ARTC-1302 is a very time-intensive class. Review the course subject carefully before enrolling in the class. If we were in the classroom, this class would meet for 8 hours and 20 minutes every week. This class will take 8 - 16 hours a week—8 hours for students already familiar with Adobe Photoshop, and 16+ hours for students new to and unfamiliar with Adobe products. 

Students need access to a computer capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud software*, a high-speed internet connection. Students will install a copy of The Adobe Creative Cloud available here: https://www.austincc.edu/adobe-creative-cloud-acc.

• Students: Students enrolled in courses that require Adobe Creative Cloud are eligible to purchase licenses at a substantial discount of $10 per semester. Students not enrolled in courses that require Adobe Creative Cloud can purchase a semester-based license for $50 per semester.
• Note: Students must have claimed their official ACC email address before attempting to purchase Adobe at a discount rate.

I recommend that students purchase the web version of the textbook and any other format they prefer (i.e., softcover book or e-book). The web version includes videos that can increase understanding.

One of the most critical skills necessary for a successful college career is reaching out to your instructors, asking for clarification and help when necessary, and doing your homework! I have very liberal hours for asking questions. 

• Identify and specify different graphics file formats for print and web.
• Distinguish the image resolution from the resolution of input and output devices.
• Explain bit depth and image modes (bit map, grayscale, RGB, and CMYK).
• Edit using retouching tools (healing brush, clone tool, patch tool) to use in composites.
• Master the selection tools (wand, marquee, lasso, quick selection).
• Demonstrate proficiency with layers (naming, organizing sets, styles, adjustment layers).
• Demonstrate proficiency in creating and editing masks (Quick, channels, layers, clipping).
• Distinguish between vector and raster graphics.
• Use the pen tool as a selection device to create shape layers and for vector masks.
• Use type and type effects.
• Optimize images for output to print and web.
• Create well-executed composite images considering “non-destructive” editing.

Course Description

Digital imaging using raster image editing and image creation software: scanning, resolution, file formats, output devices, color systems, and image acquisitions is covered.

(WECM) This course (ARTC-1302) is a solid introduction to Adobe Photoshop with specific attention to practical applications, including preparing images for print (halftone theory) and web output. Gain proficiency with Adobe Photoshop panels, image editing, selections, layers, masks, and paths. Introduction to layer styles, type effects, and filters. Creative studio skills.

Prerequisite

None

Course Rationale

Digital Imaging 1 is a foundation course using industry-standard imaging software to help prepare students in the following specializations: graphic design, graphic arts technology, interactive design, and motion graphics. Project-based assignments reinforce production and technical skills. Students have the opportunity to obtain real-life experiences, while practicing professionals may upgrade their job skills.

Instructional Methodology

Demonstrations/presentations/tutorials followed by independent lab work and "real world" hands-on projects. Lab and online students have opportunities to join discussions, exchange ideas, and share projects. (Recorded tutorials and links to material in Blackboard)

Grading System

90 —100 =A, 80 —89 =B, 70 —79 =C 60 —69 =D, 59 and less =F

Resource Files/Discussions 5%

Assignments Mini projects 20%

Quizzes 10%

Competency Projects 45%

Capstone Project 20%

Passing Grade Policy: Effective September 2005, "Ds" 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 progress to the next level course. Students who made a "D" before September 2005 will be allowed to proceed to the next level course.

Supplies

Online sections: Internet access (high speed recommended) and your ACC email are essential. Adobe Photoshop CC. Recommend access to a digital camera and/ scanner. For ACC special pricing on Adobe software, visit https://www.austincc.edu/adobe-creative-cloud-acc. Follow the link to Kivuto, the ACC online software portal.

See Course Subjects for specific readings:

Textbook

Adobe Classroom in a Book Photoshop CC (CIB) (Most current release) by Adobe Press. Web Edition recommended.

Optional Supplementary Text

Photoshop CC for Windows and Macintosh Visual QuickStart Guide by Elaine Weinmann and Peter Lourekas.

Library Resource Centers

Review

• Print Magazine,
• Communication Arts Magazine,
• Photoshop User Magazine, and others.

In addition, the library has stock photo files.

• See this URL for Library Services for the Visual Communication Department: http://researchguides.austincc.edu/viscom

Useful URLs:

• http://tv.adobe.com/,
• https://helpx.adobe.com/support.html/

Various Youtube channels such as

• PHlearn.com,
• PTC,
• Piximperfect, and
• Yes! I am a designer.

Each competency includes textbook readings and lessons, followed by Department designed practices, a Mini-Project Assignment, a quiz, and a Major Project that includes journal entries and sharing. Students will research 3 Photoshop (PS) Tutorials from the web before completing each Major project. There are six (6) subject matter quizzes plus an orientation quiz.

Competency 1

Competency 1.1: Discover Photoshop Work Area and File Formats

• Textbook reading: Overview of course/Orientation: Syllabus, course outline, student information sheets, and introductions. Software, equipment. Review OS X Interface & ACC Lab Setup. Set up student folders.
• Textbook reading: Getting Started Overview. Lesson 1 CC: Getting to Know the Photoshop Work Area 
• Topics in the textbook include: Reset default Preferences; Application Frame; Windows; Tools Panel- Selecting; Zooming; Hidden tools; Panel-Adjustments; Selected Area; Tool Properties/Options; Working with Panels-menus; Undoing-History; Panel location, expanding, collapsing; Workspace. PS Online HELP.
• Department-designed practices: File Formats with Contact Sheet
• Assignment 1.1: Making Contact Sheets
• Quiz 1 Photoshop Interface, Navigation, and File Formats

Competency 1.2: Apply Basic Photo Corrections

• Textbook reading: Lesson 2 CC: Basic Photo Correction
• Topics: Resolution Monitor & Image Size (Pixel Size and Image View); Crop/Straighten Canvas Size; Adjustment panel-Curves, Levels Adjustment Layers; Spot Healing; Content-Aware Patch; Clone Stamp; Content-Aware Patch; Smart Sharpen.
  • Textbook reading: Lesson 5 CC: Quick Fixes (Extra Credit-Optional)
  • Topics: Correcting Red Eye; Blurring; Creating a Panorama; Correct Distortion; Alignment; Content-Aware Move; Adjusting Perspective; Camera Shake.
• Department-designed practices: Image vs. Document Size, Retouching-Healing Brush and Patch Tool Editing Scanned Images.
• Assignment 1.2: Retouching Images
• Quiz 2 Image Size, Editing.

Competency 1.3: Use Photoshop Selections and Layers

• Textbook reading: Lesson 3 CC: Working with Selections
• Topics: Selections: Geometric, Freehand, Edge-based, Color-based: Quick-Moving; Selection Marquee-Moving, Magic Wand; Lasso Tool-Rotating; Magnetic Lasso; Resize-copy; Cropping.
• Textbook reading: Lesson 4 CC: Layer Basics
• Topics: Naming Layers; Viewing; Rearranging; Opacity, Blend Modes; Transform; Gradient Layer; Type Layer; Character Styles; Layer Styles; Adjustment Layers with Clipping Masks; Combining and Flattening Layers; Layer Comps.
• Department-designed practices: Refine Edge, Layer Comps
• Assignment 1.3: Selections and Layers with Melon Head

Project 1: Using Selections and Layers to create a character with Images provided.

• C1 Planning Discussion: Planning C1 Major Project Crazy Character, as well as 3 PS Tutorials, posted 
• C1 Project 1 Project I presentations/Share Project in Discussion Board
• Quiz 3 Basic Retouching, Layers, Selections

Competency 2: Masks

• Textbook reading: Lesson 6 CC: Masks and Channels
• Topics: Properties-Refine Mask; Definitions: Alpha, Layer, Vector, Clipping, Channel Masks; Quick Masks; Refine Edge; Alpha Channels as selection device and storage area.
• Department-designed practices: Mask Borders, Layer Masks, Refine Mask, Clipping Masks.
• C2 Assignment: Mini-project: “Relax”
• C2 Planning Discussion: Planning C2 Major Project Visual PUN, as well as 3 PS Tutorials, posted 
• Project 2: Using masks and images to illustrate a pun. Students acquire images. Discuss Copyright and Attribution. C2 Project Visual PUN presentations/Share Project in Discussion Board
• Quiz 4 - Masking

Competency 3: Vector Tools

• Textbook reading: Lesson 7 CC: Typographic Design
• Textbook reading: Lesson 8 CC: Vector Drawing Techniques
• Department-designed practices: Type Formatting, Pen as Vector Mask & Selection, Vector Shapes.
• C3 Assignment: Mini-Project: “Picasso”
• C3 Planning Discussion: Planning C3 Major Project WORDPLAY, as well as 3 PS Tutorials, posted 
• C3 Project: WORDPLAY presentations/Share Project in Discussion Board
• Quiz 5 - Vectors, pen, and type

Capstone Competency: The Movie Poster Project

• Textbook reading: Lesson 9 CC: Advance Compositing
• Department-designed practices: Worksheet: Image Types and Resolution: topics include Image Basics: Image types: line art, grayscale, color, and bit depth. Halftone Screen (LPI) frequency. Image resolution for output: print and web. Scaling and proportion. Grayscale Conversion practice
• Textbook reading: Lesson 13 CC Preparing Files for the Web
• CC Assignment: Mini-Project: Re-purpose Poster and Web splash screen
• CC Planning Discussion: Planning CC Major Project Movie Poster, as well as 3 PS Tutorials, posted 
• Movie Poster/ Web Page Project: Create a movie ad poster that will be
  • Down-sampled and converted to grayscale for a newspaper ad.
  • Reformatted for a web page splash screen using the same design elements. There will be intermediate due dates for this project.
• Movie Project Presentations
• Quiz 6 Review