NSCAD DSGN 1000 Class: Class 4

Tue, Jan 30

Vector and Bitmap imaging

A demonstration of UNISURF, developed by Pierre Bézier, who implemented what we now know as Bézier curves, the basic way of drawing in Illustrator (and many other programs.)

Quiz

Quiz next class. Coverage: All material from first class to today, inclusive.

Today's objectives

Review previous assignment
Adjustment layers - "destructive" vs "non-destructive" editing
Filters
Smart objects and smart filters
Digital colour models
Topic: intro to Artificial intelligence, generative AI and large language models
Review of bitmap and vector
Colour in Illustrator and Photoshop
Basic Illustrator concepts

Setup

In Illustration, make sure your "Control" toolbar is visible. To make it appear, go to the "Window" menu and make sure there is a checkmark next to "Control". If you do not see a checkmark, select "Control" to activate it.

Preparation

Review all handouts.
Make sure Adobe Illustrator is functioning.
Have the class sample files for Photoshop from last class and this class (below) available.

Class resources

The Bézier Game is an online tutorial/practice tool for learning basic Bézier drawing skills.

Sample files

The cow's ear in this example is a good test of your layer masking abilities.

Layer mask sample file

Illustrator

Illustrator samples

Presentations

Handouts

Download the colour theory PDF handout in PDF format.

Download "File formats" handout in Acrobat PDF format PDF

One of many good illustrator pen tool tutorials

🔰 Practice task: Filters, smart objects, adjustment layers

Download the filters and adjustments sample files.

Submit all files at the specified pixel dimensions, resolution and file type.

Make sure to pay close attention to file names.

police-box.arw - Use a smart filter and layer mask to blur the background of the photo, making it appear that the background is out of focus. Do not use the blur tool in the toolbar; blur only with filters. Save in PSD format, 300 ppi. Do not change the number of pixels. Save file as YOURLASTNAME_task2-image-01 and make sure it has the correct file extension for the file format required.
sunny-street-raw.arw - Using layer masks and adjustment layers, improve the exposure in the image for best visibility. The aim is to improve it - you will not be able to completely overcome the poor exposure. Save in PSD format, 300 ppi. Save at print size that will fit an 8x10 inch page - image should fit with or height but may not fit exactly in other dimension. Save file as YOURLASTNAME_task2-image-02 and make sure it has the correct file extension for the file format required.
amusement-spin.jpg Fix the dirt (dark splotches), use curves to improve the brightness and contrast, crop, straighten (if needed) and then save in JPEG format at maximum quality. Save for use in a 4k 2160p video, which is 4096 pixels x 2160 pixels. As this is for screen use, PPI is not relevant. Save file as YOURLASTNAME_task2-image-03 and make sure it has the correct file extension for the file format required.

For each, make a note for yourself: does the image you have submitted have more, fewer, or exactly the same number of pixels?

Check all files in Photoshop (resolution, etc.) before submitting.

Submission:

Upload each file file to Brightspace. Due by 6 pm, Mon, Feb 05. You do not need to include any notes.

Resources

Adjustment layers tutorial

Vanishing point tutorial

Making a template layer (Illustrator)

File formats

More than you probably want to know about file formats

Colour books, and more

Pantone, the leading provider of colour standards.

Quiz 1

Quiz: 6PM, Tue, Feb 06

Quiz preparation

The quiz will be written on paper, during class. Length, approximately 40 min.

The quiz covers all topics dealt with in the first 4 classes.

Basic Mac usage
Basic computers and storage unit handouts
Bitmap and vector
Operating systems concepts
Resolution and bit depth
Basic Photoshop tools
Layers and curves

Remember to review all handouts posted to the class web site.

Quiz coverage for DSGN 1000 Quiz 1

Make sure to review all posted handouts, presentations, videos and linked resources, on the class web site and in Slack. Key topics are listed below, but other material covered in class may be included.

Handouts include: