Requirements

How to take the course (in a nutshell):

Show up. Attendance is mandatory every week at every class. Do the work. Do the readings and come prepared to ask questions. Turn work in on time. Contribute to the discussions.

Goals: developing creative ability and depth of expression using digital imaging tools. The study of the interplay between the observed, the observer, and the process of observation. Application of technical/aesthetic knowledge in the completion of a series of visual art projects, culminating in a creative student directed final project.

Assumed Knowledge and Skills: Awareness of digital imaging and interactivity concepts, skills, and topics in electronic arts from media arts studio classes (ARTS-1020) and/or other personal achievement. These include basic scanning; basic raster and vector imaging skills; resolution; ppi; dpi; ability to draw with a digital stylus and understand gesture, point, line, plane; basic digital photography skills; and basic printing skills.

Topics Covered: The following formal topics (light, scale, color, composition, form, motion, proportion, simulation, and art delivery systems) are studied in relation to the creation of a series of short studies exploring perception, identity, memory, time, movement in still space, the immobilization of the gaze, context and meaning, montage and veracity, iconographic and textual juxtaposition, and digital landscape. Techniques and solutions for giving visual form to ideas.

Technical Skills Covered: raster and vector based imaging, color studies, compositing, digital photographic retouching, montage, panorama, digital painting, advanced knowledge and experience with input and output techniques for digital cameras, scanners, small and large format archival digital printing.

Requirements and Evaluation: Students must demonstrate satisfactory achievement of course objectives through fulfillment of course projects and by contributing to class discussions and critiques.

Grading:

50% Short studies (7.14% each x 7)

35% Final Project (along with web ready ideation, artist statement and references on stand alone CD)

15% Participation in class & printed reaction paragraphs of class readings, journals

If you have any questions at any time about your creative work trajectory or your grades please speak with your instructor.

Required materials:

* A laptop computer (bring laptops to class every class)

* An active RCS account.

* Approximately 20 dvds

* A camera (digital, 35 MM DSL preferred). A variety of cameras can be signed out from the equipment room as well.

* Software for Intermediate Digital Imaging:

- Adobe CS3 Design Edition (which includes: Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and Flash) suggested to purchase, but you can use the mac computers in Studio WH 214 that have this software, or use the VCC North which has it also.

- Use the demo versions of the following until you have your methodology worked out, then for your final version, we have a license for these:

PTGui Pro (v.7.5 or greater) http://www.ptgui.com/order.html english version license US
Dynamic Photo HDR full current version Version 2.01 (or greater) windows only http://www.mediachance.com/hdri/index.html

* Other materials on a project basis

* Journal: keep a working journal of ideas, drawings, photographs, dream records, etc. which will act a source for your creative process. You should carry this with you at all times to record your creative insights. Bring them to class as well.

Fabrication costs/materials:

You will be making a number of digital prints/manifestations of your work. The costs of digital printing vary, but be prepared to incur approximately $50 in fabrication/material costs.