Digital Art and Animation

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE :

Goals

This one‐year course introduces students to contemporary media as an extension of the creative experience. Covered in this course of visual communications are aesthetics, art criticism, art‐history, art‐making and self‐expression. Students analyze and compare traditional art with contemporary art and methods and use of technology in the art experience.

Grade Scale

Grading Scale

These classes are accelerated classes, therefore credit will be received upon completion of projects. Student will receive 100 percent for completing objectives set by teacher. Once student has completed all assignments they will be recommended to receive credit for course.

Syllabus

Digital Art and Animation Syllabus (Aligned with Texas TEKS)

Course Overview

The Digital Art and Animation course is a one‑credit high school course, recommended for grades 9–12. The course follows the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards for Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications. It is divided into two parts: Part A (Adobe Photoshop) and Part B (Adobe Illustrator).

Semester 1 – Part A: Adobe Photoshop

Weeks 1–2: Introduction & Foundations
- Course overview, TEKS goals, rubric and tool introductions.
- Basic Photoshop: interface, layers, selections, brushes.

Weeks 3–5: Design Elements & Principles in Photoshop
- Explore line, shape, color, texture.
- Apply balance, contrast, pattern.

Weeks 6–8: Digital Illustration & Image Editing
- Drawing, photo manipulation, masks, layers.

Weeks 9–11: Real‑World Project
- Create a digital poster or storyboard using academic writing and technical vocabulary.

Weeks 12–15: Digital Painting & Effects
- Blend brushes, lighting, textures.
- Culminate with a polished digital painting or concept art piece.

Weeks 16–18: Reflection & Portfolio
- Write artist statements.
- Assemble a portfolio showing Photoshop skills.

Semester 2 – Part B: Adobe Illustrator

Weeks 1–2: Illustrator Basics
- Interface, vector concepts, pen tool, shapes.

Weeks 3–5: Vector Design & Typography
- Craft logos and icons; font selection, curve technique.

Weeks 6–8: Brand Identity Project
- Design a brand logo/package; present rationale.

Weeks 9–11: Advanced Illustrator Techniques
- Gradients, patterns, clipping masks, perspective grids.

Weeks 12–14: Illustration & Animation Concepts
- Develop characters/iconography using vector tools.

Weeks 15–17: Final Project
- Create a vector illustration or animation asset set.

Week 18: Reflection & Portfolio
- Final reflection and portfolio.

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