COURSE CALENDAR | WEEK 01 CLASS OUTLINE | Homework

Topics Covered in Class:

1. Learning strategies. learning aids and assessment of student goals and expectations
2. Introductions, course overview, goals, syllabus, grading policy, course materials, ADGA server access, and labs.
3. What is Vector Art?
4. Introduction to Illustrator (pdf) and the Illustrator Interface.
5. Detailed information about the interface and Illustrators Tools (pdf)

Introductions

• Welcome to Vector Art AD360. Using techniques for creating vector art, design and illustration, this course will introduce the student to the vector art applications, Adobe Illustrator and Flash. The class will cover beginning and intermediate lessons including basic shapes, stroke, fill, gradients, pen tool, brushes, transforms, type, and layers. To this end the student will become proficient in the use of these industry leading applications and will be able to create original art.
  
  Equal emphasis will be placed on the development of professional work practices, creative problem solving techniques and critical thinking skills. Competency will reflect a mastery and control of the application and an ability to apply learned skills to creative projects.

Goals

• At the end of this semester students should have become proficient in Illustrator, learned the skills to create inspired vector-based art and developed the tools to continue to learn.
• There will be two major projects, quizzes, labs, homework assignments and in-class demos.

Expectations

• You are expected to spend at least 2 additional hours a week (outside of class) on homework, class projects and study.
• You are expected to turn in your work on the date due.
• You are expected to arrive on time and attend all classes. If you miss or are late for a class, you will miss the quiz for that class and/or points will be deducted from your final grade.
• You are expected to participate in class discussions, critiques and exercises.
• You are expected to be respectful of your fellow students and offer help when needed.
• You are expected to back up your work on CD or an alternate device every week. Do not leave files on the lab computers, they will be deleted. Excuses for lost or corrupted ZIP disks or FLASH drives are not acceptable.

Attendance Policy

• Points are taken away from your final grade for each class you arrive late to or are absent from. Two lates equal one absence. If you are more than 15 minutes late to class, you will be marked absent.
• You are permitted to be absent from class a maximum of 2 class sessions.  This is in accordance with college policy that sets the maximum number of permissible absences at 10% of the number of class meetings scheduled for the semester.

Syllabus and Grading Policy

• Please thoroughly read the syllabus and grading policy. If you have questions please contact the professor.
• Please note: attendance greatly effects your final grade and your ability to keep up with the course content. If you want an A, begin by coming to class on time every week.

Required Course Materials

• By next class you will need a Flash drive, ipod or USB Zip drive to transport your files AND a spindle of recordable/rewriteable CDs or a Firewire Drive to back up your work. Flash Drives and Zip Disks are fine for transferring files from computer to computer, but they are not an acceptable form of permanent backup.
• The following CLASS SITE will be utilized for the posting of homework and project assignments, reference materials (additional books, readings, web sites) and tests. You must check it every week for new announcements and updates. The syllabus, handouts, assignments and quizzes will be posted here for your reference.
  • www.jennaspevack.com/~citytech/

Recommended Materials

• Real World Adobe Illustrator CS2
  by Mordy Golding
  Peachpit Press
  ISBN: 0321337026
• Adobe Illustrator CS2 Classroom in a Book
  by Adobe Creative Team
  Adobe Press (June 17, 2005)
  ISBN: 0321321839
• Illustrator CS for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide
  by Elaine Weinmann, Peter Lourekas
  Peachpit Press (April 16, 2004)
  ISBN: 0321199553
• Adobe Illustrator CS Hands-On Training
  by Jeff Van West
  Peachpit Press; Bk&CD-Rom edition (March 31, 2004)
  ISBN: 0321203038
• Illustrator 10 Shop Manual
  by Steve Kurth
  Publisher: New Riders Press; 1st edition (July 15, 2002)
  ISBN: 0735711763

  These can be purchased at:

  • isbn.nu (to compare prices)
  • Amazon.com
  • ebay.com
  • barnesandnoble.com (or buy in store)

Labs

• You will be working on projects, tests and assignments outside of class. If you don't have Illustrator at home you will need to utilize the ADGA Labs during the week or on the weekends. Check the ADGA Department Posters to find out exact hours and days. You may also use the 4th Floor Student Lab, the Learning Center Lab and the 10th floor ePortfolio Lab (N1022).
• If you use Illustrator CS or Illustrator 10, please make sure to save your files for that specific version, otherwise you will not be able to open your files.

Homework | Week 1

Prepare for short quiz on today's lesson.

Please have the following for the next class:

1. A Flash drive, ipod or USB Zip drive to transport your files
2. A spindle of recordable/rewriteable CDs or a Firewire Drive to back up your work.