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

ELA

Students engage in critique writing and open-ended writing responses about art projects and design concepts. Students present finished work to the class, integrating multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information and strengthen claims about their design choices.

Social Studies

Students analyze various sources and historical design examples to understand design history and cultural influences. Students research graphic design careers and current events in the design field, connecting visual communication to social and cultural contexts.

Visual and Performing Arts

Students create projects using design principles, elements of art, and visual communication techniques. Students develop original characters and animations, demonstrating creativity and innovation through various artistic mediums and digital tools.

Career & Life Skills

●

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 timed design task in which students apply graphic design principles (balance, contrast, emphasis, unity) and Adobe Creative Suite skills to create a simple poster or digital graphic. The assessment measures mastery of foundational design concepts, color application, and basic tool proficiency covered in Units 1-13.

●

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)