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Overview
This course will explore the practical application of the Macintosh computer as a professional tool for the graphic arts process, both in print and electronic media. Our focus will be on creative development, image manipulations, rendering, layout, typography, and a new emphasis on the relationship between designing printed matter, and designing for the internet.
Projects will involve real-world assignments. Design and illustrative components will be built using state-of-the-art software: Photoshop for bitmapped images, and Illustrator for vector-based images. Page geometry (layout) and typography will be done in XPress. Website development tools include Adobe GoLive and Adobe ImageReady. Other software may be looked at (in varying degrees of detail). [Choice of software covered is subject to change, depending on configuration of the lab, availability of the software and the class’ general performance.]
Finished assignment production and preparation will involve combinations of software-enabled actions in the laboratory and hardware-enabled output via commercial service bureaus.
Upon the instructor’s approval, students will help determine the nature of their class projects based on their needs and interests. The rough timing and flow of the assignments follows this introduction. Students will be responsible for scheduling appropriate personal time on the school’s computers, scanners and laser printers. Waiting until the last minute does not work.
Important Guidelines
Students should be mindful that this course employs the computer as a professional graphics production tool. Projects will therefore be viewed by professional standards in every respect. These factors include concept, planning, research, design development, execution, visual communication and presentation. It is suggested students request assignments appropriate to their abilities. Once approved, the projects will be considered professional assignments and will be viewed accordingly.
Students are responsible for keeping comprehensive backups of all work performed for the class. Your electronic files are your responsibility; having corrupted or incomplete components at the end of the semester is no excuse for, and will not become the basis for any extension of assigned deadlines.
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Students are encouraged to perform as much of the assigned work as possible in the Computer Graphics Lab on the 4th floor of the Puck Building–the software and operating environments of those computers has been standardized, and “made safe”. If work is performed at home or even at other computer labs on campus (Manhattan or Brooklyn), you may encounter inconsistencies in software versions and supported file structures that will make your progress and success difficult. Despite many manufacturer’s claims to the contrary, there is no effective way to insure complete portability of your work between an Windows-based PC/compatible hardware platform and the Macintoshes we employ here at Pratt. Of course, you are free to use whatever computer you have or have access to, but the responsibility for file compatibility, functionality and delivery of assignments on time is yours and yours alone. Test your files’ and system’s compatability immediately to ensure a trouble-free semester!
The instructor has limited time available to assist students with their personal troubleshooting needs. Without the ability to actually see and operate the equipment in question, it is almost impossible to diagnose, recommend and rectify a problem you may be having with a computer at home or at work. If students are going to perform their work on systems at home or at work, it is their responsibility to ensure proper installation and functionality of all computer-related equipment, The instructor will not be available to solve problems involving your own equipment.
Standards
The presentation of finished projects should be made in a professional manner and form appropriate to the assignment. In addition to visual standards, text should be checked for proper spelling and grammar. Students are responsible for obtaining any proofreading assistance they may require. Assignments must be delivered on time and meet the assigned objectives and requirements. All creative work must be accompanied with loose/sketched evidence of development process. Quick sketches on tissue paper are appropriate, and are always required.
A mid-term project (if given) is due on the 7th class session.
The final, or end-term project is due on the 14th class session, or no later than the class session prior to the last scheduled class.
An “A” grade is granted only to those students who excel in meeting the above-defined criteria. “Incompletes” are granted solely at the instructor’s discretion, on demonstration of good cause by the student. Subsequent changes of grade will be granted only if all Incomplete requirements set by the instructor are met in full, and on time.
Students applying for a change of grade are responsible for obtaining the appropriate Change Of Grade forms, and for delivering them to the instructor by the date required.
Please Note:
Each member of this class is responsible for critical thinking, participation in all class discussions, and meeting the intellectual requirements of this graduate-level program. Please arrive promptly for each class, and make sure all assignments are presented in a timely and professional manner.
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