| Spring 2008 | prerequisites: | Art 215 and Art 314 |
| MW 2:00 - 4:30 |
semester hours: |
3 |
| Garwood 22 |
materials fee: |
$50 |
| Instructor: Bruce Walters |
office: |
Garwood 21 |
|
hours: |
MW 10-11, 4:30-5, 7-7:30 | |
|
phone: |
298-2139 | |
| home email: | bwalters1@mchsi.com | |
| portfolio: | www.bruce-walters.com | |
| Syllabus content |
links: |
Objectives |
| Outline (assignments) | ||
| Format | ||
| Attendance | ||
| Evaluation | ||
| Required text and materials | ||
COURSE INTRODUCTION
In 1960, a researcher interviewed 1500 business-school students and classified them in two categories: those who were in it for the money - 1245 of them - and those who were going to use the degree to do
something they cared deeply about - the other 255 people. Twenty years later, the researcher checked on the graduates and found that 101 of them were millionaires - and all but one of those millionaires came from the 255 people who had pursued what they loved to do! - from "The Other 90%" by Robert K. Cooper, Three Rivers Press 2001.Perhaps this is an unusual introduction to a Graphic Design course, but I have found that to genuinely succeed in this field, one needs to be a perpetual learner and thinker: learning new applications, learning from other artists and always striving to improve as an artist. In other words: caring deeply.
I have spoken with numerous professional graphic artists -asking several questions that relate to this course. To a person, they felt that the most important quality needed to succeed was a good understanding of design. Other answers included experience with software and work speed.
My other questions related to what software and hardware these artists used at work. The graphics software used most frequently was Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and QuarkXPress (now in competition with Adobe InDesign) - which are regarded as the industry standards.
We will work primarily with Photoshop and InDesign in this class. It is important that you learn to use these applications beyond a fundamental understanding. It is also important that we understand how these programs can be integrated.
COURSE OUTLINE click here
This is a lab course in which you are expected to work during and outside of class time. The lion's share of class time will be spent working on the computer. However, the class will also include critiques, lecture, and discussions.
In this class, we will use a combination of approaches to learning:
1. introduction to concepts and terms through brief lectures and written summaries
2. use of a tutorial that allows you to learn processes and techniques at your own pace
3. observation of artwork by other artists to discover new approaches to solving visual proplems
4. experientation (i.e. play!!)
5. application of what you've learned by creating your own work
6. presentation and discussion of your ideas and decisions in class critique.Your work will be discussed and evaluated in a critique format. These critiques will be an integral part of this course. You will be expected to CONSTRUCTIVELY discuss your work and the work of the other students. Without the full participation of the class, these critiques will be less than fully realized. We will discuss your intentions and how you chose to convey your ideas through your use of the software and principles of design.
Your evaluation will be based primarily on the six assigned visual problems. Your work will be graded on the following criteria:
- Effort
- Utilization of design principles
- Use of software
- Interpretation of assignments (concept)
Your final grade will also directly reflect your professionalism:
- Attendance
- Assignment need to be completed on time. Your assignment grade will drop one letter each class that an assignment is late.
- Presentation of roughs and finished work
- Participation in critiques and discussions
80%
Assignments 20%
Conceptual phase of assignments (thumbnails, rough) and participation 100%
of final grade (unless more than three unexcused absences) Incomplete grades will be granted only in cases involving verified illness or other emergencies. All decisions on incomplete grades rest with the instructor.
Class attendance is required. It is important in terms of your individual learning and for class cohesion. You will be expected to take an active roll in all aspects of this course. Attendance policy: after three unexcused absences, your final grade will drop one letter. Each additional unexcused absence will further drop your final grade.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS
In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), academic accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need for an accommodation. It is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such needs to my attention, as I am not legally permitted to inquire about such particular needs of students. Students who may require special assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) should contact the instructor as to the most appropriate procedures to follow in such an emergency. Contact Disability Support Services at 298-2512 for additional services.
Policy on Services for Students With Disabilities
Student Rights and Responsibilities
InDesign CS2 for Macintosh and Windows (Visual QuickStart Guide), Sandee Cohen, PeachPit Press
REQUIRED MATERIALS
You will need a USB flash drive for transporting and backing-up the files you create.