ARTS 2126 - 003 / Digital Art 1 : Spring 2024
Office/Studio: 1B62
T / TH 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM Office Hours: By appointment only VISUAL ARTS COMPLEX 1B23 E-Mail: Brianna.Autin@colorado.edu
Instructor: Brianna Autin
Course Description
Digital Art 1 is an introduction into the use of a personal computer to create and process images, sounds and videos within the visual arts. This course will focus on the varied possibilities of computer-based art production by using programs from the Adobe Creative Cloud suite as our main tool. The course will also focus on things like camera operation, lighting, and the stages of production. Instruction will be provided in the form of tutorials, lectures, projects, quizzes, and critiques.
The skills and thought processes developed in this course should inform your artistic practice in subsequent courses. ARTS 2126 should serve as the foundation for further endeavors in digital art and prepare students for future courses such as Digital Art 2, History and Theory of Digital Art, New Directions in Digital Art, and a special topics course on Remix Culture.
Course Goals and Objectives
- Build familiarity with Adobe software (Photoshop, Audition, Bridge, Media Encoder, After Effects, and Premiere Pro).
- Examine conceptual and theoretical inspirations behind digital art and apply these to create meaningful works of art.
- Expand knowledge on artists working within the field of digital art.
- Analyze and interpret works of art critically and critique work in a respectful and constructive manner.
- More confidently manifest your own artistic ideas and style.
- Cultivate a co-learning environment where the instructor is not the sole source of knowledge. Rather, students are encouraged to share their own experience and expertise.
- Gain knowledge of the video production world i.e.: camera use, lighting, and all stages of production.
Materials
- Access to a computer and internet whether it be a personal computer/laptop or a computer in the labs on campus.
- Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription (available through the university bookstore for $95 a year, which is actually a steal believe it or not) (needed for working from your personal device). You will need Adobe Bridge, Photoshop, Audition, Media Encoder, After Effects, and Premiere Pro. Link can be found on Cavas in the week one module.
- Mavis Camera Phone App (if you don’t have access to a DSLR camera)
- Stop Motion App (whichever free one you can find).
- Notebook/ folder/ sketchbook for taking notes during lectures and saving handouts, but especially for critiques.
- A portable mouse if you are working with a laptop. Trust me, it is going to save you a lot of time. There are lots of options, but here is one on Amazon for $10: https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Vssoplor-Portable-Computer-Computer-Black/dp/B098S48QWM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=252482BV9KTKM&keywords=portable%2Bmouse&qid=1691523389&sprefix=portable%2Bmouse%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-3&th=1
- Some form of external hard drive. Can just be a flash drive, but an external hard drive will give you more bang for your buck. You want something capable of holding a decent number of files which means at least about 5-10 GB of storage! This link below is what I recommend, but this might be overkill for some of you, so use your own judgement! https://www.amazon.com/Passport-Portable-External-Drive-Black/dp/B07VTFN6HM/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3649M5NU6ZJ7X&keywords=wd+external+hard+drive&qid=1691523686&s=electronics&sprefix=wd%2Celectronics%2C123&sr=1-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
- Over the ear headphones. There are a lot of options, and I do recommend looking at Walmart before looking online as that is where I have found the best prices. Here is one option from Amazon for $20 though: https://www.amazon.com/JOMILIN-B9-Bluetooth-Headphones-Lightweight/dp/B0C96Y8R86/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=over%2Bthe%2Bear%2Bheadphones&qid=1691523524&refinements=p_36%3A1253503011&rnid=386442011&s=electronics&sprefix=over%2Bthe%2Bear%2Caps%2C134&sr=1-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1
- (Optional) Chapters from the book The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video will be assigned for a reading in class. I will provide you all with a pdf version of the chapters I will be covering, but if you are interested in working with cameras after this class it is a really great, pretty cheap book that can help you to learn a lot about film and photography. https://www.amazon.com/Bare-Bones-Camera-Course-Video/dp/1621535266/ref=sr_1_17?keywords=camera+basics+book&qid=1659122395&sr=8-17
- A Google Drive account for submitting a few assignments.
- A lightbox for drawing- nothing fancy, but I can only get ten for us to use in class, so you may want your own. https://www.amazon.com/ME456-Light-Ultra-thin-Power-Tracing/dp/B01EBA8ZX8/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=light%2Bboxes%2Bfor%2Btracing&qid=1692466230&refinements=p_36%3A2638326011&rnid=2638325011&s=arts-crafts&sr=1-7&th=1
Equipment Checkout:
Equipment can be checked out through the Visual Resource Center. You must create a checkout reservation utilizing the link below. The actual checkout room itself is on the third floor in the area where all the offices are located (exact room number is on the website). Through this checkout room you can check out a number of different cameras (I recommend the Cannon T6i or the Video Camera), Audio recorders (be sure when you go to pick it up that you selected the newer model- I have noticed this is an issue sometimes because of how they set up their site), light kits (they are the LED kind and each kit comes with two lights), backdrops and backdrop stands, as well as a ton of other things you may need. The site can be kind of confusing, so let me know if you need help navigating. (:
https://colorado.webcheckout.net/sso/patron#!/ à select Art and Art History Equipment (VRC)
If that link doesn’t work for some reason, try this one and then select the link at the top which leads to their equipment checkout. https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/vrc/equipment
Grading Scale
90-100 A 80-89 B 70-79 C 60-69 D 0-59 F
Grades will be broken down as follows:
Projects 1-3 & Rough Cut………..40%
Final Project…………………..…. . . . . 30%
Writing assignments…………..… . .15%
Quizzes………………………..…. . . . . . . 10%
Participation/Attendance………..…5%
Projects (more details on canvas)
PROJECT 1: For this project students will create a stop motion animation in class with a group utilizing hand drawn animation techniques. We will utilize light boxes for drawing as well as Premiere Pro and Adobe Bridge to edit our work.
PROJECT 2: Using Adobe Audition, students will create a 60 second soundscape using at least five found sounds and five self-recorded sounds.
PROJECT 3: Students will use Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro to create a 1–2 minute video which incorporates some form of green screening or roto-brushing. Students may use a combination of self-recorded and/or found footage.
PROJECT 4: Create a 2–3 minute video using Adobe Audition, After Effects, and Premiere Pro. Must include self-mixed audio and self-recorded footage of some kind. Exact Prompt will be given at the time of project introduction.
Other Assignments
Artist Statements: You will be expected to write a one-page artist statement with each project submitted. This statement should be at least one page but no longer than two, and should explain your creative process, technique, inspiration, and concept.
Quizzes: Throughout the semester we will have one actual quiz on camera operation/basics, and several assignments worth quiz grades.
Extra Credit Assignment: You will be allowed to complete one extra credit assignment within the semester to go towards your lowest project grade. Details on this assignment can be found on Canvas.
Sketchbook Exercises: These assignments will be counted as quiz grades and will most often take the form of submitting your brainstorming for various projects. Other sketchbook exercise prompts may include things like questions to ask in critique, reflections, or analysis of short films given as homework.
Technology
Obviously, we will be working with technology as a part of this digital art class, but I do have a few rules regarding the usage of devices in class. You may listen to music while you work in class on working days and follow along during program demos but will not be allowed to be on any phone, computer, or tablet during screenings, lectures (when I am showing PowerPoints), or during critiques. Basically, any time your attention should be on me, or your fellow classmates will be a time where the utilization of technology is not approved. Texting in class- even on working days- will not be allowed. If you prefer to take digital notes, please communicate that to me ahead of time so I know what’s going on. I understand if it is an emergency you may need to use your, but just please be respectful and recognize that these working days are set aside time for you to be deliberate towards working on your project. These rules are in place simply to help you maintain a certain level of focus and respect for your peers. Just communicate with me. (:
Office Hours
I will not be holding regular office hours, but I am available for scheduled meetings. If you feel you need to speak to me during office hours feel free to email me and schedule a time to meet. I will usually be available to meet in my studio (VAC room 1B62), but I may also ask to meet on Zoom depending on each of our availabilities. Please do not show up to my studio uninvited- I may be busy when you arrive, or I may no longer be on campus.
Classroom Behavior
Students and faculty are responsible for maintaining an appropriate learning environment in all instructional settings, whether in person, remote, or online. Failure to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy.
For more information, see the classroom behavior policy, the Student Code of Conduct, and the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.
Class Policies
1. You are allowed 3 unpenalized absences in this class. All other absences will directly affect your final grade for the class. For each absence you are required to take the necessary steps to catch up on missed material. Be aware that missing classes repeatedly will result in you not knowing all you need to complete the projects which are a big portion of your grade.
2. Workdays: There will be workdays incorporated into our schedule which are allocated time for you to work on projects in class. Your attendance on these days is just as crucial as the others as it will be your main time to ask questions related to any issues you encounter while working on projects.
3. Arriving to class late or leaving early repeatedly will negatively impact your final grade.
4. Attendance of all critiques is mandatory- if you miss a critique without a university-approved excuse, you will receive a 50% reduction on your project grade. It is also required for you to attend midway check-ins and rough-cut screenings and missing one of these will result in a 0 being given for that specific assignment. It is only fair that we all show up to give our fellow classmates our support and feedback considering it is what we would want/expect others to do for us. HOWEVER- you will not be penalized in the case of any illness including but not limited to Covid. If you are ill, that is simply not your fault, but you do need to communicate with me about it before missing class if at all possible!
5. It is the student's responsibility to catch up on missed material. Demos and lectures will not be repeated or recorded. I recommend buddying up with a classmate to exchange information and helping each other through the course.
6. Please check your university email on a regular basis. All our class communication will take place through email and many university updates will also be sent this way. Please be aware that I will also be checking my email frequently, but I generally will not answer emails past 7 PM. If you do email me past 7 PM, expect to not receive a reply until the following morning unless I happen to be free when I receive your email.
Mental Health
Your mental health is extremely important to me as your teacher. Please never underestimate how meaningful it can be to reach out and get help when you need it. I will do my best to accommodate and work with all students with any diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health conditions. However, please let me know within the first two weeks of class so that I have an adequate amount of time to make any accommodations. Even if you just have a simple concern, please feel welcome to contact me. We are all just human, and academic life can be incredibly stressful, so please always know you are not alone in that. I will list below some resources for places you can go to get any mental health help you might need. I also recognize that sometimes these resources below are not adequate, so please know that I am willing to help you find help even if that means you need something outside of these resources.
Free and unlimited telehealth is also available through Academic Live Care. The Academic Live Care site also provides information about additional wellness services on campus that are available to students.
· Health and Wellness Services: http://colorado.edu/health
· CAPS: 303-492-2277 for same-day telehealth sessions -OR- https://colorado.edu/counseling/schedule-appointment
· Students of Concern: 303-492-7348 -OR- SSCM@colorado.edu
· Wardenburg Health Center
o Medical Services: 303-492-5101 -OR- https://colorado.edu/healthcenter/
o Pharmacy: 303-492-8553 -OR- https://colorado.edu/healthcenter/pharmacy
· Office of Victim Assistance: https://colorado.edu/ova/
· Disability Services: https://www.colorado.edu/diabilityservices/
Requirements for Infectious Diseases
Members of the CU Boulder community and visitors to campus must follow university, department, and building health and safety requirements and all public health orders to reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases.
The CU Boulder campus is currently mask optional. However, if masks are again required in classrooms, students who fail to adhere to masking requirements will be asked to leave class. Students who do not leave class when asked or who refuse to comply with these requirements will be referred to Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution. Students who require accommodation because a disability prevents them from fulfilling safety measures related to infectious disease will be asked to follow the steps in the “Accommodation for Disabilities” statement on this syllabus.
For those who feel ill and think you might have COVID-19 or if you have tested positive for COVID-19, please stay home and follow the further guidance of the Public Health Office. For those who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 but do not have any symptoms and have not tested positive for COVID-19, you do not need to stay home.
Accommodation for Disabilities, Temporary Medical Conditions, and Medical Isolation
Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities in the academic environment. If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, submit your accommodation letter from Disability Services to your faculty member in a timely manner so your needs can be addressed. Contact Disability Services at 303-492-8671 or dsinfo@colorado.edu for further assistance.
If you have a temporary medical condition or required medical isolation for which you require accommodation, please reach out to me as soon as you are able to discuss our options. Also see Temporary Medical Conditions on the Disability Services website.
Preferred Student Names and Pronouns
CU Boulder recognizes that students' legal information doesn't always align with how they identify. Students may update their preferred names and pronouns via the student portal; those preferred names and pronouns are listed on instructors' class rosters. In the absence of such updates, the name that appears on the class roster is the student's legal name.
I will always address you by the preferred name given to me on your student contract regardless of what name is written on canvas/in the online roster. I will also adjust the roll call sheet to reflect your preferred name after I have reviewed the student contracts.
Honor Code
All students enrolled in a University of Colorado Boulder course are responsible for knowing and adhering to the Honor Code. Violations of the Honor Code may include but are not limited to: plagiarism (including use of paper writing services or technology [such as essay bots]), cheating, fabrication, lying, bribery, threat, unauthorized access to academic materials, clicker fraud, submitting the same or similar work in more than one course without permission from all course instructors involved, and aiding academic dishonesty.
All incidents of academic misconduct will be reported to Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution: honor@colorado.edu, 303-492-5550. Students found responsible for violating the Honor Code will be assigned resolution outcomes from the Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution as well as be subject to academic sanctions from the faculty member. Visit Honor Code for more information on the academic integrity policy.
Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, Harassment and/or Related Retaliation
CU Boulder is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming learning, working, and living environment. University policy prohibits protected-class discrimination and harassment, sexual misconduct (harassment, exploitation, and assault), intimate partner violence (dating or domestic violence), stalking, and related retaliation by or against members of our community on- and off-campus. These behaviors harm individuals and our community. The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) addresses these concerns, and individuals who believe they have been subjected to misconduct can contact OIEC at 303-492-2127 or email cureport@colorado.edu. Information about university policies, reporting options, and support resources can be found on the OIEC website.
Please know that faculty and graduate instructors have a responsibility to inform OIEC when they are made aware of incidents related to these policies regardless of when or where something occurred. This is to ensure that individuals impacted receive an outreach from OIEC about their options for addressing a concern and the support resources available. To learn more about reporting and support resources for a variety of issues, visit Don’t Ignore It.
Religious Holidays
Campus policy regarding religious observances requires that faculty make every effort to deal reasonably and fairly with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance. In this class, please inform me by email or in person a week in advance of any conflicts that may arise so that we have ample time to address the issue adequately.
See the campus policy regarding religious observances for full details.