Syllabus
Vector Graphics for Production

Syllabus Sections

Publish Date

05/27/2021 17:11:08

Vector Graphics for Production

GRPH-1359

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

Course Information

Section 005
Distance Learning
ONL DIL
Melinda Barker

Section 005
Laboratory
ONL DIL
Melinda Barker

Office Hours

No office hours have been entered for this term

Course Subjects

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 Rationale: 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. 
 
Course Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites.
 
Required: Broadband Internet access and Adobe Illustrator CC2021.  

This is an online class and we meet only once for an orientation during the first week of the semester.
    Emails will be sent to students from inside Blackboard which uses the ACC student gmail. It is critical that you check your ACC gmail – you can forward it to another email – because this is the only email I will use throughout the semester. 

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 "back to" CS6 (Legacy Format) • Linking vs Embedding Placed Images

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

Assignments:

CiB Lesson 1: Getting to Know the Work Area

CiB Lesson 2: Techniques for Selecting Artwork

CiB Lesson 3: Using Shapes to Create Artwork 

CiB Lesson 4: Editing and Combining Shapes & Paths

CiB Lesson 6: Using the Basic Drawing Tools

CiB Lesson 7: Drawing with the Pen Tool

Quiz 1: CiB Lessons 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7

Exercise: Scissors

Exercise: Pathfinder and Shape modes

Project 1: Family of Icons / part 1 First Icon & Sketches

Project 1: Family of Icons completed

 

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

Assignments:

CiB Lesson 5: Transforming Artwork

CiB Lesson 8: Using Color to Enhance Signage

CiB Lesson 9: Adding Type to a Poster

CiB Lesson 10: Organizing Your Artwork with Layers

Quiz 2: CiB Lessons 5, 8, 9, & 10

Exercise: Eveready Logo

Exercise: Image Trace

Exercise: Working with Type

Project 2: ASO flier / part 1: Maestro and sketches of layout

Project 2: ASO flier completed

 

Competency MODULE 3 WEEK 9 – 12

Gradients, gradient mesh and blends • Sampling Colors • Using the Brush tools • Creating a Group of Global Colors

File planning and organization

Assignments:

CiB Lesson 11: Gradients, Blends and Patterns

CiB Lesson 12: Using Brushes to Create a Poster

CiB Lesson 14: Creating Artwork for a T-Shirt

Exercise: Bird and Butterfly Gradient and Gradient Mesh

Exercise: Create a Map using Symbols, Brushes and more

Project 3: WPA poster / part 1: Planning file

Project 3: WPA poster completed

 

Competency MODULE 4 WEEK 13 – 16

Recolor Tools • Using Symbols • Appearance Panel • Various Effects, including 3D

Creating PDFs • Brush review • Using Clipping Masks

Assignments:

CiB Lesson 13: Exploring Creative Uses of Effects and Graphic Styles

CiB Lesson 15: Using Illustrator with other Adobe Applications

CiB Lesson 16: Sharing Projects

Quiz 3: CiB Chapters 11 – 16

Exercise: Recolor Artwork

Exercise: Bulldog 3D Illustration

Exercise: Creating a PDF with a working URL

Project 4: Greeting Card 

Readings

Required Text:  Adobe Illustrator CC Classroom in a Book: 2021 Release (ISBN: 978-0-13-680553-0)

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

Course Requirements

Four major projects are assigned during the semester. Each Project’s skills are based upon a Competency that will be measured using the following criteria: 
use of required features, accuracy in production, mastery of software, exploration/experimentation and presentation/project submission. 
Grade sheets detail exactly how your projects will be graded and are posted in Blackboard for your review before you begin the project. Deadlines are announced in Blackboard.

Competency 1 – Family of Icons / Project 1

Create simple illustrations with basic tools.

Competency 2 – Austin Symphony Orchestra Flier / Project 2

Create a 2-color promotional flier using type tools and image trace.

Competency 3 – WPA Poster Recreation / Project 3

Plan, structure and recreate a complex illustration.

Competency 4 – Big Letter Greeting Card / Project 4

Create an illustration using 3D effects and raster images.

 

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Vector Graphics Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 
  1. Identify the capabilities and functions of drawing, transformation and shape tools in Adobe Illustrator 
  2. Demonstrate skills in the use of vector specific capabilities for typesetting
  3. Show efficient planning and file organization techniques
  4. Apply conceptual planning techniques in the development of graphic design pieces
  5. Analyze production problems encountered and recommend solutions 
  6. Apply skills in the combination of bitmapped and vector elements to create design work
  7. Distinguish between, and correctly apply, the various color models for print and web-based projects
  8. Demonstrate knowledge of advanced tools in Adobe Illustrator such as custom patterns, clipping paths, symbols, graphic styles and various effects including 3D
  9. Decide when vector graphics will be the appropriate solution for a specific graphic design project

Upon successful completion of VisCom’s Graphic Media Production program, students will be able to: 

  • Tools and Techniques: Students will effectively choose software, methods, and techniques to create deliverables for print and/or digital media.
  • Production Principles: Students will apply a variety of skills, methods, and technologies to produce efficient and accurate final output files for print and/or digital media.
  • Professionalism: Students will demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills to stakeholders, clients, and peers.

  • Critical Thinking: Students will analyze project goals to recommend effective production solutions to visual communication clients. 

Upon successful completion of the VisCom’s Graphic Design program, students will be able to: 

  • 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.

Course Policies

1. Don't fall behind: Online classes depend upon regular communication. USe my online office hour if you would like to see a demonstration of some aspect of the software. And don't hesitate to email me. If you fall behind with your assignments, you will receive two email notices to your ACC gmail address.

2. Turn in completed lessons, exercises and projects on time:  Follow the weekly announcements in Blackboard for specific deadlines. Late work will automatically get a 10% grade reduction. For each week past the due date, another 10% will be deducted. Remember that in the working world, art turned in late would miss the publishing date and you would quite possibly be fired. No project accepted after 2 weeks past the due date.
 
3. Regularly back up your work to a jump drive, external hard drive or upload to Google Drive: Everyone has lost computer work at one time or another, but it cannot be an excuse for failing to complete a project on time. Keep your work on your computer, but also back up the “big stuff”. 
 
4. Submitting your Illustrator files. All of your work this semester will be sent to me through links in Blackboard: this includes textbook lessons, exercises and projects. Always name your file starting with the first four letters of your last name, followed by an underscore and descriptive text (and .ai — the extension for Illustrator files). 
For example, Ann Smith would name the first class exercise where you draw scissors:  smit_scissors.ai
 
5. Contacting the instructor: I can meet with you during my online office hour. If that time is not convenient, let me know so we can set up a time that will work with your schedule. I respond to emails by noon: if I get an email after noon, you will hear from me the next morning by noon. However I will not normally answer emails over the weekend from 5:00 Friday to 8:00 am Monday.
 
Note: I will only answer emails from your official ACC gmail account and that is the email I will use to contact you throughout the semester. 
 
Instructional Methodology: Topics will be introduced via lectures and demonstrations, as well as reading assignments. Each project will be preceded by a series of lessons from the class textbook and exercises that build the necessary skills for successful completion of the project. Quizzes will be used to reinforce textbook lessons and vocabulary. Hybrid and online students can view recorded demonstrations in Blackboard that supplement the written explanations. Online students upload finished jpegs of projects to the Blackboard Discussion Board area where students can comment on each other’s projects.
 
Grading System: You can keep track of your semester progress by accessing your grades at any time in Blackboard. Lesson files and exercises are submitted in Blackboard electronically and graded as they are completed. 
Three quizzes and a midterm exam will be given. Tests are open-book, open-computer and cover lectures and skills from the Adobe Classroom in a Book chapters. The 3 quizzes count for 3% of your grade. Exercises count for 10% and Classroom in a Book lessons count for 7%. Projects are 80% of your grade. 
 
Grading scale: 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, 59 and below = F
Passing Grade Policy – Effective September 2005, D’s are not accepted as a passing grade within the Visual Communication Department courses. Students receiving a grade of D must retake the course to receive credit and to progress to the next level course. Students who made a D prior to September 2005 will be allowed to proceed to the next level course.

Department and College Policies

Student standards of conduct – Acceptable standards of conduct include behavior that is civil, courteous, and respectful of all members of the campus community, their property, and the property of the college; promotes mutual respect, equality, and safety of its members and opposes those acts that harass. Intimidate, or haze its members.

ACC’s policy on student student standards and code of conduct can be found here in the current student handbook: http://www.austincc.edu/handbook

Attendance and participation -- Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. If you receive financial aid, your attendance must be certified in order to maintain your financial aid eligibility.

Withdrawal – It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.
    Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since fall 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate, for that course. State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog. 
    Dropping or withdrawing from a course can have serious consequences that affect your financial aid, veterans’ benefits, international student status. Details regarding this policy and others can be found in the ACC college catalog.

Incomplete – An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.
If you are unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course due to extraordinary circumstances — such as illness or death in the family — I may grant an “incomplete.” Generally, to receive a grade of I, you must have completed all examinations and assignments to date, be passing, and have personal circumstances that prevent you from completing the course. Finally, these circumstances must have occurred after the deadline to withdraw with a grade of W.
 
Scholastic Dishonesty -A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution. Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression.Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents. Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college.See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow
 
Copyright – The software programs used in the labs are licensed to the college, which is the original purchaser. Thus students cannot duplicate the software for their personal use. Do not use college equipment to duplicate software for other students or to produce work-for-profit. 
  Do not download, copy or scan copyrighted material for use in your projects unless it meets the Fair use guidelines below and the copyright holder is properly credited.
  Fair use is an important element of U.S. copyright law that allows for the use of copyrighted work without asking permission of the copyright holder, especially when the copyrighted work is used for criticism, scholarship, and education. Under the Fair Use guidelines students may:
• Incorporate portions of copyrighted materials when producing a project for a specific course; and
• Perform and display their own projects and use them in their portfolio or use the project for job interviews or as supporting materials for application to other schools.
For more information on Fair Use see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use
 
Student Rights and Responsibilities – Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.
 
Privacy Policy –The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protects confidentiality of your educational records. Grades cannot be given over the phone, posted, over non ACC email, or through a fellow student.
 
Statement on Students with Disabilities – Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed. 
    Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations. 
    Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/sas
 
Safety Statement – Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs.
   Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.
   Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.
 
Concealed Handguns Policy
The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.
 
Official Communications - The college uses ACCmail as the preferred means of communicating with students for most circumstances. You are assigned a personal ACCmail account that can be accessed through any web-based browser. It is your responsibility to receive and read email communications. Communications are considered properly delivered when they are sent through ACCmail. The college periodically mails items to the physical address listed on your student record. It is your responsibility to keep the address updated to ensure proper delivery. Instructions for activating an ACC email account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/
 
Cell phone policy – Please silence your phone if you attend my online office hour. 
 
Student and Instructional Services
ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. Information on these services and support systems is available at:  www.austincc.edu/support-and-services    
  Links to many student services and other information can be found at: www.austincc.edu/current-students/
  ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored. See the tutor schedule for each Learning Lab at: www.austincc.edu/support-and-services/tutoring-and-academic-help
  For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

SCANS

What you’ll learn that will help in the workforce:
In 1989, the U.S. Department of Labor education jointly surveyed U.S. employers to find out the most important skills and competencies needed by workers. The results of that survey identified SCANS (Secretaries Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills). These are skills that employers need the most from their workers. SCANS skills are the predictors of success in workplace. 
Vector Graphics for Production satisfies the following SCANS Competencies:

Resources
1.1    Manages Times
Interpersonal
2.3     Serves Clients/Customers
2.5     Negotiates
2.6     Works with Cultural Diversity
Information
3.1    Acquires and Evaluates Information
3.2    Organizes and Maintains Information
3.3    Uses Computers to Process Information
Systems
4.1    Understands Systems
4.2    Monitors and Corrects Performance
4.3    Improves and Designs Systems
Technology
5.1    Selects Technology
5.2    Applies Technology to Task
5.3    Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology
Basic Skills
6.1     Reading
6.2     Writing
6.3     Arithmetic
6.4     Mathematics
6.5     Listening
6.6     Speaking
Thinking Skills
7.1    Creative Thinking
7.2    Decision Making
7.3    Problem Solving
7.4    Mental Visualization
7.5    Knowing How to Learn
7.6    Reasoning
Personal Qualities
8.1    Responsibility
8.2    Self-Esteem
8.3    Sociability
8.4    Self-Management
8.5    Integrity/Honesty
For expanded definitions of the listed SCANS, please go to: www.academicinnovations.com/report.html