Digital Painting and Background Design 

ARTV 1379 - 54367

Lecture 001

M - 6:15 pm – 8:45 pm Online

Spring, 2024

Communication

Instructor’s Name – Linda Smarzik
Office Hours – M  5:15 – 6:15

Office Location – Online

Email – lsmarzik@austincc.edu

Phone – 512-223-9214

Arranging Conferences/Appointments – Please set up appointments through email 

Course Description

• Credit Hours: 3

• Online Classroom Contact Hours per week: 2 hour and 40 minutes

A study of design principles and digital techniques for designing and painting backgrounds for animation. Students will practice implementing these techniques across a variety of projects.

Please note: Transferability of workforce courses varies. Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with Garry Gaber or Deanna Whaley

Course Corequisites/Prerequisites

ARTV 1373 Drawing for Animation or ARTV 1473 Drawing for Animation

Course Rationale/Objectives

Digital Painting and Background Design is an introduction to designing and painting backgrounds for animation. This course provides students skills and knowledge required to compose effective and visually interesting spaces for characters to inhabit. Students can apply skills learned in this class in other areas including storyboarding and concept art.

Technology 

Minimum Technology Requirements

• Access to Internet
• A reliable computer
• Photoshop CC - a subscription is available for students. Click on this link on how to get a student subscription. Be sure that your subscription is uploaded before the first day of class. 
• A webcam and a working microphone on or attached to your computer.
• A tablet with a stylus for drawing. IPads, etc., do not have the full extent of Photoshop available so you will be unable to complete several exercises. 
   

Minimum Technical Skills 

As part of your online experience, you can expect to utilize a variety of technology mediums as part of your curriculum:

• Use Photoshop to create documents    
• Utilize a tablet and stylus
• Be comfortable uploading and downloading saved files    
• Have easy access to the Internet    
• Navigate Blackboard

Instructional Methodology

To help you meet course objectives, the teaching methods in this class are based on professional experience and best practices in the area of 2D animation. These methods might include: lecture, demonstration, critiques in group and one-on-one settings, group activities and student presentations. At this time, the class will be held online using Blackboard and Zoom. 

Distance Education

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

Technology Support Services

In response to COVID-19-related campus closures, Austin Community College now provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm.  Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/drive-up-wifi

Students who submit the Student Technology Access Form and indicate they need help accessing their online learning environment to successfully complete their courses are eligible to check out an ACC iPad for use during the semester.  You must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course.

Grading System

Each assignment in this course will be graded individually on a 100-point scale with all grades being averaged into 1 final grade at the end of the semester. Point values for letter grades are as follows:

900 -1000 =A

899 -800 =B

799 -700 =C

699 -600 =D

599 - = F

Projects are involved assignments that typically take place over a longer period and require more ingenuity and creativity. Students are expected to comprehend, retain, build and expand on the skills that are taught leading up to the start of work and working outside of class at home or in open labs may be required to stay on pace with the class. Grading will be more specific than in Exercises and will directly assess the objectives associated with that project.

Each assignment will have its own specific criteria. There will be a variety of projects assessed and graded during the semester. Projects will also be taught through lecture and demonstration and may have an associated Project Sheet with essential requirements such as specifications, objectives, grading Rubrics, required techniques, premise, and due date.

Class Participation is a combination of participation in class critiques, questions during lectures and work time, and helpfulness towards the instructor and other students.

Effective September 2005, D’s are not accepted as a passing grade within the Creative Design Technologies 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.

Attendance/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. Please be online five minutes before class starts. Be prepared to keep your video on throughout the class, as if we are in a real classroom. 

If for any reason you’re unable to come to class, you will be counted as absent. You are allowed 3 absences. There is no distinction between an excused or unexcused absence, so use your absences meaningfully and sparingly. You are counted absent if:

• you are not logged into class

• you leave the class early or turn off your video

• you get to class extremely late (more than 15 minutes)

At your fourth absence, you will fail the class and should withdraw from the course. If your fourth absence happens past the final withdrawal date of the semester, then your final grade will be lowered one letter grade for each subsequent absence. If you decide to withdraw from the course, it is your responsibility to officially withdraw yourself from the class through admissions and records. If you do not withdraw from the class, you will receive an F.

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

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 are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Missed or Late Work

Assignments are due at the beginning of class periods. If turned in after that, the project is late. Instructor may lower a project one letter grade for each class day that it is late.

Incomplete

Students receiving an “I” for Spring 2020 or Summer 2020 may complete remaining course requirements and convert the I to a completion grade during the Fall 2020 semester.  The final date for conversion of spring and summer semester incompletes is November 19th, 2020, the published final fall conversion date for Incompletes.

Students receiving an “I” for Spring 2020 or Summer 2020 who have not completed course requirements by the November 19th, 2020 extended conversion date may request that the I be converted to a W and that they receive a voucher to take the course in Spring 2021.  These requests will be considered by the COVID-19 Spring 2021 Hardship Review Committee.  Approval would require extenuating circumstances that did not allow the student to complete the course requirements during the extended completion time.  

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1.      Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.      The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3.      The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.      Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.      When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F.
 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.

Copyright

The software programs that you in the labs are licensed to the college as the original purchaser and as such are not available for students to duplicate 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.

Course Outline/Calendar

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement.
 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NH7eylOgtyn8PdwuF9zgpQWf0ZDBsH9J4FdLzn6lc90/edit#gid=0

While I will do all I can to maintain this schedule, unforeseen events could change the timeline.
Late projects will have an automatic eleven-point reduction.   

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. 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, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state and federal laws. www.austincc.edu/srr

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct 

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements 

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling . 

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student. Class grades will be posted in Blackboard.

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section. Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform. Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or a continuing illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry

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 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Use of the Testing Center

All testing is currently online.  While campuses are closed, exams for courses will be online tests that students can take from home.  For more information about online testing at ACC, visit the Online Testing resource page: https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/acconline/testing.

All assignments will be uploaded on Blackboard and graded on Blackboard.

Student Support Services

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.  A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at:

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/remote-student-support 

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need academic or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  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 document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. 

An online tutor request can be made here:

https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/online-tutoring-request/

Additional tutoring information can be found here:

austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

Library Services

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians.  ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat “live.”  Faculty librarians are also available via email and phone seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

• Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu

• Ask a Librarian: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php

• Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/

• Email: library@austincc.edu

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students (made available by Student Affairs) to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here:

https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now

• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.

• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.

• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  

A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

• The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: 

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid.   

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers

• Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)

• The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255

• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755

• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741

o Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Some faculty may consider adding a student sign-off page at the end of the syllabus to be removed and handed back to the instructor providing evidence that the student received a copy of the syllabus and had an opportunity to ask questions, but such a page is optional.

Illness

Any ACC student or employee with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus should inform their professor(s) or supervisor and complete the college’s self reporting form:  

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinCC&layout_id=124

Required Texts/Materials
Layout and Composition for Animation by Ed Ghertner ISBN – 978-0-240-81441-4

Suggested Text

Layout and Design Made Amazingly Simple by Brian Lemay ISBN-13: 9780969941903

ISBN-10: 0969941900

Vision – Color and Composition for Film by Hans P Bacher and Sanatan Suryavanshi ISBN – 978-1-78627-220-1

Course Subjects

Student Learning Outcomes/Course Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Design effective layouts (CO1)
    
2. Use color theory to create appealing color compositions (CO2)
    
3. Develop storytelling and character animation through background design (CO3)
    
4. Create a variety of textures and surfaces through digital painting (CO4)
    
5. Describe characteristics of well-designed and painted backgrounds (CO5)
    
6. Implement characters in a scene & paint them digitally (CO6)
    
7. Use perspective to draw 3-dimensional backgrounds on a 2D plane (CO7)
    
8. Use industry standard digital painting software (CO8)

Discipline/Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Define and apply design principles and theories to animation production.

2. Identify and apply the 12 Principles of Animation

3. Demonstrate skills in the use of industry standard tools for animation.

4. Create traditional and computer generated animation based on current industry trends and practices.

SCANS competencies (for workforce courses)

This course satisfies:

1.1 Manages time effectively

1.3 Manage material and facility effectively

2.1 Participates as a member of a team

2.3 Serve client/customers

2.5 Negotiate to arrive at a decision

2.6 Work with cultural diversity

3.1 Acquire and evaluate information

3.2 Organize and maintain information

3.3 Interpret and communicate information

5.1 Select appropriate technology

5.2 Apply technology to tasks

5.3 Maintain and troubleshoot technology

7.1 Generate new ideas using creative thinking

7.2 Make decisions

7.3 Apply problem solving skills appropriate to the situation

7.4 See things in the mind’s eye

7.5 Apply learning strategies to support life-long learning

8.1 Act responsibly

8.2 Exhibit effective self-esteem

8.3 Employ appropriate social skills

8.4 Manage self

8.5 Apply integrity and honesty to all matters 

WHAT ARE SCANS?
In 1989 President Bush and the nation’s governors agreed to achieve education goals by the year 2000 that brought about the effort led by the U.S. Secretary of Labor to form the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) in 1990. The Commission was to determine skills students needed to succeed in the world of work. A preliminary report of the Commission was issued in the spring of 1991, and the final report in April of 1992. The commission argued that a high-performance work place requires workers who have a solid foundation in the basic literacy and computational skills, in the thinking skills necessary to put knowledge to work, and in the personal qualities that make workers dedicated and trustworthy. The Commission also argued that a solid foundation is not enough. The high performance workplace requires competencies - the abilities to manage resources, to work amicably and productively with others, to acquire and use information, to master complex systems, and to work with a variety of technologies.