Here is a link to sample syllabi and assignments.
COMD 3413 Illustration II: Character Design
This is a mid-level illustration course that introduces students to concepts relating to creating original characters and their stories and environments, in a range of genres. Students use a variety of media, both traditional wet & dry and also digital, to execute their designs. A large portion of the emphasis of the class is put on process: sketching as many ideas as possible and editing them based on feedback from classmates and the professor. By the end of the semester students have created several original characters to a professional finish including expression sheets (a variety of facial expressions showing mood and emotion) and turnarounds (showing the character in full-body view from multiple angles.)
See course catalog for full information.
COMD 3513 Advanced Illustration I: Narrative (formerly ADV 3513)
In this course students are challenged to tell stories as a visual narrative, otherwise known as comic strips, editorial cartoons, short stories and long-form narratives. Assignments include a 3-page autobiographical story for the midterm, and a minimum 8-page mini comic or children’s book for the final project. I always get visiting artists to help the students with their work and to see their own work in context with a working professional. Guests have included David Gallaher (writer of Green Lantern, The Only Living Boy, and more), Simon Fraser (artist on Dr. Who), and Gideon Kendall (background designer for Disney’s Goldie & Bear.) These visiting artists have bonded with the students and forged friendships and resulted in several internships.
See course catalog for full information.
CDMG 3532 Print Production for Designers (formerly GRA 3532)
This course focuses on current print production workflows that can prepare print designers for real world policies, procedures and accountability – most students have only ever printed something to an inkjet or desktop printer. Understanding the printing processes is an essential part of designing that can assure a predictable outcome. Emphasis is also on the importance of personal communication skills to better advance ideas. The thesis of this class is that no matter the project you need to reverse-engineer it from the output and delivery and work back to where you are today to figure out your timing, budget and workflow. Students are given a mix of assignments including using an online vendor, “diy ‘zine” making, and traditional wood and linoleum block printing.
See course catalog for full information.
ADV 1260 Digital Imaging
Foundation course in raster/bitmap graphics using programs such as Adobe Photoshop. This course is designed to give students a basic introduction to raster images such as photographs, their properties and basic methods of editing and manipulating them.
ADV 2360 Vector Art
Foundation course for vector graphics using programs such as Adobe Illustrator. This course gives students basic introduction to creating and editing vector graphics to create illustrations and logos.
I taught the two courses above separately until the new curriculum was rolled out in 2011 and they were combined into one course, COMD 1162 Raster & Vector Graphics.
COMD 1162 Raster & Vector Graphics (formerly ADV 1162)
This course is a combination of two previously separate courses, ADV 1260 and ADV 2360. This is a foundation course that introduces students to the basic concepts related to raster and vector graphics, the two fundamental digital graphic forms. An emphasis is put on teaching students the difference between the two fundamental digital graphic forms, and learning best uses and practices for each. Students develop projects from concept sketches and develop them to completion using digital tools.
See course catalog for full information.