The learning activity centres on practical exercises in vector illustration, with support and direction in other software suitable for illustration, particularly for importing into a vector editing application. You are expected to investigate existing work and current software illustration techniques with others, but produce final work individually

1. You are expected to attend and participate in workshops and seminars
2. Undertaking theoretical study of computer illustration in self managed research and seminars:
3. Participation in interim seminars to monitor progress, understanding and background development as presented.

Adobe Illustrator CS Classroom in a Book, Adobe Creative Team , Adobe Press 2003. ISBN: 0321193806
Adobe Photoshop CS Classroom in a Book; Adobe Creative Team Adobe Press 2004. ISBN 032119375X
Beware Wet Paint: Designs by Alan Fletcher; Jeremy Myerson, Rick Poynor, David Gibbs Phaidon 2004, ISBN: 0714843784
The Art of Looking Sideways Alan Fletcher, Phaidon Press 2001 ISBN: 0714834491
Illustrators 43, edited by Jill Bossert for SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS Rotovision 2001 ISBN: 0060084146
The Education of an Illustrator, ed by Steven Heller and Marshall Arisman, Allworth Press, 2000 ISBN: 158115075X
Digital : Media Tools, Nigel Chapman, Jenny Chapman, October 2003. John Wiley. ISBN: 047085748X


books available online - http://ard-172-174.staffs.ac.uk/staff/colin/uploaded/UsefulDocuments/ebooks.htm
http://ard-172-174.staffs.ac.uk/staff/colin/uploaded/UsefulDocuments/recommendedSites.htm

A range of books, subject-specific periodicals and journals, newspaper and other related articles, as well as texts relating to the design process and the promotion of design relevant to your course of study should be employed as negotiated with the module manager - together with any subject-specific visual, audio or audio-visual evidence to support your work.

Recommended
You will be expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities available within the University; keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate periodicals and being aware of the work of major practitioners in your subject.

100% coursework
coursework includes a number of negotiated and aggregated components encompassing [Learning Outcomes 1-7]

1. Digital prints of series of illustrations (being a set of variation on a single stylistic theme), that depict several related but separate events, ideas or objects. [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4]

2. A work-file [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4]
+ relevant source material, content and visual references
+ screen-grab prints / cuttings/ photocopies of material from illustrators you liked or felt appropriate
+ prints of experiments in digital illustration - using a variety of techniques

A single assessment grade will take an holistic view of the student?s achievements.

This module is an introduction to digital illustration using standard software. The course focuses on technical proficiency, and on understanding of the opportunities and constraints provided by digital creation and delivery. You will be expected to
+ demonstrate a clear ability to exploit digital illustration techniques
+ develop several rough designs using a variety of experiments in available media.
+ reflect on influences from digital imaging/illustration work available in print and on screen
+ develop a final cohesive set of digital illustrations

You will participate in workshops and seminars covering:
+ vector graphic software (eg Illustrator 10.0) techniques - from basic to intermediate.
+ Using digital type
+ An overview of the technical principles behind file transfer to and from bitmap, vector and layout software (eg Illustrator,Photoshop, Flash, Xpress) and to the web,
+ An overview of digital illustrations and the opportunities of the medium

Access to bookable studio space and lecture/seminar room with blackout and digital presentation hardware.
Access to digital storage
Computer workshop facilities and appropriate software

Slide Library
Design Study Collection

Non-specialist computing facilities for email, internet access, word processing, database, spreadsheet and basic presentations will be available through the University?s ?Information Services? on-campus facilities - the exception being the ?studio browsers? which are located in base rooms/studios and will provide mainly email and internet access which are provided by the Faculty.

Specialist skills ?modulettes? will be assigned to this module. A comprehensive list of the modulettes is available from the Faculty Office, together with the current operational parameters for the modulettes (instruction description, maximum group size, time allocation, level etc). Some modules will have will have more than one modulette assigned to it and this information will also be held by the Faculty Office.

Computer workshop facilities and appropriate software Slide Library Design Study Collection Non-specialist computing facilities for email, internet access, word processing, database, spreadsheet and basic presentations will be available through the University?s ?Information Services? on-campus facilities - the exception being the ?studio browsers? which are located in base rooms/studios and will provide mainly email and internet access which are provided by the Faculty. Specialist skills ?modulettes? will be assigned to this module. A comprehensive list of the modulettes is available from the Faculty Office, together with the current operational parameters for the modulettes (instruction description, maximum group size, time allocation, level etc). Some modules will have will have more than one modulette assigned to it and this information will also be held by the Faculty Office.