Tony Makepeace

COMP 9114 George Brown College AutoDesk - 210 King St. East, Room 2nd floor

Course schedule, topics, source files and assignment details for COMP 9114

Introduction to Digital Publishing

Course Description

This course offers a fundamental introduction to the Mac computer and select, key programs used in Desktop Publishing including page assembly software, Bezier line art and bitmap image programs. While the applications of computers are various, this course has a specific focus – introducing the computer processes used to prepare visual communications for reproduction. Though of relevance, subjects such as Layout and Design, Typography, Imaging, and the like, may only be briefly addressed. The course framework and contents are designed to provide an elementary overview – an introduction – to the Mac computer and certain program tools used by graphics professionals. This course presents information that is pre-requisite to further learning and pursuit of certification in Desktop Publishing.

Course syllabus available here as a printable document

I've created a help page for those who need a review of the login procedure. Please click here to launch this page.

George Brown College Continuing Education web site is linked here

Computer shop is linked here

Thirty day software trials from Adobe linked here

Textbook (recommended)
* By Elaine Weinmann, Peter Lourekas. * Published by Peachpit Press * Series: Visual QuickStart Guide.
Available at the bookstore or directly from Amazon.

Schedule & Topics

Date & Session	Topic	Source Files

Sept 07 / 10 Week 1	Introductory Session. Review of course outline and course objectives. Introduction to the OS X environment and lab procedures. Introduction to basic Digital Imaging theory and Photoshop CS4 work area. Initial exercises will include retouching and making selections and composites. Adobe TV video on retouching	09_ new_9114_week1.zip


Sept. 14 / 10 Week 2	Photoshop continued. Image sizing, cropping and resolution issues will be explored in this session. Brush technique and handcoloring will also be introduced. Adobe TV video on image size Adobe TV video on cropping	09_new_9114_week2.zip


Sept. 21 / 10 Week 3	1st assignment due. Photoshop continued. Color & density correction will be explored in a number of exercises. Multiple variations on the text tool will be introduced. Adobe TV video on adjusting color Adobe TV video on saving & file format	09_new_9114_week3.zip


Sept. 28 / 10 Week 4	Initial Illustrator exercises. Introduction to line-based artwork. Adobe TV video on Illustrator - Intro	09_new_9114_week4.zip


TBA / 10 Week 5	Illustrator continued. Templates, Live Trace & Save for Web. The rest of evening will be devoted to completing the map project. The project can be submitted at the end of the evening.	09_new_9114_week5.zip


TBA / 10 Week 6	InDesign introduced. Initial layout exercises with images and text. Adobe TV video on InDesign - Intro	09_new_9114_week6.zip


Oct. 19 / 10 Week 7	New & final InDesign project. Obtain files from the assignment 3 link below. This project can be submitted at the end of the evening.	interactive.zip

Assignments

Topic	Description	Due Date

1. Photoshop	Photoshop retouching project. Using the Clone Stamp, Patch Tool & Healing Brush, we will restore a damaged image to its original condition. Please see the supplied example. Specifics will be covered in class. Grading is determined by the quality and completion of the work.	September 21, 2010

The source files for #1 can be downloaded here

2. Illustrator	Illustrator project. The task here will be to create a map for a real or fictional place using Illustrator CS4. We will be practising this in class. A list of specific requirements will be provided. Grading will be determined by the quality and completion of the project.	October 05, 2010

The source files for #2 can be downloaded here

3. InDesign	This will involve creating a magazine layout using supplied images and text. The subject will be the work of the Indian photographer Edward Curtis. The format is flexible. The project will involve the creation of text and image boxes, text formatting, image sizing, borders and color choices. Again, grading will be determined by the quality and completion of the project.	October 19, 2010

The source files for #3 can be downloaded here

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Slide Shows

You may download the Power Point presentations shown in class here.

1. Desktop Publishing program overview
2. Color
3. Resolution
4. File format

Grading & Evaluation

Grade Assigned	Meaning	Numerical Equivalent

S++	Superior	90
S+	Very Good	80
S	Competent, meets expectation	75
S-	Rough but satisfactory	60
NS	Needs some work - re-submit	-


Final Calculations (examples)

Assignment 1	Assignment 2	Assignment 3	Final Extended
S++	S++	S++	90
S+	S+	S+	80
S+	S+	S	78
S	S	S	75
S-	S-	S-	60

If you miss a class due to illness, you may still do the exercise and receive the credit. No more than three classes can be missed. If an extended illness prevents you from attending class please notify the instructor. Documentation from recognized medical authorities may be required.



Relative Grade weight

Assignment 1			25%
Assignment 2			25%
Assignment 3			25%
Attendance & Completed exercises			25%


Total			100%

Projects are evaluated by the following criteria:

timely hand in
attention to detail
innovation
cleanliness
thoroughness of procedure (naming layers, etc)
adherence to project directives

Handing in

Please submit files through this web site. Date and time of the hand in will be recorded automatically. You will be required to log-in. The procedure will be demonstrated.

Please submit finished work as jpeg,.pdf or .zip files only, unless otherwise specified. This procedure will also be demonstrated.

Late files will lose one grade level per day late.

email	password