10201106Advanced Illustration
Course Information
Description
An advanced course that explores diverse conceptual image making practices for a variety of illustrative disciplines. Emphasis is placed on creativity, style and media exploration, and producing full-color portfolio pieces using a combination of traditional and digital techniques. The course also introduces historical and contemporary usages of Illustration and elements of professional practice such as time keeping, invoicing and how to maintain and communicate effectively with clients.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Produce full color digital artwork from traditional hand drawing
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Sketches are unique and original (not derivative of existing artworks, styles, or other artist’s work)
    Studies begin as observational drawing (not from memory or imagination)
    Final line art is refined digitally to show variety within the line quality and demonstrate line weight variation
    Color is applied digitally to enhance the mood and visual goals of the design concept
    A clear concept runs through multiple images to create a cohesive series of outcomes
    Final artwork is executed to a high level of finish with the aim to be used in the graduation portfolio

  2. Explore a historical fairytale outside of your home culture using digital image making techniques
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration, Written Product
    Criteria
    Written research includes the cultural significance of a chosen fairytale outside of your own cultural background
    Thumbnail sketches demonstrate a wide variety of ideation and connect to previous research
    Composition layouts reflect knowledge of positive/negative space relationships, scale contrast, balance, harmony and hierarchy
    Practice outcomes refine digital techniques of using selection tools and masks in the Adobe Creative Suite
    Final outcomes demonstrate key visuals from storytelling research, strong composition, and skillful layering of digital texture
    Final artwork is executed to a high level of finish with the aim to be used in the graduation portfolio

  3. Identify good habits for professional growth and freelance business practice
    Assessment Strategies
    Role Play, Reflection
    Criteria
    Contribute to weekly small group and all-class discussions on client scenarios of owning a freelance design business
    Reflection writing samples are produced and presented as specified by the instructor
    Reference previously assigned material clearly in discussions
    Communication with colleagues and classmates regarding the scenarios are inclusive and respectful
    Allow others to voice their points of view in a judgement-free and equitable dialogue
    Role play response shows evidence of effective habits within a freelance business

  4. Produce outcomes that are relevant to current industry practice
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, Written Product
    Criteria
    Identify self-employed passive income streams available within the illustration industry
    Written business plan identifies opportunities to connect existing enjoyable creative practices with income opportunities
    Concept sketches are produced in line with the chosen passive income project (pattern design, sticker design, linocut prints)
    Rough layouts clarify the concept and strengthen the in-progress design after receiving rounds of revision feedback from peers
    Final artwork is uploaded to the passive income website of choice to begin earning income from illustrative work
    Final artwork is executed to a high level of finish with the aim to be used in the graduation portfolio

  5. Unify image making skill set with other design skills learned in the program
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Packaging concepts are designed around a singular visual goal
    All visual choices (art style, typography, color, layout, composition and hierarchy) connect back to the visual goal
    All illustrative elements are made by hand (digitally or traditionally) no samples or stock may be used
    All reasoning behind type choices must be articulated and aligned with the visual goals
    Multiple design iterations are submitted to show flexibility of ideas
    Final artwork is executed to a high level of finish with the aim to be used in the graduation portfolio

  6. Prepare character samples for motion design
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Sketches are unique and original (not derivative of existing artworks, styles, or other artist’s work)
    Character studies begin as observational drawing (not from memory or imagination)
    Final line art is produced in layers to prepare for movement and articulation of elements
    A rough storyboard sketch is produced to show the additional element of time-based media
    Color is applied digitally to enhance the mood and personality of the character
    Final artwork is executed to a high level of finish with the aim to be used in the graduation portfolio

  7. Create invoices for select projects to facilitate time management
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, Written Product
    Criteria
    Time tracking accurately reflects time spent on concepting, producing roughs, and executing final artwork
    Invoices are clear, legible and presented free of typographic errors
    Personal branding included on the invoice reflects a sense of professionalism and design identity
    Rates charged to calculate fees are kept up to date with industry standards by conferring with the Graphic Artists Guild
    Invoices are accurately populated with client contact information, as well as artist contact information
    Invoices are delivered promptly at the end of the project and include any specific information regarding licensing, usage, copyright and usage terms as set out by the assignment

  8. Analyze visual samples of historical and contemporary Illustration
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, Written Product
    Criteria
    Verbal analysis of professional samples uses unit vocabulary to differentiate between strong and weak work
    Verbal analysis of student samples finds connections between strong professional work and areas for improvement in student’s work
    Written analysis of strong professional samples highlights design elements that lead to successful outcomes
    Written analysis of weak professional samples highlights areas that could be improved
    Found samples represent effective use of core design elements and accurate use of unit vocabulary

  9. Evaluate creative decision making through small-group and all-class critiques
    Assessment Strategies
    Group Project, Reflection
    Criteria
    Written reflection uses unit vocabulary to assess whether a project has achieved the visual goals
    Verbal communication is inclusive, respectful, and seeks understanding through open dialogue
    Presentation of in-progress work is well-organized, easy to understand, and demonstrates 80% completion of the project workflow
    Presentation of final work is in the requested file format, with correct color modes, at the correct resolution and demonstrates 100% of the project workflow
    Insights on personal work reflect on decisions made at each stage of the project workflow
    Insights on fellow students’ work articulate both strengths and areas for improvement in strength of concept, demonstration of craft and level of execution

  10. Clarify and illuminate an idea through imagery
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Concepting and developmental work are prioritized and produced to a robust level
    From the developmental work, a consistent visual message is determined
    Visual research and observational sketches clarify and strengthen the visual message
    The clarity of the visual message is tested through small-group and large group analysis
    Selected key visuals (and the art style in which they are produced) align with the visual message

  11. Develop a consistent project workflow
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation
    Criteria
    Submitted work contains all four developmental stages:  concept, layout sketch, in-progress sample, and final artwork)
    Workflow stages are completed equally to a level of finish aligning with the standards of our industry
    Workflow elements are submitted on time and in the correct file format by given deadlines
    Timekeeping elements are included on select projects to practice calculating project fees

  12. Generate full-color, high caliber pieces to build your portfolio
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Final body of work consists of five completed projects representing a variety of illustrative disciplines
    Final work shows growth and progress from initial stages to final stages representing a consistent workflow
    Final outcomes show a strength of concept that can be refined, expanded, and applied within a design context
    Final art is brought into full color using a combination of digital and traditional image making techniques
    Final work is executed to a high level of finish showing fluency in the image making software of the Adobe Creative Suite
    Final outcomes show freshness of voice and are not derivative of other artworks or existing art styles

  13. Create a toolkit for creativity and self-expression
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Creativity and self-expression are explored and implemented through a variety of mix-paced design challenges and briefs
    Practice attempts demonstrate willingness to leave the safe harbor of one’s “visual comfort zone”
    Analyze each stage of the workflow to celebrate and identify strengths and learn from the mistakes
    Apply a growth mindset to each new challenge, allowing for the possibility of personal transformation through practice and the acquisition of new skills