SYLLABUS FALL 2024

ARTC 1309 BASIC ILLUSTRATION     #88891 (003)

16 Week Session: August 26- December 15

Professor Lyle: Office appointments email mlyle@austincc.edu  Office hours  WEDNESDAY  2:40 - 3:40

This live virtual class will meet online during the listed days and times : CLASS MEETS- Wednesday 12:00pm - 2:40pm

To successfully complete the course, you’ll need access to a computer, a high speed

internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. It is a requirement to attend each class session

as a live online virtual class. 

Course Description:

Introduction to drawing techniques, skills, and concepts using various black and white media.

Emphasis on perspective construction of the human figure and principles of shading as they pertain

to the illustration industry. Introduction to drawing skills using various media. Includes study of one and

two point perspective, fundamental construction of the human head figure, and the principles of shading.

Emphasizes natural and technical drawing.  Foundation laid for advanced courses in illustration.

Credit Hours: 3 

Courses that meet twice a week :

Classroom Contact Hours per week: 1.8

Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 2.8

All courses offered in the Visual Communication department are workforce courses, and may have

some transfer restrictions to other colleges. Students interested in transferring courses to another college

should speak with our departmental advisors: Jennifer Jones, or their Area of Study advisor.

Course Prerequisites:

Prerequisites: none required; this is a foundation course

Course Rationale/Objectives:

This class is a Foundation Course required for several degree plans. It provides students with a set of

universal skills and knowledge in the fundamentals of drawing, which can be applied to any specialization

in the visual communication industry. In addition it specifically lays the groundwork for the Graphic Design,

Animation and Computer Illustration classes.

Student Learning Outcomes:

What you’ll learn to do by the end of this course: 

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

• Demonstrate familiarity with basic drawing terminology, tools, media, and techniques

• Illustrate using a full range of values with the intended media

• Select, frame, and compose from reality to the paper format

• Recognize and manipulate negative/positive shapes and space with edge control variables

• Utilize high contrast of values for describing form

• Change line quality to represent depth and space

• Utilize basic principles of Renaissance linear perspective

• Demonstrate knowledge of the human anatomy 

• Compose a well-designed drawing

What you’ll learn that will help in the workforce: 

Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS): 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. The following is a list of SCAN competencies identified in this course.

For expanded definitions of the listed SCANS, please go to: www.academicinnovations.com/report.html

RESOURCES

1.1 Manages Time

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

4.1Understands 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

6.5 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 SKILLS

8.1 Responsibility

8.2 Self-Esteem

8.3 Sociability

8.4 Self-Management

8.5 Integrity/Honesty

Required Texts & Materials 

No required textbook. Instructor will supply sample copies to support each assignment.

Instructor will supply instructional demonstration videos both live during meeting sessions

and record the demonstrations.

Instructional methodology 

The teaching methods in this class are based on professional experience and best practices in

the area of design and advertising. These methods might include: lecture, demonstration, critiques

online.  Instructor will supply instructional demonstration videos both live during meeting sessions

and record the demonstrations.

Grading system:

Below is a list of assignments and their grade percentages for this course. If any of these projects

or grades change, I will notify you of those changes before we continue with the project. Grades

will be computed on a 100 point scale. Projects along with attendance, participation and presentation

contribute to your final grade for the class.

Accurate Depiction of Subject 30 pt__________

Use of Tools and Materials 15 pt__________

Composition 5  pt__________

Application of Theory and Follow Criteria 10 pt__________

Initiative, Effort, Attitude, Preparedness and Presentation 10 pt__________

Meet Deadline 10pt__________

Attendance/ Critique and Participation 10 pt________

Complete the Assignment 10 pt______   

Overall Grade Total  100

A= 90-100    B = 80-89    C = 70-79   D = 60-69  F = 0-59

A, B & C =Passing     D & F= Failing

Late submission of a project for grading will result in a loss of ten (10) points for each class period. 

Project will not be accepted after two (2) sessions

Course Homework Expectations:

As a profession the visual communication industry is extremely work intensive. Professional

artists may routinely find themselves working much more than 50-60 hours per week. This course

packs a lot of information in a short amount of time.

It’s essential for you to work on your assignments outside of class time. You will have work over

the weekends. The amount of time you’ll spend on work outside of class will vary depending on y

our experience, skill and knowledge.

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.  Illegal acts, include, but not limited to possession or use of firearms, explosives,

or other weapons; gambling; unlawful possession, use, and distribution of narcotics; assault or stalking.

ACC’s policy on student standards and code of conduct can be found here in the current student

handbook: www.austincc.edu/handbook

Classroom interaction:

Throughout the course of the semester, you will be interacting with me, fellow students and outside

professionals in critiques and group discussion. You will be both giving and receiving feedback on

your work. These critiques will be conducted in various ways, from one-on-one interactions to large group

environments. In all instances, classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. I expect everyone

to treat one another with understanding, dignity, and respect. 

If you engage in disruptive behavior, I may file a Student Discipline Report and refer you to the Dean of

Student Services. The Dean will investigate the case, and based on the investigation, s/he may put sanctions

into place, including but not limited to withdrawing you from the class.

If the behavior is severe, I will call Campus Police, who may immediately refer you to the Dean of Student Services. 

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.

And to cover situations where classes are canceled because of weather or other emergencies:

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe

weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor

during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor

as a result of class sessions being missed.

Leaving early:

If you must leave class early, please make arrangements with me ahead of time, so you will know

what material we will  be covering for the rest of the class period. Leaving class extremely early will

count as an absence. Send an email to mlyle@austincc.edu if you will be leaving early. 

Absences:

If for any reason you’re unable to come to class, you will be counted as absent. You are allowed 3 absences.

I make no distinction between an excused or unexcused absence, so use your absences meaningfully

and sparingly. I will count you absent if you:

Are not in class

Leave the class extremely early

Disappear in the middle of the class for a significant length of time

Get to class extremely late

At your fourth absence, I will drop your course grade by a letter grade. I will drop your grade a further

letter grade for each subsequent absence thereafter. 

NOTE: If you are unable to attend class SEND ME an email to mlyle@austincc.edu

Arriving late:

Don’t be late. It’s unprofessional to keep others waiting. A continual pattern of late attendance will

count against your final grade. 

Critique expectations:

Critique is one of our most interactive classroom experiences. Each student will be required to present their work to the instructor and class for a critique. This is part of your grade. A paragraph MUST be added with the pdf photo image of your work when handed into Blackboard. The typed paragraph will include information on what you applied and learned in the assignment given. See Blackboard for questions that can be used to write your paragraph. Keep a copy of your paragraph to read during your virtual presentation to the class. 

Withdrawal Policy:

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:

Due Dates for each assignment is at the top of each page on Blackboard. You are required to check blackboard for due dates and assignments. An announcement with the due date will be sent to you for each assignment. 

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. [optional: edit as needed for your course]

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.

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 e-mail, 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 the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD).  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 OSD for this course must provide the instructor with the

‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from OSD 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.

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.

• 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 immediately

dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future

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

As your instructor, I will email you only at your ACC account. Likewise, you should use your ACC

account when communicating with instructors and staff. 

For this course, I will: answer emails by 5:00pm of each day. If I get your email after 5:00pm you will get a response

on or before 5:00pm of the following day. 

not normally answer emails over the weekend from 5:00pm Friday to 8:00am Monday.

only answer questions from your ACC email account to mine; or from the official class blog.

Cell phone policy:

Please silence your phone during scheduled class times. Please do not check your phone

or text during class time.

Basic Illustration

WEEKLY OUTLINE ( mlyle@austincc.edu ) 

1         Drawing Process and materials review 

             Introduction, Discussion on Illustration process

             Assignment Shape to Form

             Study Techniques & Line to construction objects ( 2D shape  to 3D form)

             Study of line and its use in describing shape with contour line

             Study of sighting techniques for proportion, placement and angles.

             Structural drawing of objects.

2          Assignment Shape to Form

             Study Techniques & Line to construction objects ( 2D shape  to 3D form)

             Study of line and its use in describing shape with contour line

             Study of sighting techniques for proportion, placement and angles.

             Structural drawing of objects.             

3          Assignment Shape to Form) continue

            Study Techniques & Line to construction objects ( 2D shape  to 3D form)

             Study of line and its use in describing shape with contour line

             Study of sighting techniques for proportion, placement and angles.

             Structural drawing of objects.             

4           Assignment One Point Perspective ( Linear only )  

             Fundamentals of perspective, Horizon Line, Vanishing Points, 

             Demonstration on drawing buildings, windows, steps and finding floor scale

             Thumbnails Included prior to final assignment.

5           Assignment One Point Perspective ( Linear only )  continue

             Fundamentals of perspective, Horizon Line, Vanishing Points, 

             Demonstration on drawing buildings, windows, steps and finding floor scale

             Thumbnails Included prior to final assignment.

6          Assignment One Point Perspective ( Linear only )  continue

             Fundamentals of perspective, Horizon Line, Vanishing Points, 

             Demonstration on drawing buildings, windows, steps and finding floor scale

             Thumbnails Included prior to final assignment.

7         Assignment   Two Point Perspective and Value scale

           Discussion on negative and  positive space, sighting and size relations / measuring.

           Thumbnails for composition Research Included prior to final assignment

1. line 
2. shape
3. form 
4. value
5. shading 
6. light source
7. negative and positive space

8          Assignment   Two Point Perspective and Value scale    continue

           Discussion on composition, values and light source added to illustration.

           Thumbnails and Research Included prior to final assignment.

1. line 
2. shape
3. form 
4. value
5. shading 
6. light source
7. negative and positive space

9         Assignment   Two Point Perspective and Value scale    continue

           Discussion on composition, values and light source added to illustration.

           Thumbnails Included prior to final assignment.

1. line 
2. shape
3. form 
4. value
5. shading 
6. light source
7. negative and positive space

10         Assignment   Drawing Hands holding Objects

            Practice session on proportions drawing hands

           Discussion on composition, values and light source added to illustration.

           Thumbnails Included prior to final assignment

11        Assignment   Drawing Hands holding Objects

            Practice session on proportions drawing hands

           Discussion on composition, values and light source added to illustration.

           Thumbnails Included prior to final assignment

12        Assignment Drawing the Human Figure

1. Four Gestural Drawings - Options of male or female 
2. The eight head proportions of the figure –copy the handout I have given you for proportions
3. Drawing the skeleton simple shape minimal details for poses Copy the handout I have given you.
4. Construction of the figure - Two figures. Female and Male Study of the Human head at different angles 
5. A figure with clothing Copy one of the figures I have given you. Your choice. ONLY one required
6. A figure moving in a motion- Running figure copy what I have given you.

13      Assignment Drawing the Human Figure  continue

Discussion and demonstrations on how the following methods can be applied 

• sighting
• negative & positive space 
• methods of gestural drawing 
• contour drawing
• foreshortening
• values / blending to create volume 
• light source

14     Assignment Drawing the Human Figure continue

1. Four Gestural Drawings - Options of male or female 
2. The eight head proportions of the figure –copy the handout I have given you for proportions
3. Drawing the skeleton simple shape minimal details for poses Copy the handout I have given you.
4. Construction of the figure - Two figures. Female and Male Study of the Human head at different angles 
5. A figure with clothing Copy one of the figures I have given you. Your choice. ONLY one required
6. A figure moving in a motion- Running figure copy what I have given you.

15      Assignment Narrative Storyboards  

Using researched images of the theme to inspire your drawings for 6 storyboard thumbnails. Composition and light source adding values to each sequence of each storyboard. Use the template for sizes and add the narrative writing for each sequence.

16     Assignment Narrative Storyboards  

Using researched images of the theme to inspire your drawings for 6 storyboard thumbnails. Composition and light source adding values to each sequence of each storyboard. Use the template for sizes and add the narrative writing for each sequence.

*THIS OUTLINE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE ACCORDING TO CLASS PROGRESS AND ACTIVITIES. NEW PROJECTS OR ACTIVITIES MAYBE SUBSTITUTED WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE, WHICH MAY BE MORE BENEFICIAL TO THE INDIVIDUAL CLASS.

A supply list will also be added 2 weeks prior to class for students to purchase. 

• Instructor will handout modules from several Illustration books to students to support each assignment. 
• A list of optional books will be reviewed the first day of class. ( I do not require you to purchase a book for this class)
• Online recorded demonstrations will be uploaded to Blackboard and Google Drive.
• Demonstrations during class time will be supporting each assignment and methods.( students must be in class to work along with demonstrations.)

Student Learning Outcomes:

What you’ll learn to do by the end of this course: 

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

• Demonstrate familiarity with basic drawing terminology, tools, media, and techniques

• Illustrate using a full range of values with the intended media

• Select, frame, and compose from reality to the paper format

• Recognize and manipulate negative/positive shapes and space with edge control variables

• Utilize high contrast of values for describing form

• Change line quality to represent depth and space

• Utilize basic principles of Renaissance linear perspective

• Demonstrate knowledge of the human anatomy 

• Compose a well-designed drawing