Raster/Vector Graphics, Spring 2026

Class Info

• Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
• Meeting Info: In Person

Homework Due This Class

• Use the vegetable file provided. Separate each item by using a selection tool and placing it on a layer by itself. Move and duplicate the vegetables as you wish. Use the transformation tools to alter vegetables into a person. See samples from class.

Topic

Colorizing and Loading Selections in PS

Today, we will discuss loading Selections and Colorizing in Photoshop. 

Objectives

What you can expect to learn

• Loading a Selection
  • Channels
  • Select Inverse
• Layers
  • Creating Adjustment Layers
  • Resetting color defaults in the Tool Bar
    • Swopping foreground and background colors
  • Filling a Selection
    • Foregrounds color
    • Background Color

Critique

Each week we will review homework assignments from the previous class. Students will participate in reviewing material and offering suggestions for improvement for their cohort. Students will present their veggie people. Use at least one Adjustment and clip it to affect the layer beneath it should be used. Save it as a layered native .psd file.

Lab

Lab assignments are done during class time.

• Practice Loading the Selection to isolate “black Lines” on an individual layer in the files provided.

Discussion:

Each week you will need to respond to two questions posted. This is a requirement for participation part of your grade.

Homework Due Next Class: 

All work should be submitted by 5:00 pm the day before class.

Each file should be saved according to the following naming convention. i.e., 1162_11_LastName.psd (Photoshop).

• Use one of the files you have worked on in class. Use the brush techniques from the previous lesson to colorize your file choice. Use an additional layer so that you can make an adjustment layer and clip it. Use techniques to create shadows and highlights with brush settings.

Vocabulary

Loading a Selection, foreground, background

Resources

Class Info

• Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026Meeting Info: In Person

Topic

Selections and Brushes

Today, we will discuss Photoshop selection tools. We will explore brushes, types, and uses. 

Objectives

What you can expect to learn

• Making Selections
  • Geometric Selections
    • Marquee Tools – Elliptical. Single Row and Single Column
  • Freehand Selections
    • Lasso Tools – Polygonal, Magnetic
  • Color Based Selections
    • Magic Wand Tool
      • Tolerance
    • Quick Selection Tool
• Transformation of Selections
  • Rotating, Duplicating, Moving, and changing Pixels
  • Select Inverse
• Creating an Adjustment Layer
• Brushes
  • Brush Panel and Presets
  • Loading New Brushes
  • Soft Brush vs. Hard Brush
  • Changing Brush Size
  • Pressure Sensitive Tablet

Critique

Each week we will review homework assignments from the previous class. Students will be asked to discuss the Disney Poster Midterm Project.

Lab

Lab assignments are done during class time.

1. Follow the demonstration and select coins, select inverse, and make adjustments to color. 
2. Use the “Pitch in” File to create a new type layer. Move the type and resize it to fit the width of the bench. Change the type color by sampling from the image.
3. Create your own tie design from the provided file.
4. Use various size brushes. 
5. Use various hard-to-soft brushes
6. Use various colors
7. You may change the background colors using selection techniques from class

Discussion:

Each week you will need to respond to two questions posted. This is a requirement for participation part of your grade.

Vocabulary

Tolerance, Marquee Tool, Lasso Tools, Quick Selection Tools, Magic Wand, Brush Attributes

Resources

Class Info

• Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
• Meeting Info: In Person

Topic

Midterm Project

Today, we will combine Pen Tool, Shape Tool, and Curvature Tool techniques to draw a poster. Make sure shapes are closed. We will use the Eyedropper to sample colors that will be demonstrated.

Objectives

What you can expect to learn

• Drawing from a Template
• Using Guides
• Creating Layers
  • Locking layers
  • Diming layers
  • Stacking Order of Layers
• Using Eyedropper to sample colors
• Changing Blend Modes
• Creating Blurs – Gaussian Blurs
• Feathering

Critique

Each week we will review homework assignments from the previous class. Students will participate in reviewing material and offering suggestions for improvement for their cohort. This week we discuss the use of the Pathfinder Tools and Blend Tool and the challenges they presented.

Lab

Lab assignments are done during class time.

Do This in Class:
Setting Up the Midterm File

Create an 11 x 17 Tabloid File. Open the rulers (view > Rulers > Show Rulers) and drag a half-inch border all around the edges as a guide. Select three images from Google of a Disney Poster according to the demo. The file is prepared to draw on using the images as a template. Using the template, students will start to draw shapes and then fill in colors in shaped areas. Color modes, layers, and blurring effects will be discussed.

Discussion:

Each week you will need to respond to two questions posted. This is a requirement for participation part of your grade.

Homework Due Next Class: 

All work should be submitted by 3:00 p.m. the day before class.

Each file should be saved according to the following naming convention. i.e., 1162_Midterm_LastName.ai (Illustrator).

• Complete outlining the Midterm Poster. Make sure the Pen has no fill and a black stroke.

Vocabulary

Template, Layers, Gaussian Blur, Feathering

Resources

Here are some notes that you should read to educate yourself in the topic area described above.