Digital Media I – ARST 1550 - Sections 01 & 03
Spring 2013
Location: AT 208
Hours: 9:00 - 11:50 MW, 12:30 - 3:30 MW
Instructor: David
Sullivan
Office:AT 208
Office Hours:Noon MW, or by appointment
david@swampmonster.org
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of computers and the Macintosh operating system (navigation, opening and saving files, etc.)
Purpose
This course will allow those with a basic preparation in art fundamentals to
familiarize themselves with the expanding processes and possibilities of
computer based imaging. This opportunity should not only develop
important skills in an increasingly computer dependant world, but also allow
even greater opportunities for individual expression.
This course will serve as an introduction to the use of computerss in fine arts production. Emphasis is on both aesthetics and process. The following will be covered, though not necessarily in this order:
Developments in electronic imaging
Computer imaging systems: general interface characteristics as well as specific applications
Moving from concept to output
Expanding "Input and Output" definitions: Internal and External manipulation
Conceptual Issues
Terminology
Projects
(check the assignments web page for specific details.)
No. 1: Self portrait
In this project, you will create 4 separate compositions by compositing scans, photos, and other images.
Application: Photoshop CS5
Goals: Understanding of scanning and basic digital photography, familiarity with Photoshop (including compositing, color, and image manipulation), basic printing.
No. 2: Brand on the brain
For this project, you will create a brand identity and promotion. First you will create a graphic logo that represents your brand identity. Second you will use this logo in the development of a large-scale poster..
Applications: Photoshop CS5 and Illustrator CS5
Goals: Visual identity design, understanding vector graphics, familiarity with Illustrator, large-scale printing..
No. 3: Fortune cookie
In this project, you will create a short animation with sound based on the text of a fortune cookie.
Application: Photoshop CS5, Illustrator CS5, After Effects CS5, Soundbooth or Garageband
Goals: Understanding of time-based media, editing sound, familiarity with After EffectsCS5, investigation into typography.
No. 4: Process / iteration
This project can be a collaboration. Groups will create a short video exploring processes.
Application: Premiere CS5, After Effects CS5, Soundboot or garagebandh
Goals: Become comfortable with collaborating on a creative project, familiarity with Premiere CS5 and the basics of video editing
Required
Reading:
No text is
required for this course. Most info can be found online. However, I do RECOMMEND that you find a good,
simple PhotoShop (and possibly Illustrator) how-to text at your favorite bookstore or online. My
suggestion is a simple, thin, introductory text if you are a beginner.
For advanced users there is no better text than the current version of REAL
WORLD PHOTOSHOP. If you have any questions, come to me.
Supplies:
You will
need some kind of portable storage media (a usb
drive, dvd-r, cd-r, etc.) to backup your work. It is imperative that you keep all your
work backed up.
Attendance
This class will meet for 2 sessions per week. The class will run for approx 3 hours. This will be a time for discussion, presentations,
critiques, lecture, etc. as well as project work time. Due to the
technical nature of much of this introductory material, attendance is
expected at all classes. Class attendance and participation does not
only affect your grade. You will
benefit from the feedback, assistance and interaction with the instructor and
your fellow classmates. It is the student's responsibility to catch up
on any missed material outside of class time. Three absences are allowed
and may be recorded in case of late arrival or leaving class early.
Absences beyond this minimum will result in a reduction in the final
grade by one-half a letter grade for each missed class beyond that allowed.
Critiques:
Class critiques are very
important and will be held at the beginning of class on the due date of
each project. If your assignment is not complete for the critique your grade
for that assignment will be lowered by one full letter for each day it is
late. You are required to attend critiques even if your work is not complete.
Critiques are not for my benefit. They are your best method to learn about art
making - from your fellow art makers. You must be able to articulate your creative decisions and conclusions in regards to your own work, as well as discuss the work of others. Participation and attention is expected. Please be considerate of your classmates and give their work the same attention they give yours. NO SCREEN DEVICE USE OF ANY KIND NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE WORK.
Work
outside of scheduled classes
Due to the amount of technical material, and the very process of creating, not all portfolio requirements can be met working
only during class hours each week. Though much pre- and
post-production can be done away from the work station you will need to
put innumerous hours on the computers. Access to the lab will be
available during scheduled hours. I expect you to put in at least as
much time out of class as you will in class each week. You MUST use
this equipment to gain facility in making art with it. That takes time.
Do not expect to achieve this without the hours required.
Late work
Policy:
I will set
specific dates for each project presentation. There will be a critique
on these dates. I will expect a finished product and presentation
at this time. Any
assignments not turned in at this time will be marked late., and the grade will be lowered one full letter grade for EACH DAY it is late.. An incomplete presentation will result in a
reduced grade on the project even if present in the final portfolio. If a student has any
emergencies or difficulties in completing an assignment, it is the student's
responsibility to notify me prior to that day. Under no circumstances will I
accept the work if I have not been notified and arrangements made prior to that
day.
Evaluation
There will be a mid-term grade that will be based on my assessment of your work
to date. This grade is a progress report and will not be averaged into
the final grade on the entire portfolio. Due to the variety of options
this media presents, no specific project definitions can be set.
You will, however, be provided a number (approximately 5) of both
specific and general project assignments to complete. Evaluation will
involve meeting both aesthetic and technical standards to be outlined in the
assignment handouts. Other factors will be taken into account, such as
participation in critiques, presentation of finished projects, thoroughness and
intensity of explorations of creative options, and mastery of processes.
These will all be assessed based on your critique presentation
and my observations of your efforts in and out of class.
Below is a
sketch of how I utilize letter grades.
A+ Exceeds
Expectations in ALL areas.
A Range (90-100%) Conceptual:
Concepts are engaging, thorough and coherent, showing original and creative
thinking that moves beyond assignment requirements, Writing: Excellent writing
and grammar skills that express ideas clearly and effectively.. Participation:
Thoughtful comments on other’s work. Participates fully, taking a leadership
role in discussion in class and on blackboard. Brings new ideas to class
consistently. Listens to other’s views with respect. Attends class on time and
turns in work on time.
B Range (80-89%). Conceptual:
Complete assignments with some originality; Satisfies aims of the assignment
well. Writing: Good writing and grammar skills. Writing is clear and ideas are
organized. Participation: Participates fully in discussion. Attends class on
time and turns in work on time. Participates on blackboard and engages with
others’ ideas.
C Range (70-79%) Conceptual:
Unoriginal or common sense thinking; doing only what is required; Writing:
Unclear writing, grammatical errors, lack of thoroughness, does not meet goals
of exercise, structural and technical problems. Participation: Inconsistencies
in presentation of work and participation, or does not frequently participate.
Attends class but minimally engages with others’ work.
D Range (60-69%) Falls
below expectations in most areas. Inconsistencies, sloppiness, inaccuracies, errors,
lack of effort.
F
(below 60%) Fails
to meet requirements of Assignment/Not turned in on time
Blackboard:
I don't use Blackboard for much, but Assignment grades will be posted there. You MUST also check your tulane email regularly, as this will be the main way for the university and I to get in touch with you outside of class. You login to Blackboard using your Tulane email login at http://tulane.blackboard.com/
Plagiarism and copyright
All work
turned in for this class must be yours created for this class alone.
Previous assignments or “joint”
assignments, completed for two classes, are not acceptable. Failure to comply
with this expectation will result in a failing grade. Any copyrighted material
used in your work should be released for your use, fall under fair use, or be
open for creative use (such as Creative Commons).
A student with a disability that qualifies for accommodation should contact the Office of Disability Services on the web at http://erc.tulane.edu/disability/ or by phone (504) 862-8433
This is a list of
numbers that you can use if there is an emergency or crisis situation in the
lab or if you need assistance at other times.
University
Police (UP), Campus Police Building, 865 - 5200 or On Campus X5200
Student Health Services (504) 865-5113