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/
Engineering Design
Students engage in critique writing and open-ended writing responses about art and design projects. Students present and discuss finished artwork, developing communication skills through class discussions and peer feedback on design concepts and creative solutions.
Students analyze design history and cultural influences on graphic design by examining contemporary and classic examples of design work. Students learn about design movements and their relationship to specific time periods and cultures through historical analysis of poster design and design methodology.
Students create projects using design principles and visual art elements including emphasis, movement, balance, color, typography, and layout. Students develop proficiency in digital art tools and demonstrate understanding of composition, visual hierarchy, and aesthetic principles in their creative work.
Students research design concepts and present information using digital tools, databases, and multimedia presentations. Students learn to use a variety of websites and digital resources to enhance their understanding of graphic design and support their creative projects.
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 practical assessment task requiring students to design a single-page advertisement using Adobe Creative Suite that incorporates at least three graphic design principles (contrast, balance, emphasis), appropriate color application, and readable typography. Students submit the digital file and a brief written reflection identifying which design principles they applied and why.
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
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ELL / MLL
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At Risk (RTI)
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Gifted & Talented
See district Modifications and Accommodations documentation.