standards for education. Part of this process requires instructors and professors to state the desired “outcomes” for each course. These are the ideas and skills that students should obtain by completing a course successfully. Below is the list of desired outcomes for this course.
The Digital Image, ART 3613
To successfully complete this course each student should understand and have the skills to do the following:
Be able to navigate efficiently in Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator
Have a working understanding of both print graphic and web graphic requirements with regards to resolution and color
Be able to use the web for intermediate research purposes.
Be able to create a presentation to display images, media, sound and other graphics using presentation software
Be able to clean up digitally produced photos with regard to levels, hue, saturation, contrast and other image quality issues
Be able to use Photoshop resize, crop, and save image to a variety of formats using the automated processes found in Photoshop
Have an advance understanding of image resolution and file formats.
Work confidently with the main tools in Adobe Illustrator demonstrating a mastery of the mesh tools.
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the use and difference of vector-based graphics and bitmap-based graphic formats.
Understand and use layers, layer blending modes, layer effects and adjustment layers
Have a full understanding of the terms and concepts surrounding RGB and CMYK color systems of digital imagery.
Understand fully the tools of selection in Illustrator and Photoshop including quick masks and alpha channels
Understand color channels in Photoshop
Be able to mount your work and present it with a high level of craftsmanship.
Be able to use and understand the basic terms of type within Adobe Illustrator
Be able to work with pattern in Illustrator and Photoshop.
Be able to use and manipulate paint and drawing tools in Photoshop and Illustrator
Be able to discuss digitally base art with the appropriate terms for the medium
Be able to use a variety of automated tools in both Illustrator and Photoshop, and understand how to alter these to gain the effect you desire to create your personal aesthetic
Demonstrate a sophisticated level of understanding of the principles of design and composition.
Demonstrate a professional level of craftsmanship in vector-based rendering.
Be able to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of work created in the course in critiques.
Be able to copy, store and back up your digitally stored images and work to a variety of media.
David Stoddard © 2009