VC 115 Introduction to Digital Graphics 2

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces students to software and tools for creating work in both print and time-based media for graphic designers. Includes instruction in page layout software for creating documents for print, and in the software, tools, and techniques used in creating basic animation and motion graphics.

Prerequisite: VC 114 with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Select and use design software based on the criteria for given tasks.
Produce page layouts for print utilizing current professional design software and techniques.
Use industry standard software in the creation of animation projects.
Select, prepare, and use correct image file formats for print and time-based projects.
Plan and develop animation projects, applying basic motion graphics principles.
Apply file and time management techniques to a project
Work and communicate with others in a graphic arts production environment.

Content Outline

Intro to Digital Graphics Software
- Print software overview
- Time-based media software overview
- Hardware and peripherals
Page Layout Software
- Frame-based documents for print
- Grids, guides, and master pages
- Impositioning and binding
- Placing text and images
- Typesetting
- Paragraph and Character styles
- Working with imported images
- Preparing images for print production
- Working with color swatches
- Creating and editing tables
- Preparing for print
- Using PDF for print and electronic distribution
Animation and Motion Graphics
- Introduction to time-based media
- Software selection
- Delivery considerations
- File formats
- Frames, keyframes, and animation timelines
- Automated animation using tweening
- Warping and rigging
- Symbols and assets
- Buttons and interactivity
- Exporting and publishing of time-based using current industry-standard methods
Project Management
- Planning
- Combining several applications for one project