AnimoArt.org_Digital Art

AP Art History Digital Art Visual Art Advisory

updated 01.31.2012

. __Welcome Advanced Art Students!

By enrolling in this course, you have entered the second stage of the AVCHS Visual Arts Pathway. By the end of this course, you will be able to add this work to your final visual art portfolio for presentation. Students will then be prepared to apply to a college visual arts program in the future.

Take a few minutes to review this website. To receive a successful grade in this course, you will need to use this site regularly.

Students who successfully complete this course by receiving an "A" or "B", will be awarded a certificate of completion and a "degree" in Visual Art.

AVCHS Digital Art Video 2011

A collection of student digital work

current unit

syllabus

course expectations

general rubric

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__FALL SEMESTER: "Your Digital Foundation"

UNIT 1: Design in Contemporary Society

Objective: After several classes of design journal and software exercises, students will design a personal logo and business card, working with both journal and computer software skills. (16 classes - 5 weeks)
Essential Questions:
- What is the difference between fine and commercial art?
- What is the role of the designer in today's society?
- What are some of the basic skills of a designer?
- What aspects of design history are useful?
- How are visual art ideas useful in design?
- What is the process for creating an effective design?
Final Projects:
- Personal Logo / Brand
- Personal / business card
- PowerPoint: History of Graphic Design
- PowerPoint: Work Presentation / Critique - Example
Final Projects Due Dates: September 15

U1 EXERCISES:
1. Design Journal
2. Design principle: Balance
3. Typography
4. Computer Moodboard
1. PowerPoint
1. Critique
2. Grid System Design:
1. Business Card Template
2. Vector Typeface
3. Computer: Personal / Business Card & Logo Design
ART HISTORY Content: Graphic Design History, Bauhaus, Collage History, Designer: Paula Scher

UNIT 2: Using the Elements of Visual Design

Objective: After 5 classes working with color theory, vectors, abstract art, and modern poster design, students will create a variety of quality digital projects using the elements of art and design culminating in the production of an abstract movie poster, an abstract painting and poster parody. (15 classes - 5 weeks)
Essential Questions:
- Why is knowledge of the elements of art an essential aspect of design?
- How does poster design differ from other forms of graphic design?
- How does a designer use effective feedback?
- What are the methods for learning computer software?
- What are some of the essential principles of a movie poster design?

Final Projects:
- Obama Parody Poster & Movie Poster
- Digital Kandinsky - Example
- PowerPoint: Work Presentation & Critique
Final Projects Due: October 29
Midterm: October 13 | Review

U2 EXERCISES:
1. Color Theory
2. Design Journal Process
  - Design Journal Process as a graphic
  - Thumbnail drawings
  - abstract collage
3. Design Principles: Balance, Emphasis, Contrast
4. Movie Poster Moodboard
1. Graphics: Symmetry / Asymmetry - Students will analyze images focusing on the concept of symmetrical / asymmetrical design.
  - Example - Symmetry: Visual Art Certificate I
  - Example - Asymmetry: Visual Art Certificate II
1. Obama Poster Parody - Create a parody of Shepard Fairey's Obama "Hope" poster using similar colors, typeface and techniques.
2. Digital Kandinsky - Create a "Digital Kandinsky", a work of art similar to that of artist Wassily Kandinsky by using computer software. Uses a variety of the elements and principles of art.
1. Modern Movie Posters
  - Movie Examples with Analysis
  - Skill 1: Vectors - Convert Path to Marquee
  - Skill 2: Filters- Brightness / Contrast, Transparency, Hue / Saturation
  - Final: Create 2 movies posters: one chosen by the student, the other from a list
  - Movie List: Rosemary's Baby, Psycho, Wizard of Oz, Dracula, Titanic, King Kong
2. FINAL POWERPOINT
  - Interface
    - Consistent look
    - Consistent location of elements for logo, design work, etc.
  - Elements
    - Obama Parody
    - Movie Posters
    - Fine Art - Digital Kandinsky
ART HISTORY Content: History of Abstract Painting; Russian Constructivism, Modern Poster Designs; Designer: Milton Glaser - website | video

UNIT 3: Using the Principles of Visual Design

Objective: After 4 classes working with the principles of design, symmetry/asymmetry, viewing examples of modern book and music cover design, and working with several journal/computer design strategies, students will create a variety of quality digital projects using the elements and principles of art and design culminating in the production of a book and CD-ROM / album cover. (12 classes - 4 weeks)
Essential Questions:
- What are the essential steps of the design process?
- How does research fit into the design process?
- How does a designer connect / integrate multiple panels for a single design project?
- How does the concept of visual metaphor work with design?
Final Projects:
- Tangram Design Cover - Example
- Book Cover Design / CD Album Cover Design - Example
- History of the Book & Album Covers
- Work Presentation
- Design Journal: 4 pages of design thumbnails
Final Projects Due: November 16
U3 EXERCISES:
1. Moodboard
2. Tangram Exercise - Read about tangram design goals, then design a graphic using the elements of tangram pieces. Download these graphics:
1. Graphics: Negative Space - Students will create a composition that uses overlapping shapes that address both positive / negative space. Download these graphics:
2. Negative Space
1. Book Cover Maquette
2. PowerPoint: Book or Album Cover History
1. Book Cover / Album Cover
2. FINAL POWERPOINT: Book & Album Cover Design
  - Interface
ART HISTORY Content: History of the Book, Book Cover Design, Designer: Stefan Sagmeister

UNIT 4: The Visual Design Process: From Journal to Final Product

Objective: After 3 classes working with design sketches, students will choose from a variety of design projects: skateboard deck design, website masthead, performance poster, and 3-d character design. (10 classes - 3 weeks)
Essential Questions:
- What are the steps of a design process?
- How does research fit into the design process?
Final Projects:
- Personal skateboard deck design
- School website masthead
- Sculptris character design for video game
Final Projects Due:
U4 EXERCISES:
1. Moodboard
1. Product Design: Skateboards
2. Web Design Basics I - Masthead
  - Website: Animo Venice
  - Masthead:
    - various examples - download 3 masthead examples
    - basic template
    - design example
    - Animo Venice School Photo
3. Powerpoint: Product Design - Students will create a 4 slide powerpoint of the history of product design.
4. FINAL POWERPOINT: Skateboard Deck Product Design

ART HISTORY Content: Product Design, Bauhaus, Company: Alessi

UNIT 5: Powerpoint Portfolio & Project Re-Design

Objective: After organizing their work this semester, students will place all work in a single PowerPoint presentation. Students will also analyze one of their works then re-design it, comparing the two works. Students will take on the role of designer, dressing the part, creating a resume and cover letter. Advanced students will create a simple website for their work. (5 classes - 2 weeks)
Essential Questions:
- What are the essential components of a portfolio?
- What is the process for evaluating a design project?
Final Projects:
- Projects Powerpoint
- Final Review Sheet
Final Projects Due: December 12
U5 EXERCISES:
1. Powerpoint Display: Students will use this Powerpoint for assembling their exercises and projects for this unit.
2. Advanced Students:
3. Project Redesign
1. Commercial Art Roles
2. Advanced Students:
1. Artist Statement / Philosophy Paper
2. Crit Sheet -
3. FINAL POWERPOINT: Portfolio of semester design work / journal
ART HISTORY Content: Product Design History, Contemporary Design

__SPRING SEMESTER: "Your Digital Portfolio"

UNIT 6: Portfolio I - Creating an Identity: Logo Design & Branding

Objective: After a variety of exercises and analyses, students will create a basic identity for a local non-profit business. Students will create a logo, business card and letterhead. Students will create a haiku typeface art project using a variety of typefaces and shapes. Students will design and create a typeface poster. (10 classes - 3 weeks)
Essential Questions:
- How does a graphic designer help create a company's brand?
- What process, methods and concepts must a designer consider when creating a brand or logo?
- How does a designer choose the correct type for a business?
- What skills and knowledge must a designer have when creating a logo brand for a company?
- How does an artist create variety and unity in the same project?
Final Projects:
- Non-profit Logo / Letterhead / Business Card
- Haiku Typeface Project - Example
- Single Letter Project
- Design Journal: Personal Alphabet - Example
- Due: February 3
Skills: Design journal work/thumbnails, camera ready comps, work template, bleed setup
Lessons:
- 1) Copyright worksheet
- 2) - 4) Haiku Typeface Project, Single Letter Project
- 5) - 6) Nike logo manipulation, typeface design exercises, text fill
- 7) - 10) Project introduction, non-profit company research, branding; letterhead, business card templates/design
- 11) - 12) Evaluate work, redesign
U6 EXERCISES:
1. Copyright Basics
1. Typography Review
1. Design Journal:
2. Haiku Typeface Project:
3. Single Letter Project
4. Logo Moodboard
1. Nike Logo manipulation
  - Radial / Symmetrical Logo Design
  - Nike Logo Redesign Example
2. Non-profit business research
1. Designer Statement / Philosophy Paper
2. FINAL POWERPOINT:
Art History Content: Bauhaus, Constructivism, Typeface Design, Designer: Paul Rand

UNIT 7: Portfolio II - Designing A Story: Brochures, Photo Essays & Digital Comics

Objective: After 2 weeks of illustration techniques and layout exercises, students will create a three part brochure for a local non-profit organization. Students will create either a photo essay or digital comic focusing on the non-proft or a similar theme. (12 classes - 4 weeks)
Essential Questions:
- How is creating a brochure different than other print work?
- What are the essential elements of a brochure?
- How do you create a "pathway" or narrative in a brochure?
- How do you create a visual story?
Final Projects:
- Non-profit brochure - Example
- Non-profit comic book or photo essay
- 4 page thumbnails in design journal
- Due: March 5
Software:
Skills: visual narrative / motif, template setup, color scheme, scanning prep, photography basics
Lessons:
- 1) Project introduction: non-profit company research, branding
- 2) - 3) Brochure intro: thumbnail designs, narrative brainstorming, content creation; MS Publisher examples
- 4) - 7) Non-profit brochure creation
- 8) - 11) Five panel non-profit photo essay or comic book design
- 12) Evaluation
U7 EXERCISES:
1. Moodboard: Background Elements
2. Brochure Design
3. Typeface Work
4. Photography Tips
5. FINAL POWERPOINT: Brochure / Comic Book or Photo Essay
  - Interface
    - Consistent look
    - Consistent location of elements for logo, design work, etc.
  - Elements
    - design: non-profit brochure
    - art: five panel comic book or photo essay
Art History Content: Narrative Art, Sequential Art, Photojournalism

UNIT 8: Portfolio III - Motion Graphic Design I: From Static Story to Animated Design

Objective: After 3 classes in basic animation techniques, students will create a variety of moving graphics projects. (12 classes - 3 weeks)
Essential Questions:
- How does movement / animation add to a graphic's affect?
- What is the basic process for motion graphics design?
- What are the essential elements of an effective motion graphic?
Final Projects:
- Movie show opening: Psycho or Vertigo
- Animated non-profit poster / Web ad
Final Projects Due:
Software: Flash CS3 Tutorial, Fireworks CS3 Tutorial
Skills: vector animation, motion tweening, audio editing
Lessons:
- 1) graphics vs. motion graphics: comparison
- 2) - 3) storyboard techniques, flip book practice, Flash CS3 introduction
- 4) - 6) View motion graphic examples, edit audio, create basic animation & motion graphics
- 7) - 10) Create final motion graphic, evaluate work, redesign
Reading: Flash vs. After Effects
CAREERS: Graphic Designer, Motion Graphics Designer, Animator, Illustrator
U8 EXERCISES/PROJECTS:
1. Flip Book
2. FLASH Animation Basics
3. FINAL POWERPOINT: Motion graphics
  - Interface
    - Consistent look
    - Consistent location of elements for logo, design work, etc.
  - Elements
    - 30 second movie show opening: Psycho or Vertigo
    - Animated Movie Poster
Art History Content: Disney Company, Edward Muybridge, Designer: Saul Bass - "Psycho", "Vertigo"

UNIT 9: Portfolio IV - Motion Graphics Design II: Visual Storytelling through Animation

Objective: After 2 weeks of advanced motion graphics exercises using Flash CS3, students will create a variety of short animations, and one team project. (12 classes - 3 weeks)
Essential Questions:
- How is motion graphics similar / different from print graphics?
- How does audio enhance motion graphics?
- How does advances in software technology change motion graphics?
Final Projects:

Non-profit 30 second public service announcement (PSA)
Rotoscope project
Optional: Animated Web Masthead / Banner for non-profit company

Final Projects Due:
Software: Flash CS3 Tutorial, Fireworks CS3 Tutorial,
Skills: storyboarding, animation techniques, audio production
Lessons:
- 1) Project introduction: motion graphics;
- 2) - 3) Storyboard Design: brainstorming, thumbnails, drawing, scanning;
- 4) - 6) Flash CS3 Introduction and Exercises;
- 7) - 10) Motion Graphics Design and Production: banner, poetry, movie title;
- 11) Evaluate work, redesign.
U9 EXERCISES/PROJECTS:
1. Motion Graphics Analysis: Students will analyze these motion graphics examples.
2. Editing to Music: Analyze how each video was created
3. Rotoscoping - drawing / painting on top of film or video
4. Rotoscoping Project
5. Animation Silhouette Project
  - Reiniger project - black and white shape animation / tweeing
6. FINAL POWERPOINT: Motion graphics
Art History Content: Animation History, Film Titles History, Designers: Saul Bass, Kyle Cooper; Animators: Lotte Reiniger - example

UNIT 10: Portfolio V - Your Designs and Presentation

Objective: After a week of assembling and printing out their best work, students will create a visual display of their projects which they will present to the class. Advanced students will create a basic webpage to display their portfolio online. (5 classes - 2 weeks)
Essential Questions:
- What does a successful design portfolio look like?
- What are the elements of a successful presentation?
Final Projects: PowerPoint / Portfolio
- PowerPoint: All work from course assembled
- Display: cardboard display of best work
- Resume, cover letter, designer statement
Final Projects due:

The mission of Ánimo Venice Charter High School is to prepare students for college, leadership, and life through innovative instruction, a rigorous curriculum, and the use of technology. At Ánimo Venice, we are committed to the education, and social and economic success of students who historically are unlikely to attend and excel at an institution of higher learning. We aim to achieve our mission by creating a student-centered environment that unifies the efforts of family, community, and school to foster life-long learning, cross-cultural competency, social responsibility, and academic excellence.