COURSE INFORMATION – Illustrator: Vector Design & Layout

Illustrator: Vector & Layout Design is a course that provides a thorough introduction to the art of digital illustration/design utilizing Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, the industry-standard software programs for vector-based design and print/press preparation. Still image exercises and projects will explore the areas of vector line art, illustration, logo design, typography and layout, and will be based on effective production techniques, project planning, and the artistic principles of color theory, content, and composition. We will use Moodle for turning in projects, quizzes, grading and written feedback. Moodle will also provide access to the syllabus and course schedule, and written instructions specific to the curriculum.

The challenge of the media arts student is to integrate the capabilities of digital computation with aesthetic expression. The technological landscape in digital art continues to change dramatically so it is critical that the student artist stay in tune. With this in mind, this course has been designed to help each student gain a cohesive understanding of the multiple facets of digital still image design, while also providing an introduction to this industry-standard software.

At the conclusion of this course students should be able to:

Understand the basics of vector-based art
Understand the difference between bitmap and vector-based images
Understand and integrate the basic work areas of Illustrator and InDesign
Create a variety of project templates
Apply the techniques of illustration, design, and graphic elements
Understand the concept of resolution as it pertains to print, video and web
Apply the fundamentals of digital illustration/design by creating a project utilizing graphics and images appropriated or created by the student
Apply the fundamentals of digital illustration/design creatively with graphics and images provided by the instructor

This course requires the enrolled student to have regular access to the software, Adobe Illustrator and InDesign. If a student needs to acquire this software, we recommend purchasing it directly from Adobe, where students receive an outstanding discount. Click here to visit the Adobe website.

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