Adobe Graphics for Television Syllabus

Fairfax Public Access

Adobe Graphics for Television 6 sessions, 3 hours each Min class size 2 students, max 6 students/v.05.2021 Adobe Photoshop is a raster graphics editor. Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor and design program. Each program is used by both novice and seasoned professionals to create logos, icons, and graphics. Due to time limitations, this class will not cover the more advanced functions of the software, however this class will teach you the basics of creating professional quality television graphics.

Prerequisite: Orientation & knowledge of basic computer concepts.

Prior experience with an Adobe program is preferred, but not required.

Course objectives Students will learn how to -

Navigate the interfaces to find the tools, workspace and various palettes they’ll need Draw basic shapes Select and move objects around in a 2D environment Create and edit both vector and raster images easily Work with color selection tools, and some basic color theory Utilize text and learn which typefaces work best with video Discover how Illustrator and Photoshop files can work with other Adobe programs Provide students with knowledge to enhance their own video projects Understand the importance of proper setup and organization of files

Teaching method: Each class will be a mix of demonstrations, and lectures. A short amount of time will be provided to work on assignments during the class period, but your success will depend on practicing and completing assignments outside of class time.

Course Expectations: Show up on time, take notes, and practice on your own time as much as possible Course assessment and grading: Without regular attendance, it will be impossible to participate. Therefore, your level of attendance will have a significant effect on your personal progress in the class. Students will be assessed on their attendance, how well they understand the materials, class participation, how they work independently and the completion of the class projects.

Class projects: As part of the four class projects students are encouraged to be as creative as possible and apply lessons learned in the class. Projects will include creating a show logo design, lower third graphics, full screen graphics, and a video bug. ALL Projects Are Due On The Last Day Of The Class ***

Student time reservations: (Practice a lot…and often!)

Specific days and times will be set aside for using the classroom during the week, and will be discussed at the end of each class meeting. You can also reserve student time on your own if those dates/times do not work with your schedule.

To reserve a workstation and work on lessons outside of class students can call the FPA equipment room at 571.749.1111 (weekdays 12pm-10pm / weekends 8am-8pm).

Students have free use of the computer lab and can continue to reserve a workstation for practice purposes. Only certified students can continue to use the lab for working on approved FPA programs (this can refer to working on your own show or volunteering and helping other FPA producers).

Course syllabus content: Some of the course topics covered during the six session course. (May Be Subject to change) 1. Introduction to Graphic Design for Video, Raster Images v. Vector Graphics, Proper Document Set Up & File Management, 2. Creating Raster Images, Selecting/Moving Objects, Layers, Brushes 3. Layer Effects 4. Using Text 5. Exporting 6. Creating Vector Graphics 7. Shapes General information: The best way to reach me if you have any questions or concerns is via e-mail. I check my e-mail frequently. In addition, I can be contacted via phone at: Phone: (571) 749 - 1105 / E-mail: sburgoon@fcac.org IMPORTANT This six session class is only an introduction to the basic uses of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, specifically for creating graphics used in your television productions. Continued use and practice with the applications is recommended by staff.

Online Reference materials / tutorial options: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/tutorials.html https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/user-guide.html Follow-up recommended workshops: Students interested in expanding their knowledge of post-production graphics, animation, and/or video editing are encouraged to consider any of the following workshops offered at FPA. 

Adobe Premiere Essentials

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Adobe After Effects Essentials

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Adobe Premiere Level 2

POLICY REMINDER: Excerpt from FPA’s Operations Manual Section IV TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION Section B. - 1. - a. – iv: “Mandatory re-certification may be required for renewed members in good standing who wish to use FPA equipment who have been inactive for one or more years. This is done on a case-by-case basis by the Director of Training. Determinations are based on equipment or policy changes during a member’s inactive period and/or their skill levels upon their return.”

Section B. -1. –b: “A member experiencing difficulty operating equipment may be required by FPA personnel’s discretion to pass hands-on training or written test, and may be required to complete additional volunteer hours with veteran members”.

Why use Photoshop For many professional graphic designers, Photoshop is the number one image manipulation software.

Photoshop utilizes raster (bitmap) images and even though it was initially intended to be used as a photo editing program, it is now capable of crafting detail digital paintings and compositions.

On the other hand…

Why use Illustrator Illustrator is often compared to Adobe Photoshop, but the most important difference is that Illustrator files are always scalable and can be edited without causing the image to pixelate. In illustrator users can create designs which can be used in any size print media, or create digital artwork for TV, internet or mobile app purposes. Photoshop advantages lye in photo editing, digital painting / drawing / sketching artwork or creating design mockups.

Raster vs. Vector graphics The fundamental difference between the two is that vector graphics have less detail but can be resized larger infinitely without loss of quality. Vector is comprised of lines, and geometric data. Raster graphics are composed on pixels. Because vector graphics are not size dependent, they can be as small or as large as billboards without a loss in quality. Another item to note is that vector graphics can be converted to raster but it’s more difficult to do the reverse.

Projected Course Timeline Session one - Course overview; raster vs. vector images discussion pt. 1; getting to know the Photoshop real estate; importing and placing images into a document; opening, creating, and saving documents; in class activity and introduction to First Project – Full Screen Graphic Session two – Basic color theory; tools, panels, layers and layer styles, properties and menus; selecting, moving, resizing and straightening objects; brushes, gradients and the paint bucket; making shapes; working with the clone stamp tool; in class activity and time to work on first project Session three - Rules of Thirds, using/creating guides, using the alignment tools; using type; creating and working with masks; compositing; vector graphics in Photoshop vs Illustrator; Introduction of second project.

First project due at start of class.

Session four – Vector vs. Raster images discussion pt. 2; getting to know the Illustrator real estate; (tools, panels, and menus); drawing shapes; selecting artwork; building shapes; in class activity.

Introduction of third project.

Second Project due by end of class.

Session five – The Golden Ratio, pen tool; creating type on a path; using type; adding gradients; Introduction of Final Project Session six – Final Class – Final and All Projects Due by End of Class Meeting

***after last day of class, late assignments will not be counted