INSTRUCTOR: J Maxfield
TELEPHONE: 435.767.1199
EMAIL: jmaxfield[at]gmail[dot-diggity]com
OFFICE: by appt.
FALL 2009 CLASS INSTRUCTION:
6:30 pm – 7:45 pm Tues/Thur (section 50)
Üdvar-Hazy Bldg., Room 120
Dixie calendar dates of interest.
This course is designed to introduce and develop skills in working with the computer for commercial art applications. Focus will be on “real-world” graphic design projects using Adobe Photoshop under both the Mac OS X and Windows operating systems.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Companion course to VT 2500. May be taken before, concurrently, or in linear sequence with VT 2500. For students pursuing a certificate in either Visual Technologies, an Associate Degree, or a CIT four-year degree. Provides a hands-on introduction and overview to computer photo-manipulation and designing graphics on the computer. Emphasis is on tools and techniques used for editing and retouching photographs and creating original images with photo-like qualities for use in advertising. Prepares students to create original artwork usable in multimedia, Internet publishing, desktop publishing, or video effects. Homework assignments require access to computer with the designated software installed. May use Macintosh or PC-compatible computer. 3 lecture hours per week. No prerequisites required but VT 1300 is recommended.
SUGGESTED PRE-REQUISITES:
There are no pre-requisites for this course. However, basic computer skills are expected and VT 1300 and VT 2500 are highly recommended; VT 1400 and CIS 1200 are optional. (See the current semester class schedule.) These classes may be taken during the same semester.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK and SUGGESTED SUPPLIES:
- Something with which to backup your work and assignments. A USB drive or portable hard drive are acceptable alternatives.
- Textbook: Adobe Photoshop CS4: The Professional Portfolio
ISBN-10: 0981521657
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The purpose of this course is to help students learn how to use the computer as a design tool. Students will observe efficient techniques for using computers to create original art with Adobe Photoshop software as the tool of choice. Students will learn to distinguish between effective and ineffective design techniques through projects, evaluations of those projects, and increased awareness of various design approaches. Assignments will be tailored to represent typical projects developed by a commercial artist in a production environment. Further, to ensure sufficient exposure to important cross-platform compatibility issues, several assignments will contain a cross-platform development component as well.
At completion of the course, students should know and be able to demonstrate the following technical skills:
- scanning and “improving” photographs
- making, adjusting, and manipulating selections
- storing selections for future use as alpha channels
- modifying selection regions in their channel
- using the quick mask option to more accurately “paint” selections
- creating and using masks for other purposes (via various methods)
- using the painting and editing tools to “draw” original graphics
- adding and using layers to preserve separation of elements
- extracting a foreground object from its background
- drawing and using paths with the Pen tool(s)
- color-correcting all or part of an image as needed
- converting from one image type and/or format to another
- re-sizing and/or changing the resolution of an image
- understanding and using spot colors
- preparing images for color separation and/or color printing
- optimizing images and graphics for use in web pages
- creating images with resolution appropriate to their uses
- importing Adobe Illustrator artwork into Adobe Photoshop
- saving or exporting images in formats that are usable in other software
All assignments will be submitted in electronic form via a networked server. You will also make presentations of your work to the class at various times throughout the semester. In case of technical difficulties, you should keep backup copies of ALL your work using the storage media required (unless it’s in at least two places, it’s not backed up).
LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
No late assignments will be accepted. Period. Be sure to budget your time wisely. If, in the unfortunate situation you find yourself with an incomplete assignment at the time it is due, turn in what you have. Partial points are better than no points.
MISSED EXAMS/QUIZZES:
Credit for missed quizzes and/or exams can only be attained if the student informed the instructor ahead of time of the absence or if the student produces a doctor’s note as soon after the absence as is reasonable (multiple weeks would not be considered reasonable).
TEST OUT PROCEDURE:
Testing out of this course is not a right but may be extended as a privileged by the instructor. If you believe that you already possess the skills and software knowledge used for this course, you may ask to test out. Be prepared to show your instructor some past work and/or portfolio samples to make your case. If, after seeing your work, the instructor indicates that a test out is possible, the test should take place within two weeks of the start of the semester. It will be the student’s responsibility to follow-up with the instructor to ensure this happens within the two weeks.
A passing grade on the test means an “A” grade will be posted for you at the end of the semester. No other classwork will need to be completed, and class attendance will no longer be required. If the student fails to attain a passing grade on the test, he/she can continue on with course.
Please note: an agreement (verbal or otherwise) between the instructor and student that a test out can happen does not excuse the student from class attendance or classwork between that time and the test.
ESCAPE CLAUSE:
The instructor reserves the right to change the specifics of this class (weekly topics of instruction, assignments, assignment details, etc.) as required for the betterment of the class. Changes will be announced in a timely manner during the instruction periods and/or on the class website.
ABSENCES:
Attendance in class is essential to your success in this course. If you must miss a class, please find a classmate who will be willing to share class notes with you. This photo should be instructive.
POINT BREAKDOWN:
- Workbook Lessons: 350 points (7 * 50)
- Assignments: 600 points (6 * 100)
- Midterm: 50 points
- Final: 100 points
- Quizzes/Participation: 100
- Total: 1200
GRADING SCHEMA:
A 94% or higher
A- 90% to 93%
B+ 87% to 89%
B 84% to 86%
B- 80% to 83%
C+ 77% to 79%
C 74% to 76%
C- 70% to 73%
D+ 67% to 69%
D 64% to 66%
D- 60% to 63%
F 59% or lower
DISABILITY STATEMENT:
If you are a student with a medical, psychological or a learning difference and requesting reasonable academic accommodations due to this disability, you must provide an official request of accommodation to your professor(s) from the Disability Resource Center within the first two weeks of the beginning of classes. Students are to contact the center on the main campus to follow through with, and receive assistance in the documentation process to determine the appropriate accommodations related to their disability.
You may call (435) 652-7516 for an appointment and further information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 per Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Our office is located in the Student Services Center, Room #201 of the Edith Whitehead Building.