INTRODUCTION
Objective and Purpose
•The objective of this course is to offer an introduction to digital design using state of the art software. The class will be taught in an online format which will require self-directed study and timely completion of assignments.

• Students will learn to create effective visual communications using Illustrator 10 and apply the basic principles design to their work. A series of exercises and projects will reinforce the learned skills and principles.

•Students will enhance their design vocabulary with online forums and critique groups where projects will be discussed.

Technical Requirements
To effectively participate in this course students must have access to the following equipment and software:

Basic computer familiarity
PC or Macintosh computer with Illustrator 10 installed
Ability to connect online through a modem, DSL or other network support
E-mail account that will allow the transfer of digital files up to 500k
Scanner and ability to scan, format and send graphic files as e-mail attachments

Books and Supplies
Illustrator 10 Classroom In A Book-required
Illustrator 10 Visual Quickstart Guide-optional but highly recommended
Sketch Pad for thumbnail layouts and design concepts

Student’s Responsibilities
•You are required to attend the first class (TBD)
•You must meet the assignment deadlines by posting required exercises or projects as directed in weekly lectures/assignments
•Student participation/communication in class is essential. We will critique our work as well as the work of others in online group discussions.

Overview of Assignments
•All exercises and projects will have specific due dates which can be found in the PROJECTS and SCHEDULE pages.
•Project deadlines are a very important aspect of design. Be prepared to discuss your project online and how you met project requirements with your design.
•Although we are working in an electronic medium, sketching your layouts is an important part of the creative process. You will be required to scan and e-mail some of these sketches.
•NLT Due dates must be met.

Grading
Your projects will be evaluated on several criteria:
•Understanding the assignment and skill with techniques
•Concept/Originality
•Design/Composition
•Overall presentation

Notes on Grading:
•All assignments must be submitted by the time scheduled on the date due unless noted otherwise by instructor or updated schedule.
•Late projects will be downgraded. Turning in a project after the deadline will result in a full letter grade reduction. (i.e. A becomes an B). Each additional class period late will reduce the grade by an additional full grade (i.e. an A becomes a C).
•Projects will not be accepted after three weeks past the due date, unless special arrangements have be made with the instructor.

Exercises/Quiz/Projects

Self Paced Tutorials - These are tutorials from the Adobe Classroom In A Book which will reinforce lecture topics. These will be graded on a 10 point scale. Cummulatively, exercises are worth 10% of overall grade. They must be comepleted on the due date or no later than 1 class period late (late will result in a 1 pt deduction from basic grade.

Quizzes - There will be two quizzes focused on Illustrator and design theory. Lectures will be the source for quiz questions. It will be assigned a letter grade and is worth 10% of your overall grade.

Projects - There will be Five creative Illustrator projects which account for 70% of your total grade.

Exercises - There are several exercises which are limited in scope and are designed reinforce specific learning objectives.

Graded Elements
Exercises 10%
In-class Exercises and Classroom In a Book (CIB) tutorial.

Quizzes 10%
Based on Classroom In A Book Exercises and content provided in
weekly modules

Communications 10%
Posting on message board/online critiques

Projects 70%
Sketch Everyday Object10%
Interior Variations Project 10%
Logo Design 10%
Label/Packaging 20%
CD Cover 20%