Vector Art: AD360

COURSE DOCUMENTS | SYLLABUS

Vector Art (2 credits)

• AD360_7152: Wednesdays 11:30 am- 2:00 pm
• AD360_7147: Wednesdays 2:30 am- 5:00 pm

Professor: Jenna Spevack

• Email: ad360@jennaspevack.com
• Office Hours: Tuesdays 4-6pm
• Office Location: N1111
• Office Phone: 718-260-5221

Course Description: This course will introduce the student to the vector art application, Adobe Illustrator and present techniques for creating vector art, design and illustration. The class will cover beginning and intermediate lessons including creating basic shapes, using the pen tool, painting with stroke, fill and gradients, transforming objects, creating compound shapes, type, layers, and brushes. To this end the student will become proficient in the use of this industry leading application and will be able to produce 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.

Prerequisites:

• AD 260
• proficiency with Macintosh computers
• working knowledge of Photoshop

Course Goals

• Students will complete two major projects, practical exams, labs, homework assignments and in-class demos.
• Students will present their in-progress and final work to the class for discussion.
• Students will participate in class discussions, brainstorming sessions and critiques.
• Students will practice lifelong learning skills through research and critical thinking exercises.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course the student will be able to:

• Create inspired vector-based art and design with confidence.
• Demonstrate a practical knowledge of vector art tools and techniques.
• Demonstrate professional work practices, creative problem solving techniques and critical thinking skills.

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.
• 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. Flash drives are not an acceptable form of permanent backup.

Required Course Materials:

• A Flash drive to transport your files AND a spindle of recordable/rewriteable CDs or a Firewire Drive to back up your work. Do not leave files on the lab computers, they will be deleted. Excuses for lost or corrupted disks or drives are not acceptable.
• This CLASS SITE will be utilized for the posting of class materials. Please check it every week for new announcements and updates. The syllabus, handouts, assignments and exams will be posted here for your reference. www.jennaspevack.com/~citytech

Suggested References:

• Real World Adobe Illustrator CS2
  by Mordy Golding
  Peachpit Press
  ISBN: 0321337026
• Illustrator CS2 for Windows and Macintosh : Visual QuickStart Guide
  by Elaine Weinmann, Peter Lourekas
  Peachpit Press (September 20, 2005)
  ISBN: 0321336569
• 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

Labs:
You will be working on projects, tests and assignments for at least two hours outside of class. If you don't have a computer 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 6th Floor Student Lab or the Learning Center lab.

Attendance Policy:
For more information about the attendance policy review Understanding Your Grade.

• Points are taken away from your final grade for each class you are absent from. Two lates equal one absence. If you miss more than two classes you could receive a failing grade for the semester. This policy is in accordance with the school attendance policy. Check your student handbook (page 14) for details

Grading Policy:
Please thoroughly read Understanding Your Grade*. Attendance and participation greatly effect 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.

• 25% quizzes and labs
• 60% project and assignments
• 15% class participation

*If you have questions please contact the professor.

Course Calendar:
The Course Calendar is an outline of topics covered each week with links to individual Weekly Class outlines. Check the Calendar every week to review class topics, labs, homework assignments and project deadlines.