VC 114 Introduction to Digital Graphics 1

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces students to raster and vector image editing software for graphic and multimedia artists. Includes instruction in professional software used in photo, multimedia editing, and vector illustration.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Visual Communications program; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Navigate and produce work on macOS computers.
Select and use graphic arts software based on the criteria for given tasks.
Produce work using a combination of illustration, photo manipulation, and time design software.
Digitize images using the industry standard format and resolution for given media.
Create raster and vector files that conform to current professional technical standards.
Save, retrieve and export files for both traditional and electronic publishing.
Work in a lab environment with shared servers and printers.

Content Outline

Intro to macOS
- Basics of the Finder and file management
- Cross-platform compatibility
Hardware and Peripherals
- Input devices: scanners and digital cameras
- Printers and servers
- Devices and methods for backups and archival storage
Software and File Formats
- Selecting the appropriate software for given tasks
- Linked and embedded files
- File format, size, and resolution
- Combining several applications for one project
  - Combining raster and vector graphics
  - Rasterizing vector files
- Re-purposing files for different use
- Color modes
- PDF files
Photo Editing Software
- Basic tools and menu
- Selection tools and methods
- Transforming selections
- Layers
- Cloning and basic compositing
- Color modes
- Adjustment Layers
- Alpha channels and layer masks
- Levels and Curves
- Image color correction
Time-based Media Software
- Introduction to time-based media
- Software selection and interface introduction
- File formats for importing and exporting
- Frames, keyframes, and animation timelines
- Animating text
- Rendering, exporting, and output
Vector Graphic Software
- Preferences, guides, grids, and snap-to’s
- Selections
- Paths and the pen tool
- Path simplification
- Creating shapes
- Transforming objects
- Basic typography
- Color modes and palettes
- Layers
- Tracing raster images