Syllabus

VT 2500 Computer Illustration

Section Fifty: TuTh 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Classroom: UHB120
Instructor: J Maxfield
Phone: 435.467.4795
Email: jmaxfield[at]gmail[dot-diggity]com
Office: UHB331
Office Hours: N/A

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
“For students pursuing either a certificate in visual technology or a baccalaureate CIT degree. May also be used as an elective in an Associate Degree. Provides a hands-on introduction and overview of advertising design and illustration techniques using the computer and popular PostScript-based computer illustration [software]. Prepares students to create original artwork usable in multimedia, Internet publishing, or desktop publishing. Course is three hours of lecture per week. Homework assignments require access to computer with the designated software installed. May use Macintosh or PC-compatible computer. [There are] no pre-requisites, but CIS 1200 and VT 1300 are highly recommended.” (Dixie State College Catalog, 2000-2002, pg. 204)

SUGGESTED PRE-REQUISITES:
VT 1300 is expected; COMP 1110 and CIS 1200 are optional. (See the current semester class schedule.)

REQUIRED SUPPLIES AND TEXTBOOK:

  • Something with which to backup your work and assignments. A USB drive or portable hard drive are acceptable alternatives.
  • Textbook: Adobe Illustrator Classroom in a Book, for version CS3. Cost is approximately $45.00

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.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The purpose of this course is to teach students how to use the computer as a design tool. Students will learn the technical aspects of the Adobe Illustrator software program and use the computer for design projects. 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:

  • creating simple geometric objects using built-in vector shape tools
  • drawing custom spline paths directly with the pen, paintbrush, and pencil tools
  • duplicating objects (two methods)
  • rotating objects (two methods)
  • scaling objects (two methods)
  • mirroring objects (two methods)
  • modifying the geometry of an object at the vertex (or anchor point) level
  • effectively using the liquid and warp tools to apply artistic effects to objects
  • blending the geometry and properties of two or more objects
  • applying and modifying style effects on one or more objects
  • setting the transparency of an object, group, or layer
  • making and using an opacity mask
  • making and using brushes (four types)
  • creating simple and complex paint gradients within objects
  • grouping/ungrouping multiple objects
  • accessing objects for editing within groups
  • making patterns for use as a fill within objects
  • making guides (two methods)
  • joining two lines or paths
  • using the Scissor and Knife tools to cut or trim objects
  • using the Slice and Slice Select tools to prepare artwork for web use
  • hiding/showing objects
  • using clipping mask objects
  • using the Pathfinder palette’s boolean operations
  • making text follow a path
  • creating text outlines and editing character shapes for design purposes
  • making compound objects with holes

POINT BREAKDOWN

  • Workbook Lessons: 455 points (13 * 35)
  • Assignments: 500 points (5 * 100)
  • Midterm: 100 points
  • Final: 200 points
  • Quizzes/Participation: 145
  • Total: 1400

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
No late assignments will be accepted. Period. Be sure to budget you 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.

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.

SPECIAL NEEDS:
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 <span 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.

The Disability Resource Center office is located in the Student Services Center, Room #201 of the Edith Whitehead Building.