Course Title: Refine digital art techniques
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2021
Course Code: VART6442C
Course Title: Refine digital art techniques
School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context
Campus: Brunswick Campus
Program: C5359 - Diploma of Graphic Design
Course Contact: Ruth Wellington
Course Contact Phone: +61 9925 9988
Course Contact Email: Ruth.Wellington@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Leigh Milward
Nominal Hours: 80
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 refine your techniques in working with digital media. You will develop your own digital style through a body of creative work, this will be achieved by a process of research, refinement and evaluation of techniques.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUADIG508 Refine digital art techniques |
Element: |
1 Research digital media ideas and techniques |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Support professional practice by expanding own knowledge of historical and contemporary digital media practice 1.2 Research ways that other artists have used different digital media techniques 1.3 Investigate how particular digital media techniques work to achieve different technical effects 1.4 Evaluate the relationships between digital media techniques and ideas 1.5 Adapt and use relevant ideas and approaches in own practice, with consideration for intellectual property rights |
Element: |
2 Select digital media techniques for refinement |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Evaluate the opportunities offered by different digital media techniques for own professional practice 2.2 Determine limitations and constraints of particular digital media techniques 2.3 Select digital media technique for refinement |
Element: |
3 Consolidate digital media technique to professional level |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Develop confidence and skill in using digital media technique through practice and experimentation 3.2 Identify and safely resolve technical problems in digital media projects based on developing expertise 3.3 Challenge and test own ideas 3.4 Create a coherent body of digital media work that reflects individual style and shows command of selected digital media techniques |
Element: |
4 Evaluate own digital media technique |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Seek feedback from key people to evaluate the development of own technique 4.2 Discuss with key people concepts and approaches that challenge own individual style 4.3 Document ways that experimentation with different techniques has informed own work 4.4 Identify ways in which techniques may be further developed as part of professional practice and build ideas into future work |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities will take place either online, or 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
While all course content will be delivered, the order and mode of delivery may change depending on the availability of specialist facilities and equipment. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher.
Course schedule
| Week 1 | No formal session. we will do an overview of the course and some revision of key techniques. Writing and academic integrity will be important in this course. Review what is meant by 'paragraph', 'paraphrase' and reference by going through the course and program Welcome and Orientation modules. |
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| Week 2 | Advanced pen tool selections and vector masks in Photoshop, including clipping paths in Photoshop. Continue working on AT1, with the aim to complete it. It is advisable to not submit it until we check it in class in the next session. |
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| Week 3 | Peer check of AT1 before submission. Start AT2 Development Folio. Build upon use of smart objects and look at more advanced features for including it in your workflow. Linked versus embedded smart objects. |
AT1: Research due |
| Week 4 |
AT2 Development Folio: Painted Portrait Plan and gather assets. Explore different methods to generate a painterly effect. We will look at filters and AI (neural) style transfer in Photoshop compared to other methods, and ways to generate more unique-looking outcomes with off-the-shelf settings. |
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| Week 5 |
AT2 Development Folio: Review results from the Portrait exercise, discuss and compile results. Key question: which techniques are most effective in terms of time v accuracy? Post best outcome to discussion board. Source a different portrait, this time with noticeable damage or blemishes (e.g. an old photo). Retouching techniques. |
Portrait discussion board post. |
| Week 6 |
AT2 Development Folio: Colour in Action Colourise retouched photo using a variety of techniques. Compare AI method (if accessible) versus a customised, creative approach. Prepare image for output. Compile outcomes and summarise effectiveness. For the following session, find and photograph an example of a box package from a supermarket – ideally from the freezer section, but it can be any box package. |
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| Week 7 |
AT2 Development Folio: Third Dimension Use texture and effects to make a logo or icon appear more three-dimensional. We will explore layer styles and non-destructive methods. Time permitting, we might also look at converting vector files for use in 3D software. If not, there will be readings that might be handy for the final assessment task. |
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| Week 8 |
AT3: FMCG Research products and market to get an idea of the conventions for this sector of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Identify and compile the resources that can help you complete this project – this will involve recording where these resources came from for future reference. Generate a colour scheme. Based on your understanding, generate 6 thumbnail sketches that experiment with the arrangement of essential elements for the front panel of the package. |
AT2 (1–3) due |
Mid-semester break | ||
| Week 9 |
AT3: FMCG Generate ideas for a product title treatment & product quantity graphic. The product title is a significant digital art asset for this project. It is the first messaging to connect with the customer. It sets the tone of the conversation and therefore should be direct and easy-to-read. The product title aims to reflect the personality of the customer but also projects the goals of the brand. The product title should be prominent in the overall design and should be considered in detail. |
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| Week 10 |
AT3: FMCG In this session you will retouch and enhance a stock image of the product illustration, and add a clipping path to the graphic. There is the potential to additionally develop, or find an alternative with appropriate qualities and license, or purchase a different product illustration. |
Post product title to the discussion board. |
| Week 11 |
AT3: FMCG Using the techniques from AT2, give the product title and or product quantity graphic dimensionality. Create a background that does not detract from the product or the features. Use non-destructive methods to assemble the design, as it will require some movement and tweaking as the design progresses. |
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| Week 12 |
AT3: FMCG Assemble and integrate product ingredients and related image for inclusion in the design. Unlike a usual composite, this will be more like a collage where scale and realism is less important that combining elements and using gestalt to communicate something about the product. |
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| Week 13 |
AT3: FMCG Continuing from the previous week, finalise customised design assets ready for integration into the assessment task outcome. Sketch composition and discuss. |
Promo artwork discussion board post due |
| Week 14 |
AT3: FMCG promotional artwork Take the finalised design and create promotional artwork for the FMCG product. Prepare artwork and files for submission. Preflight. |
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| Week 15 |
AT3: FMCG promotional artwork Finalise promotional artwork and submit. Answer assessment questions 1–3. |
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| Week 16 |
AT3: Submission An informal in-session check of the submissions before uploading for assessment. Course concludes this session, and all evidence must be submitted as evidence of competency. |
AT3 due |
| Week 17 | By appointment for late work, corrections and extensions. No planned formal delivery of material except as negotiated. |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Zeegan, L 2012. The Fundamentals of Illustration. (2nd ed.). AVA Pub. |
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Burrough, X and Mandiberg, M 2009, Digital Foundations, BC Campus. |
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Graphic Communications Open Textbook Collective 2019, Graphic Design and Print Production Fundamentals, BC Campus. |
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Ambrose, G and Harris, P 2005. Image, AVA Publishing SA. |
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 LinkedIn Learning 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 and/or exercises.
The assessment tasks are:
Learning exercises
Projects
An assessment charter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Assessment Tasks
Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal or a combination of both.
Formative tasks 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 tasks.
This course has 3 Assessment Tasks, all of which must be completed/submitted. You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.
Assessment Task 1: Research - Digital Art Techniques
Due week 3.
Assessment Task 2: Technique Development Folio
Due week 8
Assessment Task 3: FMCG Packaging Artwork
Due week 15
At the completion of the course you will be assessed for competency.
Competency assessment is as follows:
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 aspect of your learning experience involves session based exercises, demonstration and production. Attendence and participation is also a requirement of most assessment in VE. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions and engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity for success. Attendance records are kept. Missing two or more consecutive sessions and not notifying or responding to subsequent contact may result in being un-enrolled from the course.
Feedback
You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. Most feedback will be via the rubric attached the assignment and in-class discussions. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects. Assessment Feedback
Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Academic progress
Extensions
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 may not be valid evidence of competency. If you require an extension, complete an extension form with evidence supporting your application and hand this to your program coordinator or instructor (who will pass it on). Extensions
Special Consideration Policy (Late Submission)
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. Special consideration
On Time Submission and Impact of Late Submissions
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.
Some assessment tasks are time sensitive, meaning they are not valid evidence if the assessment task is not performed and submitted within the required timeframe. For example, a submission and response to a review may need to be done in a timely fashion.
Submissions
When submitting work for assessment you are required to complete a declaration of authorship. This must be done for every assessed task. This statement acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications. For non-digital submission use Assignment cover sheet. For digital online submission please use e-Submission process via Canvas. See: How to submit your assessments.
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