PROGRAM: Digital Communication Department
COURSE NUMBER/NAME: ARTC 1321 – Illustration Techniques
CLASS NUMBER & SEMESTER: 72398 – Spring 2011
CREDIT 3 (2 lecture, 4 lab)/ 16 weeks/ 64 hours per semester
WEB ENHANCED COMPONENT: 32 hours
WHERE: West Loop Campus - Room C234
WHEN: Monday/1:30 – 5:30 pm
Instructor: Margo Reece
Telephone: 713-718-7903
Email: margo.reece@hccs.edu
Office hours: Wednesday 4:30 – 5:30 pm, Tuesday/Thursday 8:30–9:30 am & 11:00–11:30am
Office location: West Loop Campus, room 139B
Concerning office hours: Making an appointment to meet with me is always preferred. You
may drop in during office hours but be aware that another student may have an appointment
scheduled during the time you choose to drop in and you may have to wait, or come back at
another time. Please be sure you keep the appointment you make and if you cannot, let me
know via email 24-hours in advance so I can schedule another student during that time (this is
simple professional courtesy and I will act in kind). If your question does not require discussion
you may contact me via email with any course specific question or concern that you may have.
Remember that the syllabus, the schedule and the assignment handouts are your friend—read
carefully. Those documents are very detailed and contain most of the information you need to
meet course requirements.
Course Description
The study of illustration techniques in various media. Emphasis is on creative interpretation and
the discipline of draftsmanship for the visual communication of ideas.
Prerequisites
ARTC 1309, Basic Illustration
Course Goal
This course has been designed, through a series of visual problems and assignments, to help each
student develop a useful foundation for illustration; a foundation based in description while
encouraging creative interpretation and resolution. You will be given some basic lessons in
observation techniques and exposure to various media. The student can expect to practice
drawing and painting a variety of subjects, “natural” and man-made. The student is expected to
seek creative solutions within assignment parameters. Transformation strategies will be utilized
to extend the artwork into the imaginative realm. Informal discussions of illustration and class
critiques are part of the course
Student Learning Outcomes
Practice a variety of illustration media and methods for illustration
Practice effective composition
Apply observation/sighting techniques for illustration
Use the elements of design and apply the principles of design in illustration
Create creative responses to illustration problems
Gain insight into the connection between seeing and interpretation
Use illustration discipline related vocabulary
Increase awareness of historical and contemporary illustration
Practice healthy and proper use of media, materials and the studio classroom
Practice self-discipline and perseverance in completing illustrations
Use the Internet as a resource for research on illustration related topics
Learning objectives
Students will:
Use a variety of illustration media and methods for illustration
Study and practice effective composition
Apply observation/sighting techniques for illustration
Use the elements of design and apply the principles of design in illustration
Seek creative responses to illustration problems
Explore the connection between seeing and interpretation
Learn and use illustration discipline related vocabulary
Increase awareness of historical and contemporary illustration
Practice healthy and proper use of media, materials and the studio classroom
Practice self-discipline and perseverance in completing illustrations
Use the Internet as a resource for research on illustration related topics
SCANS or Core Curriculum Statement and Other Standards
Credit: 3
“Personal Qualities” F13, 15, 16,17 (note the following definition) – The student will display a
high standard of optimism in approaching and completing tasks. Throughout the course, the
student will exert a substantial, sustained level of effort and persevere toward goal attainment,
work to become proficient at doing tasks by setting high standards, paying attention to details,
working cheerfully, even when assigned a challenging task, and REMAIN FOCUSED ON THE
CLASS AND COURSE CONTENT. (F1 Reading, F2 Writing, F5 Listening, F6 Speaking, F7 Creative,
F8 Decision Making, F9 Problem Solving, F10 Seeing Things in the Minds Eye)
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16-WEEK CALENDAR
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Illustration Techniques Schedule
Margo Reece’s Class 2011
A schedule guideline only—which may be altered at the instructor’s discretion!
Unit1 Charcoal & Classic Easel Illustration (weeks 1 – 4)
Note: In this unit each in-class illustration assignment will comprise 25% of your Unit1 illustration grade.
Supplies for Unit 1 (required—not optional), Wks 1 – 4: see Unit 1 Supply Handout.
Wk 1 - Intro to composition (using a viewfinder to compose), intuitive gesture, sighting
techniques: emphasize organic (biomorphic), spherical shapes (the shapes that makeup the
object), scale/proportion, spacing (negative space) and value variation.
 Signing your artwork appropriately.
 Spray-fix your drawing at end of class.
Illustration Problem: Three-object still life of fruit or vegetables with spherical shapes of
different sizes and values. Compose your drawing. Use sighting techniques to achieve shape,
scale/proportion and spacing. The shapes are lighter or darker—in your drawing achieve
distinct value variation.
Drawing Props Wk 1: fruit or vegetables with spherical shapes of different sizes and values.
Required Media: vine charcoal stick on newsprint and a cotton rag.
Web Enhanced Exercise U1-1/ Due Wk 2 – Research, study and print three different charcoal
drawing techniques that interest you for your notebook.
Sketchbook U1-1/ Due Wk 2: Three graphite pencil drawings of spherical shaped fruit or
vegetables. Draw the objects at life size or somewhat larger (never smaller!). Compose
(rearrange) the subject for each drawing as follows (see handout):
 One off-center composition with one object.
 Three-object composition where one, two, or three objects touch
the edge of the page, or page frame, in at least two locations.
 Three-object composition where space is the subject and more of the objects are
arranged to run off the page, or page frame and may only be partially seen.
Spend a minimum of 45 minutes per drawing. Include some indication of surface and
background in the drawing (the object is sitting on something: a table top, a windowsill, a shelf,
etc.). Apply all of the sighting techniques you’ve learned. Use all your graphite pencils to create
VALUE VARIATION!
Drawing Props Due Wk 2: white or off-white fabric or bed sheet (no pattern).
Wk 2 - Drawing in reverse using lifting techniques.
Illustration Problem: Multi-object still life emphasizing cloth/ drapery.
Required Media: all Unit 1 supplies from supply list, especially kneaded-rubber erasers, several
cotton rags or cheap cotton gloves, stomp (blending stump or tortillon), General’s Factis 18
black eraser, Magic Rub eraser, retractable eraser, a ballpoint pen (bread, 1–3”masking tape
and vine charcoal supplied by instructor)
Web Enhanced Exercise U1-2: Research, study and print three different artist’s charcoal
drawings and information on their drawing style for your notebook.
Sketchbook Due Week 3: One-point perspective drawing exercise in graphite (see handout).
Drawing Props Due Wk 3: One hard-boiled egg or from each student.
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Wk 3 - Intuitive perspective and geometric shapes: emphasize cubes. Use the “Mondrian Tool”
& “Perceptual Grid” to verify spatial relationships between objects. Use the “Clock Angle Tool”
to get perspective accurate.
Illustration Problem: Multi-object still life emphasizing cubes. Compose your drawing so that it
extends off the page. Use distinct values or tones (not line!), to realistically describe the threedimensional forms. Pay attention to light, shadow and subject values! Sign and spray-fix your
drawing at end of class.
Required Media: All Unit 1 supplies from supply list must be with you in class today.
Web Enhanced Exercise U1-3 – Research, study and try two at least two techniques for drawing
ellipses and cylinder shapes. Print the information out for your notebook. Apply these methods
in your homework drawings. Research & study one technique for rendering metal surfaces and
print for your notebook.
Sketchbook U1-3/ Due Week 4: Three graphite drawings in your sketchbook of cylinder shaped
objects, two cylinders per drawing. Compose the placement of the object(s) on the page. Spend
45 minutes per drawing. Include background in the drawing. Apply the methods you researched
in this week’ WEC. Use shading to make the objects sit on the surface—not float! Scale the
cylinders to a size that works on the page (not too small!). Apply all of the sighting techniques
you’ve learned. Achieve VALUE VARIATION! This is not about detail—it’s about practice drawing
cylinder and ellipses shapes.
Drawing Props Due Wk 4: -----------Wk 4 - Ellipses and Metallic Surfaces
Illustration Problem: Multi-object still life emphasizing ellipses, cylinder shapes, and metal
surfaces. Use all sighting techniques. Use distinct tones, to realistically describe the threedimensional forms. Spray-fix your drawing at end of class.
*Handout: supplies for Unit 2/ Pen and Ink.
Web Enhanced U1-4: Prep for Unit 2 Pen & Ink. Visit and study these sites before week 5:
http://www.artyfactory.com/pen_and_ink_drawing/ink_drawing/pen_and_ink_drawing_6.htm
http://artyfactory.org/pen_and_ink_drawing/ink_drawing/pen_and_ink_drawing_5.htm
http://www.art-is-fun.com/drawing-techniques-creating-value-in-pen-and-ink-drawings.html
Research and print three examples of different pen & ink rendering techniques in three
different artist’s/illustrator’s works: hatching, cross hatching, stippling, contour hatching,
irregular or random-hatching (like mezzotint marks). Apply these three of these techniques in
your SKB value scales.
Sketchbook U1-4/ Due Week 5: Value scales in graphite pencil.
You will create three value scales for three graphite pencils from your supply list. In your
sketchbook, using a ruler and drawing lightly, create a 6 x 1.5 inch rectangle. Make small tic
marks above the rectangle at 1 in. intervals. Working across the strip from light to dark,
produce six divisions of tone at the 1-inch intervals (do not draw a line between tones). Use a
different technique from the WEC research above to create each value scale. Make sure the
values are “separated” (meaning different) and step gradually darker to the darkest value
possible for that pencil. If done correctly, each strip should indicate the lightest to darkest tones
the pencil can achieve.
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Instructional Methods
Each class will be spent in instruction and practice on an assigned illustration and media. Wear
comfortable shoes (you will be standing sometimes) and old clothes that you don’t mind
getting dirty.
Student Assignments
Exercises
Activities have been developed that will enhance your learning and contribute to your
understanding of visual communication through illustration. Students are required to
successfully complete the following:
 Web-Enhanced Content (WEC)
Web-enhanced components are designed to complement and expand upon illustration
problems. See the syllabi for exercises and due dates.
1. All web-enhanced exercises must be submitted in order in one 3-ring binder.
2. Your name must be printed prominently & clearly on the front of your binder.
3. Designate a section divider for each unit (there will be three units).
4. Print clearly the unit # and exercise # at the top of each printed page of content.

Sketchbook Illustration Exercises (SBE)
Sketchbook exercises are designed to prepare the student for the next in-class
illustration and/or to reinforce learning in previous in-class illustration problems.
1. All sketchbook exercises must be drawn and submitted in order in the sketchbook.
2. Your name must be printed prominently & clearly on the front of your sketchbook.
3. Create a tab for each unit and a tab for each week’s exercises (total of three units).
4. Print clearly the Unit # on the tabs and the SBE # on the weekly exercise tabs and at
the top of each page of content.
In-Class Illustrations

Be prepared. Class participation is vital to your success. Failure to have ALL the required
art supplies for that unit in class with you to do your in-class illustration each week will
result in a “0” (zero) for that illustration. Additionally, you will be counted as absent for
that class day because you are not prepared to participate in the class.

Class attendance is vital to your success. If you miss a class there is no make-up of inclass illustrations. The “0” will be averaged into the unit grade. Note: Each in-class
illustration counts as approximately 20-33% of that unit’s grade, depending on how
many in-class illustrations are in the unit.

In-class illustrations are due completed at the end of class every week or occasionally biweekly, depending on the class time allotted for that illustration.

On in-class illustrations your name must be printed clearly, in pencil, on the back of your
illustration in the lower right corner. *TBA - You may sign the front as directed in class.
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
In class critiques students will be asked to make observations about each other’s work.
Verbal or written comments may be required. Polite but honest objectivity is essential to
productive discussion.
Requirements for Submitting Assignments (exercises and in-class illustrations as indicated)
1. Do not attempt to turn in work to the instructor prior to the due date. Work will not be
accepted in advance of the class due date.
2. Work will only be accepted in class! Do NOT drop off your work in the Digital
Communication office, my office or mailbox, or under the door of the classroom. Work
will not be graded and will earn a”0” unless it is turned in to me in class in person.
3. Any notebooks, sketchbooks or illustrations turned in for grading without a name will
receive a “0”(zero). I cannot give you credit if there is no indication of who did the work.
4. Late exercise requirements:
a.
Late exercises will only be accepted exactly one week from the original due date.
Plan on staying after class because late work must be shown to the instructor by
you (in person) at the end of that class. NO EXCEPTIONS!
b.
Late work meeting that deadline will be penalized by a reduction of 20 points for
all exercises; web enhanced or sketchbook.
c.
Late exercises not meeting that deadline will receive a “0” (zero) with no
additional opportunity for make-up of the exercise.
d.
Late work may be graded late and returned to you late at the instructor’s
discretion.
Instructional Materials
In an illustration class it is critical that you come to class prepared with the materials for that
class. That means art supplies and objects to draw from as assigned!
1. TEXT: no text is required. There are so many aspects of illustration from editorial, to
fashion, to book, botanical and so many techniques—no one book is adequate to the
task. You will be using the Internet and library for research.
2. Art Supplies (see detailed supply lists for each unit)
3. Still life objects, natural objects, products, collage materials, etc. (see supplies & syllabi)
4. Pencils in class everyday!
5. Three-ring binder with dividers to keep handouts in and completed WEC exercises.
6. Sketchbook for outside drawing exercises.
HCC Policy Statement - ADA
Services to Students with Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing,
etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services
Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized
to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office. For
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questions, please contact District ADA Coordinator Donna Price at 713.718.5165 or the
Disability Counselor at your college.
Southwest College ADA Counselor - Dr. Becky Hauri - 713.718.7910
To visit the ADA Web site, please visit: www.hccs.edu
then click Future students, scroll down the page and click on the words Disability Information.
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has
been learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not available to other students.
Instructors are responsible for measuring each student's achievements and also for ensuring
that all students compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has
teaching, grading and enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the College’s
policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with
an offense, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. Students are responsible for
conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties,
and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student
accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but is not limited to,
cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
 Copying from another students’ test paper;
 Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
 Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
 Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the
contents of a test that has not been administered;
 Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation
of that work in one’s own written or visual work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written or
visual work offered for credit.
Repercussions for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F in the particular
assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the
College System. (See the Student Handbook!)
HCC Policy Statements
Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! Attending class regularly is the best
way to succeed in this class. Research has shown that the single most important factor in
student success is attendance. Simply put, going to class greatly increases your ability to
succeed. You are expected to attend all lecture and labs regularly. You are responsible for
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materials covered during your absences. Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is your
responsibility to drop a course for non-attendance, the instructor has the authority to drop you
for excessive absences.
If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. The information that is
covered in class is vital for your success. Students may be dropped from a course after
accumulating absences in excess of 12.5% hours of instruction. The eight hours of class time
(two 4-hour classes or four 2-hour classes) would include any total classes missed and
excessive tardiness/ leaving class early.
You may decide NOT to come to class for whatever reason. As an adult making the decision not
to attend, you do not have to notify the instructor prior to missing a class. However, if this
happens too many times, you may suddenly find that you are no longer in the class.
If you miss any class, including the first week, you are responsible for all material missed.
INFORMATION COVERED IN CLASS WILL NOT BE REPEATED FOR TARDY OR ABSENT
STUDENTS! If you must miss class it is your responsibility to make arrangements with another
student to take notes and provide you the class handouts for what you missed.
Class attendance frequently equals class success.
Punctuality (instructor’s course policy)
Keep in mind that being late or leaving class early are missed hours of instruction. Class begins
at the time indicated in the schedule. You will be counted late if you are not in the classroom to
answer the roll when your name is called. Being late to class is rude, disruptive to your fellow
students and the instructor, and reduces your class participation time.
 There will be no repetition of information for students that are not in class.
 Being late or leaving before class is dismissed four (4) times will equate to one absence.
 NOTE: Being late 30 minutes or more will be counted as one absence.
 If you come in late to class do not disrupt the class—come in quietly.
 Class is not over until the instructor dismisses you.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course
prior to the final date of withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the
time to meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor
may be able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course.
Your success is very important. Beginning in fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law
limiting first time entering freshmen to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout
their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early
Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a
class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is your
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responsibility to visit with a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be
available to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in
class and improve your academic performance.
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or your
professor prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be done PRIOR
to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. **Final withdrawal deadlines
vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please visit the online registration
calendars, HCC schedule of classes and catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC
counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines. Remember to allow a 24-hour response
time when communicating via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or counselor. Do
not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline. If you
do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class
as your final grade.
Repeat Course Fee
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed
classes. To increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice,
are required to pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students
to pass their courses and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate
to students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course
withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor
as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills,
attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might
be available.
Classroom Behavior
As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to develop and
maintain a positive learning environment for everyone. Your instructor takes this responsibility
very seriously and will inform members of the class if their behavior makes it difficult for
him/her to carry out this task. As a fellow learner, you are asked to respect the learning needs
of your classmates and assist your instructor achieve this critical goal.
Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices
As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your responsibility to be
respectful of the learning atmosphere in your classroom. To show respect of your fellow
students and instructor, you will turn off your phone and other electronic devices, and will not
use these devices in the classroom unless you receive permission from the instructor.
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in
classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or
testing occurs. Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable
accommodation should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for information
regarding reasonable accommodations.
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Concerning Cell Phones and Beepers
Cell phones and beepers must be turned OFF before entering the class. Cell phones or beepers
may not be utilized in the classroom at any time. It is extremely rude to talk on the phone in a
classroom—never answer or talk on the phone in the classroom. You may check your messages
during the allocated break time outside of the classroom. If your phone rings during class I will
deduct 5 points from your project grade for that unit. If you answer or talk on a cell phone in
the classroom I will deduct 10 points from your project grade for that unit. Note: If you have a
real emergency and feel you must take a call, quietly leave the room before answering.
Concerning MP3 Players
MP3 players (ipods, etc.), or earphones of any sort are not permitted during class time.
Instructor Requirements
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
 Provide a course syllabus and schedule
 Provide the grading scale/formula as to how student grades are determined
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through lectures, discussion, class activities,
assessments, and outside assignments
 Provide a description of projects, presentations and assignments
 Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness, late work, test
make-up (if permitted)
 Arrange to meet with individual students as needed.
Student Requirements
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class regularly and be on time.
 Be prepared for class with the required art supplies and still life objects for each class
session. If you are not prepared you will receive a”0” for that days assignment and
counted absent. You must have your own art supplies.
 Participate in class through active listening, discussion, asking questions. Focus on
working diligently to complete the class illustration in the designated time period.
 Complete your work (the exercises and illustrations).
 Practice studio etiquette by setting up and breaking down the equipment, still life
stations, lighting, etc. Return all equipment to its place. Clean up after yourself at the end
of each class (table tops, floor). Respect the space and materials of other class members.
 Keep a binder with all the course handouts and completed WEC exercises arranged in the
order received.
 Preserve all your illustrations in like-new condition for the semester.
Grading
Your instructor will conduct assessments that you can use to determine how successful you are
at achieving the course learning outcomes (mastery of course content and skills) outlined in the
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syllabus. If you find you are not mastering the material and skills, you are encouraged to reflect
on how you study and prepare for each class. Your instructor welcomes a dialogue on what you
discover and may be able to assist you in finding resources on campus that will improve your
performance.
Grading Scale
90 - 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
Below 60 = F
Grading Percentages
The student's final grade will consist of…
Illustration Units (averaged)
Each unit includes (but is not limited to) evaluation of:
Attendance
Daily class preparedness
Participation
Following directions
Completing In-Class Illustrations
Demonstrating improvement in illustration
Studio etiquette
Web Enhanced Components
The Sketchbook
100%
From your instructor: Thoughts on the importance of Illustration.
Illustration is the most fundamental and enduring form of communication. Frequently a picture
is really worth a thousand words. From the simple pictographs of early man to the complex
visual interfaces of communication systems today, being able to represent concepts in drawn
and recognizable form is vitally important to visual communicators. A concept illustrated on
paper has weight—words can be vague, but a client can literally “see” an idea that has been
illustrated. That is why designers of all sorts frequently start with thumbnail drawings to work
through lots of ideas before deciding on one or two to pursue further and present to the client.
Not being able to express what you want to visually so that someone else “gets it” is a big
problem in a visual discipline like graphic design. Illustration is visible language. Your drawing
should speak volumes.
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