Thursday, January 21, 2016

Week 1

Week 1

Introduction to Macs.   You may or may have never worked with Mac before.    Here is a list of keyboard shortcuts that could be helpful.  You don't need to memorize all these, but look them over.  You will learn and use most of these in time.
What is Adobe Illustrator? 

Adobe Illustrator is a program used by both artists and graphic designers to create vector images. These images will then be used for company logos, promotional uses or even personal work, both in print and digital form. So what is Adobe Illustrator used for? It is typically used to create illustrations, charts, graphs, logos, diagrams, cartoons of real photographs, and more. While the program may be difficult to understand initially, the final product will be well worth the learning curve.
This first week, we will be working with basic shapes in Illustrator.  Illustrator is a vector based program. 



The word "Pixel" is a term that was created out of the two words, "picture" and "element."  You will hear

Raster / Bitmap Images

Raster images' dimensions are measured in pixels. Because raster images cannot be enlarged without losing quality, different suppliers have specific size requirements for their processes; they require a specific pixel resolution: a specific amount of pixels within each inch. The amount of pixels within each inch in the image represents the image pixel resolution or ppi (pixels per inch).
How large a raster image can be printed - and maintain quality - depends on 2 things:
    1. the pixel dimension of the image (e.g. 6824 pixels wide by 2345 pixels high)
    2. the pixel resolution: pixels-per-inch (ppi) required by the particular printer
Some offset printers (paper printing) require a minimum of 300 ppi
Some screen printers (cloth printing) require a minimum of 240 ppi
Large format printers (banners, billboards) vary a lot because it also depends on the distance from which the sign is going to be viewed - could be as low as 20 or more than 200
For all intensive purposes, most artists and photographers will save images in a couple different qualities for usage. 

300 dpi is a good quality print image
72   dpi is a good quality image to be used for the web. 


How to determine what size your raster image must be, for good quality printing:

Multiply the resolution required by the area to be printed. Examples:
If a printer requires a minimum of 300 ppi and you want to print an image in an area that is 5 inches wide, multiply 300 pixels x 5 inches (300 x 5 = 1500). Your image must be at least 1500 pixels wide.
If a printer requires a minimum of 240 ppi and you want to print an image in an area that is 12 inches wide, multiply 240 pixels x 12 inches (240 x 12 = 2880). Your image must be at least 2880 pixels wide.

Can you enlarge the pixel dimension and resolution of a raster image?

Raster images have a certain amount of pixels within each inch. A 72 ppi image has 72 pixels in every inch. A 300 ppi image has 300 pixels per inch. Usually the higher the ppi, the higher the quality. When you are required to provide a high resolution image file, the file must have been created or scanned at both the dimension and the resolution required. E.G. if you need to print an image at 2 inches wide and 300 ppi is required, your image must be created/scanned at a minimum of 600 pixels (2in x 300dpi).

Vector Graphics

Vector graphics are made of mathematical calculations that form objects or lines - they do not use pixels therefore they are resolution-independent.

Vector graphics can be enlarged and printed at ANY SIZE!

Instead of pixels, vector graphics use objects and lines (shapes) to represent images. Vector graphics can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
Some Vector programs have two different views; preview/normal view which displays the image as we normally would see it and an outline/wireframe view which displays the outline of every object in the file. This vector outline/wireframe is important to some companies like engraving & vinyl-cut signs because it guides the equipment they use to create their products.
Now that we have gone over that.   Let's dig into illustrator and check things out. 
We will begin by taking a brief tour through shapes in 

illustrator.

Here is a brief tutorial for you to review you should you need while you are working on your designs.



WEEK 1:  ASSIGNMENT

IN CLASS:

Create a new folder on your desktop
1. To create a new folder on your computer, navigate to the place where you want your new folder to reside (for instance, the Desktop), and from the menu, choose File > New Folder. Most computer users typically store folders in the Documents folder or on the Desktop. As soon as you create a new folder, the operating system temporarily names it untitled folder. As long as you do not click outside of the folder name, the name area remains highlighted in blue, and is ready for you to type a new name. Name the folder "lastname_firstname_FD170" and press the Return key.  (If you have clicked outside of the box and seem to be stuck with an "unnamed folder," click on the folder to highlight, then click again and you will be able to name the folder.) 


Create a new file in Adobe Illustrator

Launch the Application
1. In Mac OS, move the mouse to the bottom of the screen so that it appears over the dock. The dock displays icons that are buttons which launch various applications in one click. Click on the Illustrator icon once and the application will open. If the icon is not in the dock, you can find the application in Finder/ Applications / Adobe Illustrator or Finder > Menu > Go >Applications >Adobe Illustrator. In Windows OS it is in Start > Programs > Adobe > Adobe Illustrator CC.

Define a new file
2. Open Adobe Illustrator. To create a new document click File > New....
Notice the settings.   Illustrator has default settings for many different formats that you might be creating work for specifically.   For this assignment, choose print, and then "letter" to open an 8.5 x 11 document
The blank page and your tools
Look around your new document and notice the interface elements. In the center is an Artboard. Analog layouts were created inside the area defined by cropmarks drawn on a board, which was referred to as the Artboard. Illustrator reproduces the analog experience through metaphor. On the left side of the document area is the Tools panel. Like an artist’s or designer’s toolbox, the Tools panel holds pens, pencils, brushes, shape tools, and so on.
On the right are more panels. Take notice of the Color panel. Painters mix together individual paint colors on a palette. In Illustrator, as in the other Adobe Creative Suite applications, you create colors by virtually mixing colors in a panel (read more about this in Chapter 5). The tools and panel can be moved around the screen, and they can be hidden or shown based on the amount of workspace on the monitor.
3. Show the Layers panel by clicking Window > Layers, then hide the Layers panel by pressing the layers icon on the right side toolbar. Alternately, any panel can be shown or hidden by selecting its name from the Window menu.
After quitting and then re-opening a program, panels will assume the same locations as when the application was last closed. This can be a time-saver on a personal computer, but it can be an annoyance in a classroom or lab when the previous user's custom panel configuration appears confusing. Most applications have basic or default workspaces. Reset the workspace layout in Illustrator by clicking Window > Workspace > [Essential] or by using the pull-down menu on the Application bar. Before starting each of the exercises, set the workspace to the essential or basic settings so that your set-up is consistent with the settings we used while writing this book.

Create a dynamic composition from an image: for this first project we will be using Egon Shiele.  You will be using the rectangle tool to create the entire composition. 



A SAMPLE FROM PREVIOUS STUDENT WORK.



  
HERE IS A VIDEO SHOWING YOU HOW TO RE-CREATE THE EGON SHIELE PIECE.

Syllabus_Spring 2016

FD170 D, Digital Foundations
Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  Mac Lab 1

Thomas Everett Green • Spring 2016
Office hours: Friday 11:30-1200 or 3:30-4:00 after class
Or by appointment: email tgreen@mca.edu
Cell: call or text 615-474-6511

Course Description
Digital Foundations is an introduction to the basics of understanding digital procedures and improving one’s visual skills and conceptual development through the use of digital production tools. This course will include the fundamental visual design principles in conjunction with non-traditional way of working via digital methods.

Course Objectives
- To familiarize students with the methods of digital production tools while developing their visual design skills.
- Re-enforce fundamental visual design principles.

- Build a stronger digital basics skill set.

- Enhance ability to use digital methods to develop layout compositions
-       Develop an understanding of digital terminology and vocabulary.
-         
Professional Practice Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course:

Outcome 4-Students will demonstrate the ability to (digitally) document their work.

Outcome 6-Students will demonstrate basic computer/software literacy applicable to their field.

Outcome 9-Students will demonstrate the ability to research to stay current in their field.

Outcome 10-Students will demonstrate development of a professional web presence.



Methods
-       Overview of materials and methods used, including utilizing traditional visual design principles and Mac OS.  
-       Introductory Design History and visual topics--including symmetry, line art, tonal scale, elements of motion, and color—will be introduced to the pupil alongside digital art processes.
-       Class demonstrations, use of software and hardware tools.
-       Class discussions and critiques.
-       You will be required to record and keep notes. 
(I recommend you do this on the class blog you will be keeping, but a journal is acceptable)

ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY: Going to class is the single most important thing you can do to contribute to your success in college.
More than three absences (for any reason) will result in failure of the class.  This class meets only once a week, so if you cannot make the morning portion of class for some reason, you should attend the afternoon portion of the class.  Each Friday counts as two class periods, so the student will have the opportunity to attend (or miss) two classes each Friday.  I will be keeping attendance in the morning and afternoon.     If you are unable to come to either portion of the class, or are going to be late, a text or email is appreciated.   3 tardies (15 minutes or more) will result in one absence. Participation in class discussions and critiques is expected.

-       Cell phone calls, texting and headphones are not allowed in class.
-       No Facebook, emailing, IMing, or personal web surfing while in class unless specifically requested for an assignment. Failure to follow this policy will result in removal from the class for the rest of the period and accrual of one full absence.
-       Disrespect and disruptiveness will not be tolerated.
-       Please do not talk while the instructor is speaking.  This is disruptive to other class members and causes confusion.
-       FOOD/DRINK ARE NOT ALLOWED BY COMPUTERS IN THE MAC LAB! 

 
    Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students with a special learning need are encouraged to let their instructor know at the beginning of the course. Reasonable accommodations (such as extended time for exams, readers, scribes, and interpreters) are provided on an individual basis as determined by documented need. It is the student’s responsibility toprovide authorized documentation to Student Affairs or Achievement Center Support Staff as early in the semester as possible.

Course Content and Title IX Reporting
Students should be aware that information disclosed to faculty (whether through assignments or as a personal disclosure) that indicate experiencing sexual harassment, abuse, or violence while a student at Memphis College of Art, requires that your instructor as a “mandatory reporter” disclose this information to Student Affairs staff to ensure students’ safety and welfare are addressed. Student Affairs staff will contact you, and/or those involved, to make you aware of accommodations, remedies, and resources available at Memphis College of Art.

School and Class Policies 
The faculty will not tolerate academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) in any form. Please refer to the Student Handbook for detailed information on this and other school policies. Ignorance of the policies listed in this syllabus or in the Student Handbook does not constitute a valid defense for failure to follow said policies. 


Grading Policy 
Grades will be determined by:

1. On time attendance and participation in discussions and critiques.
 2. Ability to develop skills and technique.

3. Quality of craftsmanship.
4. Creativity and Concepts.

Late assignments will be accepted up to one week and will result in a grade reduction of one full letter grade; assignments turned in later than one week will count as a zero.
Final letter grade definitions (pluses and minuses are used to allow greater subtlety in comparative judgments):
- As close as humanly possible to perfection in the fulfillment of the objectives of this course; it implies great effort and great success in all aspects of the class. It is rare that this grade is awarded.
- The person earning this grade has worked very hard; has pushed him/herself to go beyond the fulfillment of each problem and has shown extraordinary advances in technical and conceptual skills.
- The student earning a C completed all assignments, had a positive attitude, worked hard, showed growth in skills and thinking, participated in critiques and discussions, and successfully fulfilled the requirements of the course, in general. This is the average level of achievement for all studio courses.
- This grade indicates that the student has obvious difficulties with basic skills and concepts and/or trouble in fulfilling the requirements of the class because of excess lateness, absence, or some other reason.
- This grade indicates a severe problem in one or more of the following categories: lack of interest and/or seriousness of purpose, ineptitude in basic skills, lack of understanding of concepts, terrible craftsmanship, failure to complete assignments, bad attitude, excessive lateness or absence.

Individual assignment grade definitions:
- Excellent. Assignment is completely and creatively fulfilled. No significant problems.
- All aspects of assignment are completely fulfilled and well done. Some problems remain to be solved.
- Work fulfills the requirements of the assignment to the letter and is generally successful. Work is completely finished. Craftsmanship is good.
- Assignment is not yet completely finished or has obvious technical or conceptual flaws.
- Unacceptable in technique or craft or concept (or any combination of these).

- Assignment not handed in. This assignment may not be re-worked.




Materials and Supplies
Required materials and supplies include the following:

Sketchbook--available at the art store on campus
Drawing and writing implements (pencils, pens, markers).

USB Jump drive ( at least 4G or larger), or other digital storage device (Save all of your files on this drive.)
Print Card – available at the business office.
Digital camera (10mp or higher) You do not necessarily need to own a digital camera, but you will need to have regular access to one. A digital camera has become a necessity for artists. A digital camera is one of the best tools for recording visual information quickly, accurately, and cheaply.

Copyright:
You must receive copyright permission for all non-public domain media used in projects. (Music, film footage, etc.) Public domain material can be found at http://www.publicdomain.org/ and http://www. creativecommons.org. Visit American University’s Center for Social Media Website for detailed information regarding the difference between rights infringement and fair use.

Related online texts

EPA Mandate
Memphis College of Art students and faculty are required to follow the standards detailed in the “EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Materials Handling Protocols—September 2007”

Class timeline: This class will cover approximately 5 weeks of Illustrator, 5 weeks of Photoshop, 2 weeks of InDesign, and 2 weeks of web presence.   The following is meant as a rough guideline and may be changed in the event of inclement weather or at the instructor’s discretion.   Amendments will be posted to class blog.


Week One: Syllabus, Intro, Quiz. Symmetry/Assymmetry-
-Bauhaus and Art Deco-Egon Shiele Interpretation
Week Two: Pen/Line ToolCopywright/Fair Use Man vs. nature
Week Three: Color- Illustrator
Week Four: Gradient and Mesh Tools- Portrait-Illustrator
Week Six Font—Grid and Typography-Illustrator  
Week Seven- Introduction to photoshop_Still life
Week Eight- Scanograms
Week Nine- Scale and Digital Collage_Surrealism
Week Ten- Exquisite Corpse
Week Eleven-Review of Photoshop-Poster
Week 12 Intro to In Design_Brochure/Magazine
Week 13 In Design cont.- Brochure/Magazine
Week 14  Branding and Websites-Creating a digital portfolio

Week 15  Presentations