Art 120 Computer Graphics for Art and Design
Fall 2008 T/TH 12-2.50 pm
Michelle Trudo
E mail: mtrudo@pdx.edu
michelletrudo
Office: Art Building Room 128 Hours: MW 11 am-12pm

COURSE OVERVIEW
Introduction to computer graphics as a technical and creative medium for art and design. Lectures introduce concepts of vector and raster graphics, including digital type, image and device resolution, electronic color theory, file formats, and digital print technologies. Labs assist with fluency in computer graphics applications. Studios apply concepts and applications to creative projects.
Prerequisites: Art 115, 116.

Course objectives
Through the development of personal projects, guests & ongoing class discussions the students develop a shared understanding of formal layout sytems, grid, composition, linear sequence, digital type, resolution, vector vs pixel, motion graphics, color separation, image compression & film strips. Students will develop a practical understanding of structures & transitions in motion.
We will using and learning Adobe Illustration and Photoshop. In addition we will use online web tools to make a blog

GRADING
Projects will be passed in and grades will be given based on:
- Process as presented in discussion & process books
- Development of ideas and concepts
- Completion of the work
- Participation in discussions & critiques;
- Responsiveness to new ideas, suggestions, criticism

Product
- Craft: use of tools and materials
- Attention to detail, follow-through
- Inventiveness, originality, deeper exploration & understanding

Grading Scale:
A 94% and above
A- 91-93%
B+ 87-90%
B 84-86%
B- 81-83%
C+ 77-80%
C 74-76%
C- 71-73%
D+ 67-70%
D 64-66%
D- 60-63%
F 59% and below

Attendance:
Attendance in class (as in life) is essential if you wish to do well. As a result, attendance is mandatory. Arriving late,
leaving early or failing to attend class will directly (and adversely) affect your grade as described below. Students are
allowed one excused absence per term to allow for illness or personal circumstances.

EACH UNEXCUSED ABSENCE WILL RESULT IN YOUR FINAL GRADE BEING REDUCED BY 5%.
Late Arrival = ½ Absence Early Departure = ½ Absence Each Full (1) Absence = 5% reduction in final grade

Reference Texbooks:
Textbooks are required but having a third party reference book can be helpful. There are many to chose from and sometime dependant on personal preference.

Hardware:
External memory devices are required. Either an USB Flash drive or an external removable hard drive.

Projects
1. Design Wallpaper Pattern from letterforms- Illustrator
- type tool, outline type, using arrow selections tools, points and handles, joining points, cutting points, scanning hand drawings, importing art, file formats
2. Poster- Illustrator
3. Blog- Web tools
- using online web tools to build your our blog, making links, adding photos and more.
4. Self Portrait- Photoshop
image scanning, resolution, color theory, cutting pasting, blending tools, color correction
5. Film Strip- Photoshop
-make a time based sequencing, animation, drawing tools, type tools

Timeline
Sept 30 course intro + start a blog

Project 1: design wallpaper pattern from letterforms
Oct 2
Oct 7
Oct 9 critique and discussion/ Post final image on Blog and hand in print

Project 2: Poster
Oct 14
Oct 16
Oct 21
Oct 23
Oct 28 critique and discussion / Post final image on Blog and hand in print

Project : 3 Blog
Oct 30
Nov 4
Share links with class

Project : 4 Self Portrait
Nov 6
Nov 11 Veterans Day no class
Nov 13
Nov 18
Post final image on Blog and hand in print

Project 5: Film strip 20 sec motion loop
Nov 20
Nov 25
Nov 27 Thanksgiving no class
Dec 2
Dec 4 Final critique and discussion/ Post movie on youtube and Blog