DIGITAL SYNTHESIS - CGPH 18

PROFESSOR JOAN HARRISON
http://joanharrison.com
joanh@earthlink.net

CGPH 18, Digital Synthesis, utilizes Photoshop CS3, and other appropriate software, as tools to scan and render images, and to explore design, illustration and complex photomontage techniques. Students will learn to present creative content using this powerful paint, image manipulation and animation program in a way that develops their own unique vision. This class is an intermediate exploration of digital imaging with an overview of the programs capabilities and an artists' possibilities. The emphasis is on creativity, ground-breaking exploration, Developing a personal vision and the acquisition of a sophisticated 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).
2. Mandatory attendance at all critiques.
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 and CDs as needed.
4. Printing Paper and inks as needed.

VISUAL QUICK START GUIDE: PHOTOSHOP CS 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

WAC SECTIONS HAVE ADDITIONAL WRITING ASSIGNMENTS!

1. SELF PORTRAIT POSTER
Create an 11x14, 150 ppi. movie poster introducing yourself in an imaginative way. The piece must include a photographic image of you, typography and anything else appropriate in the way of text and drawn or photographic imagery. Be clever and original. Think about which film genre fits your personality type and have fun with it. Research the vintage movie posters in the University collection on the web site. http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/sc/posters/web/AlbumIndex1.html
Examples .

2. INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
Create an imaginative, visual graph/map illustration of a set of statistics. Base the image on a conventional map format or a concept you develop informed by research. The information mapped should be real and psychologically meaningful. You may enhance the map with graphics, illustrations, photographs and a map key if necessary. (Examples will be shown) Design at 12x16, 300ppi.This project will explore the use of vector-based tools.


3. POSTER COLLABORATION
Design an 11x14, 300 ppi. poster for the PCDC Dance troop that we are collaborating with. You must photograph or draw and scan your own original pictures for this project and create a unique poster that will communicate the feel of the performance. These photographs and sketches must be made in the Post dance studio during class or rehearsal. Submit two prints of this work. The company will choose one students piece for duplication and use.
Examples


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. At finals all assignments are due as prints in a portfolio as well as jpg files.


ASSIGNMENTS DUE AT FINAL

WAC SECTIONS HAVE ADDITIONAL WRITING ASSIGNMENTS!.

4.ILLUSTRATION
Create an original illustration for an advertisement, using photomontaging techniques. Use the DAD photographic studio to shoot at least one of the images to be used in the montage. The other images utilized maybe from archival or personal source material or from scanned objects. Your concept must be original. Layer masking will be explored in depth.
Examples

5.TYPO/GRAPHIC
Choose an iconic image from the history of art and reproduce it in graphic form using nothing but typography and dingbats! You may use a copy of the original as a template but nothing of the original should be visible in your finished piece. BEFORE you start this piece you must submit a four page paper explaining the importance of the image and why you have chosen this particular painting to work with. Include a scan or copy of the painting. Work at 300 ppi at 12x16.
Examples

6.A DECK OF CARDS
Create one suit, (hearts, diamonds, clubs or spades) plus a joker and a card back (15 designs) for a deck of cards based on a theme drawn from history, a movement in art or from pop culture. Come up with a clever and unique concept! Submit a summary and sketches of your idea. It must be approved before you start work. Think out of the box!! You will need to download a template for placement, as all 15 cards will be on one printout. A great information source ; http://www.wopc.co.uk/
Examples

GRADING
50% of the grade will be based on effort, originality of concept, quality and quantity of unique source material used and technical execution of the work. and correct presentation of the work on the due date - 50% of the grade will be based on effort, ability to follow directions, participation in critiques, the quality of the final prints and their professional presentation on time and in a portfolio, plus a CD containing a properly labeled jpg file of each.

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