Courses // Vector Graphics

An exploration of vector graphics (i.e., digital, line-based, object-oriented graphics). Students will create their own illustrations on computer using Adobe Illustrator as well as incorporate analog (hand-created) imagery into a digital context. Photoshop will also be covered to a lesser extent. note: Photoshop is covered extensively in Raster Graphics.

2:00–3:15; T, R

Course Text
Adobe Illustrator CS5 Classroom in a Book (Adobe Press)

supplies

  • jump drive (1 gig+ is ideal)
  • sketch pad
  • paper, pencil, and other supplies as needed.

objectives

  • software proficiency
  • visual problem-solving

format

demos, exercises, exams, projects.

A distinction is made between 1) exercises—typically limited in scope, based around a certain skill, and 2) projects—larger in scope, more time-intensive, and based on creative solutions to the design problem. Projects and exercises are weighted accordingly. Note: many exercises require in-class instruction and our difficult or impossible to make up at a later date.

projects

course calendar

day
date
activities
T
1-24
  • syllabus & introductions
R
1-26
  • project 1, pt. A
T
1-31
  • project 1, pt. A
R
2-2
  • project 1, pt. A
  • project 1, pt. B
T
2-7
  • Project 1 pt. A finish in class
R
2-9
  • Project 1, pt. A and B DUE
  • turned in digitally (at the beginning of class)
  • new project: Vector Portrait
T
2-14
  • Have picture for Vector Portrait
  • start portrait
  • Homework: Be working on chapters 1-4 in book in preparation for quiz
R
2-16
  • work: Vector Portrait
T
2-21
  • work: Vector Portrait
R
2-23
  • work: Vector Portrait
T
2-28
  • work: Vector Portrait
R
3-1
  • DUE: Vector Portrait (due at the beginning of class)
    • printed for on 12x18 cardstock and trimmed out to 11x17
    • also turned in digitally
T
3-6
  • Review for quiz
R
3-8
  • quiz: Chs. 1, 2, 3, 4
    • written and task-based
T
3-13
  • Kathleen Shannon lecture
R
3-15
  • live trace demo
  • new project: Concert Poster
T
3-27
  • work
R
3-29
  • work
T
4-3
  • no class
R
4-5
  • Tight-Rough critique
T
4-10
  • no class
R
4-12
  • DUE printed, w/ presentation and crit.
T
4-17
  • Project: What's that look like? (Information Visualization)
  • blend tool
R
4-19
  • demo and work
T
4-24
  • Midway Critique
R
4-26
  • demo and work
T
5-1
  • What's That Look Like? DUE w/ presentation
R
5-3
  • review for final
T
5-8
  • Final - 3:15-5:15