Digital Design 1
Begin Here
Module 1
Copyright
Copyright law is important in the Digital Design world because it protects the work you create. It encourages creativity. If Copyright was not a law, people could use your work without asking, or even claim it as their own! Make sure you understand Copyright, Fair Use, and Public Domain:
Some things like phrases and names are not protected by Copyright Law because they are too common. If they are considered identifiable, they can be trademarked!
The Creative Commons is a way that people can share their creative works and allow them to be used under certain conditions.
Module 2
Intro to Photoshop
It is important to know vocabulary associated with Adobe Photoshop functions and actions. Make sure you know the different parts of the Photoshop workspace so you can follow along with instruction in class!
The Tools panel gets the most use in Photoshop. When you click on a tool, you can adjust its options, then begin using the tool to edit your photo. Become familiar with the tools available in the Tools Panel, as well as their keyboard shortcuts. Keyboard shortcuts allow you to work faster and more efficiently which could result in a higher cash flow in the future!
The Layers Panel is an important part of the Photoshop CC Workspace. Understanding what it can do and how are integral to your success as a graphic designer! I recorded today's lesson, the first half of instruction on the Layers Panel and it can be accessed on Microsoft Teams, via Google Classroom, or via the link below.
September 28
Complete the "Label the Layers Panel" Worksheet
Complete the "Getting Started with Photoshop CC Review" Worksheet
Test on Getting Started with Photoshop is Monday, 10-5-20. All content covered to this point is fair game! Make sure you are members of our class Remind (info in the "Begin Here" Module on my webpage)
Module 3
Making Selections
Using selection tools in Photoshop allows you to tell the program which pixels you want to edit specifically, opposed to the entire image. It is important for you to understand how each of the selection tools works and the best situations in which to use them so you can work efficiently (and make edits easier). You may need to use multiple selection tools to make the selection depending on the situation. Let's go over each of the different selection tools by making a shadow box with seashells. The instructional videos are below. You can download the practice file on Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams.
As we have learned, the selection tools in Photoshop are powerful. There are a number of tools and all are used for different purposes. Sometimes we even use multiple tools to select one element. We are going to practice the selection tools by using them to "cut out" the sports equipment in this Photoshop file and place them in the basket of in the other Photoshop file. This will also require you to arrange your windows! The files you need for this activity can be found on Google Classroom and your final file should be submitted there as well.
We have discussed the layers panel and how it is the heart of Photoshop. Using layers is advantageous as a digital designer. Layers allow you to make non-destructive edits, giving your clients options and giving you the ability to work more efficiently. Remember there are six different types of layers: image, adjustment, fill, shape, type, and smart object. Smart object layers can be any of the other five types of layers. Also within the layers panel are blending modes and layer styles. In our next practice file, we will apply everything we have learned so far to make sure you understand it all. Then, we will finish the lesson with your first project!
Module 4
Design Elements and Principles
Design Elements are the things you use to create your graphic or artwork. In Photoshop, this would be things that you place on your canvas- Images, Type, Shapes, Colors, etc. Design Principles are "rules" that use those design elements to create great artwork and graphics. If you follow the rules, your designs will be appealing and catch the audience's attention. They will enjoy looking at it.
October 23
Today we started learning about the design elements. We learned that lines are the start of all design. Lines can be literal or inferred. Lines can also evoke emotion. There are different kinds of lines as well. Then we dove into the world of color. Color is a powerful element that can make or break your designs. After discussing how color can enhance your designs, we learned about the different color schemes: Analogous, Monochromatic, Contrasting, and Complementary. We went to color.adobe.com to practice creating the different colors schemes. The website calls Contrasting "Split Complementary". We learned how color has a psychological effect in advertising when we read the article The Psychology of Color in Marketing and Branding. While reading this article, we completed guided notes.
Next, we practiced making color schemes using color.adobe.com, then completed the Color Schemes Worksheet using Photoshop.
The lesson was recorded (linked on Google Classroom) and at the end of the lesson I go over the instructions for the worksheet!
October 27
We continued discussing Design Principles and Elements through Contrast.
October 29
We finished discussing the Design Principles today and now you are going to apply what you learned by completing the Design Principles Matrix. The instructions are on the worksheet. When you complete it, please submit on Google Classroom.
After completing the Design Principles Matrix, do the Design Principles and Elements Crossword Puzzle. This will be a great study guide for your next test!
Project
Voting is an American Citizen's right. In honor of Election day (November 3rd) we will be designing an "I Voted" sticker that represents Okaloosa County.
Typography
Typography is probably my favorite element of design. The font you use and the placement of text can have a huge impact, positive or negative, on your designs! Let's start by reading an article by Creative27 and completing Guided Notes:
Let's jump into the basics and guidelines of Typography Design, then discuss the "Rules" of Typography!
After discussing the rules of fonts, we talked about ways to find and download fonts to use in your designs. A quick Google search of "Free Fonts" will bring up a number of websites like DaFont.com and 1001FreeFonts.com. These are websites that provide a large number of fonts available for you to download. Make sure you pay attention to the license agreements. You can also use fonts.adobe.com since you have an Adobe ID. These fonts will be associated with your Adobe account and can be used on any device you are logged into.
Your test will cover Design Principles and Elements as well as Typography. Complete the Typography worksheet below and use your Design Principles and Elements Crossword Puzzle to help you study. Your notes are also a great way to study!
On Monday, November 16th we watched a TED talk and completed a worksheet to discuss the impact Typography can have on your designs.
Then, we went over your Typography Review worksheet and reviewed with Kahoot. The recorded lesson is below.
Our next project is to design the cover for the 2020-2021 Curriculum Catalog! This is a publication that includes information about all of the classes and programs offered at Choctawhatchee High School. It is important to present the information in a way that represents Choctaw appropriately. This book is given to every Freshman- Junior, as well as incoming Freshmen (8th graders) and new students enrolling at our school! Administration will look at all of the designs produced in my Digital Design 1 and 2 classes and pick the winning cover!