Syllabus
Vector Graphics for Production

Syllabus Sections

Publish Date

07/28/2021 13:54:00

Vector Graphics for Production

GRPH-1359

Credit Fall 2021
08/23/2021 - 12/12/2021

Course Information

Section 003
Distance Learning
W 18:00 - 18:55
DLS DIL
Edd Patton

Section 003
Laboratory
W 18:55 - 20:40
DLS DIL
Edd Patton

Office Hours

No office hours have been entered for this term

Course Requirements

Course Requirements:

Course Description

A study and use of vector graphics for production. Skill development in the use of the tools and transformation options of Adobe Illustrator to create complex vector illustrations for print and web-based media. Mastery in manipulation of both text and graphics with emphasis on the use of the pen tool as well as the correct use and management of different color modes.

Course Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites.

Course Rationale/Objectives

Vector Graphics for Production is an entry-level Adobe Illustrator based course where students will learn the software skills to create vector graphics for print and web projects. Students learn to communicate through their visual solutions to the projects. Students will learn to solve visual problems using vector art, giving them an important additional skill when they become entry-level designers. Additionally they learn to exchange ideas, approximating a real-world working atmosphere.

 

Readings

Readings:

Required Text: Adobe Illustrator CC Classroom in a Book: 2020 Release (ISBN: 9780136412670)
An Adobe Creative Cloud subscription: https://www.austincc.edu/adobe-creative-cloud-acc

Recommended for Reference: Visual Quick Start Guide for Adobe Illustrator CC (ISBN: 978-0-133-98703-4)

Materials: media storage, such as jump drive, to transport and save assignments.

 

Course Subjects

Course Subjects:

 

Competency MODULE 1   WEEKs 1 – 4

Instructor Demos:

• Illustrator Workspace                                     • File Management

• Keyboard Shortcuts                                          • Drawing with the Pen tool

• GPU Performance                                             • Creating Compound Paths

• Creating Shapes and Using Fills & Strokes       • Selecting/Moving

• Using Templates                                               • Saving Files to CS6 (Legacy Format)

• Linking vs Embedding Placed Images               • Use of Properties Panel

• Basics of Guides and Layers                              • Use of Pathfinder Panel, Shape Builder          
                                                                       Tool and Shaper Tool

Assignment

Submit

Due

CiB Lesson 1: Getting to Know the Work Area

1-file: Screenshot

Since no Illustrator (AI) file is created, submit a screenshot of the information on the topic “Drawing basics” found at the Illustrator help page:  helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/topics.html

 

CiB Lesson 2: Techniques for Selecting Artwork

1-file: Snowman.ai

 

CiB Lesson 3: Using Shapes to Create Artwork for a Postcard

1-file: Postcard.ai

 

CiB Lesson 4: Editing and Combining Shapes and Paths

1-file: HappyCamper.ai

 

CiB Lesson 6: Creating an Illustration with the Drawing Tools

1-file: CoffeeShop.ai

 

Quiz 1: CiB Lessons 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6

Online

 

Exercise: Scissors

1-file: Scissors.ai

 

Exercise: Pathfinder and Shape modes

1-file: Pathfinders.ai / Shapemodes.ai

 

Project 1: Family of Icons / part 1

First Icon and Sketches of 3 Others

2-files: First Icon.ai / sketches of 3 other icons

 

Project 1: Family of Icons completed

1-file – Zipped Project Folder: FamilyIcons.zip

 

Competency MODULE 2   WEEK 5 – 8

Instructor Demos:

• Image Trace and Puppet Warp                          • Point Type Basics, Area Type & Type                                                                                          on a Path

• Live Paint                                                         • Creating Paragraph and Character                                                                                          Styles for Type

• Creating Colors                                                 • Using Text Wrap around Graphics

• Using Libraries (Pantone Colors)                   • Layer Management

• Using the Width Tool and Width Profiles         • Converting Type to Outlines to Modify                                                                                           Letterforms

Assignment

Submit

Due

CiB Lesson 5: Transforming Artwork

1-file: Infographic.ai

 

CiB Lesson 7: Using Color to Enhance Signage

1-file: ArtSign.ai

 

CiB Lesson 8: Adding Type to a Poster

1-file: FoodTruck.ai

 

CiB Lesson 9: Organizing Your Artwork with Layers

1-file: RealEstateApp.ai (do not flatten)

 

Quiz 2: CiB Lessons 5, 7, 8, & 9

Online

 

Exercise: Eveready Logo

1-file: Eveready.ai

 

Exercise: Image Trace

1-file: ImageTrace.ai (4 artboards)

 

Exercise: Working with Type

1-file: Type.ai

 

Project 2: ASO flier / part 1

•  Maestro and sketches of layout

1-file: Maestro and Sketches

 

Project 2: ASO flier completed

1-file – Zipped Project Folder:  ASOflier.zip

 

 

Competency MODULE 3   WEEKs 9 – 12

Instructor Demos:

• Gradients, gradient mesh and blends                • Sampling Colors

• Using the Brush tools                                       • Creating a Group of Global Colors

• File planning and organization

Assignment

Submit

Due

CiB Lesson 10: Gradients, Blends and Patterns

1-file: Cake.ai

 

CiB Lesson 11: Using Brushes to Create a Poster

1-file: CruisePoster.ai

 

CiB Lesson 13: Creating Artwork for a T-Shirt

1-file: TShirt.ai

 

Exercise: Bird and Butterfly Gradient and Gradient Mesh

1-file: BirdsButterflies.ai (6 artboards)

 

Exercise: Create a Map using Symbols, Brushes and more

1-file: Map.ai

 

Project 3: WPA poster / part 1

•  Planning file

1-file – Zipped file:  WPAPosterPlan.zip

 

Project 3: WPA poster completed

1-file – Zipped Project Folder:  WPAPoster.zip

 

 

Competency MODULE 4   WEEKS 13 – 16

Instructor Demos:

• Recolor Tools                                                    • Using Symbols

• Appearance Panel                                             • Various Effects, including 3D

• Creating PDFs                                                   • Brush review

• Using Clipping Masks

Assignment

Submit

Due

CiB Lesson 12: Exploring Creative Uses of Effects and

Graphic Styles

1-file: BikeTours.ai

 

CiB Lesson 14: Using Illustrator with other Adobe Applications

1-file – Zipped Lesson Folder: GreenIsle.zip

 

CiB Lesson 15: Exporting Assets

1-file – Zipped Lesson Folder: L15AssetExport.zip

optional (depending upon instructor and time available)

 

Quiz 3: CiB Chapters 10 – 15

Online

 

Exercise: Recolor Artwork

1-file: Recolor.ai (3 artboards)

 

Exercise: Bulldog 3D Illustration

1-file: Bulldog.ai

 

Exercise: Creating a PDF with a working URL

1-file: Symphony Flier.pdf

 

Project 4: Greeting Card

Lab Class: Due Last Class

Online Class: Due end of semester / see course calendar for date

1-file – Zipped Project Folder: GreetingCard.zip

 

 

 

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Identify the capabilities and functions of drawing, transformation and shape tools in Adobe Illustrator

  • Demonstrate skills in the use of vector specific capabilities for typesetting

  • Show efficient planning and file organization techniques

  • Apply conceptual planning techniques in the development of graphic design pieces

  • Analyze production problems encountered and recommend solutions

  • Apply skills in the combination of raster and vector elements to create design work

  • Distinguish between, and correctly apply, the various color models for print and web-based projects

  • Demonstrate knowledge of advanced tools in Adobe Illustrator such as custom patterns, clipping paths, symbols, graphic styles and various effects including 3D

  • Decide when vector graphics will be the appropriate solution for a specific graphic design project

 

What you’ll learn to do by the end of the Graphic Design Program:

  • Use industry standard vector, raster, and layout software tools to produce graphic design for print and digital media.

  • Apply the design process (define problem, define audience, research and gather ideas, create form, evaluate and assess, produce and explain final solution) in the production of graphic design for print and digital media.  

  • Select appropriate color, typefaces, layouts and concepts to produce graphic design for print and digital media.

  • Produce designs, concepts and layouts based on current industry standards for print and digital media.

 

What you’ll learn to do by the end of the Graphic Arts Technology Program:

  • Use industry standard vector, raster and layout software tools to produce graphic design for print and digital media.

  • Apply the production process (define project parameters, prepare assets, produce design, prepare output) for print and digital media.

  • Independently produce graphic design work to project specifications.