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ARTG 384

ARTG 384: Digital Illustration

Credit Hours: (3)

Instructional Method: One hour lecture; three hours laboratory

Prerequisites: ARTG 381 with a grade of "C" or better or permission of instructor

Note(s): Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.

Creation of imagery through use of digital coloring and inking techniques utilizing a variety of tools and approaches.  Conceptualization and experimentation is emphasized.

Detailed Description of Course

Utilizing bitmap, vector, and 3D computer graphics, the student will gain competencies in image creation utilizing various techniques of digital painting.  These techniques include:

• Comic Book Style – Creation of shaded color “flats” combined with a digitally inked line drawing.

• Smudge Style – Working from a scanned in shaded pencil drawing, this technique uses a digital smudge tool to smudge the pencil lines into smooth shading then color is added to complete the image.

• Digital Painting – Using the same techniques as in real painting, where the color is built up and blended to create form.

• Matte Painting – A combination of sketching and photography.  The initial sketch is done digitally or traditionally using any of the above techniques then actual photo textures are added, blended and adjusted to give the image a realistic or surreal effect.

 

Mastery of bitmap brushes, digital inking techniques, use of Wacom tablets, commercial and open source software, foundation drawing approaches, and resolution issues are covered in detail.  Experimentation with random shape creation as a seed for creativity is explored.

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The class will explore the techniques through demonstrations by the instructor and presentations of tutorials produced by professionals.  They will then be required to create their own original imagery using those techniques. 

 

Student Goals and Objectives of the Course

Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to create original imagery through the process of digital painting that can be used for a variety of commercial and artistic applications.

 

Students will demonstrate:

• Correct use of design-specific terminology in the oral presentation of their work.

• Skills used of appropriate media in the creation of their work

• The preparation of proper presentation materials for review

• The use of appropriate responses to professional feedback on their presentation and their work

• The ability to discuss their work in terms of the factors influencing their design (physical, cultural, social, etc.)

• The ability to discuss their work in terms of design process (research, analysis, multiple iterations, evaluation, etc.)

 

Assessment Measures

Work may be assessed through a combination of quizzes or exams, small and large projects, oral presentations, and written assignments.

 

Assessment criteria may include:

• Ability to follow directions

• Demonstration of a sound graphic design process

• Demonstration of good decision-making skills regarding design, subject, and audience

• Professional presentation of physical materials

• Articulate oral presentation and discussion

• Demonstration of originality and creativity

• Demonstration of technical proficiency

 

Other Course Information

None

 

Review and Approval

April 13, 2012

March 01, 2021