Course Description

What is Computer Graphics 1?
Computer graphics is a course designed to challenge the student in the world of graphic design and the arts via the electronic medium. More specifically, students will use state-of-the-art iMac computers as a tool for the creation of art projects that emphasize comprehension of the specifics of art.
This year long course will include exposure to several software titles used by professional graphic designers for the purpose of creating expressionistic, industrial, and commercial designs.
Students will also learn the elements of design such as line, balance,color,shape,contrast, etc. as they are becoming familiarized with the mac and it’s software. While becoming tech and design savvy, a third enrichment process will also be implemented-art appreciation. What kind of designers would we be producing without exposing the children to the foundations of art? The class provides an extensive critique and review from periods of art history including Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, American, Afro-American, Asian, Hispanic, modern, and various other artistic genres.

What programs will we be using?
 • We will begin the year using a VECTOR graphics program, Adobe Illustrator, and will do so throughout the 2nd Qtr. Almost all professional designers use this.
• As we are learning the program, we will also build your knowledge of the elements of design. Line, Shape, Contrast, Balance, just to name a few.

• Late 2nd/Early 3rd quarter will be devoted to Adobe Photoshop, also industry standard, but a RASTER program geared more towards photo retouching/special effects and image editing.

• Apple Keynote will be the focus in the 4th qtr. as we finish the year preparing a digital portfolio of
your year’s work. Excellent resource to have when it’s job interview/college entrance time, and don't worry PC People...Keynote is PowerPoint friendly...

Why are we using Apple Computers?
 Like them or not, Macintosh/Apple computers are recognized as the industry standard for 2D graphics, some 3D, audio, and video production. They are very easy to learn and, in most cases, the software titles run the same as the Windows versions do, if not better.

I can’t draw…can I still get an “A”?
 Of course you can. You are not being graded on how talented you ARE. This course is very similar to Art I in that we assume you don’t know that much about art, art history, OR technology. Don’t be “too cool” to let yourself have an open mind, and you’ll find that this is probably one of your favorite classes.

Do we have homework?
Sometimes homework will be given. Just like your warm ups, they will consist of different kinds of media. One night could be a sketch, another night, a BCR.