Unit 1 — Digital Art: Objectives 1-13
Description
Students explore foundational graphic design principles, color applications, typography, photography, filter effects, layers, logo design, layout assembly, and basic animation using the Adobe Creative Suite and related tools. Projects span poster design, movie poster analysis, advertising, digital illustration, book cover design, typography posters, package design, filter effects, logo and collateral design, brochure layout, and animation.
Essential Questions
- How do artists use the language of art in communication?
- Why and how do artists apply the elements of art and principles of design in works of art?
- Why is the exploration and application of materials, tools, techniques, processes and technology in a safe and responsible manner important in visual art?
- How does art impact the world and the world impact art?
- How is art analyzed and understood?
- How does the art of graphic design communicate ideas to the world?
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate basic principles of graphic design.
- Apply the basic principles of art in graphic design.
- Demonstrate and utilize the Adobe Creative Suite.
- Recognize color applications used in the Adobe Creative Suite.
- Incorporate and use technology and various peripherals.
- Understand the use of typography.
- Recognize and incorporate various fonts using the Adobe Creative Suite.
- Understand and use a scanner and digital camera.
- Understand the elements of design in digital photography.
- Learn production procedures used in digital photography.
- Become skilled at using filter effects in Adobe Photoshop CS.
- Learn about layers and their effects in the Adobe Creative Suite.
- Understand logo design.
- Demonstrate how to assemble a layout using the Adobe Creative Suite.
- Learn basic animation techniques.
- Learn how to create a basic character for animation.
- Use freeform modeling techniques.
- Learn how to produce textures and edit them in the computer environment.
- Show an understanding of photo retouching techniques.
- Recognize and use the Adobe Creative Suite's offering of tools and effects.
- Understand the creative process.
- Understand various mass media of design: e.g., posters, magazines, etc.
- Identify and compare the principles and elements of design in advertising.
- Understand the principles used to create a successful advertising campaign.
- Develop a simple creative brief.
- Organize finished pieces for presentation in a digital portfolio.
- Learn to prepare a resume for a career in graphic design.
Supplemental Resources
- Photopea (web-based alternative to Adobe Creative Suite)
- Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop
- Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign
- Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator
- Adobe Creative Suite: Flash
- Duotone Image technique reference
- Saul Bass' movie poster design
- Reverse Tuck Box Templates
- New York Times Magazine
- The Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum
- Digital Camera
- iMovie
- Scanner
- https://www.nj.gov/education/standards/
Data and Analysis
Impacts of Computing
Engineering Design
Interaction of Technology and Humans
Students engage in critique writing and open-ended writing responses about their digital art projects. They present their work to peers, summarize feedback, and discuss design terminology and creative processes.
Students analyze and compare historical and contemporary examples of graphic design, including poster design by Saul Bass and design museum resources. They examine how design reflects and influences culture and society across different time periods.
Students create projects that demonstrate the elements of design, principles of art, and visual communication through digital media. They develop original characters and animations, exploring creative expression through contemporary and traditional design methodologies.
Students learn to research, acquire, and present information using appropriate internet etiquette standards when accessing websites, databases, and digital tools. They apply technology to enhance productivity and create multimedia presentations of their design work.
Formative Assessments
- Teacher observation
- Student class participation
- Student self assessment
- Class presentation and critique
- Peer critique and discussion
Summative Assessment
Projects (50% of grade): In-class projects addressing major unit objectives including poster design, movie poster, ad creation, digital illustration, book cover, typography poster, package design with accompanying ad, filter effects application, logo and collateral system, multipage brochure, and animation productions.
Benchmark Assessment
A midunit design challenge in which students apply graphic design principles (contrast, balance, emphasis, alignment) and Adobe Creative Suite tools to create a simple poster or advertisement layout. The task assesses understanding of color theory, typography selection, and layer organization covered in objectives 1-7.
Alternative Assessment
Assessment/Quiz (25%): Mini-projects, challenges, presentations, Google Forms, or graded exit tickets assessing student understanding of in-class subjects and lessons.
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
See district Modifications and Accommodations documentation.
Section 504
See district Modifications and Accommodations documentation.
ELL / MLL
See district Modifications and Accommodations documentation.
At Risk (RTI)
See district Modifications and Accommodations documentation.
Gifted & Talented
See district Modifications and Accommodations documentation.