General Information

• Name: Computer Illustration I
• Discipline: Graphic Communications (GRC)
• Units (Credits): 3
• Schedule History: See when this course was offered over the last three years.
• Transfer Information: Courses with numbers 100 to 299: This course is designed to apply toward a WNC degree and/or transfer to other schools within the Nevada System of Higher Education, depending on the degree chosen and other courses completed. It may transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada. For information about how this course can transfer and apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.
• Academic Division: Communications and Fine Arts

Prerequisites and Recommended Courses

• Prerequisites: basic computer skills
• Recommended: GRC 118

Course Outline

I: Catalog Course Description

Offers an introductory/intermediate class in the creation and execution of designs and illustrations in the electronic environment. Focuses on Adobe Illustrator Vector-Draw software, including the tools and techniques required to produce professional-level artwork. Knowledge of the following basic computer skills required: saving, opening, and printing documents, opening and closing applications, creating and managing folders and subfolders, viewing the contents of disk drives and external storage devices, managing desktop items.

II: Course Objectives

Upon course completion, the student will acquire and understanding of:

• Working methods common in visual communications to research visual problems so they can be reproduced quickly and effectively.
• The application of these working methods into an electronic environment.
• Expansion of researched work into refined, completed designs based on software capabilities.
• Techniques in moving artwork from the analog to the electronic environment.
• Strengths, weaknesses and applications of vector-draw software
• Adobe Illustrator operation and the creation, manipulation and execution of visual images and designs from an introductory to intermediate skill level.
• More advanced Illustrator applications, including layers, blends, gradients, mesh gradients, masks, compound paths, transparencies, filters, special effects and export options.
• Scanner operation and modification of scanned images for use in vector-draw software.
• Preparation and production techniques specific to illustrator files for print and monitor-based output.
• Presentation of projects in a consistent, professional fashion.

III: Course Linkage

Linkage of course to educational program mission and at least one educational program outcome.

• Have problem solving, creative, and critical thinking skills.
• Have effective and efficient learning skills, including the location and evaluation of information.
• Have appropriate technological skills, including computer skills.
• Have an understanding of the fine arts.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Graphic Communications will provide employment-related knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the graphic communications field. The degree will meet educational criteria for employment and prepare the student for possible transfer to other colleges and universities to meet higher educational and professional goals.

Upon completion of this course, it is expected that students will have:
• researched design problems.
• demonstrated technical skills.
• implemented design concepts.
• worked collaboratively.
• performed successful presentations.