Syllabus

OBJECTIVE

Students will develop methods of using various media to his or her own personal use. The exercises will allow the student to gain a level of competence with the media as well as an understanding of different approaches to composition, color and stylization.

More than anything this class will enhance your ability to see.

We will focus on several aspects of drawing and illustration:
• editorial illustration
• story telling
• portraits
• landscape
• typography
• zines
• printmaking
and more...

INTRODUCTION

This course is an exploration of problems in drawing and mark making to then be applied in illustration and graphic design. The student will learn to use and experment with a variety of drawing, painting, print making and digital media in an effort
to develop style and character in their drawing as a way of expressing a point of view. Emphasis will be on portraits, figures, narrative drawing, fashion illustration, typography, editorial illustration and environments. Work will be produced from classroom exercise, location assignments, still life and photo references. The students will be expected to maintain a sketchbook for writing, ideas and reference.

METHOD

This course will provide opportunities for students to gain design knowledge and abilities through studio projects and critique presentations. Additionally, lectures, readings, demonstrations, slide presentations, class and group discussions, and personal student meetings will be used.

The projects assigned in this course are intended to teach you to think critically about the visual world around you while building on the visual vocabulary you
developed in your other classes. Exercises explore the characteristics of individual design and illustration elements and principles, and later exercises explore the communicative power of using these elements and principles in combination.

To get the most out of this class and grow as a young maker, you need to
approach the class work with a serious attitude and a willingness to work beyond just doing what is asked. Push yourself. Visual Communication Design is a very competitive and challenging profession, but for those who find a way to engage with the work and enjoy being challenged, the demands are well worth meeting and the rewards are truly fulfilling. This course is taught with that philosophy as a backdrop. Students are expected to commit themselves and to work hard, every day, not just for better grades but for the enjoyment that the work brings and the growth that comes with it.

ASSIGNMENTS

This class will be very different than your normal Graphic Design or Illustration course. In those courses we have 3-4 large projects that make up the entirety of your grade.
In this course we will be doing a lot of work in class as well as an assignment will be given either each class period or each week. Think of these as short, quick projects. Almost as if I am an art director hiring you to do an illustration for me.
You will share an entire portfolio of work for your final.
Our final is Thursday, May 10th at 11:30am, mark you calendars! *
* date subject to change.

GRADES

Students will be graded on their ability to respond imaginatively to the different media and it’s use. The development and positive personal approach with the various media is key in your final grade. A student’s final grade will be determined by an evaluation in five areas:

1. Overall portfolio of ALL work produced in the course (both in class and outside assignments) presented during finals week.

2. Portfolio of 10 drawings selected by you the student for finals week presentation

3. An overall average grade from the student peers within the class at the end of the semester.

4. Exploration and development of skill level with the various media will be evaluated as part of the final grade as will overall attitude and participation while in the class and during critiques (includes: interest, attendance, lateness...being a jerk).

5. Your FINAL project

RECOMMENDED

Innovators of American Illustration, Steven Heller
American Illustration Annuals 1-30
Society of Illustration Annuals 1-50
Communication Arts Annuals
Print Regional Design Annuals
Playful Type 2, Gestalten
Illusive, Gestalten
Naive, Gestalten

Illustrationmundo.com
designinspiration.net
aqua-velvet.com

SUPPLIES

A neat and organized sketchbook with blank white paper is required for sketches, media exploration, homework assignments and idea generating. Use this sketchbook for this class only
I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN YOU WILL NEED THE SUPPLIES BELOW.

Media you will need:
Pencils (graphite, B-6B)
Colored pencils (Prismacolor, Spectracolor, etc)
Pastel (chalk and oil)*
Watercolor (tube)
Water-soluble oil paint
Acrylic paint
Illustration board (usually cold-press)
Bristol board (hot press and cold press)
Bond paper
Canson paper (lots of colored papers)
Watercolor paper (usually Arches 140lb cold press)
Watercolor brushes (round, sizes #0, 4, 7/flat 3/4 or 1”)
Water container (empty gallon of milk container)
Palette (preferably enamel meat tray, white and nonporous)
Black ink
Croquille pen
Erasers (kneaded, parapink, etc)
Computer
And much more!

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Attendance is mandatory. Work (even when unfinished) must be displayed during critiques in order to receive a grade. Late work will be lowered one full letter grade for every class period that work is not turned in. A student will be given a project grade of “F” for any project that is never submitted.
Students are required to attend class. Please be in class on time and remain for the entire period. Please turn off your pagers and mobile phones. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class period. Three “late” marks will equal one absence. A total of 3 absences will be allowed for any reason. It is your sole
responsibility to discover what happened during any class you missed. If it is
necessary for you to be absent from class for more than 3 days for any reason
including medical condition, you should withdraw from the class. On the 4th
absence you will be dropped from the class.
In the event of any absence, students are still responsible for obtaining all information
& materials from the class period and completing all assignments on time. It is your sole responsibility to find out about any new work assigned during your absence.

Check the classblog and website for any missed handouts and information.