Welcome to Digital Foundations

Illustrator_Tools, Tips, Tricks.... and more.

Each day we are going to work with specific tools and create designs based on the execution of said tools.   This will give you a bit of practice and a good overview of the Adobe Suite.    Further, it will expand your knowledge of 2D design and digital graphics.  We will be working on Mac computers.  One of the great assets of our college is the technology/equipment we have.   It's truly vital that you respect the equipment as these are a great benefit to you. 

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.  One thing we need to do now so you are getting the optimum experience with Adobe is set our back button under preferences. 

 2. Introduction to the Adobe Illustrator workspace

 (photo from Adobe Illustrator Classroom in a Book) 

--Here is a chart with some illustrator shortcuts.  You do not need to try and memorize all these.  Just have a quick glance at these, and know they are here. We will go over most commonly used shortcuts and eventually you will develop a "vocabulary" of these.  I am just leaving these here for reference.  Once again, you do not need to try and memorize these.  (please note: if you use PC vs. Mac, many of the shortcuts are exactly the same, but with the substitution of the "Control" key for "Command.) 

3. Please watch (at least) one or both of the following videos.  In an effort to spend more time working on the projects in class where I can assist you and critique production/make suggestions.  I will be pushing my presentations to you digitally through video tutorials I will record, or sourced online tutorials.   The benefit is you will be able to go/stop at your own pace, and have a permanent "file" you can refer back to for taking notes, if you forget something or just for general reference.   It is absolutely crucial that you watch the videos.  Most everything I do not present myself will be sourced from certified Adobe Experts and certified Adobe Evangelist Terry White.   While I highly encourage using tutorials as you learn and grow in digital art making, there are some really lame videos out there.  So, be mindful of that. 

Terry White-How to Get Started with Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator CC Tutorial for beginners

Syllabus_Summer_2016

Syllabus_Summer 2016

FD170 - Digital Foundations

Mon-Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  Mac Lab 1

Thomas Everett Green • Spring 2016

Office hours: Weekdays 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.  *due to the brevity of the summer session, you will mostly research images and aesthetics of modern design movements -vs- writing papers on design. 

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)

1. 
   

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 twice each day, so if you cannot make the morning portion of class for some reason, you should attend the afternoon portion of the class.  Each day counts as two class periods, so the student will have the opportunity to attend (or miss) two classes each day.  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.  Also, if you miss class--check the blog.  Oftentimes, it will have pertinent information and tutorials on the same utilities we will be covering in class.  3 tardies (10 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 in your instructor's feeble mind. 

-       FOOD/DRINK ARE NOT ALLOWED BY COMPUTERS IN THE MAC LAB!!!!  Srsly... don't!  

 
    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 to provide 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.

5. Adherence to guidelines set forth with each assignment. 

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):

A - 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.

B - 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.

C - 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.

D - 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.

F - 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:

A - Excellent. Assignment is completely and creatively fulfilled. No significant problems.

B - All aspects of assignment are completely fulfilled and well done. Some problems remain to be solved.

C - Work fulfills the requirements of the assignment to the letter and is generally successful. Work is completely finished. Craftsmanship is good.

D - Assignment is not yet completely finished or has obvious technical or conceptual flaws.

F - Unacceptable in technique or craft or concept (or any combination of these).


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

Materials and Supplies

Required materials and supplies include the following:


USB Jump drive ( at least 4G or larger), or other digital storage device (Save all of your files on this drive.)

Sketchbook--available at the art store on campus *you may use a sketchbook that you already have, as most of the "drawing" in this class will be worked out digitally. 

Drawing and writing implements (pencils, pens, markers).


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.  Please see me if you have issues with this. 

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

http://wiki.digital-foundations.net/index.php?title=Main_Page http://wiki.worqx.com/color/color_systems.htm http://dx.sheridan.com/advisor/cmyk_color.html

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, and possibly a very brief introduction to video editing and/or animated gifs.   The following is meant as a rough guideline and may be changed in the event of inclement weather or at the instructor’s discretion.   Because this summer class is everyday, homework will be less than general 6 hours which I assign during the school year.  Expect some changes in schedule to accommodate for more involved projects. Amendments will be posted to class blog and discussed in the class.

Day One: Syllabus, Intro, Quiz. Symmetry/Assymmetry-

-Bauhaus and Art Deco-Egon Shiele Interpretation/Bauhaus

Day Two: Pen/Line Tool, Copywright/Fair Use Man vs. nature

Day Three: Color- Illustrator

Day Four and Five: Gradient and Mesh Tools- Portrait-Illustrator

Day Five Font—Grid and Typography-Illustrator  

Day Six- Introduction to photoshop_Still life

Day Seven- Scanograms

Day Eight- Scale and Digital Collage_Surrealism

Day Nine- Exquisite Corpse

Day Ten-Typography (again) Photoshop-Poster

Day 11 Intro to In Design_Brochure/Magazine

Day 12 Logos, Branding and Websites-Developing a web presence

Day 13 Video and/or animated gif

Day 14  Printing and work on Presentations
Day 15 Presentations/Final prints

*Note, there is a small amount of leeway allotted for continuation on project due dates. 

Presentations

Final Presentations

As part of your final assignment, you will be creating and delivering a presentation of your work to the class.  The intent of this project is to help you become familiar with speaking about your work and speaking in public.

For the presentation, you should consider the following for a possible outline

1. Introduction- who are you? where are you from? what are your interests?  where do you currently work/ study?   Give us an idea of who you are, what makes you tick.  You could include everything from personal interests, to things you collect, to your favorite foods.     But, do this in a short amount of time (less than a minute).  Remember.... it's only an introduction.   Then you can discuss the work that you have done in the class.   Things to consider:

What was the focus of the work

• What themes, ideas and concerns does your work consider?
• Talk about the work from a conceptual, thematic, and/or emotional point of view.
• The ‘intention' behind the work; what do you want the work to achieve?
• What do you want the viewer to feel, learn, or come away with after viewing the work?
• What kind of questions does your work raise?

Materials and process

• What media do you work with? What interests you about work of this type? Was it a scanogram? did you create photos to assist in the process? 
• Why did you work in this manner? Is there a relationship between the media and the ideas that you work with?
• What processes are involved in the work and how are they relevant to the ideas you are dealing with?

Inspirations — historical, personal, social

• Are there any outside influences and ideas, perhaps from outside the arts, which have bearing on your work?
• Connect the work to something outside of art. That “something” can be homespun observations, personal history, contemporary issues, science, politics…
• Any artists or writers you referenced or were influenced by during the process

After you have talked about your work you could conclude with information regarding: 

Future projects, goals and exhibitions/screenings

• What are your future goals in college?  
• where would you like to exhibit/screen your work?
• How does this work fit into the overall flow of your development as an artist?

You should use PowerPoint, your website, or your class blog to assist you as a visual reference. 

Your presentation should be about five minutes

Week 10_Photoshop Final

Homework- 

1. Research Swiss Design or International Typographic Style and write a one page paper covering the basics of their philosophies of design, layout and typography.   Please include images in your research.     Here is a link to the documentary on Helvetica. 

http://www.veoh.com/watch/v760022632spTWK7p

2. Collaged Poster
*at least 10 images, half must be authored by student *must use some element of type in the poster.   Perhaps you would like to make a poster for your first solo show at the Whitney, perhaps this is a promotional poster (like that for a movie, play, or even a travel poster) 

I leave this up to you, but I want Original work.  You may use digital painting techniques if you like. 

You will receive an extra 10 points if you complete the submission process and enter your poster in one of the poster contests that you find online.  This project will require some research and some critical thinking and idea generating/brainstorming.   It would be wise to use a sketchbook to organize your ideas and your designs before executing the digital manipulation. 

Here are some links to poster design contests: 

https://contestwatchers.com/category/visual-arts/graphic-design/

http://www.graphiccompetitions.com/students-only/

SAMPLE POSTERS FROM PREVIOUS CLASSES:  (note: these were not required to submit or required to create posters for a specific reason) 

Additional Homework for this week....

RELAX and watch these videos.  PLEASE!!!

This week we are finishing up with exclusive Photoshop assignments. I'm embedding more photoshop tool tutorials which should round out the tools you haven't used so far in the course. These tools are probably "lesser used" and you may or may not require them (often) in your future work, but I'm putting them on here so you know the capabilities and can use them if you ever need to.



Perspective Crop Tool 


Color Picker and Color Sampler


Ruler, Note, Count Tools--this is a longer tutorial... kinda boring too.


Healing Brush, Spot Healing Brush, Patch Tools



Photoshop Painting Tools



History Brush



Background Eraser



Magic Eraser

Week 7 Scanograms

A scanogram is the digital method of producing a “contact” image, reminiscent of a photogram. The first photograms were made by photographic pioneers, William Henry Fox Talbot and Anna Atkins in the mid-1800s. Photograms are made by placing objects on sensitized paper, exposing the objects and paper to light, and processing the paper to reveal the print. A camera is not necessary for the production of this type of graphic image; and the result is more like an abstract impression of the object than a highly detailed rendering. Like a photogram, a scanogram is made by placing objects on the “sensitized area,” or the scan bed, where the surface is exposed to the digital capturing devices that generate a file.

 Anna Atkins

William Henry Fox Talbot

Scanograms are a simple and contemporary counterpart to the photogram.  Consider some of the following:

For our scanograms, we will be using the scanners to "capture" our objects, then from there, we will use photoshop to create duplicates, alter, warp, distort, skew, colorize, lower and raise opacities, or us any other effect you like to produce different patterns. 

Using the scanner.

Go to Applications and find the "image capture" application

After you open image capture, if you see a blank gray screen like this,  click on "show details" at the bottom right of the screen.

The scanner will begin by creating an overview "full bed" scan of the object or document you are trying to capture an image of.   At this point, you will also want to select the type of file you wish to create (tif., jpeg, etc.) and also you can tell image capture what to name the file and where to place the file once the scan is complete.   In the example below, the name of the files will be Scan. filetype, Scan1.filetype, Scan2.filetype, Scan3.filetype,  and so forth... also note that these images will be placed in the "Pictures" folder on the computer.   You may prefer to designate them to the desktop while active and working with them, then place them into designated folders afterward

After the "Overview Scan" image is complete, and to capture a specific range of the scanner's surface area, click on the "use custom size" then click and drag a rectangle around the area you wish to scan.

Last, but not least, you need to select a resolution for your image.  If you want to print a 300 dpi image at 8x10 of your document area,  and the cropped document area is 4x5, then you will have to scan at 600 dpi. 

Resolution for printed images

Resolution is measured in dots or pixels per inch (dpi or ppi). The resolution of the scanned image is a necessary factor in the final print or on-screen output. In consumer or prosumer situations, such as personal ink jet printers or laser printers at stores like Kinkos or Costco, the print will look fine at a resolution of 200 to 300 dots per inch. In professional print environments, the rule is simple: ask the printer for the print specifications including file resolution and color space.

Resolution for screen presentations Any image that will be used on-screen, for instance on a website or in a video, will need to be saved only at screen resolution, or 72 dots per inch. The file size is directly connected to the amount of pixels saved in each inch of the bitmap or raster file. Image files saved at screen resolution are much smaller in file size than images that are saved for printing.

To determine the resolution to enter into the scanner software, simply acknowledge the size of the object on the flatbed, then decide how large you want the object to print on the page. If the object is, for example, 4 by 5 inches and the objective is to make a 4 by 5 inch print, scan the object at 200 – 300 dots per inch. If you want to make an 8 by 10 inch print, either scan the object at 300 dpi and increase the scale to 200 percent, or scan the object at 600 dpi at 100 percent scale.   Enough already!!!!

But wait.  One more thing: File formats such as JPEG, PNG, and PDF are used to compress the size of the file, and therefore often result in a loss of digital information. File formats such as TIFF and PSD are less “lossy” (the image does not lose digital information due to compression), and are therefore better format choices if the intent is to manipulate the image in an editing program such as Photoshop.  I will use Tiff.... this makes a larger file size, but after the image is complete in photoshop, then you can save it as a jpeg for printing, or alter the image to 72 dpi for easy publishing on the web. 

SCANOGRAMS!!!

IN CLASS ASSIGNMENT:

Research different types of pattern.  Tesselations, Alternating patterns, flowing patterns, progressive patterns, Radial Patterns, All over patterns, fractal patterns, spiral patterns.    Post at least 8 images of patterns that you find inspiring to your blog under a new post named "Week 7: Scanograms" 

Artists to look at: Victor Vasarly, Bridget Riley

For Friday (after Spring Break) 

Scan one, or several objects to see how they work with the scanners.  Some objects may capture better using the image capture and epson scanners.   Select an object to create your scanograms.  Using the pen tool, cut the object out.   Then, you will create the following 

1. Scanogram-using the initial object to create a complex pattern.  Altering the opacity, applying filters, gradients, and transforming the initial object to create the new pattern.   Create Sketches (either digitally, manually, or by being inspired from an image you found in your research) ....show them to me before you leave class.

2. Scanogram II- use the initial object to create another object.  Rehash the initial object by appropriating it into a representational "new" object.  You may research images online or use your drawing skills to show me the possible final project.  Please show me your ideas before you leave class so I can make comments and suggestions before you begin work.

Previous Student Works: 

Tools you might need!