ART 230 Foundations in Digital Arts
Adjunct Professor Jon Measures
Spring 2016 - 4 Units
Class Hours: Tuesday and Friday 2:00 pm to 3:50 pm
Lab: CAC 402
Office Hours: Tuesday and Friday 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm held in the same lab CAC 402
where the class takes place.
Mailbox: CAC 200
E-mail: [email protected]
Class Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551215411866294/
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces beginning concepts, materials, and techniques involved in
creating digital art. Prerequisite: ART 101 and ART 103 or consent of instructor.
(GE) Art Studio fee will be assessed.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
A student who successfully completes this course should be able to:
1) Design and present conceptual, visual messages for presentations (logos, post
cards, and visual hierarchies). Students complete five projects throughout the
semester. Each project will present a story, a piece of information or a visual
expression and composition. Projects are assessed through the use of a grading
rubric.
2) Articulate and support their personal opinions of artwork both verbally and in
written form.
Students research and present a formal oral and visual presentation. Students
actively participate in group discussions and project critiques.
3) Analyze and critique the cultural and historical importance of artwork and design
they see and research. Students participate in-group and one on one critiques
throughout the semester. Students also are required to research individual artists
and designers which introduce artworks and artists to them. Each student will
present an oral and visual history
4) Use demonstrated techniques and software tools proficiently during the creation
of artwork.
Technical proficiency is assessed through the project assignments. Decisions
regarding process are discussed and defended during the critique process and in
written reflections statements.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES:
This course aligns directly the Studio Art Program Learning Outcomes for Studio Art.
A student who successfully completes this program should be able to:
1) Effectively create and exhibit a cohesive body of artwork that
demonstrates technical proficiency, individual artistic expression and
socially relevant content.
2) Analyze and critique the historical importance, conceptual content, and
formal framework of works of art by utilizing visual, oral, and written forms
of communication.
3) Utilize art as a vehicle for community engagement, social change, and the
advancement of diversity within global society.
GENERAL EDUCATION LEARNING OUTCOME:
This course fulfills the GE requirement in fine art and aligns with the General
Education goal: “Students explain the historical, cultural, or technical significance of
the art form and develop an appreciation of its aesthetic value.”
STUDENTS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
A student will be introduced tothe basic concepts of digital design and the technical
skills of leading graphic software programs used in popular visual modes of
presentation: prints, web pages, magazine layouts, posters, and the Internet at large.
You will utilize visual hierarchical skills and learn digital production skills. You will
gain proficiency and control in graphic programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator,
and Dreamweaver.
THE CHRISTIAN MISSION OF PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY
Art provides a physical, intellectual, and emotional connection to the creation of
everything around us. Pepperdine University is a Christian university committed to
the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students
are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. We will abide these
guidelines in our projects, our discussions and our intentions.
READING AND RESEARCH:
Foundations in Digital Art and Design by Xtine Burrough. By New Riders/Pearson
Press. There will also be multiple reading materials that will be assigned throughout
the semester.
SKETCHBOOK:
You will be required to keep a notebook/sketchbook for class. You will find that it can
be your most useful tool in helping you to work out your ideas before starting your
projects and while working through them. Bring your notebook/sketchbook to every
class. They will be used for our individual discussions and will be collected
periodically for grading.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
The Disability Services Office (DSO) offers a variety of services and
accommodations to students with disabilities based on appropriate documentation,
nature of disability, and academic need. In order to initiate services, students must
meet with the director of DSO at the beginning of the semester to discuss
reasonable accommodations. You may contact the Director of DSO at Tyler Campus
Center 264, ext. 6500. Go to http://www.pepperdine.edu/disabilitiesservices/ for
additional information.
ONLINE COURSE EVALUATION:
The evaluation period opens on the WP/WF deadline day at 5:00pm (Friday
preceding the last week of classes) and closes before final exams begin (3:00am on
the Monday of final exam week). The official online evaluation is a crucial part of the
academic process. It allows you the opportunity to personally reflect and outwardly
define your thoughts on this course. For us, the faculty, it is a gauge of success and
a tool for improvement.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
Academic integrity is taken seriously at Pepperdine University. If you are found using
notes, looking at someone else’s exam, talking, passing notes or papers, or
communicating with your neighbor in any other way during an exam you will be
referred to the Academic Integrity Committee. Plagiarism will NOT be tolerated, if
you have any questions concerning what constitutes plagiarism, please see me or
visit Pepperdine’s website at: http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/academicintegrity/.
GRADING:
Class Participation ................................................. 10% of final grade
In Class Exercise ...................................................15% of final grade
Project 1 – Photomontage .....................................15% of final grade
Project 2 – Illustration …........................................ 15% of final grade
Project 3 – Page Layout ........................................ 15% of final grade
Project 4 – Animation ........................................... 15% of final grade
Final Project – Digital to Physical .......................... 15% of final grade
You will receive a grading rubric when we discuss the actual projects defining what
skills and concepts should be evident in your submissions.
An “A” means your technical skills are superb and your design is cohesive. You
have created a well-defined and fully explored composition. You have absorbed
the full intention of the assignment. You have used the traditional design
process of thumbnails, roughs, final comps and exceeded the necessary
parameters.
A “B” means you tried for the above, and were generally successful on all fronts
but ran out of time, or energy, or forgot some of the reading material or skipped
a step of the assignment. Or missed the purpose of the assignment. Or did not
save all your layers, or hand it in on time....
A “C” means you did the homework but didn’t try to fully engage your creative
juices... a “C” is average. Fabulously smart and driven people get “C’s”
sometimes because life happens.
You will receive a “D,” or an “F” if you do not hand in your final, or consistently
do not come to class, or ever do your homework, or you did not complete one or
more of the Projects in a timely manner.
INCOMPLETES are only considered in extreme cases such as if a student was
hospitalized and unable to complete the course.
LATE SUBMISSIONS
Unless otherwise approved, work must be turned in on time or a penalty of one letter
grade will be applied for every class it is late. You must be present through all
presentations or points will be deducted from the project grade.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
Because we are a hands-on class, it is very important that you are present. It is up to
you to keep track of your own attendance. ONE absence from class are your grace
period. Each additional absence will lead to a 2 point reduction in your Class
Participation grade. If you miss a class it is your responsibility to get the information
and assignment details from a classmate. I can not respond to all the e-mails that
ask me, “What did I miss in class today?”
Homework:
Will be graded with a PASS or FAIL. You receive a pass if you have thoroughly
researched and experimented with the tools and tasks at hand, and submitted it on
time. A fail means you did not do the above. No late homework assignments.
Projects:
Projects will be graded on the quality of your design, layout, and execution of skill
exhibited within the individual programs. They must be submitted on time, with all
appropriate attachments and drafts in the “Courses>Assignments” folders or
submitted in print at the defined due date. A detailed rubric will be provided before
any due date.
TO TEXT OR NOT TO TEXT:
Texting or using your phone inappropriately is very disrespectful and will not be
tolerated. I reserve the right to take your phone for the day if you are distracting the
class.
ARTIST LECTURE SERIES:
The Studio Art Program will host three fine artists and three art historians or critics
throughout the semester. Please attend one of them, it counts as a homework.
ONLINE COURSE EVALUATION:
The official online evaluation is a crucial part of the academic process. It allows you
the opportunity to personally reflect and publicly define your thoughts on this course.
Essential Information:
1. No food or drink near computers.
2. You share the lab with other students so clean up after yourself.
3. Save all your projects. You will need them at the end of the course.
5. If you miss class get the homework from classmates in order to submit them
on time.
6. Payson Library has Mac computers in the ACE on the 2nd floor, and is open
late.
7. TAKE NOTES! Material you need to know for the success of this course is in
class.
8. Absences are only accepted under strict circumstances, (e.g., documented
illness, family tragedies, participation in university-sponsored activities).
PROJECT ASSIGNMENTS
PROJECT 1 – Photomontage
Software Photoshop
In class exercises associated with this project
1. Making Selections
2. Cutting, copying, etc.
3. Non-destructive approaches such as Layer Masks and Adjustment Layers
4. Creating shadows
5. Transforming
6. Coloring
7. Cloning
Students will create two Photoshop artworks that involve combining images to create a new
and unique artwork. The first will be done in response to the work of Simmons and Burke.
The art historical movement Surrealism will be the inspiration for the second artwork.
PROJECT 2 – Illustration
Software Illustrator
In class exercises associated with this project
1. Tracing using a template layer
2. Drawing tools such as Pen Tool and Pencil Tool
3. Selecting and grouping objects
4. Drawing from life
5. Patterns
6. Brushes
7. Pathfinder
8. Transparency
Illustrate a poem or a song using 3 or more illustrations
Step 1
Create sketches in a sketchbook
Step 2
Scan the drawings
Step 3
Work over the top of the scanned drawings to create the final illustrations
PROJECT 3 – Animation
Software Illustrator, Photoshop and Flash
In class exercises associated with this project
1. Making gif animations in Photoshop
2. Stop-motion in Photoshop
3. Drawing a walk cycle in Illustrator
4. Exporting layers and blends as SWF format from Illustrator
5. Basics of using Flash
Students will create a 30 second animated film
Step 1
Create a storyboard for a 30 second animation
Step 2
Draw the assets in Illustrator
Step 3
Import into Flash
Step 4
Create the animation
PROJECT 5 – Page Layout
InDesign and Dreamweaver
In class exercises associated with this project
1. Introduction to InDesign
2. Working with images
3. Working with type
4. Create interactive elements such as buttons and links
Option 1 – Design a book
Option 2 – Convert the book to an interactive book
Option 3 – Make a website
PROJECT 4 – Digital & Physical
Software Photoshop and Illustrator
Option 1
Make a 3 dimensional, sculptural artwork by printing out and folding paper into
shapes.
Option 2
Create a mixed media painting that employs both analog a digital processes
Week 1
Introduction to the course
Introduce project 1
Student Introductions
Take student photographs
Talk about the various software
Vector vs Bitmap
Have a look at the Interface
Look at examples of computer art
Exercise toward project 1
Homework: Start work on Project 1
Week 2
Intro to Photoshop
Making selections
Cutting and pasting
Week 3
Review Week 2
Introduce Project 2 – Illustration
Non-destructive approaches
Masking
Adjustment layers
Cloning
Week 4
Review week 3
Onscreen critique
Print and submit Project 1
Individual meetings with students begin
Intro to Illustrator
Selecting objects, parts of objects and grouping
Pathfinder
Transforming objects
Week 5
Review Week 4
Tracing Demo
Exercise drawing from life
Patterns
Brushes
Opacity
Week 6
Review week 5
Scanning and tracing illustrations
Graphic symbols
Week 7
Review week 6
Introduce Project 3 – Animation
Onscreen presentation project 2 – Illustrations (Tuesday)
Print and submit Project 2 (Friday)
Week 8
SPRING BREAK
Week 9
Making simple gif animations in Photoshop
Making simple SWF animations from Illustrator
Week 10
Review week 9
Intro to Flash
Importing from illustrator
Making layers
Making tweens
Stopping an animation with action script
Week 11
Review week 10
Present animation projects and submit on flash drive
Introduce project 4
Week 12
Review week 11
Intro to InDesign
Page Layout
Typography
Use of grids
Week 13
Review week 12
Creating interaction with InDesign
Intro to Dreamweaver
Introduce Final Project – Digital and Physical
Week 14
Review week 13
Exercises that combine analog with digital
Look at the way artists combine these two worlds
Week 15
Review week 14
Tuesday lab time to work on projects
Individual meetings with students
Week 16
Tuesday lab time to work on projects
Friday present project 4, page layout and project 5 (FINAL) Digital and
Physical