Graphic Design/Web Design

GRDSN 125: Computer Drawing for Graphic Designers
Course Syllabus

Instructor Info: 

Name:	Betsy Ward
E-mail:	betsyw@spokanefalls.edu
Phone:	509-533-3715
Office:	19-227
Office Hours:	Click to view my schedule
Mailing Address:	MS 3190 3410 W Fort George Wright Dr Spokane, WA 99224-5288

Course Description:
This is an intermediate course in drawing fundamentals using the computer. Students will develop the techniques employed by working graphic artists and strive to quickly create representational drawings for concept and layout development and communication to clients, designers, photographers, illustrators and associates.

Prerequisites:
GRDSN 105, GRDSN 115

Concurrent Enrollment:
GRDSN 121, 122, 123 and 124 or permission of instructor 

Required Textbooks for the Graphic Design Program:
Drawing A contemporary Approach, by Sale and Betti, 6th edition

Activities include but are not limited to:

• Computer illustration with vector and raster drawing software
• Working within a format
• Drawing thumbnail and rough layout sketches
• Working with a grid system
• Team work with students from another college
• Scanning drawings
• Placing computer illustrations in various softwares
• Exploring the functions of color
• Organizing the picture plane
• Developing concepts and layouts for projects in GRDSN 123, Design Projects III

This information is tentative and may change as the course proceeds.

At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Draw with vector and raster software.

2. Draw with the computer and print to a variety of papers.

3. Draw with the Wacom tablet.

4. Use a variety of filters for drawing effects.

5. Draw small illustrations on the computer for use within page layout programs.

6. Email computer files and connect with other students digitally.

6. Work as a team member.

Grading

GRDSN 125: Drawing on the Computer grading is based on moving control of learning from the "instructor" to the "learner." This competency based educational approach considers "time" a variable and "mastery" a constant. On any given project the student will receive either a "3.0" which indicates adequate completion of the criteria and competency list.

Grading will be an assessment of student's performance in three categories: motivation, process, and technical skills.

Motivation: This will include class attendance; participation in exercises, discussions, and critiques; and timely completion of assigned out-of-class activities. Class absences, which are not made up, will lower your grade. If you miss more than 4 classes you will receive a 0.0 for your grade. Every two lates equals one absence. If you are absent you must make up the absence by: a) collecting the class notes, b) coordinating with your instructor, and c) doing any missed work.

Process: There will several processes studied. The first is the training of your mind, brain and body to better perform drawing. Second, is the identification of communication objectives and problem solving to achieve those objectives. Third, is employing both the analytical and intuitive thought processes in the generation of concepts.

Technical skills: The use of tools and materials, measurement techniques, and understanding of perspective and lighting, and an appreciation of drawing's role in design workflows.

If the student does not meet these industry standards he/she will receive an "I" for incomplete which means the student needs more time to achieve mastery. Mastery levels are determined by industry entry level requirements. Students have 5 lab days after the deadline date to complete the assignment or will be given a 0.0 for the project. To obtain a "4.0" the student must exceed expectations in either work ethic, artistic ability, technical skills, problem solving skills, computer skills, people skills or idea development.

Be prepared: Bring your sketch book, paper, pencils, pens, disks, ideas, pictures to scan, research, and textbooks to class. You need to create a binder that contains your class handouts, competency listings and sign off sheet This should be with you at all times. It is recommended that you get extra storage media to make multiple backups of your work.

Communication: Email is required for this course. If you do not have an email account at home, you can sign up for free email using:

http://mail.yahoo.com
http://www.hotmail.com
or any other free email client

You may access your email using the lab, however please do not use the lab for "chat" or general web surfing. Email is checked by the faculty Monday thru Friday. Please allow 24 hours for your instructor to reply to your email.

Supplies:

• Sketchbook or notebook
  It is recommended you keep a sketchbook as a place to store your ideas and concepts. I will check the progress of your sketchbooks and any out-of-class work you store in them. Don't tear out pages to submit to class.
• Pencils, hard and soft lead
• Pens, blue or black
• Sharpie markers in a variety of sizes, making sure that you have an ultra fine tip pen included
• 2 pieces of Rives BFK Paper
• Manila envelopes, 9"x12"
• A pad of tracing paper
• A folder or binder to store handouts and drawings
• A ruler, cork-backed metal is preferred
• A roll of masking or drafting tape
• Exacto knife and blades
• Spray adhesive
• Scotch tape
• Thumb disk or CD to store computer files
• Black mat board for mounting several finished drawings
  

Note: This course syllabus is only for the quarter listed above and appropriate changes may be made by the faculty. Also, future syllabi for this course may be different.

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