Art 2803 | Intro to Computing

Introduction to Computing for Art offers an introduction to desktop computer hardware, operating systems, and application software in the visual arts and design.

Below are descriptions of some of the assignments in the course with student work examples.


Photoshop Surreal Scene

Objective: Create an unusual Photoshop scene using black and white recoloring, layer compositing, and image manipulation techniques (Liquify & Puppet Warp).

Optional: Select a separate image in advance to use as color palette inspiration.

Getting Started: To start out, gather assets and thumbnail sketch four possible design variations in pencil. In gathering assets you will be searching through the reference libraries listed on your syllabus and the ones below. They are listed again below for your convenience.

Design Method: Gather, then sketch, then gather more, then sketch again. Work back and forth letting your image research inform your design sketch and letting the sketched design concepts inform further image research. Study the negative space created by your image assets and think about other imagery that can utilize that space. Once this process is well underway, you will block out your design in Photoshop. You may do further image research to suit your composition once the basic blocks are in place. I recommend keeping several tabs open in Photoshop to work on compositional variations.

Design Rules:

  1. Must composite multiple image layers in Photoshop with non destructive masking techniques.
  2. Must use at least one black and white photo that you recolor.
  3. Must have a subject, a background, and at least one object the subject interacts with.
  4. Must use Liquify, Puppet Warp, or both to manipulate the imagery.

A photoshopped image composed of a little girl riding her bicycle through an underwater rose garden surrounded by various types of underwater creatures. A photoshopped image composed of two underwater dancing women that are top-half ballerinas and bottom half jellyfish A photoshopped image composed of a large mansion that is caught on fire in the background, in the foreground there are two people enjoying a picnic surrounded by marble statues in the front lawn. A photoshopped image composed of the city of Chicago, with various types of large animals appearing throughout the street. There is a moose peering around a building. An alligator coming up from the subway. A tiger resting on top of the movie theater. And a snake slithering down the side of another building.


Illustrated Scene

Objective: Create a vector based illustrated scene in Illustrator from one of the prompts below. You must use at least two levels of value per color.

Introduction: For this project, I want you to illustrate a visually compelling scene in Adobe Illustrator by choosing from one of the prompt subjects found below. The dimensions will be 12”x18” (either portrait or landscape orientation). The composition will utilize many methods, tools, and techniques within Illustrator.

Design Method: To start out, you will research your reference images, use your own photos, draw from imagination, or some combination thereof. You will make at least four small thumbnail drawings of potential illustration compositions on scrap paper. These thumbnails should be around 2”x3” - the thumbnails must be proportional to the final dimensions. (2x3 scales proportionally to 12”x18”).

Consider how to implement the following strategies into your sketches: simplification of form, the time of day, color relationships, lighting, shadows, different and unique points of view, and asymmetrical and dynamic compositions. You may do further image research to suit your composition once the basic blocks are in place. I recommend keeping several tabs open in Illustrator to work on compositional variations.

An illustrated image composed of an indoor window with green curtains and a lamp, looking out into the down pour of rain onto a little red house. An illustrated image composed of a girl looking out into a field with a house, pond, and trees. It is composed of various blues, greens, and reds. An illustrated image composed of a man with a large head watching television from the couch with a gaming studio resting on the coffee table. Also, you can see into the kitchen where a glass of wine is resting on the table. An illustrated image composed of a man with orange snow gear is walking through what appears to be a blizzard surrounded by mountains. An illustrated image composed of a young girl lying on a purple couch, with a green rug underneath her - living in what seems to be a city with green large buildings in the background.


Photoshop & Illustrator Combined 

Objective: Create a photo-montage using both Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Integrate processed photographs from Photoshop with two dimensional illustration from Illustrator in the same composition. You may think of this as a poster with no text. Use your choice of organic or geometric line or shapes.

Introduction:For this project, you will work back and forth between Photoshop and Illustrator using the smart object process (video to follow). Strive for integration of shape and unity of design; as well as a level of complexity worthy of a final project.

The dimensions will be will be 12”x18” (either portrait or landscape orientation).

The composition should be well organized as layers and should use the non-destructive processes we’ve covered in this class. You should be able to edit and make changes to the composition at any time.

Design Method: To start out, gather assets and thumbnail sketch four possible design variations in pencil. In gathering assets you will be searching through the reference libraries listed on your syllabus and the ones below. They are listed again below for your convenience.

Gather, then sketch, then gather more, then sketch again. Work back and forth letting your image research inform your design sketch and letting the sketched design concepts inform further image research. Study the negative space created by your image assets and think about other imagery that can utilize that space. Once this process is well underway, you will block out your design in Photoshop. You may do further image research to suit your composition once the basic blocks are in place. I recommend keeping several tabs open in Photoshop to work on compositional variations.

Design Rules:

  1. Must composite multiple image layers in Photoshop with non destructive masking techniques.
  2. The color palette must be restricted - look to precedents in art and design.
  3. The two dimensionally illustrated elements must be well integrated with the photographic elements and must be incorporated heavily. Use the smart object technique to retain alignment and editing capabilities.
  4. No space cats vomiting rainbows. The subject matter is your choice but make it original.

A photoshopped and illustrated image composed of outer space version of earth with a satellite near Earth. With many arrows and colorful rings surrounding the planet. A photoshopped and illustrated image composed of two women sitting on the sun and the moon, surrounded by clouds.A photoshopped and illustrated image composed of a rundown city on the outer edges of the composition, with a phone held up in the middle depicting a more colorful vibrant version of the city. With skyscrapers, bricked roads, and blue birds flying around. A photoshopped and illustrated image composed of a woman surrounded by golden layers of waves, with several. people dancing around on the waves. A photoshopped and illustrated image composed of several people appearing out of broken glass, dressed in black and white swirled costumes with white faces.

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