Moorpark College Graphic Design

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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Assignment and Contest

It’s not too often that you get an assignment that has the potential to earn you PRIZE MONEY!

Check out the link to the Multicultural Day 2012 Poster. This PDF has all the specifications and a contest entry form.

This assignment is due Nov. 9th.

Contest deadline,  Nov. 10th.

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Moorpark College alumni, Ignacio and Zoro Rodriguez, will present their design portfolio in the Visual Technologies class at 6pm. tonight, 10-12-11, in Com 109. The brothers have a broad range of experience in the freelance design business. They have published books and have been involved designing for Walt Disney Corporation and are active in the fashion industry. They have also participated triathlons to raise money for charity.

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The three-part spheres illustration is due tonight, Sept. 28th.

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