Prof. Joan Harrison CGPH 16
 
    DIGITAL SYNTHESIS - CGPH 16

    PROFESSOR JOAN HARRISON

    http://joanharrison.com
    joanh@earthlink.net

    This class will utilize Macintosh Computers Photoshop CS3 software. Photoshop is a powerful image manipulation program. It contains nearly every tool a photographer, graphic designer, painter, illustrator or collage artist could want in a darkroom and studio. It is an exciting, complex program and requires many hours of study, experimentation and practice to master. CGPH 16 is an introduction to digital imaging with an overview of the programs capabilities and an artists' possibilities. The emphasis will be on creativity and the development of a working knowledge of digital imaging and its applications.

    OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE:
    The objectives of this course are:
    1. To Learn basic scanning, image correction and imaging skills.
    2. To experience and participate in critical dialogue.
    3. To develop an understanding of imaging and montage possibilities
    CLASS REQUIREMENTS
    1. Mandatory class attendance (Maximum 2 absences).
    More than two absences will result in the drop of half a letter grade.
    2. Mandatory attendance at all critiques.
    Absence at any critique will result in the drop of half a letter grade.
    3. Homework on time, as assigned.
    4. A passing grade on the Midterm.
    5. Midterm and Final portfolios in print and in a folder on the server.
    CLASS MATERIALS
    1. Notebook/Sketchbook and a portfolio for presentation.
    2. Images (Photographs and /or slides) and collage material for scanning.
    3. USB Drive or CDs and a portfolio case.
    4. Printing Paper and inks as needed.

    VISUAL QUICK START GUIDE: PHOTOSHOP CS3 FOR WINDOWS AND MACINTOSH
    By Elaine Weinmann and Peter Lourekas, Peach Pit Press $24.99
    Text available at the bookstore or at amazon.com

    ASSIGNMENTS DUE AT MIDTERM

    1. MEDITATION MANDALA
    Create a meditation mandala using drawn and
    photographic or found imagery that you have scanned. Work at 72 ppi. in an 8 inch circle. We will discuss resolution, document size and symmetry and work with paint tools, tool palettes, transformation tools, and layers in this assignment.
    Examples

    2. ANCESTORS
    Find an old black and white family photograph or a thrift shop image that you really like and scan it at 150 ppi. to at least 4x6 inches The image should not be in optimum condition. This assignment will involve scanning, image correction, image repair, spotting and tinting.
    Examples

    3. EMOTIONAL TYPOGRAPHY
    Choose a word with emotional impact. Think of a creative way to work with the type to amplify or illustrate the meaning of the word.You may use filters, manipulation, drawing and photographic information.The type tool will be introduced as well as various typographic techniques. Examples will be shown.
    Examples


    GRADING
    There will be a group critique of each assignment. For optimum grade and understanding, assignments should be revised after the group critique. There will be a technical Midterm and Final. Attendance at critiques is mandatory and participation counts in the grade. NOTE: Each additional absence above two or any critique absence will result in a drop of half a letter grade.
    Grading will be based on effort, originality of concept, ability to follow directions, participation in critiques, quality and quantity of unique source material used, technical execution and professional presentation of the work on the due date, as well as test scores on the Midterm and Final technical exams. Test scores represent 20% of the grade.


    ASSIGNMENTS DUE AT FINAL

    4. GIF ANIMATION
    Create a multi-frame animation on the theme TRANSFORMATION, not bigger than 4x4 inches at 72 ppi. Work out the concept in a detailed storyboard. The storyboard must be submitted.The animation should be drawn and the ideas and characters in it should be original. This is an ideal time to create something for your own web page. This assignment will introduce the pen (Bezier) tool.
    Examples

    5. ILLUSTRATION
    Using "BABA YAGA" the fairytale as a theme, create an original illustration. Work at 300 ppi. at 8x10 inches. Use original source materials and photos. Layer masking will be introduced. For this assignment a preliminary collage is required. Put thought into this and showcase your ability to design images.
    Examples

    6. SELF PORTRAIT AS A ROCK STAR
    Create a CD ROM booklet of four pages for an imaginary band of your own. Be as playful as possible. You can represent yourself as a singer or musician playing any kind of music you like. In this assignment we will experiment with filters and special effects. Shoot original images or scan from your own photographs Make sure you measure accurately as you must print the booklet and present it in a jewel case. (You need two files that are 4.75 x 9.5 inches. Work at 150 ppi.
    Examples

    For your final portfolio, submit a CD you have burned with a flattened file of each assignment. Save in jpg format and make sure the files are properly labeled. Submit a portfolio of 6 final prints in a portfolio case along with your preliminary sketches.

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