Class Description:

This is a studio class on Creative Imagery with Photoshop. It is developed as an introduction to the concepts and the techniques used in the creation of static (non-animated) images and illustration. These images may be used to visualize ideas and concepts, characters and sets for graphic novels and motion pictures, visualize product design from sneakers to automobiles, as well as enhance and inform content published on the digital and printed page.

This class centers on a specific software program -- called Adobe Photoshop CC -- and how this program can be used to create dynamic artwork and powerful visual effects on the computer. Pre-existing content will be edited; artwork will be created from scratch; students will learn how to marry these two worlds to acheive a desired result. Additional software programs that extend the power of Adobe Photoshop may be used, including plug-ins, graphic design and 3D animation software. Basic design and pre-visualization concepts will be introduced and problem-solving strategies will be fostered. Illustrations will be reviewed and various techniques and visual styles will be studied and deconstructed. Students will create a series of finished artwork based on creative, conceptual challenges, as well as real-world illustration assignments.

We will look at photo-manipulation that is at the heart of Photoshop and then move into creation of digital "paintings" that will empower artists to move beyond pre-existing sources. After we explore the tools and techniques - both the commonly used and the lesser known - we will establish a foundation in the fundamental design principles and established workflow used in the creation of digital art. Finally we will encourage the student to use these tools creatively-- to solve design problems in new and compelling ways.

But first things first. If we were building a house, we'd need to know WHAT a house is before we can design it. Then we'd need to know what tools are available to get the job done...