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ART 186A | Computer Graphics/Adobe Illustrator

Division of Fine Art and Communications
Stephanie Gill, sgill@cerritos.edu, slgill@verizon.net, 562.596.6325
Spring 2023
FA 239
Ticket Number 31521 Lecture:  T/TH 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ticket Number 31522 Lab:  T/TH 1:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is a hands-on introductory course in the fundamentals of Adobe Illustrator. Students will be using Adobe Illustrator to complete simple vector drawing exercises and complex design solutions based on vector graphics. Projects will include a mask design, icon set design, and a book jacket design.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of computer graphics terminology and formats.
  2. Produce three original vector illustration designs.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of computer graphics color modes and systems.
  4. Demonstrate vector drawing skills using the Pen Tool and the Object Tools.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Class participation, attendance, and completion of all assigned work, and independent research.

COURSE CONTENT

The class consists of lectures, discussions, demos, student presentations, and quizzes. Hand skills and computer skills will be developed through exercises and projects. All course materials can be found on Canvas. https://Cerritos.instructure.com

PROFESSIONALISM

The class environment is similar to a studio or agency setting, with peer collaboration and involvement. In this environment you will be held to professional expectations. Refer to the student code of conduct for expectations of classroom behavior. http://cms.cerritos.edu/uploads/Board/Board%20Policies/Chapter%205/BP_5500.pdf

  • Attend class meetings on time and actively participate in online discussions.
  • Maintain professional standards of speech and conduct.
  • Work productively independently, and stay on time with deadlines.
  • You are responsible for the information presented in lectures, even if you are absent.
  • Put cell phones on “airplane mode” during class. Check messages ONLY during break. No text-messaging during class.
  • Audio or video recording zoom is prohibited without permission from the professor.

 

ETHICS

This is a pre-professional program committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior. Students are encouraged to bring their ethical questions to the class for group discussion. Deception, plagiarism, dishonesty or any form of cheating are not acceptable. Representing the ideas of another as ones own is plagiarism. For information on Cerritos College Academic Honesty policies, please refer to the Student Handbook.

NEED FOR ASSISTANCE

I have made every effort to make this course accessible to all students. If you encounter a problem accessing anything in this course or require an academic adjustment based on the impact of a disability, please discuss this with me and contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at 562.860.2451 ext. 2335 or sasapply@cerritos.edu.

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

• Attendance and participation are mandatory.
• Attendance is taken at the beginning of class, participation is based on posting and responding in the discussion groups, completing rough drafts and participating in critiques.
• Perfect attendance/participation is worth 100 points.
• Each unexcused absence will lower your grade by 3 points
• Each unexcused tardy will lower your grade by 1 point. Class starts at 12:30 p.m. You are late at 12:35 p.m..
• Failure to do or to complete homework assignments will lower your grade by 1 point for each occurrence.
• Failure to post comments in discussions will lower your grade by 1 point for each occurrence.
An absence will be considered excused if it is in compliance with the College Attendance Policy and:
• A phone call is made with a reasonable explanation PRIOR to the absence or
• An e-mail is sent with a reasonable explanation PRIOR to the absence or
• A doctor’s note or other written proof of legitimate excuse is provided on the day you return.

OFFICE HOURS

My official office hour is Tuesdays from 12:00 – 12:30 beginning the second week of class. Office hours will be held in my classroom. Additionally, I am generally available after class lectures if you just want to hang on after to chat. I will make other arrangements as needed to accommodate your schedule.
Home Phone: 562.596.6325  
(please no phone calls before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.,
this is an old-fashioned land line so DO NOT TEXT)
Home E-mail: slgill@verizon.net
School E-mail: sgill@cerritos.edu 
(if it's my off day, you'll have better luck getting me at my home email address)

COURSE CONTENT BREAK-DOWN 

  1. Mask project (20%)
  2. Icon Set project (20%)
  3. Logo project (20%)
  4. Book Jacket project (20%)
  5. Exercises (10%)
  6. Quizzes (5%)
  7. Attendance and Participation (5%)
4 major projects will determine the greatest portion of your grade. All projects will be submitted for final grade in a digital format, as a PDF  and .AI digital file. Some projects will also be printed and presented as a physical piece. Exercises are designed to increase your understanding and skill level, they carry less weight, but what you learn from them will contribute to your overall success with the larger design projects. Quizzes will check your comprehension of terminology and concepts. 

COURSE STRUCTURE

LECTURES

I will introduce new material during the lecture portion of our class session. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, and follow along with demonstrations. I will post PDFs of my lecture power points on Canvas. If you miss a lecture, check with a friend, check the PDFs posted. If you still need help, speak with me.

EXERCISES

Simple vector drawing exercises are designed to help you master the basic tools available in illustrator. Most can be completed in class in a single class session. Digital files will be submitted to Canvas and evaluated on the correct use and application of the tools covered.

PROJECTS

A project conisists of the solving of a complex design problem. It will be evaluated on concept and creativity as well as the appropriate and correct use of Adobe Illustrator tools. Several rough drafts of these projects will be submitted for peer review in live critiques and in the discussion groups on Canvas. When you are required to submit rough drafts  in Canvas Discussions, you must also post comments on at least two other student's works. I would recommend that you look at more for inspiration and to sharpen your observational skills, but two is the minimum. Commenting on other posts is required for your participation grade. The final draft of each project will be submitted to the appropriate assignment on Canvas in PDF format. Our final critiques of finished projects give students an opportunity to see what everyone else has done, and to offer congratulations and constructive criticism.

QUIZZES

There will be a few quizzes, they will be online, open note, and timed. Quizzes will be available to take for a couple of days, but must be completed in one sitting, so be sure to allow yourself enough time to complete them when you begin. Extra time will be allowed for students with SAS approved accommodations.

KEEP IN TOUCH

In your Canvas settings, make sure you have "Notifications" turned on so if I change a deadline, or have info to give you can receive the info right away. You can set up your Canvas Notifications to notify you of due dates, graded assignments, and new Canvas posts and assignments by text or e-mail. Click on your profile, under Notification preferences make sure "Announcements" is turned on so you will receive e-mails or text messages when I post announcements for the class. I will be available for an office hour on Tuesdays before class. 

PROJECT GRADING POLICY

All of the 4 major projects will be graded on the basis of
CONCEPT — Creative thinking, clever ideas behind your work, effective response to research, good communication
DESIGN — Layout, typography, color scheme, attention to detail, consistency, contrast, energy, etc.
EXECUTION — Clean, professional, correct resolution, completion of roughs, creative briefs, inclusion of digital PDF files.

In each of these categories, 20 points are possible.
The type history project will be worth an additional 20 points for the research portion.

All points will be added together for a total project grade. The final semester grade will be based on points for all 3 projects, exercises, worksheets, class attendance and participation, and quiz scores. Points will be deducted from your attendance and participation grade for failure to participate, poor attendance, or failure to complete homework and rough drafts.

Each project is due on THE ASSIGNED DEADLINE. Each project must be submitted according to my specific guidelines before class begins and be ready to be presented for critique at the start of zoom class. Failure to follow project instructions will result in a deduction of points for each incidence from your execution grade.

LATE WORK — Each project is due on the assigned deadline. Late projects will be penalized 5 points for each class session that it is late unless pre-authorization has been given. If your work is not in Canvas at the BEGINNING OF CLASS on the day it is due, it is late. LATE OR INCOMPLETE WORK IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REVISION.

REVISED WORK — Any major project (except the final) turned in ON TIME may be revised for a completely new grade. Revised work will be due two weeks after a project has been graded. You must notify me by e-mail if you submit revised work. Exercises and quizzes may not be revised.

EXTRA CREDIT — Extra work, above and beyond the requirements and expectations of the assignment may, at the instructors discretion, result in extra credit points. Attending an instructor approved design lecture or relevant exhibit may earn extra credit points. You may earn an extra credit point for contributing to the classroom typographic "Wall of Shame." Extra credit points are not attached to specific projects, but are averaged in with your total grade at the end of the semester. YOU ARE ONLY ELIGIBLE TO EARN EXTRA CREDIT IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED ALL OF YOUR ASSIGNED WORK. You are only eligible for a maximum total of 3 extra credit points. If your grade is border-line, an extra credit point or two can be very beneficial.

 

PROJECT GRADE SYSTEM

A+ 59-60 points
A 56-58 points
A- 54-55 points
B+ 52-53 points
B 50-51 points
B- 48-49 points
C+ 46-47 points
C 44-45 points
C- 42-43 points
D+ 40-41 points
D 38-39 points
D- 36-37 points
F 0-35 points

 

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY GRADE

A 18-20 points
B 16-17 points
C 14-15 points
D 12-13 points
F 0-11 points

 

PROJECT GRADING RUBRIC

Following is a brief run down of all the factors I look at when I grade a major project. This should help you more clearly understand my expectations.

  

 A CONCEPT

 Unexpected, unique approach. Communicates clearly on many levels. The idea makes me say, “WOW! Wish I’d thought of that!”
 Demonstrates extensive research. Hits the target market.
 A DESIGN

 Visually stunning. Exceptional composition, color, typography, imagery, attention to detail.
 A EXECUTION

 Immaculate, professional looking, exceeds parameters outlined. Explicitly follows all instructions for digital production.
 Written portions exhibit well thought out ideas are articulate and use proper grammar and spelling.
 B CONCEPT

 Creative thinking, good communication, a solid and meaningful direction. Demonstrates good research. Is appropriate for the target market.
 B DESIGN

 Visually attractive. Shows good use of design principles.
 B EXECUTION

 Clean and complete. Meets all parameters outlined. Written portions are spelled correctly and reasonably well conceived.
 C CONCEPT

 Idea communicates, but is somewhat basic and expected. Research is minimal. Hits the target audience to some degree.
 C DESIGN

 Visually acceptable. The look is not outstanding, but not offensive either.
 C EXECUTION

 For the most part, followed directions, may not be as clean as it should be.
 Written portions are readable and generally make sense, but may have spelling and grammar errors.
 D CONCEPT

 Underlying idea is non-existent or irrelevant. The message is confusing or unclear. Demonstrates little or no research.
 D DESIGN

 Needs work! Looks amateurish, does not exhibit knowledge of basic design principles.
 D EXECUTION

 Messy or incomplete. Written portions are poorly done or missing. Shows lack of thought.

To get an F in any category, you have to either miss it entirely or just be sooooo far off the mark I can’t possibly give you anything else.

 

EXPECTATIONS AND TIPS

Vector drawing is an essential skill for a graphic designer, and Adobe Illustrator, though it can seem intimidating at first, is hands-down the best digital tool to do it with! I hope this class will demystify Adobe Illustrator, and you will become a fan of all it can do. We will not be able to cover every singe function and tool in this class, but you should leave here feeling comfortable with the interface and understand it well enough to be able to continue to explore it on your own without fear. I expect you to give every project 100% of your best effort. I want to see solutions that I have never seen before that are well conceived and highly conceptual. I expect class critiques to involve EVERYONE and to consist of comments that are insightful and articulate. Be responsible! Consider this class as an invaluable experience that you will carry on with you into a 4 year degree and eventually to a related position in the field. You only get out what you put in, and my goal is to help you achieve your goals.

  • Contact me if you are struggling — I am here to help you succeed

  • Follow Directions.

  • Use your time wisely! It takes a good deal of organization to be an efficient designer.

  • Keep a sketch book with you for when that unexpected inspiration hits you.

  • Push your ideas to the next level.

  • Have a good attitude.

  • Participate in class. The classroom is a friendly environment to let ideas flow freely. Sometimes great ideas come from class contributions. Don't hesitate to offer your input!

FINDING YOUR PATH

Choosing a major can be hard. Find the right program to meet your academic and career goals through our Learning and Career Pathways (LCPs)! Whether you're planning to transfer, earn an associate degree, or develop new skills for the work- force, Cerritos College has a pathway to help you cross the finish line. The programs at Cerritos College are organized into 8 LCPs, based on broad areas of interest. Each LCP has its own Success Team made up of individuals to help you on your journey at Cerritos.

Explore our Learning and Career Pathways to find your path by going to https://www.cerritos.edu/learningcareerpathways/default.htm

 

ADOBE SOFTWARE

The class lab is ready to go with all the software you will need to complete the work. It is possible to do all the work in class, but most of you will find it beneficial to also be able to work on your home computer. If you have not yet subscribed to the Adobe Creative Cloud there are a couple of ways to do so. 

 

1. Subscribe directly through Adobe at the student rate of $19.99 a month. 

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/buy/students.html

 

2. Subscribe through College Buys, using a Cerritos College E-mail address
for $39.99 for 6 months or $79.98 for 12 months .

https://shop.collegebuys.org/adobe-creative-cloud-p8949.aspx

 

You will need a Cerritos college e-mail address for College Buys. 

https://www.cerritos.edu/public-affairs/student-email-update.htm

 

MATERIALS LIST

Purchase as needed.

  • Computer with Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop (The classroom computers will do the job, but if you have your own at home it will give you more time to work on the projects. If you are serious about graphic design, bite the bullet and invest in a good computer and the appropriate software subscriptions!)
  • Flash drive, cloud account, or external hard drive for back-up
  • Pencils
  • Note pad or Sketchbook
  • Erasers
  • Marker Paper or other LARGE plain white paper (min 11” x 17” )
  • Straight Edge or T-Square (metal preferred)
  • Black Markers (assorted widths for sketching)

 

TEXT  (optional)

 

Adobe Illustrator Classroom in a Book (2022 release)

ISBN-13:  9780137622399,
By Brian Wood

 

The book is available as a web edition from Adobe Press for $41.95.  

 

IMPORTANT DATES

JANUARY

Monday, January 16
Martin Luther King Holiday, campus closed.
Tuesday, January 31
Last day for instructor add or refund
Last day to drop without a W

FEBRUARY

Tuesday, February 14
Last day to request P/NP grade

Friday, February 17
Lincoln's Birthday, campus closed

Monday February 20
Washington's Birthday, campus closed.

MARCH

Monday March 13-Friday March 17
Spring Recess, no class. Campus closed 17, 18, 19

APRIL

Wednesday, April 19
Last day to drop with instructor and department chair signature (W)

MAY

Thursday, May 11 Last Regular Class Session

Thursday, May 18
FINAL CRITIQUE 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

**Note: For students receiving financial aid , dropping the class past the deadlines can have adverse conse- quences to your aid package. Make sure you contact financial aid before you make any decisions.

 

CLASS SCHEDULE

DATE

IN CLASS

WHAT’S DUE

HOMEWORK
JAN 10

Introduction, syllabus,
Lecture: Why Adobe Illustrator? Vector vs Raster

Syllabus Quiz
Student Survey
JAN 12

AI interface overview. Demo: Shape Tools, Selection Tools,
Line Segment Tool, Rotate and Scale, Color Palettes
Exercise: Draw a robot.

Syllabus Quiz
Student Survey

Complete and turn in the robot drawing
JAN 17

Lecture/Demo: Guidelines, Alignment tools, Copying, Pathfinder tool
Exercises: Draw a heart, diamond, club and spade. Draw pac man and a yin yang symbol

Robot Drawing

Complete 6 simple drawings (card suits, pac man and yin yang)
JAN 19

Lecture/Demo: Paintbrushes, shaper and eraser tools.
Exercise: Draw a detailed silhouette, animal or person

 6 simple shapes

Complete Paintbrush Silhouette drawing
JAN 24

Lecture/Demo: Pen tool, shadow, glow, gradient, strokes
Exercise: Draw a donut.

Paintbrush Silhouette Drawing

Complete Donut drawing
JAN 26

Lecture/Demo: Transformations.
Exercise: draw a clock, snowflake, and one more radial object

Donut Drawing

Complete 3 radial drawings
JAN 31

Intro Mask Project. Lecture: Color 

 3 Radial Drawings

4 Thumbnail sketches/concepts for mask drawings. Color Quiz.
FEB 2

Critique: Mask ideas 
Lecture/Demo: Layers/Textures/Stroke magic.

4 Thumbnails mask drawings.
FEB 7

Lecture/Demo: Gradient mesh, freeform gradient
Work Session: Mask

 Color Quiz Due
FEB 9

Work Session: Mask

 Post mask progress in discussions
FEB 14

Work Session/Print: Mask
Individual Critiques, Discussion: progress Critiques

 Post mask progress in discussions Thoughtfully comment on 2 student posts
FEB 16

Work Session/Print: Mask
FEB 21

Final Mask Critique

Intro Icon Set Project. Video: Apple Conference
Lecture: What makes a good logo?

 Mask Due-PDF and Print

Icon Set idea worksheet.
FEB 23

Critique: Icon set concepts

 Icon Set idea worksheet.

 
FEB 28 Lecture/Demo: Image Trace
Work session
MAR 2

Individual and small group critiques on Icon progress.
Work session. Discussion Critique

Post current progress in discussions

Thoughtfully comment on 2 student posts
MAR 7

Lecture/Demo: Displaying using  icons for presentation.
Work session.
MAR 9

Work session/ Print
MAR 21

Critique: Final Icon sets

Final Icon Set
MAR 23

Assign Logo Project

4 rough logos based on one of your  icons.
MAR 28

Critique: Logo Icons/
Lecture/Demo: Using the perspective grid to create signage
Work Session

 4 rough logos (digital)

Revised logo
Logo applied to signage
MAR 30

Lecture/Demo: Using the pattern tool. Work session.

 Logo on signage

Create a Pattern, use it in packaging, stationery or some other application.
APR 4

Lecture/Demo: preparing file for presentation
Discussion Critiques. Work Session

 Post current progress in discussions. Thoughtfully comment on 2 student posts.
APR 6 Work/Print Session
APR 11

Critique: Logo project.

 Logo with signage and other application.
APR 13

Assign Book Jacket Project

3 rough sketches of front cover concepts
APR 18

Critique: Book cover roughs. Work Session

 3 book cover roughs sketches Revise front cover, digital
APR 20 Individual Critiques. Work Session  Front cover
APR 25 Critique: Front Cover
Work Session		 Spine and back cover
APR 27 Critique: front/back/spine Front/back/spine Refine book jacket
MAY 2 Lecture: Text type in AI. Work Session. Inside flaps
MAY 4 Discussion Critiques: Cover with flaps
Work session.		 Post full cover with inside flaps in discussions. Thoughtfully comment on 2 student posts
MAY 9

Work/Print session. Individual critiques
MAY 11 Work/Print session. Individual critiques
MAY 18 Final Critique (12:00pm-2:00pm) Book Jackets

Final printed covers plus PDFs in Canvas

 

Note: Dates are subject to change

 

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due