GRA 2117 Computer Assisted Graphic Design (Adobe Illustrator, Basic)

Syllabus
Spring 2010 (2009-2)

Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Room 3214

Other Important Dates
Last day to drop with 100% refund--Mon., Jan. 11, 2010
Last Day to Withdraw with Grade of "W"--Wed., Mar. 17, 2010
Classes in Session from Tue., Jan. 5 through Friday, Apr. 23, 2010
Final Exam Period Saturday Sat., Apr. 24 thru Fri., Apr. 30, 2010

Course Description:
Students will learn to create and edit full-color illustrations exhibiting line and shape, volumetric form, shading, depth and randomness by using a vector-illustration software application. Text-creation features, tools that automate drawing tasks, libraries of patterns and custom colors, and built-in support for photo-editing software will also be explored. Class lectures will be supported with hands-on demos and audiovisual presentations. Via assigned projects, students will create portfolio-quality art that can be shown on a job interview.

Prerequisites:
None; this is an introductory course. It is recommended for the first semester, and it is open to all students.

Measurable and/or Observable Course Outcomes:
Students who complete the course will be able to:
1. Describe the characteristics of a vector-illustration software application by:
    a. Defining resolution-independent graphics.
    b. Comparing and contrasting bitmaps and vector illustrations.

2. Utilize the vector-illustration software by:
    a. Identifying its menus, palettes and windows.
    b. Describing the process by which artwork is created using the software.
    c. Applying the software's page navigation features (zooming in and out and scrolling).
    d. Customizing the work environment (showing, hiding and combining palettes).
    e. Comparing lines and shapes.

3. Describe the features of vector-graphics by:
    a. Identifying segments, anchor points and Bezier handles.
    b. Explaining how to draw curves using Bezier handles.

4. Create vector-graphic shapes by:
    a. Applying various drawing tools.
    b. Generating anchor points and connecting segments.
    c. Drawing straight segments.
    d. Manipulating Bezier curves to draw curved segments.
    e. Connecting straight segments and curved segments.
    f. Drawing and editing lines and primitive shapes.

5. Describe the process of tracing a bitmap template by:
    a. Importing a bitmap image, specifying it to be a template.
    b. Explaining the process of tracing, coloring and previewing the image.
    c. Comparing and contrasting Preview and Outline drawing modes.

6. Apply color to the vector-graphic by:
    a. Mixing RGB, CMYK, Pantone or sampled colors.
    b. Selecting colors from a palette of colors.

7. Draw a volumetric facial form by:
    a. Drawing the planes of the face.
    b. Applying colors to the various planes suggesting shading and shifts in direction.

8. Create and apply gradients to artwork by:
    a. Building gradients in the gradient palette.
    b. Applying gradients to shapes using the gradient tool.

9. Create various typographic objects by:
    a. Controlling point size, font and spacing.
    b. Generating point type, a type object based on a single point.
    c. Generating area type, type within a shape.
    d. Generating path type, type that follows a curvilinear baseline.
    e. Generating outline type, type that has been converted into a graphic.

10. Automate drawing tasks by:
    a. Creating patterns or repeating shapes.
    b. Applying repeating shapes using a brush.
    c. Generating random objects such as stars or hair using brushes.
    d. Generating repeating objects that can be individually edited using symbols.

Text/Supplies:

1. Real World Adobe Illustrator CS3, by Mordy Golding.
   ISBN-10: 0-321-49621-3; ISBN-13: 978-0-321-49621-8.
   (c) 2008, Peachpit Press. (Available in the Bookstore under GRA or efollett.com).
   
2. Storage media: a USB drive or CDRW disks.

Local Art Supply Vendors:
Office Depot
various locations throughout Dade and Broward.

Easel Art & Office Supply
470 NE 167TH St, Miami, FL 33162-3908, Phone: (305) 945-7377 Map

Rex Art Supplies
2263 SW 37TH Ave Miami FL 33145-3009, Phone: (305) 445-1413 Map

Michaels Arts and Crafts Supply Store
various locations throughout Dade and Broward.

Pearl Artist and Craft Supply Stores
6448 S Dixie Hwy, South Miami, FL 33143-4648, Phone: (305) 663-8899 Map
1033 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334-2798, Phone: (954) 564-5700 Map

Utrecht Art Supply   
6250 S Dixie Hwy, South Miami, FL 33143-4933, Phone: (305) 740-7077 Map

Attendance/Participation:
You are expected to attend class regularly and to arrive on time for each class. Emphasis on class attendance and promptness is due to the industry's need for dependable employees so that deadlines can be kept. It is your responsibility to make up class notes when absent or late for class. Attendance and participation is mandatory. Three (3) absences are excused for illness, transportation problems, family emergencies, etc. Each unexcused absence, for any reason, will reduce your final grade.

Class Policies:
1. Special concessions, such as reserved computer workstations, will be made for people with special needs. Please see me after class if you have special needs.
2. Please turn your pagers and cell phones on "buzz." Be courteous to your fellow students.
3. If you wish to listen to music while working on your lab projects, please bring headphones.
4. Please note: food and drinks are not allowed next to the computers.
5. Copying software is illegal. Please do not copy software or ask instructors or staff to copy software for you.

Projects:
Projects and their due dates will be announced. Project grades will be based on creativity, design, acomplishing specific project goals, and presentation. Late work will lose one letter grade for each class session that the project is late.

Course Schedule

Weighting of Grades by Project/Assignment:

Incompletes:
Incompletes are given only for medical and other college-approved reasons, and only if you are passing the class.

Provide Contact Information
I have read and understand the course requirements according to this syllabus.