[PS] OCP-A

DIG0081 (150 Hours)

The Theory & Foundations of Design

Book & Equipment List • Syllabus • Classroom Student Agreement • OCP-A Pacing Chart

FIRST THINGS FIRST! As a new student, you are required to read and acknowledge the Student Handbook. Follow these instructions on how to access your Focus Account, and complete the online verification process in the Focus system.

The first section of the course will introduce students to Design basics such as Typography, The Joshua Tree Epiphany, and even cover introductory Digital Photography using DSLR Cameras over the first five weeks of class, as detailed in the Syllabus and the Pacing Chart.  Projects will included presentation design and delivery, product & studio photography, and even some entry level Photoshop work.

At the end of this section, you should be comfortable enough with creative workflows, typography, color theory and design rules such as contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity to jump into the really interesting work that follows!

“Welcome to the team, and prepare for some long hours and tight deadlines, just like in the real world!” -GD

 

Week 1: Welcome Aboard Newbies!

The first week of class will introduce you to the course, as well as have you jump into the basic theories and foundations for design. Additionally, you will set up your Online Portfolio using WordPress, where you will turn in all of your design projects as well as publish your weekly research articles in the form of blogs. The first week may seem a little odd to you as a new student, so be sure to use your Pacing Chart as a checklist each and every day to get into the groove.

Let’s Play!  When you first start learning how to define fonts, the first thing you need to be able to do instantly is identify a Serif or a Sans-Serif typeface. Lucky for you, I Shot the Serif helps you hone your reflexes to identify them quickly. Warning… this game is highly addictive, and loud (headphones low, people!).  Challenge the class to a round, and go for the high score!

 

  • Week 1 Checklist
    • Turn in all the required paperwork to the Instructor from your New Student Packet.
    • Watch the Google Drive Essential Training videos on Lynda.
      • We use Google Drive, Sheets, Slides and Docs throughout the program. It is essential that you know what you are doing.
      • If you don’t already have a Gmail Account, set one up now. Use your name if possible (ex. firstname.lastname@gmail.com).
    • Watch the WordPress.com Essential Training videos on Lynda.
      • WordPress will not only be the main focus of your online portfolio, but will also be used weekly for your Research Articles. Be sure you know everything there is to know about it!
    • Read the required chapters of the Non-Designers Design Book, and be ready to discuss with the class.
      • You can purchase the book immediately from the Campus Bookstore.
      • Looking to play with Color Palettes? Try Adobe Color, you won’t be sorry.
      • Looking for even MORE info on Typography? Playtype has a great graphic that explains in-depth typographic terminology.
      • If you really want to test your skill with Kerning, give Kern Type a try!
      • If you want to really test your Color Palette knowledge, give Color Method a try.
    • Set up your Home, About, Articles & Portfolio sections for your online portfolio at WordPress.
    • Write your first Research Article and email a link to it to the Instructor.
      • Here is a Sample Blog Post with all the rules and general guidelines, for you to use as a guide in the future.
    • Take Quiz A1 – Design Basics at the end of the week.
      • The questions from the quiz are taken from your Online Video Assignments, as well as the Non-Designers Design Book. Be sure to study up, because you can only take the quiz once!

 

Week 2: Digital Photography Introduction

You made it through the first week! Now it’s time to get to know your DSLR camera with Photo A1: Basic Photography, and in particular the Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO settings. We will spend the week learning to control these three elements until we know how to take great exposures in a variety of different shooting modes. You online time will be mostly spend learning the ins and outs of photography, including some legal terminology too. By the end of the week, you should already be adding things to your Online Portfolio!

Let’s Play!  Learning how to use your Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISOs can be tricky, so spend a little time with Canon Play to practice the fundamentals in a fun way, and then take the Canon Challenge and go for a perfect score! Can you beat the class?

  • Week 2 Checklist
    • Watch your Introduction to Photography videos.
      • The weekly quiz draws from this online course.
    • Watch the Photography & The Law videos as well.
      • Knowing your rights as a photographer is definitely on the quiz.
    • Use your class time wisely! Take LOTS of pictures for the Photo A1 Project.
      • Be creative… make the pictures interesting!
      • Do more than the minimum… fill your portfolio up!
    • Create a Profile at GuruShots, and compete in a challenge.
      • You can pick the challenge you want to compete in!
      • Add a link to your GuruShots Profile on your Portfolio Website.
    • Email a link to your Photography Project in your Portfolio when completed.
    • Write your Research Article about various design softwares, projects, inspiration, etc.
    • Take Quiz A2 – Intro to Photography in class before you leave at the end of the week.

 

Week 3: Studio Photography

Now that you know more about HOW cameras work, it’s time to put it to the test. This week, you will be assigned two projects which are both due by the end of the week. First, Photo A2: eCommerce Product Photography will have you shoot and edit a product of your choice for use on eCommerce Platforms.  Once those are done, we will reset the studio for Photo A3: Social Media Portrait Photos. While you are online, you will have two short video courses that will help you get a much deeper understanding of the tools required to complete your Projects, and prepare you for the weekly quiz.

  • Week 3 Checklist
    • Watch your Learning Product Photography videos.
      • The weekly quiz draws from this online course heavily, and it will also be instrumental to making your projects much better!
    • Watch the Learning Portrait Photography videos as well.
      • This online course will make your portrait photography really pop overall, and help you with the weekly quiz.
    • Your class time is 100% scheduled for your hands on projects, so get in, get your camera ready and shoot!
      • Make sure you have the product you plan to shoot as quickly as possible, as you have very little time to complete the project. It’s part of the learning curve!
    • Write your Research Article on the Exposure Triangle, and Cameras themselves. Check your Pacing Chart for places to get started.
    • Send an email with three links this week, one for each Project, and another for your Weekly Research Article.
    • Take Quiz A3 – Studio Photography in class before you leave at the end of the week.

 

Week 4: Photography Presentation Design

So you have had a few solid weeks behind the lens, so let’s put that knowledge to the test. This week, you will complete Presentation A1: A Black & White Photo Presentation, which will test your ability to shoot, edit and design a short presentation using Google Slides.  Back in Week 1, you should have learned the basics of the Google Slides platform, so if you need a refresher, take a stroll back in time to sharpen up. While you are online, take the time to watch your video assignments, and pick up the tricks and tools to both making great black and white photos, but also how to make an attractive presentation. This week will go by fast, I promise… so make really good use of your time both in and out of the classroom.

  • Week 4 Checklist
    • Be sure to watch the Designing a Presentation online training.
      • Not only will this help you with your project, but there is a LOT of information from that course in the weekly quiz.
    • Watch the Lightroom CC Essential Training online course.
      • While we do not strictly cover Adobe Lightroom CC in our program, it is a great tool for a beginner photographer and aspiring multimedia artist to have knowledge of.  This will help you make your Black & White Photos much stronger.
    • Once again, your class time is 100% scheduled for your hands on projects. The week will fly by, and you will have to present your work at the end of the week… don’t waste time!
      • Don’t drag your feet on this project! The deadline is designed to make you produce under pressure, so stay cool headed and shoot with a plan.
    • Write your Research Article about Multimedia Designer Jobs. This will give you a glimpse behind the curtain of what we do in the industry (…seriously, what DON’T we do?).
    • Send an email with two links this week, one for Presentation A1: A Black & White Photo Presentation, and another for your Weekly Research Article.
    • Take Quiz A4 – Presentations & Editing in class before you leave at the end of the week, after you have done your presentation.

 

Week 5: Advanced Photography

Oh man… the section is already almost over. The blur that was the last four weeks has prepared you for some entry level photography jobs, believe it or not. Now, let’s have some fun with out images! By the end of the week, you will have completed 3 challenging photography projects, Photo A4: Panoramas, Photo A5: HDR Photo Desktop Wallpapers, and Photo A6: Harris Shutter Portraits.  It may seem overwhelming, but if you take it one day at a time, you will have a lot of cool photos for your portfolio. Starting this week, your in class time is dedicated to completing lessons from your books, then applying the knowledge directly to your projects. While online, the Lynda Training videos will help you gain an even deeper understanding of the things Photoshop can do… as well as get you more comfortable with the interface.

  • Week 5 Checklist
    • You will search online for Tutorials to complete your various projects this week. You are responsible for trying different methods yourself, and finding a solution that works for you.
      • Every student will find different workflows and methods.
      • Work together if you need to to find the best methods!
    • Watch your Photoshop CC Essential Training (Basics) online course.
      • The weekly quiz draws from this online course, as well as the book chapters assigned to you for your in class time.
    • Write your Research Article about all the different types of Advanced Photography, and be sure to link out to all the different tutorials you can find too!
      • This is a great chance for you to save links and suggest them to other designers/photographers and increase your own online following.
    • Create a Profile on Unsplash, and submit as many photos as you can.
      • Be sure to link to this profile from your own Portfolio.
    • Each Project should be it’s own Portfolio Item, due by the end of the week. Be sure to send 4 links in your email this week (one to each Project, and one for your Article).
    • Take Quiz A5 – Advanced Photography & Photoshop in class at the end of the week, which will prove you know your stuff!