CGA2012 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER ILLUSTRATION
3 Credit Hours
Student Level:
This course is open to students on the college level in either the freshman or the sophomore year.
Catalog Description:
CGA2012 - Introduction to Computer Illustration (3 hrs.)
This course will explore in-depth techniques in computer illustration software using Adobe Illustrator that progress from beginner to advanced. It is ideal for students interested in learning how to create vector designs and create digital illustrations.
Course Classification:
Lecture
Prerequisites:
Basic computer skills and keyboarding ability.
Controlling Purpose:
This course will explore techniques in computer illustration software using Adobe Illustrator.
Learner Outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, the student will:
1. Apply critical thinking skills to solve visual problems using Adobe Illustrator
2. Demonstrate knowledge of Adobe Illustrator by selecting and applying appropriate tools to complete a variety of specific graphic design exercises
3. Demonstrate knowledge of specific technical issues relative to the creation of vector files paths, anchor points, bezier curves, preparation for digital use, and printing.
4. Utilize industry terminology related to graphic design software and production.
Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation:
The following outline defines the minimum core content not including the final examination period. Instructors may add other material as time allows.
UNIT 1: The Illustrator Interface
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will have the ability to successfully utilize the Illustrator interface.
- Navigate the Illustrator interface
- Create new documents and open existing ones
- Manipulate artboards
- Modify software preferences
UNIT 2: Selecting and Manipulating Artwork
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to select and manipulate artwork.
- Use selection tools to select parts of artwork
- Align and distribute art objects
- Group and ungroup objects
UNIT 3: Working with Basic Shapes
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to create and manipulate basic shapes
- Create shapes using shape tools
- Combine and manipulate shapes with the Shaper tool, and Pathfinder
- Create compound paths
- Create masks to hide parts of objects
- Trace a raster image using Image Trace
- Transform artwork with a variety of transformation tools
UNIT 4: Applying Color
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to apply and manipulate color in vector artwork
- Apply color to fills and strokes
- Create color using swatches
- Edit color in artwork
- Work with live paint groups
- Create, apply, and manipulate gradients
UNIT 5: Drawing Tools
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to draw vector artwork
- Draw complex paths using the pen tool
- Manipulate paths and anchor points with the pen tool, selection tools, and anchor point tool
- Manipulate strokes using the stroke panel, variable width profiles, and pressure sensitive brushes
- Utilize technology such as drawing tables and pressure sensitive drawing monitors
- Scan sketches of hand drawn artwork and trace using a variety of drawing tools
UNIT 6: Typography
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to apply type to digital illustrations
- Create type using both point text and area type
- Work with the Character, Paragraph, and Styles panels
- Convert text to outlines
- Apply text to a path
UNIT 7: Advanced Effects
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to apply advanced effects to vector artwork
- Utilize effects to modify an object’s visual appearance
- Modify an object’s appearance using the Appearance panel
- Create Graphic Styles to apply appearances to multiple objects
Projects Required:
The course will include a range of projects that will demonstrate competency of the above techniques. For an updated description of these projects, refer to the course syllabus.
Textbook:
Contact Bookstore for current textbook.
Materials/Equipment Required:
- Access to Adobe Illustrator software (face to face sections of the class will use software already installed in the graphic design computer lab)
- A method to save and back-up work such as a flash drive, external hard drive, or access to an online cloud storage service
- A sketchbook and drawing implements, including pencils, black pens, markers, colored pencils, etc.
- Tools to mount printed artwork, which may include: a ruler, x-acto knife, utility knife, spray adhesive, and mat board.
A specific list of supplies can be found in the course syllabus.
Attendance Policy:
Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.
Grading Policy:
The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.
Maximum class size:
Based on classroom occupancy
Course Time Frame:
The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college. A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.
Refer to the following policies:
402.00 Academic Code of Conduct
263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades
403.00 Student Code of Conduct
Disability Services Program:
Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability. If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class and which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.
Updated 6/1/2019
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