Faculty Syllabus

This is an online class, and we meet only once for an orientation during the first week of the semester. You will need self-discipline and good work habits to complete the deadlines without classroom interaction.

Minimum Technical Skills 

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

• Communicate via email, including sending attachments  
• Navigate the World Wide Web using a Web browser such as Google Chrome
• Use office applications such as Microsoft Office (or similar) to create documents  
• Be willing to learn how to communicate using a discussion board and upload assignments to a classroom Website  
• Be comfortable uploading and downloading saved files  
• Have easy access to the Internet  
• Navigate Blackboard, including using the communication component within Blackboard. 

If you feel you do not have the required skills or knowledge prerequisite, ACC offers a FREE class for Intro to Computers and Internet Search.

Computer Knowledge Prerequisite:

• Students should have a working knowledge of their computer and its operating system
• Know how to use the mouse
• Know how to use standard menus and commands
• Know how to open, save, and close files.

Please check your computer and technology requirements before you begin.

Minimum Technology Requirements

• You will need Broadband Internet access
• You will need a reliable computer. If you do not have a computer that meets the software requirements, computers are available for your use in the Viscom computer lab during standard business hours, in the Highland Accelerator Lab. Click here for available hours, or visit any ACC campus library for checkout (while in the library).
• A webcam and a working microphone on or attached to your computer.
• A subscription to Adobe Illustrator Creative Suite 2025, which can be purchased for a substantial discount through ACC.

Course Prerequisites: There are no course prerequisites.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Introduction: The use of generative AI (GAI) is permitted in this course under certain conditions to enhance learning while maintaining academic integrity.
• Rationale: GAI is permitted to foster technological fluency and to leverage advanced tools for research, as long as it does not substitute for critical thinking and learning.
• Definition of GAI: Generative AI encompasses technologies that create content through learned patterns and data without direct human input.
• Usage Permissions: Permitted: GAI can be used for initial research, idea generation, and learning coding practices. It is not to be used for final submissions unless explicitly cited and discussed.
• Resources: Guidance on the ethical and effective use of GAI will be provided through designated course materials and office hours.
• Assessment: Contributions of GAI must be clearly cited and will be assessed on the student’s ability to critically analyze and integrate the AI-generated content.
• Penalties: Misuse of GAI, including a failure to cite, will be considered a breach of academic integrity, with consequences including a failing grade for the assignment and academic review.
• Exceptions: Should the technology be required as an accommodation, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

In accordance with our dedication to privacy and security, students are advised to refrain from sharing any sensitive or personally identifiable information on GAI platforms. Given that content inputted into or generated by these platforms may become accessible to the platform’s operators, caution is advised. Always ensure your data is clean, accurate, and does not include personal information before interacting with these technologies.

Students are cautioned that GAI may inadvertently produce biased or inaccurate content. It is incumbent upon the student to critically evaluate and verify the information provided by these platforms. Relying on unverified GAI content for academic work is unacceptable and may lead to disciplinary action.

Required Text:  Adobe Illustrator CC Classroom in a Book: 2026 Release, 

• ISBN-10: 0-13-549610-1
• ISBN-13: 978-0-13-549610-7

Course Description:

A study and use of vector graphics for production. Skill development in the use of the tools and transformation options of Adobe Illustrator to create complex vector illustrations for print and web-based media. Mastery in the manipulation of both text and graphics, with emphasis on the use of the pen tool as well as the correct use and management of different color modes.

Course Rationale:

Vector Graphics for Production is an entry-level Adobe Illustrator-based course where students will learn the software skills to create vector graphics for print and web projects. Students learn to communicate through their visual solutions to the projects. Students will learn to solve visual problems using vector art, giving them an important additional skill when they become entry-level designers. Additionally, they learn to exchange ideas, approximating a real-world working atmosphere.

MODULE 1 WEEKS 1 – 4

Instructor Demos:

Illustrator Workspace • File Management • Keyboard Shortcuts • Drawing with the Pen tool • Creating Compound Paths • Creating Shapes and Using Fills & Strokes • Selecting/Moving Items • Using Templates • Linking vs Embedding Placed Images • Basics of Guides and Layers Use of Pathfinder Panel, Shape Builder Tool, and Shaper Tool • Use of Properties Panel

CIB Lessons:

• CiB Lesson 1: Getting to Know the Work Area
• CiB Lesson 2: Techniques for Selecting Artwork
• CiB Lesson 3: Using Shapes to Create Artwork 
• CiB Lesson 4: Editing and Combining Shapes & Paths
• CiB Lesson 6: Using the Basic Drawing Tools
• CiB Lesson 7: Drawing with the Pen Tool

Quiz 1: CiB Lessons 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7

Exercises:

• Exercise: Scissors
• Exercise: Pathfinder and Shape modes
• Exercise: Using AI to generate a simple image

Project 1:

• Project 1, Part 1: Family of Icons/First Icon
• Project, Part 2: Creating an Icon using AI, Sketches for Final Icons
• Project 1, Part 3: Family of Icons completed

MODULE 2 WEEK 5 – 8

Instructor Demos:

Live Paint • Image Trace • Creating Colors • Using Libraries (Pantone Colors) • Layer Management • Using the Width Tool and Width Profiles • Point Type Basics, Area Type & Type on a Path • Creating Paragraph and Character Styles for Type • Using Text Wrap around Graphics • Converting Type to Outlines to Modify Letterforms

CIB Lessons:

• CiB Lesson 5: Transforming Artwork
• CiB Lesson 8: Using Color to Enhance Signage
• CiB Lesson 9: Adding Type to a Project
• CiB Lesson 10: Organizing Your Artwork with Layers

Quiz 2: CiB Lessons 5, 8, 9, & 10

Exercises:

• Exercise: Eveready Logo
• Exercise: Image Trace and Generative Color
• Exercise: Working with Type

Project 2:

• Project 2, Part 1: Maestro logo and sketches of layout
• Project 2, Part 2: ASO flier completed
• Project 2, Part 3: ASO flier, recolored

MODULE 3 WEEK 9 – 12

Instructor Demos:

Gradients, gradient mesh and blends • Sampling Colors • Using the Brush tools • Creating a 

Group of Global Colors • File planning and organization Recolor Tools 

CIB Lessons:

• CiB Lesson 11: Gradients, Blends, and Patterns
• CiB Lesson 12: Using Brushes to Create an Ad
• CiB Lesson 14: Creating Artwork for a T-Shirt

Quiz 3: CiB Lessons 11,12 & 14
 

Exercises:

• Exercise: Gradient Practice
• Exercise: Create a Map using Symbols, Brushes, and more

Project 3:

• Project 3, Part 1: WPA poster: Planning file
• Project 3, Part 2: WPA poster completed

MODULE 4 WEEK 13 – 16

Instructor Demos:

Using Symbols • Appearance Panel • Various Effects, including 3D • Creating PDFs • Brush review • Using Clipping Masks • Exporting Assets

CIB Lessons:

• CiB Lesson 13: Exploring Creative Uses of Effects and Graphic Styles
• CiB Lesson 15: Placing and Working with Images
• CiB Lesson 16: Sharing Projects

Quiz 3: CiB Chapters 13, 15, &16

Exercises:

• Exercise: Bulldog 3D Illustration
• Exercise: Creating a Print PDF and an Online PDF with a working URL
• Exercise: The Hollywood Sign

Project 4:

• Project 4, Part 1: 3D Letter Greeting Card, Planning File
• Project 4, Part 2: 3D Letter Greeting Card, and exports to Print and Online PDFs.

Vector Graphics Student Learning Outcomes

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

• Identify the capabilities and functions of drawing, transformation, and shape tools in Adobe Illustrator 
• Demonstrate skills in the use of vector-specific capabilities for typesetting
• Show efficient planning and file organization techniques
• Apply conceptual planning techniques in the development of graphic design pieces
• Analyze production problems encountered and recommend solutions 
• Apply skills in the combination of bitmapped and vector elements to create design work
• Distinguish between, and correctly apply, the various color models for print and web-based projects
• Demonstrate knowledge of advanced tools in Adobe Illustrator, such as custom patterns, clipping paths, symbols, graphic styles, and various effects, 
• Decide when vector graphics will be the appropriate solution for a specific graphic design project

Upon successful completion of the VisCom’s Graphic Design program, students will be able to: 

• Tools and Techniques: Students will effectively choose software, methods, and techniques to create deliverables for print and/or digital media.
• Design Process: Students will select the most effective design processes and methods to meet project needs.
• Professionalism: Students will demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills to stakeholders, clients, and peers.
• Critical Thinking: Students will analyze project goals to recommend effective design concepts and solutions to visual communication clients.
• Design Principles: Students will demonstrate proficiency in applying the elements and principles of graphic design.\
• Apply the production process (define project parameters, prepare assets, produce design, prepare output) for print and digital media.
• Independently produce graphic design work to project specifications.