Graphic Design: Digital Imaging

Course SylLab:us

Online SylLab:us: http://www.basearts.com/DigitalImaging.fall05.htm

Recommended Texts in...

Photography:
Photography, Barbara London, John Upton, Ken Kobre, Betsy Brill, Prentice Hall
Photography, Revised Edition, Henry Horenstein, Russell Hart Prentice Hall
"The Photoshop CS Book for Digital Photographers", Scott Kelby, New Riders Publishing, 2004
www.scottkelbybooks.com

Design:

Design Writing Research Writing on Graphic Design, Elen Lupton & Abbot Miller Phaidon, 1996
Web Style Guide, Patricia J. Lynch and Sarah Horton, Yale University Press, 2001

Typography:
Texts on Type, Critical Writings on Typography, Steven Heller and Philip B. Meggs, Allworth Press, 2001
The Thames & Hudson Manual of Typography, Ruari McLean, Thames & Hudson, Ltd., 1980
Great Type and Lettering Designs, David Brier, North Light Books, 1992.
Creative Typography, Marion March, North Light Books, 1988.
Type Design, Color, Character & Use, Michael Beaumont, North Light Books, 1987.

DESCRIPTION:

Extensive use of the computer to explore the creative development of visual images for graphic design. Introduction of several popular Mac-based graphics software to create original designs for print and screen. Projects explore the manipulation and integration of type and images in a variety of formats. Topics include contemporary design issues, current methods and the aesthetics of design.

This course will present and overview of digital imaging techniques as applied within graphic design. Emphasis is placed on the creative process while exploring digital image making as a means of communication used by contemporary designers/artists.

Outcomes and Objectives:
1. Explore the creative use of imaging technology (the computer, digital scanners, laser printers, photocopy machines, and other equipment) for graphic design.
2. Create original designs using various Mac-based graphics software.
3. Apply various concepts of visual communication.
4. Develop an understanding of design principles.
5. Practice problem solving skills and creative thinking (analytical and intuitive) related to graphic design.
6. Become familiar with visual resources: books, magazines, and other publications for the graphic design field.
7. Learn about the World Wide Web/Internet as a graphics and information resource.
8. Gain an historical perspective of the important events, individuals and art/design movements relative to graphic design.
9. Develop the ability to make critical judgments and recognize good design solutions through participation in class critiques.
10. Become familiar with the vocabulary and terms used by designers.
11. Define health and safety issues that could arise from the use of artist's tools and materials.
12. Develop projects to build a design portfolio.

Topics and Scope:
The primary intent of Art 51.2 is to lay the foundation for students wishing to pursue the Study of graphic design while continuing to refine visual literacy and performance using digital tools and media. This includes:

1. The ability to integrate new technology into the design process (computers, scanner, laser printer, photocopier, etc.)
2. Develop an understanding of visual communication concepts and problem solving for graphic design.
3. The ability to develop design work progressively from rough ideas to more resolved comprehensives.
4. The practice of design principles and visual elements central to art and graphic design.
5. The ability to make aesthetic decisions and judgements about design in the development of visual compositions.
6. The ability to perform specific techniques using the computer to demonstrate these elements (produce thumbnails, and finished comprehensives using the computer, scanner, and laser printer; precisely assemble presentations using cutting tools, mat board and mounting adhesives; scale artwork and produce multi-color prints using the photocopier).
7. The ability to intelligently use and care for the tools and materials of Art 51.2 (disks, computers, scanners, laser printer, color printer, color ink cartridges, and papers).

The scope and sequence of the course will be presented as follows:
1. Through Lecture:s concerning the concepts, elements and historical precedents of art and design.
2. Through Lecture:/demonstrations of the proper use of digital tools and techniques.
3. Through student practice and demonstrations of the proper use of digital tools and techniques.
4. Through evaluative one-on-one discussions with individual students.
5. Through group critique discussions and presentations of in-class and homework visual compositions.

Specific areas of student within Art 51.2 include:
1. Demonstrate several ways graphic software can be used to create original graphic designs.
2. Demonstrate and use the digital scanner to capture images.
3. Explore the manipulation of photographic images.
4. Explore the essential shapes of letterforms and create an image-based alphabet.
5. Study examples of good image-based logotypes and develop original designs.
6. Demonstrate various strategies for developing repeating patterns.
7. Explore the Gestalt concept of figure/ground in a pattern design.
8. Use software programs that allow creative text modification.
9. Research the design of paper currency from other countries and design a new dollar bill.
10. Review examples of creative T-shirt designs and create an original design.

Assignments:
May include the following:
1. Create an image-based or computer inspired alphabet.
2. Design a digital alphabet based on modifications of existing fonts.
3. Create a logotype using original letterform designs.
4. Combine two or more scanned images to create one believable finished image.
5. Develop repeat patterns from simple units.
6. Design a book cover design or CD cover using pattern as the main design element.
7. Design a seal combining type and image.
8. Create a personal identity mark combining type and image.
9. Create a new design for the dollar bill.
10. Create a T-shirt design.
11. Create a Lab:el or package design.
12. Modify/manipulate an iconographic image.

EVALUATION:

40% of student grades will be based on class participation. Students must attend class in order to effectively participate.
50% of student grades will be based on the completion of assignments. These assignments will not be graded for skill or content, but will be evaluated for technical completion. 10% of the student grade will be determined by the final portfolio presentation.

A PORTFOLIO OF COMPLETED WORK WILL BE MAJOR BASIS FOR COURSE GRADE. OTHER
FACTORS: ATTENDANCE, EFFORT, GROWTH, AND CLASS PARTICIPATION.

Required Supplies / Equipment:

Students are required to obtain backup media to store class example files and work in progress.

Optional media types are: - 100MB/250 Mb Zip disks- CD ROM/DVD-R, Write-once or Re Writable: Approx. capacity 700+MB- Flash cards, memory sticks, etc..

An accessible email account is required. This can be accessed through the Lab: and may be a free account like those avaiLab:le from Hotmail, Yahoo, Freemail, Excite, etc. The instructor will assist students in obtaining an e-mail account if necessary.

Check this e-mail account at least twice a week. General class announcements will be reported via e-mail.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

You are expected to attend all of every class meeting unless they have received prior permission from the instructor.
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class meeting. Anyone absent when attendance is taken will be assumed absent from the class. If you are late to class it is your responsibility to make sure your attendance is acknowledged by talking to the instructor. If you are intending to drop the class, please notify the instructor. You should not assume that the instructor will automatically drop you because of absences. If you stop attending classes and you do not drop the class, and the instructor has not dropped you from the class; the instructor may be required to give you a grade of F for the class.

Graphic Design: Digital Imaging Schedule (subject to change)			Course Outline
Week 1		Lecture: Digital Technology SylLab:us Overview Expectations, Requirements, Objectives, Best Practices. Begin fundamentals of visual phenomenology / camera technology.	Assignment: Minimum 5 images in any form - representing your interests, motivations in photography. Email john@basearts.com with your current email address - include SRJC Digital Imaging in the subject line.
Reading: Review Course Outline & Review - Internet Resources Artists: Search Sites:
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