VPG-204-B Graphic and Digital Imaging

Spring Semester 2021

3 Credits
Mondays 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Cushing-Martin Hall 143

Instructor: Philip McCormick

[email protected]
mailbox located in Cushing-Martin Hall Room 124
Office hours: ­1 hour before class and by appointment

Course Description In this hands-on studio course, students learn the concepts of digital illustration and image manipulation
for use in the graphic design field. The technologies of vector (graphic) and raster (photographic) image
making will be studied using the software applications Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Projects
will focus on illustrative solutions for various design problems. These include the making of vector logos,
graphics, icons and illustrations as well as digital images, pictures and graphics for use in a variety of print
and internet implementations such as advertising, print collateral, websites and social media.

Learning Objectives This course encourages critical thinking and exploration of design solutions through both handmade
and digital methods. The course focuses on understanding the fundamental principles of design, the
design process (research, sketch, draft, revise, present, critique) and heightening the awareness of good
design. We will also build design vocabulary, develop visual problem-solving skills, learn to discuss one’s
own work and the work of others during critiques and discussions.

Course Framework Class time is devoted to discussions, classwork, lab time and both individual and class critiques.

Time Management & Deadlines: You are required to work on your assignments and technical skills
outside scheduled class times. You should expect to spend a minimum of three additional hours between
classes each week working on your assignments and projects.

Assignments: There will be weekly classwork and homework assignments designed to reinforce
readings, lectures, and demos from class. They will build your understanding of the basic design
principles, design thinking, use of the creative process, and craftsmanship. The assignments also
provide hands-on experience in using the software programs: Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
Assignments will be graded based on a demonstration of understanding concepts, craftsmanship, and
technical development. Students will also complete a semester-long journal/sketchboook assignment.
The journal/sketchbook will support development of observation and creative problem solving.

Critiques: There will be weekly class discussion and periodic critiques for all assignments and multiple
phases of critique and revision for your projects: during development and at the conclusion of the work.
Students participate in individual critiques as well as class critiques. Your attendance is mandatory on
critique days and you are expected to express your ideas and actively engage in the critiquing process
with the class. Your participation grade is calculated based on your involvement. Please refer to the Grade
Determination section for more information and grading details.

Course Evaluation Each assignment will build on the concepts of the preceding work—becoming more challenging as the
semester progresses. A final project and presentation will be submitted on the night of our final exam.

Assignments are due weekly, at the beginning of class—unless otherwise noted.

Late assignments will be penalized accordingly:
• 1/2 letter grade for the first 4 hours late.
• One full letter grade for each 24 hours they are overdue.
• You will receive no credit toward your participation grade for missing a critique.
 Each student will also be required to make sketches for all assignments and create paper prototypes when
applicable before moving to the computer. Students should come prepared each week with sketch book as
well as drawing materials, X-Acto knife with blades or scissors, glue, textbooks, markers, pencils, colored
pencils, and other necessary project materials for class work and discussion. A binder with sleeves or
folders can be used for assignment sketches, revisions and completed pieces.

Students will receive an outline of specific objectives and requirements with each assignment and project.
Students will be expected to sketch ideas; research audience and design solutions—record their findings;
and develop concepts by hand before working digitally. All components of the design process will be due
and submitted according to the assignment requirements.

Project Evaluation Each project will be graded based on the criteria outlined in the objectives and requirements. This
includes: evaluation of concept, the quality of visual work, your design process, craft or technical skill,
creativity and participation in discussion and critique process.

Grade Determination
Category Points/Weight
Attendance, participation and peer reviews/class critiques 20
Class exercises, homework assignments and quizzes (2) 30
Sketchbook/Journal 20
Final project 30
TOTAL 100

 A Excellent, work that is of the highest standard, showing distinction. Project exceeds technical skills
covered. Concepts are original. Evidence of research and exploration of topics. Outstanding oral
 A- presentation and critique participation.

 B+ Good, work that meets the objectives of the assignment. Work is technically good and demonstrates
an understanding of the concepts covered in class. Concept is strong.
 B Strong oral presentation and meets requirements of critique participation.

 B-
Satisfactory, work meets few of the objectives of the assignment. Few technical skills are applied to
 C+ work. Concept is good but needs further revision or exploration. Good oral presentation and meets
requirements for critique participation.
 C

 C-
Below Average, work that does not meet the objectives of the assignment. Demonstrates a lack
 D+ of technical skill proficiency. Concept lacks depth. Weak oral presentation, does not meet the
requirements for critique presentation
 D

 F Failure, work that was either not turned in or does not meet any of the objectives of the assignment.
Remote Students Some of the students in our class will be participating remotely from their home. All on-campus class
meetings will be streamed using Zoom.
• All remote students must be signed into the Zoom link on time.
• Camera use is strongly encouraged, and helpful. While not mandatory, I feel that being virtually
“present” helps with concentrating on the class.
• Please privately note any special circumstance under which you plan to have your camera off. I
recognize that you may be in an environment that might not feel private, safe, or comfortable to “open”
to an entire class. You always have the option of using a non-distracting virtual Zoom background to
disguise your physical surroundings.
• If you plan to have your camera off for any portion of the class, we will develop a participation contract
to make clear how you will participate and indicate how you are following along.
• Please make a commitment to be a contributive member of our learning community and environment.
Commit to remaining present with the class if you are physically apart from campus. Please restrict
messaging, the internet, and apps, in order to help you focus on the course content. Silence other
electronic devices unless you need them for engagement in the content.
• If you are unable to keep your camera on, or periodically need to turn it off, consider the ways in which
you will contribute to the social and group expectations of the class.
• Do not share access codes, passwords, or other mechanisms designed to secure online forums. Students
who share such information may be held responsible for the behavior of the recipient, including
harassment, “Zoombombing,” and other inappropriate conduct.

Course Videos and • Students may not save, record, post, distribute, or link to any of the videos posted in this course. Videos
Zoom Recordings posted by instructors, or other students are for academic use during this semester only.
• Students may not record any part of the class presentation or discussion, whether in person or
via remote instruction (such as Zoom), without express permission from the instructor and all
participating students. State law protects individual privacy, and federal law protects the instructor’s
intellectual property rights in course content.
• The College may live-stream or record classes, including student participation, to allow for remote
learning. Only students who are enrolled in this course may access the content. Students may not share
or distribute this content in any way.
• All chat messages sent through the Zoom platform are stored in connection with the College’s business
subscription. This includes private messages sent between individuals through Zoom.

Collaboration • As part of this course, you will be required to discuss readings and other course content with me and
your classmates through a group chat forum or break out groups. Although I may respond and engage
in the group discussion, I will not share information about your grade or your performance through
this forum or any other group setting. Your participation in these discussions constitutes consent under
the Family Educational Records and Privacy Act (FERPA) with respect to your enrollment in the
course and the material you post in the group forum.

Health and Safety • Students are expected to read and adhere to all guidelines set out by the College. These guidelines can
Guidelines (General) be found here. These guidelines include (but are not limited to):
• Always wear a face mask/face covering
• Practice physical distancing at all times (even in residence halls)
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water often for 20 seconds
• Monitor your own health by conducting a daily health check (this includes taking your temperature
daily)
• Seek medical advice if experiencing symptoms and DO NOT attend class
• Avoid unnecessary travel off campus
• Adhere to testing requirements set by the College
• Sit at the workstation to which you are assigned. If for some reason the computer at your workstation is
non-operational, please notify the instructor before switching workstations.
• Clean your workstation keyboard, mouse, and general desk area with a disinfecting wipe before class
begins. Wipes will be available in the classroom. Please take a wipe on your way into the classroom.
Attendance Attendance at all classes is mandatory. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class meeting.
Most classes will run the full session and you are expected to stay for the entire class. If you will be absent
from class it is your responsibility to email me before class and to see me during the next scheduled class
to find out what you missed; to make up any work; and to get any materials you may have missed by
being absent, late, or leaving early.

Lectures and demonstrations necessary to fulfill assignments and projects will be held during class time.
Therefore, it is required that you arrive on time prepared with all materials for the day. Failure to do so
will be reflected in your participation grade for the semester.
After two unexcused absences, your course grade will drop by a letter grade.
Absence beyond 3 classes will result in failure of the course.

Academic Honor Code My expectation is that you will adhere to the Stonehill Academic Honor Code and Academic Integrity
and Integrity Policy Policy found in the 2020-2021 Hillbook under Academic Policies and Procedures.

In this course, it is expected that all students will produce and present their own individual work that
they created. They will respect the classroom equipment and tools provided for use as well as the work of
their fellow classmates. In addition, all resource materials used in the creation of work should be original
to the student producing the work and should be included with all assignments. Any resources or source
materials that are not original must include full accreditation of their origin and copyright. Failure to
credit sources fully will result in a failing grade on the coursework in violation.

When in doubt, always verify with me if something is being done properly or is allowable in this class.
A violation of Stonehill’s Academic Integrity Policy may, at my discretion, result in but is not limited to a
failing grade on the coursework in violation.

Resources for The Center for Writing and Academic Achievement (CWAA) provides academic support services
Academic Support in a welcoming, professional environment that emphasizes collaborative learning and peer tutoring,
supplemented with professional- level support. The CWAA offers a variety of academic support services,
including peer tutoring in writing, math, and foreign languages.

The CWAA is located in MacPháidín Library, Room 314. Drop-in hours are offered Sunday–Thursday.
Students can visit the CWAA website to view schedules, make appointments, or request a tutor.

Students with Disabilities Stonehill College is committed to providing a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment for
students with disabilities. The Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) provides a point of coordination,
resources and support for students with disabilities and the campus community. If you anticipate or
experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, please let me know so that we can discuss
options. You are also welcome to contact OAR to begin this conversation or to establish reasonable
accommodations for this or other courses. OAR is located within the Academic Services & Advising Suite
in Duffy 104. For additional information please call (508) 565-1306 or email accessibility-resources@
stonehill.edu

Inclusive Classroom Stonehill College embraces the diversity of students, faculty, and staff, honors the inherent dignity of
Statement each individual, and welcomes their unique cultural and religious experiences, beliefs, and perspectives.
We all benefit from a diverse living and learning environment, and the sharing of differences in ideas,
experiences, and beliefs help us shape our own perspectives. Course content and campus discussions will
heighten your awareness to these differences.

There are many resources for anyone seeking support or with questions about diversity and inclusion at
Stonehill. Resources are infused throughout the Mission Division, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs.
If you’d like more information on how to get connected to resources, the Office of Intercultural Affairs is
a good first stop: Location: Duffy 149, Phone: 508-565-1409, Email: [email protected].
If you are a witness to or experience an act of bias at Stonehill, you may submit a bias incident report
 online or on the Stonehill App. If you would like to learn more on bias incident prevention and response,
or submit a report please visit:
http://www.stonehill.edu/offices-services/intercultural-affairs/bias-response-protocol/

If you ever have a concern about my behavior or that of another student in the class, please feel free
to approach me in whatever manner is most comfortable for you: in person, by email, or with an
anonymous note in my mailbox (Cushing-Martin room 124)…
whatever it takes so that we can continue to work on creating an inclusive classroom environment.
Thank you!

Cell Phone Policy Cell phones are not allowed in class. All cell phones must be turned to silent mode during class time and
remain out of sight throughout the entire duration of the class. Any exceptions must be approved by the
professor.

During quizzes/exam periods each cell phone must be in silent mode and remain visible with the screen
side down on the desk. Absolutely no use of the cell phone (i.e., checking its screen) is permitted from the
time an exam or quiz is handed out until it has been turned in to be graded.

Headphone Policy Headphones will only be allowed for break out sessions or group collaborations on Zoom.
Any other usage must be approved by the professor.

Course Materials Design Elements, Color Fundamentals: A Graphic Style Manual for Understanding How Color Affects
Design by Aaris Sherin (eReserves in eLearn)
Additional readings and resources as assigned.

Materials
Hardcover sketch book Scissors and/or X-Acto Knife (blades)
folder or binder (with page sleeves) Metal Ruler/T-square
Drawing materials: pencils, pens, markers, erasers Cutting mat
Glue, glue stick, double-sided tape

File Storage All files for this class must be stored on OneDrive. Do not store files on the MacintoshHD drive. You
may store files on the StorageHD drive but it is important to remember that those files are not secure. If
you choose to store your work on the StorageHD drive, your work can be seen, copied, modified and/
or deleted by anyone who logs on to that computer after you leave the room. If you are using your own
laptop to work on projects, you must back up all files to the OneDrive. Remember, loss of data is not an
excuse for missing a deadline. Also remember that you are required to have all your project files available
for every class. This is a part of basic class preparation.

Resources Software Tutorials

Illustrator: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/tutorials.html
Photoshop: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/tutorials.html
Lynda.com
Youtube.com

Stock Photography
adobestock.com lifeofpix.com pixabay.com stockvault.net
allthefreestock.com www.loc.gov/pictures/ realisticshots.com unsplash.com
freenaturestock.com morguefile.com publicdomainarchive.com

Recommended Design Reading

aiga.org commarts.com gdusa.com howdesign.com
printmag.com