This course is intended for students with an interest in learning a variety of methods of combining text and images to communicate meaning. Assignments will focus on ways to use drawing to visually communicate ideas clearly and vividly. Cartooning, graphic novels, editorial illustration, greeting cards, and biological/nature illustration will be covered. Students will also be introduced to digital illustration. A variety of media including watercolor, pen and ink, colored pencil, and charcoal will be emphasized. 

.5 Credit

This course introduces students to the field of graphic design.  A variety of computer programs including Adobe Illustrator, a computer-drawing program, and Adobe Photoshop, a photo editing software, will be stressed.  Through hands-on projects, students will apply computer and design skills to create electronic drawing, graphic layouts and learn the basics of photo manipulation.  In Phase one, students will learn the basic interface of Adobe Illustrator, including the tool bar, file saving and sharing.  Students will also be introduced to basic design vocabulary and principles.  Phase two introduces students to a variety of approaches to design including Swiss Design and Symmetry/Asymmetry concepts.  In phase three, students will apply these design skills and program knowledge to several robust, in depth design projects that challenge them to synthesize their knowledge with methods of visual communication. Satisfies either .5 Fine Art/Humanities or  .5 STEM Credit. 

.5 Credit

This course is designed for students who want to develop their graphic design skills in the field of graphic communication.  Students will improve competency using two graphic programs.  Emphasis will be on using Photoshop and Illustrator in tandem.  They will develop their design intuition and consider which program is appropriate for a variety of projects.  Students will begin to work collaboratively and with the school community to develop a client/designer relationship.  Students will revisit design theory and application used in Digital Image Design I activities and will add to their knowledge base of design approaches.  Projects are designed as real world visual problems and as much as possible, have real clients.  Past projects include designing the After-Prom t-shirts, the EHPS Reads brochure, School store logo and sign, and logos for local small businesses.

.5 Credit

Digital Art and Media

Digital Photography I

Digital Photography II

In this project-based class, students will utilize theory and applications acquired in prerequisites through the creation of multimedia presentations. Particular attention will be paid to the three-way relationship between client/users, authors, and digital equipment to communicate appropriate ambiance and information.  An understanding of teamwork, branding, and audience psychology will result in dynamic multimedia projects that follow a corporate or professional model.  Students will create projects for the school and the local community, and start to build a professional portfolio.

.5 Credit

 This is an introductory course into the basics of digital photography. The course will begin with the history of photography from the camera obscura to the digital SLR. Students will be able to examine how various cameras work. The main emphasis of the course will be on how to effectively capture a photograph using manual exposure settings while focusing on composition through the elements and principles of design. Topics covered will include portrait, landscape, and action photography. The course will be taught in a classroom and computer lab where photo editing programs, such as Photoshop, will be introduced. Basic computer and file management skills will be reviewed in order to successfully complete the course with a digital portfolio of finished assignments. 

.5 Credit

This course builds on the skills gained in Digital Photography I and is designed to allow students to improve and achieve advanced photographic techniques, and promotion of digital photography skills. Students will not only take digital photographs in provided themes but also edit each work to reflect their understanding of photography aesthetics using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

.5 Credit

Digital Art and Media

-Gateway College Credit