Course Title: Work with photomedia in creative practice
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2020
Course Code: VART6439C
Course Title: Work with photomedia in creative practice
School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context
Campus: Brunswick Campus
Program: C5359 - Diploma of Graphic Design
Course Contact: Alistair Briggs
Course Contact Phone: +61 9925 9988
Course Contact Email: alistair.briggs@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Leigh Milward
Nominal Hours: 55
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 develop the skills and knowledge required to work with photomedia in creative practice. You will explore and apply a range of techniques, equipment and materials required to use photomedia in graphic work.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAACD512 Work with photomedia in creative practice |
Element: |
1 Explore the potential of photomedia in own work |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Research the potential of photomedia in own work using appropriate sources of information |
Element: |
2 Experiment with photomedia |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Use the basic technical features and capabilities of chosen tools effectively |
Element: |
3 Create and present finished photomedia work |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Manipulate tools with increasing skill and confidence to fulfil work objectives 3.2 Critically assess technical and conceptual aspects of the work during the development process |
Element: |
4 Evaluate work |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Review work in progress from personal, professional and artistic perspectives |
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:
- demonstrations and presentations by teacher
- peer teaching and class presentations
- group discussion
- review and revision
- peer learning
- teacher directed group activities/projects
- ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback
Out of class activities will include:
- independent project based work
- online tutorials and activities
- independent research
- studio practice
- review and revision
Teaching Schedule
1 |
Course introduction. Navigating around the course and infrastructure. Accessing and locating resources. Update your Canvas profile, and use a self-portrait to communicate something. |
Learning Activity 1 |
2 |
Research In this module, we will begin the first assessment task. We will have an overview of Photoshop, compositing and the techniques used to make them, both traditional and contemporary. We will also look at the qualities that make for good composites (as opposed to boring or bad ones). |
|
3 |
Library Go to a campus library, find an example of contemporary photomedia for Assessment Task 1, scan and write it up. You will also borrow items, and use one for show and tell. The idea is to find an contemporary example in a book or magazine that contains many such examples. By searching in the library, you’re more likely to find a reliable source of information. It’s also an opportunity to peruse the shelves and look at all the great design books that are in there! |
|
4 |
Selections Before submitting AT1, you will check it against a checklist to make sure it has all the required content. Check references and writing in a peer review, then submit. We will cover selections in Photoshop, different methods of selecting pixels and how to refine selections. In Photoshop, selections are a way to modify isolated groups of pixels. These pixels can be selected by drawing a shape, or chosen based on attributes such as colour or contrast. It’s a core skill in Photoshop. |
Assessment Task 1: Potential of Photomedia |
5 |
Public holiday |
|
6 |
Masks and WHS In this module we will cover information on Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) as it can relate to graphic designers. This will be part of your assessment for Assessment Task 2. After that, we will look at layer masks in Photoshop. Masks are a core skill for graphic designers working with images, and a fundamental component of compositing images. The key idea behind masks is you can selectively and partially hide parts of a layer. this is done using non-destructive editing. They are crucial for creating a believable composite image. Submit AT2a: Mask for review. |
|
7 |
Non-destructive editing In this module, we will look at using adjustment layers as part of a flexible workflow – being able to make changes without starting again. This allows for easier editing. This non-destructive editing is an important idea in Photoshop, and one of the focuses of Assessment Task 2. In this module, we will also look at using adjustment layers. The aim of the adjustment layer exercise today is to show you the difference, and get you in the habit of making your adjustments in a way that can be modified and changed. |
|
8 |
Complex Masks In today’s session, we will look at how to mask images with complex edges – like hair, fur or foliage – and how to decontaminate colours on mask edges. Colour contamination is a typical problem that arises when combining two different images together, especially when one has a complex mask. This is when colour or light is still visible in the selected image. Submit AT2b: Complex Mask for review. |
|
9 |
Blend Modes Blend modes are a way for pixels to interact and change their values. They can be applied to brushes and layers in Photoshop – and even on filters. Blend modes are used in many design software applications. They can lead to all sorts of interesting effects, and are a key part for compositing images effectively. Similar to colour decontamination, a typical problem in compositing is a colour mismatch. Colour matching can be solved in a number of ways. In this session, we will look at three basic methods. Submit AT2c: Blend for review. |
|
10 |
Compositing & shadows You will start the final part of Assessment Task 2 by creating a composite image, and start with identifying assets and researching achievable standards in contemporary photomedia. You will choose an additional image to include. The trick is to find something interesting that is also achievable in the time you have. The emphasis is on combining the skills covered so far. To create a believable composite, you will add realistic shadows and ensure that the light direction in each image is consistent. This will mean using a non-destructive workflow. Submit a draft of your work to AT2d: Shadows Draft and review the work of a peer. Submit a draft of AT2d: Shadows for peer review. Showing work in progress and reviewing the work of a peer is part of the assessment. |
|
11 |
Public holiday |
|
12 |
Plan & IP We will look at typical overall adjustments you can make to a composite image to enhance the integration of elements and aid communication (aka composition). Some of these are filters, some are adjustment layers we may not have looked at before. You will create a design rough to plan a composite. In your sketch, you must indicate where each asset from Unsplash will go. One of the big challenges for making composites is finding images that have the correct license for use. For AT3, you need to identify intellectual property issues or legislation that affected this particular assignment. |
Assessment Task 2: Folio due |
13 |
Experiment and Refine In this module, you will begin construction of your composite image, based on a well-defined idea, sketch (rough) and assets from Unsplash. The aim is to try and get all the essential elements of your composite together – even if it is a bit loose. Save each different experiment or trial you make to improve the quality of your composite. These experiments will be similar to Overall composition (experiments). You need at least three (3) different experiments or techniques and four (4) images for your report. Submit AT3a: Concept and IP for review and show that the composite was planned and discussed before proceeding. |
AT3a: Concept and IP |
14 |
Review and Finalise Post your draft to the discussion board, and peer review someone’s draft. The aim is to generate the feedback you need to write a reflection next week, and to show you have reviewed your work in progress. Finalise your composite ready to publish by next week. |
AT3b: Review work in progress (discussion) |
15 |
Publish and Evaluate This module is about adapting your work for other formats and publishing. You will use the layer structure of your file and turn it into a video for Instagram. You will also save your file for Instagram, and adapt the file for a multi-image post. You will then use that social media post to submit to a showcase website. Submit the URL and take a screengrab of your entry form. The evaluation is part of a reflective practice. This means being able to look at your work objectively and identify strengths and areas of improvement. This means you can build upon the successes of your outcome for future projects. Complete the report by writing your final evaluation. |
AT3c: Publish your project |
16 |
Assessment Week The aim of this session is to confirm that you have submitted all the evidence required to pass the course. There will be individual appointments with students where you can check your report before submitting, as well as confirm all evidence for the semester has been submitted. |
AT3d: Report |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Smith, J 2013. Advanced Photoshop CC for Design Professionals Digital Classroom, John Wiley & Sons Inc, New York. |
|
Kost, J 2019. Photoshop CC 2020 Essential Training: The Basics. |
|
Leonard, N and Ambrose, G 2012. Basics Graphic Design 02 : Design Research : Investigation for Successful Creative Solutions. AVA Publishing. |
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 tasks will require you demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills through practical projects working to a deadline and written reports. The assessment tasks include:
Design Projects
Reports
An assessment charter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Assessment Tasks
This course has 3 assessment tasks. You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.
Assessment Task 1: Research Photomedia
Due Week 3
Completing this project allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of how to research and discuss ideas by finding and analysing two examples of creative compositing; one made using traditional techniques and one example of current best practice in Photoshop.
We will go through what ‘traditional’ and ‘contemporary’ can mean in the studio. You will show academic integrity by referencing. You will compile your findings and analysis in a presentation document.
The aim is to get you familiar with the qualities of good composited images. The ability to know the difference between good and bad examples helps your own practice. Another aim is to get you familiar with how to acknowledge the work of others in your own work and study and demonstrate an understanding of Copyright and IP issues related to photomedia.
This assignment must be completed to a satisfactory level to achieve competency in this course.
Assessment Task 2: Compositing folio
AT2A: Due Week 6
AT2B: Due Week 8
AT2C: Due Week 9
AT2D: Due Week 12
This project is second of three assessment tasks you need to complete satisfactorily, in order to be deemed competent for this unit.
This assessment is designed to build your capability in using different Photoshop tools to achieve various visual effects. The aim is to improve upon the skills for compositing images through practice and peer review; culminating in the creation of four (4) composited images and demonstrated understanding of the process and requirements for using Photoshop tools to create them.
All four pieces must be completed to a satisfactory level to complete the assessment task.
Assessment Task 3: Creative Composite
AT3A: Due Week 13
AT3B (discussion): Due Week 14
AT3C: Due Week 15
AT3D: Due Week 16
Create a composited image that communicates an idea, feeling or story using assets from a supplied repository of appropriate Creative Commons licensed or public domain images. The theme will be supplied. Part of the challenge is to interpret this in a creative way. To be complete, this documentation must successfully address the criteria in the rubric. The aim is to demonstrate an ability to create a composite image in response to a brief, show and explain the process (as you might for a co-worker or client), assess your own work, and acknowledge the work of others.
This assignment must be completed to a satisfactory level to achieve competency in this course.
At the completion of the course, you will be assessed for competency.
CA Competency Achieved
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 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 to gain the competency.
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
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 competency assessment.
Submissions that are assessed as Not Satisfactory can be re-submitted once and this is only permitted during the period that the competency is scheduled.
Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications. Submission cover sheet
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
Course Overview: Access Course Overview