10201181Introduction to Design Software
Course Information
Description
An introduction to professional software used in the preparation of digital files including photography, graphic design, layout, typography and illustration using Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. This is a foundation course for web, print, new media and other communication graphics. This course used to be named Intro to Computer Graphics.
Total Credits
3
Prior Learning Assessment
  • Experiential-Portfolio
  • Experiential-Skill Demonstration
Course Competencies
  1. Use course learning tools
    Assessment Strategies
    Set-up and use course learning tools
    Criteria
    accesses Help to find directions on how to use course and online tools
    completes the orientation on course and online learning tools
    creates a personal profile including na,e, photograph, email address, phone number, and other general information
    creates a directory folder in Personal Workspace for exercises and projects in this course
    uses email to communicate with instructor
    participates in course critiques
    accesses the GradeBook to view assessment information

  2. Explore computer terminology as applied to computer graphics
    Assessment Strategies
    completing a quiz
    creating a back-up disk
    Criteria
    compares the difference between RAM and Hard Disk space
    uses computer file size terminology: byte, pixel dimension and image size
    compares vector images verse pixel images
    deduces when to use each software; Photoshop (image edit), Illustrator (vector based) and InDesign (Page Layout)
    discusses file naming and management
    recognizes the importance of keeping a back-up of files

  3. Explore key concepts, interface, basic drawing tools, and shortcut keys in ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR (vector software)
    Assessment Strategies
    viewing tutorials
    completing class exercises and activities
    participating and submitting a class project using clean path creation
    participating in progress and final group critiques of work
    Criteria
    explores Global color and the color mixer
    creates a custom color palette
    applies gradients to define shape and depth
    demonstrates the ability to use the Illustrator type tools
    uses the Effects menu to modify shapes
    explores the Appearance panel to modify object attributes
    explores the Brush tool and brushes

  4. Increase proficiency by exploring additional Illustrator drawing tools, panels and coloring techniques by creating a realistic illustration
    Assessment Strategies
    viewing tutorials
    completing class exercises and activities
    participating and submitting a class project using clean path creation
    participating in progress and final group critiques of work
    Criteria
    explores and navigates the workspace
    explores the tools and panels
    creates objects with the shape drawing tools
    applies and edits fill and stroke attributes
    explores selections and stacking order
    understands Illustrator path and anchor points
    draws open and closed paths
    understands how to edit shapes, paths, and anchor points
    combines shapes with the Shape builder tool and Pathfinder panel
    draws with the pen tool using modifier keys
    understands and controls Bezier curves

  5. Explore key concepts, interfaced selection tools, retouching tools and shortcut keys in ADOBE PHOTOSHOP (image editing)
    Assessment Strategies
    viewing tutorials
    completing class exercises and activities
    participating and submitting a class project using clean path creation
    participating in progress and final group critiques of work
    Criteria
    navigates the workspace, zooming in and out with ease
    reviews resolution and image size
    learns the names of the tools in the tools panel
    uses layers, names groups, and pastes to
    creates smart objects
    learns shortcut keys to the most used tools
    explores the brush and selection tools
    explores saving and combining selections
    refines selections in the refine selection and refine mask panels
    applies clone stamp and healing tools
    repairs damaged photographs
    explores the content aware feature
    applies colorization techniques

  6. Create an original photocomposition using layers and layer masks in Photoshop (image editing)
    Assessment Strategies
    viewing tutorials
    completing class exercises and activities
    participating and submitting a class project using clean path creation
    participating in progress and final group critiques of work
    Criteria
    explores layers and blending modes
    explores images by using your own images, sourcing images online and scan a preprinted image using de-screening
    use the Pen tool and quick mask to create selections
    apply tonal and color corrections with adjustment layers
    combine images seamlessly using layer masks
    designs an original photocomposition
    researches Photoshop typographic effects online
    explore the type tools and access fonts online
    uses the masking, modes, and texture to create unique type effects

  7. Explore key concepts, the interface, type terminology, type adjustments, text frames, image frames, multiple pages and style sheets in ADOBE INDESIGN (page layout)
    Assessment Strategies
    viewing tutorials
    completing class exercises and activities
    participating and submitting a class project using clean path creation
    participating in progress and final group critiques of work
    Criteria
    learns page and master page creation options and features
    navigates the workspace, zooming in and zooming out with ease
    learns the names of the tools in the Tools panel
    learns shortcut keys to the most used tools
    explores image and graphic placement and sizing options
    uses guides, smart guides and align features in layout creation
    explores type adjustment panels, and image information panels
    applies fill and stroke colors
    explores color modes and uses; Process, RGB, Spot
    explores placing text, linking text and text wrap

  8. Create an original, uniquely sized, page layout using type, images and folds in ADOBE INDESIGN (page layout software)
    Assessment Strategies
    viewing tutorials
    completing class exercises and activities
    participating and submitting a class project using clean path creation
    participating in progress and final group critiques of work
    Criteria
    use guides, smart guides and align features in layout creation
    explore image and graphic placement and sizing options
    learn the links panel
    apply fill, stroke and gradient colors
    use a custom swatch palette
    apply typographic Hierarchy
    use text wrap
    explore the tabs panel
    learn packaging files
    produce a final folding mock-up