Syllabus
Section # 55847
Instructor: Jeff Rascov
Phone # 741-2432
Email jrascov2@yahoo.com
Office hours T/TH 12:30 to 1:50
Course Description:
This course focuses on using Illustrator to create digital illustrations and various kinds of graphics for visual communication. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring technical skills and learning creative strategies for producing a variety of illustrations used in commercial media.
Objective:
On completion of this course students should be able to:
- Use Illustrator tools to create graphic illustrations.
- Learn all basic tools and techniques; pen tool, gradient mesh, text tool, etc.
- Use template to create artwork.
- Review type and layout principles.
- Develop creative strategies.
- Troubleshoot printing assignments.
TEXTS:
Required:
Illustrator CS3
Visual Quickstart Guide
ISBN 0-321-51045-3
Should be in book store
Recommended text:
The Adobe Illustrator CS2 WOW BOOK
Sharnon Steuer
ISBN 0 321 32046 8
MATERIALS: Sketch book, external storage device. Library card, printer, book/binder for portfolio, spray mount, exacto knife, cutting mat. Students will need access to Adobe Illustrator CS or CS 2. Please make sure that any trial versions of software do not impede in your completion of the course. The Technology Center in the AAS Building on campus has a Mac lab and a PC lab with Illustrator, scanners and printers available to all West Valley students. You need to obtain a student card from Admissions and Records, if you want to use the computers in the lab to do your assignments. Here’s a link to the Technology Center for more information. (http://www.westvalley.edu/tc/default.html)
Students must be familiar with basic file management, how to run and navigate a computer, and basic proficiency in surfing the world wide web. You will need to use a scanner or camera for the major assignments. More on this in the homeworks part of the class.
Schedule for Digital Illustration: Illustrator:
Jan 29 to May something
Assignments - usually you will do 1 assignment a nweek, some will trake 2 weeks
- Turtle Landscape drawing
- Symbol collage
- Numbers
- Fruit
- Logo
- Book Cover
- Artist Statement
- Portrait
There is also a Midterm and Final Exam
It is your requirement to drop the class.
GRADING
Grading is done by the traditional letter grade, A through F basis ONLY.
100-90%=A, 79-90%=B, 69-70%=C, 59-60%=D, 59-0%=F.
The lecture part of this class is 3 hours per week. Arranged lab requires 2.4 hours per week,
and students can expect to put in 3+ hours of homework (reading, doing assignments,
researching ideas... ) Additional hours will be required for the main projects.
The nature of studying graphic communication requires revising, rethinking, refining and
redoing. You will be graded on initial concept, layout principles, effectiveness of communication
and presentation of each assignment. To obtain an “A” in this class requires paying
attention to details and developing a critical eye of your own work.
Late assignments will be penalized.
Students are encouraged to resubmit work as we progress through the class.
I will consider all reworked assignments into your final grade.
ATTENDANCE - Multiple absences will be noted and factored into your final grade.
3 absences = -10 points, 4-6 absences = -20 points, 7-9 = -30 points.
CRITERIA FOR GRADING:
Demonstrates growth in abilities and understanding of material taught.
Meets the objectives of the assignment.
Active participation in class and projects.
Timely completion of all assignments within prescribed deadlines.
Willingness to participate and utilize critical evaluations.
Ability to meet industry level standards in quality and aesthetics.
GRADING CATEGORIES:
A: Superior Work: 100 - 90%
Consistently demonstrates a superior understanding of the principles and methodologies
taught at a level well above the norm, Exceed nominal requirements of aesthetic and visual
quality more than 80% of the time. Great expectations.
B: Above Average: 79 - 90%
Demonstrates on a regular basis, an above average understanding of the principles and
methodologies taught. Exceed nominal requirements of aesthetic and visual quality more
than 50% of the time. Potential is there more effort and understanding of concepts is needed.
C: Average: 69 - 70%
Demonstrates a basic understanding of the principles and methodologies taught. Work
meets the nominal requirements of visual and aesthetic quality the majority of the time.
It’s going to take some work to be successful but with the right work ethic and attitude
it can happen.
D: Below Average: 59 - 60%
Demonstrates a below average understanding of the principles and methodologies taught.
Work meets the nominal requirements of visual and aesthetic quality less than 50%.
Reevaluation of career and educational goals is highly recommended.
F: Failure: > 59%
Unable to perform at an acceptable level in demonstrating principles and methodologies taught.
Work meets the nominal requirements of visual and aesthetic quality at less than 40% of the
time. This is not the right career choice.
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