Moorpark College Graphic Design

This week continue our exploration of painting in Photoshop, and then segue into Adobe Illustrator where we’ll learn the “in and outs” of the Illustrator Pen Tool.

1. Software Essentials read pp. 50–75
2. Introducing the Pen Tool in Photoshop and Illustrator (4,5,6)
3. The Illustrator Workspace (4,5,6)
4. Chapter 12, Introduction to Adobe Illustrator

Retouching Project Due Wednesday, February 8th.

As we complete our retouching exercises, we’ll review techniques you will be using in the self-portrait poster.

Finished Size – 11″x17″ printed in color.

Your self portrait poster must consist of all or parts of several images and is due Wednesday, February 15th.

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1. Chapter 3, Art and the Computer (2)
2. More of Diane Fenster’s art
3. Painting in Photoshop (4,5,6)
4. Introducing the Pen Tool in Photoshop and Illustrator (4,5,6)
5. Discussion (2)

This week we will complete the retouching exercises, compile our folders, and work on the self-portrait posters.

• File size: 11×17″, 12″x18″ for an 11″x17″ that bleeds
• Resolution: 300 ppi
• Color Mode: Work in RGB color
• Contents: Must contain all or part of a minimum of many different images
• Submit: 

• Digital file and print files in completed folder. Print files for folder can be scaled to 8-1/2″x11″,  and must be printed in color.
• 11″x17″ print presented for critique

Completed Sphere Exercises (3 parts) due Wednesday, February 1.

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Week 3

1. Photo Retouching Exercises (3,4,5,6)
2. Chapter 6, Photoshop Magic
3. Chapter 7, File Formats & Compression
4. Chapter 8, Scanning Guidelines
5. Discussion (2)

As we enter Week 3, we’ll learn more about making selections in Photoshop. Making and refining selections is critical to the technique of photographic collage, comparable to good old-fashioned cut and paste. We’ll also spend time learning retouching techniques as we study how the various filters and tools can be used to improve the appearance of old or damaged images.

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Week 2

PROJECT ONE: Self-Portrait Poster – Trim Size 11”x17” (1,3,4,5,6)
Objectives: Use Photoshop to assemble images and/or part of images that form a multi-faceted picture of “you.”

Due for Critique, Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the beginning of class

1. Software Essentials read pp. 1–46
2. Spheres Exercise (4,5,6)
3. Readings-Chapter 5
4. PROJECT ONE – Self Portrait Poster – due week 6 – (1,3,4,5,6)
   Brainstorm approaches to a self-portrait
   Create thumbnails (3)
5. Discussion (2)

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During our first class session we will take care of the necessary business, but as soon as we wrap that up, we’ll dive right in to discover what this class called Visual Technologies is all about.

You’ll find regular postings here on our class blog so make sure you’re always checking here for updates. You can post here too, once you register and the appropriate privileges are assigned. All students must work with me to post progress proofs on the blog so that we can all share in learning how to use the software that is the basis for most every design-oriented job.

Week 1

1. Syllabus Review
2. Reading-Introduction, Chapter 1 & Chapter 2 (1,2)
3. In-class exercises (1,4,5)
4. The Folder (3,6)
   How to prepare and submit Assignments
5. The Photoshop Workspace (6)
   Photoshop Tools

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This link provides your instructions for the Final Project, which is to be presented at the beginning of class on the date of our Final, Wednesday December 21st from 7-9 p.m.

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Just a few years ago, Leatrice Eiseman’s classic Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color, published in 2000, was out of print. In 2006 Eiseman came out with a second book continuing her color explorations, Color: Messages and Meanings. By that time, used copies of the first color book were going for nearly $200, way too steep for all but the collector.

I recently saw Eiseman’s 2000 book pop up again on Print and How magazines’ mydesignshop.com website in their “Deal of the Century” category.  While it’s a bit too soon to make a hundred-year claim, I have to admit, Print and How magazines are offering those interested in the study of color a truly smoking deal.

Treat yourself and your designer buddies to a priceless holiday gift that you can be sure will be a handy resource for years to come. I’m delighted that I’m able to replace my tattered copy held together by rubber bands with a brand spanking new book for just $4.99. That’s really has got to be the “deal of the century!”

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Tonight we will critique the Multi-cultural Day logo design “contest entries.” Everyone is expected to participate in the critique. You will post your printed images on the rail in the front of the classroom so that everyone has the opportunity to review all of the artwork. See you all at the critique!

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Tonight we’ll continue our exploration of Illustrator’s tools and effects and how to incorporate them into a practical illustrations. We’ll incorporate many of the tools already explored to help in your execution of the Multicultural day logo. You’ll see how gradients are used to simulate chrome in an otherwise difficult photographic situation. We’ll also begin our study of typography and Illustrator’s type handling capabilities.

Illustrator Seal Exercise

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Last week we were lucky to have Ignacio and Zoro Rodriguez visit our GRM23 class. The brothers are former Moorpark College students who own a clothing line called Dos Gallos. They shared their graphic design and illustration portfolios with the GRM23 Visual Technologies and the GRM32 classes in a standing room only presentation. Ignacio who works for Disney shared many of his typical design jobs, while Zoro shared work from Disney and Dreamworks, where he is currently employed. Among the work show were character sketches for G-Force, posters for Cars, and Disney characters on a variety of products.

After the presentation, we reviewed the pen tool and learned how it can be used in Photoshop to create an intricate selection. The purpose is to use it to select and remove the existing background (or make any complex selection) from the “fancy lady” image.

Tonight we’ll continue our study of the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator, with the added objectives of understanding:

• Illustrator’s Layers
• Pen tool practice

Fill and stroke techniques, including:

• Gradients, gradient mesh, patterns, brushes, and pattern brushes
• Shape Drawing Tools

Exercise: Oscar the weiner dog.

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