Brooks College – Long Beach, CA
VC103 Computer Illustration Course Syllabus
Course Title:
Course Number:
Instructor
Name:
Instructor
eMail
Department
Chair
Department
Chair eMail
Date:
Credit/Clock
Hours:
Course Length:
Course
Schedule:
Unit of
Academic
Measurement
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
Computer Illustration
VC103
Jon Measures
Course
Description:
A hands on exploration of vector based drawing using industry
standard software such as Adobe Illustrator. Class focus on
techniques and theories used to produce professional digital
illustration. Projects assist development of object oriented
drawing, page layout and animation.
jmeasures@brookscollege.edu jonmeasures@earthlink.net
Bob Allen, Jodi Hobbs (lead instructor)
ballen@brookscollege.edu jhobbs@brookscollege.edu
October 2005
60 Clock Hours
4 Credit Hours
11 weeks
Wed 8-10 AM and Thursday 8-12 AM
Quarter System
N/A
N/A
Textbooks and Materials
(Check one)
Requir
ed
Textbook (s)
Resources &
Supplies
Adobe Indesign CS2, Photoshop CS2, Illustrator CS2
Revealed
ISBN 1-4188-3970-1
2 USB Mini storage devices
1 Sketch Book
Materials needed to take notes and submit research
Materials needed to print color proof of
assignments
Mounting Supplies
Course Syllabus LBTEC01
Optio
nal
X
X
Page 1 of 9
Performance
Objectives:
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Instructional
Methods:
Grading:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to do
the following:
Know and understand the basic tools, functions and commands of
vector-based programs most frequently used in the graphic design
industry.
Define and be able to apply advanced design skills necessary to
layout various projects.
Understand file formats.
Define and be able to apply an advanced understanding of blends,
masks, and gradient mesh.
Understand and employ type and style sheets and templates in
files.
Continuing development of vector animation skills.
Understand file preparation requirements to prepare files to
successfully print on a press.
Introduction to 3D effects and tools.
Lecture and/or PowerPoint based presentations, handouts, reading
assignments, class discussion and/or demonstration. Project
concept, design and production. Course will focus on hands-on,
project-driven material.
Student performance will be evaluated based upon the following
criteria. Attendance alone should not be included as a percentage
of the grade, but participation may be included as a grade
requirement.
20%
10%
10%
60%
Library
Assignments:
Attendance:
Make-up Work:
Other:
Class Participation
Mid-Terms
Final
Project Execution and Historical Relevance
Scale:
A – 90-110
B – 80-89
C – 70-79
D – 60-69
F – 59 and below
N/A
Read attendance policy at the end of this syllabus, students must
sign to say that they understand the attendance policy.
Although adherence to instructor-set deadlines is stressed, makeup work due to absence will be accepted up to and including week
10. Assignments will be penalized 1 letter grade for each week it
is late, and after two weeks can earn no grade higher than a “D”.
Extra Credit (not to exceed 10 points)
Student success results from an understanding of assigned reading
materials, lectures, class exercises, and discussions.
Course Syllabus LBTEC01
Page 2 of 9
01a
4 hours
01b
2 hours
02a
4 hours
02b
2 hours
Introduction to the course, review the syllabus, overview of the tools
and Illustrator interface.
Lecture
What is illustrator and how does it fit into the wide array of graphics
software used by designers and multimedia practitioners. The difference
between vector and bitmap graphics. Students will learn the basics of
resolution.
Demonstrations and class projects;
Overview of the Tools and interface
Selection Tools
Using basic shapes such as Ellipse Tool, Rectangle Tool, Polygon and Star
Tool
Rotating objects around a center point
Making duplicate shapes and modifying shapes using the Direct Selection
Tool.
Homework Assignment:
View website www.pictoplasma.com, do thumbnail sketches for 10 robots due
by beginning of next class. Practice the exercises completed in class
from the handouts provided.
Review last weeks class
Lecture
Constructing illustrations using basic shapes such as squares, circles,
etc. A comparison to traditional drawing helps understand similarities
and differences in approach.
Demonstrations and class projects;
Using basic shapes to construct an illustration
Combining, subtracting and dividing shapes using the pathfinder
Knife Tool
Transforming objects using transform tools; Reflect Tool, reflecting
objects over a center point will be demonstrated as a way to create
totally symmetrical shapes such as a bottle
The difference between creating shapes by dragging and by clicking to
using numerical settings
Homework Assignment
Create 5 robots using basic shapes. Visit the following sites;
www.ledpants.com and jotto.com
Review last weeks class
Demonstration and class projects
More about working with basic shapes and pathfinder.
Students will learn the various ways that color can be applied to an
object including; the Color Palette, the Swatches Palette and the Color
Picker.
Swap the color mode of a document.
Eyedropper Tool.
Use of the Brushes Palette, making brushes and editing brushes
Homework Assignment
Students will color and elaborate on the 5 robots begun the previous
week. This project is due at the start of week 3, class 3a.
Lecture
Color in Computer Graphics; CMYK, RGB, spot color, hexadecimal color and
web-safe color will be explained along with related terminology such as
calibration, and gamut. The lecture will also give a brief overview of
color theory in design; contrast of hue, contrast of saturation, contrast
of value. Students will learn the advantages of a limited color palette
and the systematic use of color for navigation. They will also gain a
basic understanding of the psychological and symbolic value of color.
Demonstration and class projects
Using gradients and blends
Creating pattern swatches
Converting a path into a filled object
Work on Robots project
Course Syllabus LBTEC01
Page 3 of 9
03a
4 hours
03b
2 hours
04a
4 hours
04b
05a
05b
06a
Lecture
We will look at examples of illustration current and historical that use
Plakatstil and super flat sensibilities, we will look at the work of
several current designers and illustrator from Shepard Fairey and Brian
McGuinness to Nancy Stahl and Daniel Pelavin. Pen Tool Basics; anchor
points, Bezier curves, and tracing.
Demonstration and class projects
Placing photographic images, linked files and embedded files
File formats
Using template layers
Students will create a black and white self-portrait by tracing from a
photograph
Demonstration and class projects
Demonstration of how to use layers, creating layers, naming layers,
moving things from one layer to another.
Demonstration of live trace and live paint
Homework
Create an illustration of a hero in color using layers to separate
important parts of the illustration using the Pen Tool. Project due at
the start of class next week, class 4a
Lecture
This week’s lecture will focus on typography with Illustrator. Students
will learn some important typographic rules and terminology. In this
section the instructor will introduce the students to two important
typographic movements in the 20th century, The Swiss Style or
International style and deconstruction. The instructor will also show and
talk about examples of typography by designers such as Joseph MullerBrockmann and David Carson.
Demonstration and class projects
In this weeks demonstration students will learn how to create type and
when to use the various type tools.
Specify fonts, size, tracking, kerning and leading settings.
How to manipulate type by creating outlines
Putting type on a path.
Use of an underlying grid structure to design a typeface.
Students will create their own de Stijl font.
Homework assignment
Find a food or cleaning product that uses labels that the student will
redesign
Do thumbnails for a label project
Demonstration
Working with text blocks; linking text boxes, working with tabs and style
sheets
Students will work on label project
Homework
Work on Label project is due for next week, class 5a
Mid Term Review
Students will present label project and conduct a critique of projects
Mid Term Exam
Do changes to label project based on critique
Lecture
This weeks topic is the use of information graphics; maps, charts and
diagrams. We will look at Wired Magazine’s consistently inventive use of
information graphics to illustrate complex subjects in a clear and
interesting manner.
Demonstration and class projects
In this weeks demonstration students will learn how to use illustrators
various graph tools and how to integrate graphics into their charts. In
the class projects students will create a map and a graph using data.
Homework assignment
Create a diagram that explains how to do a simple step-by-step process
such as folding a paper airplane or how to tie a tie using as little
written information as possible
Course Syllabus LBTEC01
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06b
07a
07b
08a
08b
09a
09b
10a
10b
11a
11b
Lecture
Appearance and Illusion
Demonstration
Appearances, effects and styles
Compound paths
Clipping masks
Transparency and opacity masks
3D effects and mapping art on to a 3D model
Homework
In class students will make a 3D model of the product they did for
midterm and then map the label on to it.
Lecture
Web Animation
Demonstration
Creating a Flash animation and GIF animation from layers in Illustrator
Exporting files from Illustrator as PSD and Flash, creating PDF files.
Intro to Flash animation.
Homework
Create a Flash animation for use on a personal web page that they will
design the following week
Work on web animation project
Lecture
Web Design
Demonstration
Slice Tool, save for web
Homework
Design a personal web page due at the start of week 8, class 8a
Work on web page design
Lecture
Print Production
Demonstration
Trapping, creating spot colors and separations for T-shirt design
In class students will design a T-shirt that uses live trace and set up
separations for 6 colors
Homework
Research and do thumbnails for a package design, thumbnails due at start
of next class, class 9b
Extra Credit Create a stencil for a T shirt design that uses 2 colors and
spray paint the design on to a T-shirt, due at the start of week 11
class, class 11b.
Lecture
Package Design
Demonstration
Creating a die in Illustrator, designing on layers
Students will work on the project for a package design
Homework
Work on package design project
Work on final project
Work on final project
Comprehensive review
Critique of final project
Final exam
Course Syllabus LBTEC01
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Example 3 Point Rubric for Projects
Project Cultural Icon Illustration
Percentage 15
Dimension
Unsatisfactory
Process
Incomplete
Contains
extraneous errors
Lacks managed time
Unprofessional
Little or no class
communication
Product
Minimal Effort
Competency not
evident
Lacks required
elements
Acceptable
Exceptional
Complete
Has few errors
Reasonable
management of time
Has vision of
final product
Communicated with
class
Satisfactory
effort
Competency evident
Contained all
required elements
Example of Mastery
Has no errors
Wise time
management
Displayed clear
vision of product
Contributed to
class
Outstanding effort
All competencies
demonstrated
Exceeded
requirements
Attention should be paid to the following
• Completeness of assignment - all elements listed above are included in the
assignment.
• Clean, well crafted, and technically sound work.
• Time taken for completion
• Student uses terminology and relates concepts introduced in course studies
throughout discussion contributions.
• Student brings additional questions and observations into the discussion.
• Student communicates ideas in a manner that is clear and complete, leaving no
implied information.
• Discussion contributions adhere to project specifications regarding format, focus,
and deadline.
• Actively participated in the Problems and Solutions discussion
Course Syllabus LBTEC01
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Grading Scale:
The final grade will be calculated as follows:
20%
10%
10%
60%
Class Participation
Mid-Terms
Final
Project Execution and Historical Relevance
Scale:
A – 90-110
B – 80-89
C – 70-79
D – 60-69
F – 59 and below
Incomplete
Department
Withdrawal
fifth week
Withdrawal
fifth week
= I (An ‘I’ grade can only be obtained with the permission of the
Chair)
= W (You will receive this grade for classes dropped the second through the
of the quarter)
Failure = WF (You will receive this grade for classes dropped after the
of the quarter)
Question Pertaining To Weekly Or Final Grades:
Please discuss any and all grading issues with the instructor.
The process for any grade grievances consists of the following:
1. 1st Line of Communication: Students shall communicate any issues of concern to the
instructor. If there are any issues that need resolution, students shall approach the
instructor for clarification and a full understanding of the grades.
2. 2nd Line of Communication: If students feel that they are not satisfied with the
response from their instructor, they may discuss this issue with the Department Chair.
3. 3rd Line of Communication: If students do not feel that they have reached
satisfaction at this level, they may wish to a request a review with the Dean of
Education.
4. Each step in this process must be followed for grading issues.
Attendance:
See the attached Attendance Policy.
Make-up Work:
A student who is absent the day of an exam or the day that a project/lab is due must
make up the exam or turn in the assignment on the day that the student returns to
class. The instructor reserves the right to have a make-up exam that is similar in
content, but different than the original exam.
If a student knows he or she will be absent on the day of the exam or the due date of
the project or lab, prior arrangements can be made with the instructor. It is the
student’s responsibility to make up the exam, project, or lab. The instructor reserves
the right to have a make-up exam that is similar in content, but different than the
original exam.
There will be a single grade reduction on all tests, quizzes, projects, and
assignments that are turned in late. For example: If you earn a ‘B’ on an assignment,
quiz, or project and you completed it late – you will receive a ‘C’ for that work.
Assignments that are not completed on the day you return to class will receive an ‘F’,
however to pass the class all assignments must be completed. Assignments completed
through arrangements with the instructor and completed before the due date will not be
subject to the grade reduction.
Course Syllabus LBTEC01
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Extra Credit:
Extra credit should help you gain the knowledge that is needed to pass the course. It
is not a safety net for not doing the work of studying and learning the material.
Extra credit will not exceed 10% of the total class points.
Extra credit will only be extended to students who are up to date on all class
assignments including assigned homework, tests, quizzes, projects, etc.
Remember, the due date for extra credit is no later than the day you take the final
exam or turn in your final class project. NO extra credit will be accepted after that
time.
Academic Integrity:
The Administration of Brooks College believes that integrity is an important attribute
for the student population. Students are given the freedom to learn, explore, and
question, but this must truly be an individual experience. All students need to
understand the seriousness of cheating, collusion and plagiarism.
Cheating:
Copying/tracing from another student or any other source without citation and
validation.
Collusion:
Unauthorized collaboration with another student in preparing work for a class.
Plagiarism:
Obtaining, by any means, the work of another author, student, web, or text source and
submitting this work as one’s own.
Any infraction of the Academic Honor Code will lead to immediate disciplinary action
up to and including dismissal from the College. The Dean of Education and/or Appeals
Board reviews each case to determine the appropriate disciplinary action. For most
cases, the following disciplinary actions are suggested:
For a first offense – Student goes on academic probation; assignment or exam receives
a grade of F; student reviews academic honor code and/or proper citation standards
with his/her instructor or Department Chair.
For any subsequent infractions – The student is dismissed from the College; the
student may appeal this decision by writing a letter to the Dean of Education asking
for consideration from the Appeals Board
OnLine Class Documents
Assignments Due Dates and Investment available on the student portal
Library:
cecybrary – http://www.cecybrary.com
User Name: careered
Password: research
Course Syllabus LBTEC01
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Attendance Policy
Attendance is important to success at Brooks College and in the workplace. Attending
class and completing missed work are the student’s responsibility. All absences must
be preceded by communication to the instructor. Missed exams, papers, and other
assessments are accepted only under the policies of the syllabus. After missing two
days of this course, the student will meet with his or her instructor. This
appointment will be the student’s responsibility to schedule. After missing 20% of the
course, the student may be administratively withdrawn from the course and will have to
retake the course. The exception is the verifiable extenuating circumstance that can
be dealt with on an individual basis with the Program Chair. Extenuating circumstances
include but are not limited to death in the family, illness (self or family),
transportation, and emergency situations.
Students who have been administratively withdrawn from a course or courses for not
meeting satisfactory attendance may submit an appeal to the Program Chair within three
calendar days (not class days) of the withdrawal. Appeals will be considered based on
documentation provided by the students as to the reason for the absences. Acceptable
reasons for absences must reflect circumstances due to factors beyond a student’s
control (i.e., medical, transportation, or emergency situations). Absences may include
tardiness or early departures.
Students are expected to attend class during the appeal and administrative process.
Students must pay the appropriate repeat fee for any course(s) retaken due to the
withdrawal.
I have received the course syllabus for business of graphic design
and understand the course information, policies, and procedures outlined in the
syllabus.
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Course Syllabus LBTEC01
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