Course Title: Create and manipulate graphics

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2017

Course Code: COSC6210C

Course Title: Create and manipulate graphics

School: 320T Architecture & Design

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C5359 - Diploma of Graphic Design

Course Contact: Alistair Briggs

Course Contact Phone: +61 9925 9446

Course Contact Email: alistair.briggs@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Ned Jobson

ned.jobson@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None required

Course Description

In this course you will create and manipulate graphics to visually communicate ideas. You will use a combination of creative design skills and technical software proficiency. Your created graphics will then be applied and integrated with other elements with an emphasis on technical specifications.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAGRD504 Create and manipulate graphics

Element:

1 Analyse design needs

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Confirm communication objectives for the graphics work based on the design brief and consultation with relevant people as required

1.2 Evaluate design brief specifications

1.3 Source and evaluate other information pertinent to the project

Element:

2 Develop and refine ideas for graphics

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify relevant sources and conduct research to inform ideas for graphics

2.2 Consider the opportunities and constraints offered by different techniques and technologies

2.3 Assess the relationship of the graphic objects to the other elements of the design

2.4 Create and refine ideas and options by working with the fundamental elements and principles of design

2.5 Refine ideas through use of ongoing technical experimentation

2.6 Evaluate and select approaches based on their potential to meet the communication need

2.7 Produce and present visual representations of design ideas and communicate with others to confirm as required

Element:

3 Manipulate graphic objects

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Create graphic objects based on selected ideas

3.2 Manipulate, edit and enhance objects through use of an extended range of tools and features

3.3 Integrate graphics with other visual design elements

3.4 Identify and resolve technical problems based on developing expertise

3.5 Achieve desired outcomes through application of design skills and technical expertise

3.6 Establish and follow safe work practices in the work process

Element:

4 Finalise technical aspects of graphics work

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Edit and refine graphics to meet technical requirements

4.2 Follow correct protocols for saving, exporting and storing files

4.3 Establish appropriate file formats for output

Element:

5 Evaluate graphics work

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Critique graphics from both a technical and aesthetic perspective in the context of the design objectives

5.2 Seek feedback from others as required, and make appropriate adjustments


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will take place in a studio and computer laboratory using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study. In-class activities will include:

  • class exercises
  • tutorials
  • practical demonstrations
  • workshops
  • group discussion
  • review and revision
  • peer learning
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • workshopping of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback

 

Out of class activities may include:

  • independent research
  • independent project based work
  • studio practice
  • online tutorials and activities
  • review and revision


Teaching Schedule

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

There will be a number of prescribed tasks and projects (see Assessment Tasks below).

 

Week

Session Description

 

1

Lab introduction. Set up wireless, Blackboard. Understanding assessment – rubrics, course guides and competency-based assessment, Feedback

2

Course overview. Project 1: Illustrator folio Introduction to Illustrator. What are vectors? Basic terminology.

3

Project 1: Illustrator folio Project 1, Task 1: Drawing Basic shapes & Shapes exercises. Combining objects. Basic shapes, fill, strokes, arrange and align, select and transform exercises.

4

Project 1, Task 2: The Pen tool exercises. Intro to the pen and path tools

5

Pen tool revision and extension. Project 1, Task 3: Logo recreation. Class exercise: The Width tool.

6

Project 1, Task 4: Raster image to object trace. Students will trace a pencil drawing into a vector graphic. Class discussion: Project 2. Class activity: Gradients. Project 1 due next week.

7

Project 2: Technical Illustration

Students illustrate a complex, inorganic object in Adobe Illustrator. Class activity: Pattern fills

Project 1: Illustrator Due

8

Project 2: Technical Illustration

Class activity: Pattern brushes

9

Project 2: Technical Illustration draft submission

Collate and respond to feedback.

10

Class activity: Self-assessment. File checking, point reduction, hidden paths. Project 2 due next week

11

Project 2: Technical illustration presentation and submission. A 3-minute public presentation of their work process. Class activity: extending your work with colour – colouring-in competition. Promoting work online. Project 3 distributed. In this class, students will begin the process of creating a complex illustration.

12

Project 2: Clipping masks. Creating a colour palette by controlling swatches.

13

Project 3:Complex illustration review. Open workshop. Students are encouraged to bring enquiries of a technical nature to this class

14

Project 3: Complex illustration. Draft pin up.

15

Project 3: Complex illustration. document finalisation.

16

Project 3: Complex illustration in-class assessment.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

There are no compulsory prescribed text in this course – This course has recommended books listed under ‘References’


References

Title: A Guide to Graphic Print Production – 3rd edition / [Kaj Johansson, Peter Lundberg, Robert Ryberg].
Author: Johansson, K. (Kaj)
Other Author(s): Lundberg, Peter. and Ryberg, Robert.
Publisher: Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley, 2011.

9780470907924

Title: Graphic Design : Australian style manual
Author: Andrew Townley Barnum ... [et al.].
Other Author(s):Barnum, Andrew Townley.
Publisher: North Ryde, N.S.W. : McGraw-Hill, 2011.

9780071011051

Title: Adobe® Illustrator® CC Classroom in a Book®
Author: Adobe Creative Team
Publisher: Adobe Press, 2013

9780133434


Other Resources

Prescribed Texts

There are no compulsory prescribed texts in this course. This course has recommended books listed under ‘References’

You are advised to look at the Learning Hub at myRMIT site for ongoing updated information. A range of learning resources and references are provided throughout the year.

You will require a personal storage device and tools as outlined in tool kit list.

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access to the library resources.

Amongst the library’s electronic resources is the ability to access Lynda.com for online tutorials and lessons. You may be given these tutorials (and other resources) to supplement your classroom learning. The University Library has extensive resources for Design students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies.

http://rmit.libguides.com/graphicartanddesign The Library provides guides on academic referencing

http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian

http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/librarians/dsc


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Assessment tasks will require you demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills through practical projects.
The assessment tasks are: Design projects

An assessment charter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.


Assessment Tasks

Tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal or a combination of both.
Formative tasks and exercises provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks and you should engage in all formative activities.

This course has 3 Summative Projects, all of which must be completed/submitted. Each project has an allocated percentage of the total grade. You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.

 

Formative assessment

Series of Illustrator-based exercises

Project 1

Illustrator folio
Collect exercises 3 and 4 for submission. These can be refined before submitting.
Due week 07

 

Project 2
Technical Illustration
Due week 11

 

Project 3
Complex Illustration
Due week 16

 

At the completion of the course, grading will be offered in addition to, and after, competency based assessment.

Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also use graded assessment are:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available from the course contact person (stated above).

Other Information

Attendance

The major aspect of your learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity for success.

 

Feedback

You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects. Student feedback at RMIT

 

Student Progress

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy

 

Submissions

When submitting work for assessment you are required to complete a declaration of authorship. This must be done for every summative assessment task. This statement acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications. For non-­digital submission use the printed form provided. For digital online submission please use e­ Submission process.Information regarding the e­Submission process

 

Special Consideration Policy, Late Submission & Extensions

All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level.

If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Pick the following link for details on applying for Special consideration

Any student seeking an extension, should aim at doing so a minimum of 2 days before the deadline. Work submitted late and without an extension at any point will incur late penalties in accordance with university policy. If you require an extension you must complete an extension form with evidence supporting your application and hand this to your instructor. Further links ­ Application for extension of time

 

On Time Submission and Impact of Late Submission

On time submission is an important factor in your assessment. Employability skills are embedded in all courses and these include Planning & Organising and Self-management. For this reason, late work impacts on your overall grade for each assessment task.

The following adjustments for late submission will be made: Work submitted late will be assessed for competency only. Submissions are only permitted during the period that the competency is scheduled.

 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity. Academic Integrity

Course Overview: Access Course Overview