Art210 Course Overview and Frequently Asked QuestionsThis 5 credit course uses Photoshop (pixel based) and Illustrator (vector based) to create images. We spend the first four weeks creating three projects in Photoshop. One of the projects is a simple animation. The next four weeks are spent creating three projects in Illustrator. We finish the quarter with two projects that use both Photoshop and Illustrator to learn how to make them 'talk' to each other. Each project has artistic requirements such as color theory, how to create depth in an image, positive and negative space, etc. The goal is to have a basic understanding of how pixel and vector based programs work, and to gain insights to the principals of art. This course (Art210) is the first in a series of three. It is possible to take the courses online, on campus, or as a hybrid that meets once a week on campus. There are no prerequities.
The courses are offered on campus (two classes a week), 'hybrid' (half online / half on campus, meeting once a week), and totally online.
Our classroom on campus has all the necessary software. There are two computer labs on campus that students can use outside of class sessions.
Students who enroll in the online version of the course must have their own software.
How do I find the class web site?
The class web site can be accessed after registering for class at:
Please follow the instructions on the screen for logging in. Once you are logged in to Angel, look for a box on the left listing the courses you are enrolled in (some people have more than one class web site through Angel). Click on the link to Art210 and you will enter the class web site.
Do You need Previous Experience?No.
Some people do have previous experience (typically with Photoshop). I am happy to have anyone of any level. What software do we use?We use the latest versions of:
Photoshop & Illustrator with options of Painter, Morph and Bryce in our classroom. We run on the Windows platform at the college. However, Mac is just fine for your home work too. The online registration shows only 6 people and it says it is full. What's the deal?I teach two classes of 25 people each.
My classes are combined for total headcount of 25. This includes the intermediate and advanced courses too. Here is how it works: The Tues/Thurs afternoon class is combined for a total of 25. This includes the beginning (Art210), intermediate (Art214) and advanced students (Art215). Who ever registers first gets into the class. When the combined headcount reaches 25, all sections shut off. The 'online' and 'hybrid' courses are combined for a total headcount of 25. This means the beginners, intermediates, and advanced students for both 'online' and 'hybrid' are combined for a total of 25. Who ever registers first gets into the class. When the total reaches 25, all sections are shut off. Do I sign overloads? No. I am committed to the quality I can provide by not stretching myself too thin. It is difficult to turn people away. How much time will this class take?The worst times of the quarter are at the very beginning when we are learning Photoshop, and again four weeks later when we are learning Illustrator. You should plan on spending about 15 hours a week on this course. This includes the time spent in the classroom. This also includes the time it takes to sketch and plan a project. I find that people who have previous experience sometimes spend less time. Some people spend more time because they get involved in what they are doing - and enjoy it.
Generally, you will do best in this class if you work on it a little bit every day. This is the best way to master a piece of sophisticated software. Repetition is they key. If you work a little every day, when you get frustrated, it is easier to take a break. People in my classes hear me say these same things repeatedly: I'd rather see good art than rushed art. Follow the "Ten Day Plan". The idea is to work a little each day over the ten days you have to complete a project. If you procrastinate and develop your own 'two day' plan, you will hate this class. If you work a little each day over ten days, you will enjoy this class. When people look at an exceptional work by a fellow student, they frequently say, "Wow! That is really good!" I have decided that what they really mean is, "Wow! It looks like you spent a lot of time on that!" Most people finish my course feeling that they learned a lot, and they still have a sense of humor intact. How the Class is StructuredIt is possible to take this class online, on campus, or as a hybrid.
The 'on campus' class meets on Tues/Thurs afternoons from Noon-2:30. Demonstrations of the software are on Tuesdays at the beginning of class. I try to reserve Thursdays as 'work days' - a time when I help everyone one-on-one. When we start a new piece of software, I will demonstrate on Thursdays too. The 'hybrid' class meets once a week in the evening. The material that I demonstrate on Tuesday afternoons is repeated for the 'hybrid' evening group. I try to leave a portion of that evening class session for one-on-one help time too. Regardless of which class someone signs up for, everyone will end up at the exact same class web site. We have a class website through 'Washington Online' that uses the Blackboard software. This sharing of the website is advantageous for everyone. You all can talk with each other and look at each other's projects. Because of this set up, I allow people to "float" from 'online' to 'on campus' to 'hybrid'. If an 'on campus' student prefers to stay at home and work as an 'online' student, that is just fine with me. If an 'online' student wants to come to campus for class demonstrations and help, they are welcome to come to class. It will be possible to look at a schedule and see what I am doing in class each class session. Mac or Windows?Either one is fine.
The campus uses Windows. Because of this, I also use Windows at home, but I don't find that it matters much at all. Modem speed is more important. Those people who have a dial up modem will find that these large graphic files can take quite a while to load / transfer. People with DSL or cable won't have any problem. Sample SyllabusA sample of projects for the beginning class is below. The projects change from time to time, but what is listed below will provide a good example of an average beginning class. Projects are due, on average, every ten days. Class sessions are used for demonstrating the software and one-on-one help / lab time.
Leaf Project: I provide six leaf images that get manipulated in Photoshop to create two images: one of complimentary color, the other of analogous color. Self Portrait Project: This is not about what you look like, but who you are. This project is a Photoshop collage project. You will collect images that represent who you are and combine them into a photo collage. The 'art part' of this project is creating depth and thinking about positive and negative space. Animation: We create a a quick 25 frame animation using Photoshop Cs3 Extended or older Photoshop with Image Ready. Animal Illustration in Illustrator: This is the first introductory project in Illustrator. I demonstrate the tools and tricks in Illustrator and reserve class time for one-on-one help. Expanded Type Project This is another Illustrator project. This one involves turning type into the shape of a written word. Example: the word 'shark' changed into the shape of a shark. Logo: Logo design drawn in Illustrator using the drawing and type tools. Final Projects: The final projects vary each quarter. There are usually two final projects. One will require using both Photoshop and Illustrator. The other will be pretty loose for the student's particular goals Is there a textbook?No. I have created a series of video tutorials (with sound) to assist people in learning Photoshop and Illustrator. The tutorials are specific to the projects for the beginning class. They are available through the class web site. The assignments contain step by step instructions - also available on the class web site. The web site is available to both online and on campus students. For those who take the course on campus, I demonstrate Photoshop and Illustrator each class session. The online people are welcome to attend too, if the logistics are manageable. Most people find that a combination of the tutorials, the software's "Help" menu, my class demonstrations and books fron your local library have been enough.
Do You Need to Buy the Software?It is possible to download 30 day free trials of both Photoshop and Illustrator from Adobe's web site. I try to structure the class so that you can get your course work completed during these time frames. To be honest, most people end up purchasing the software at the educational discount price by the end of the quarter.
Other Questions?
Please e-mail instructor Jan Koutsky at jkoutsky@sccd.ctc.edu |