Please read everything in the “course” folder folder in iLearn. Start with the syllabus.

Comm 305 Vector Graphics

Syllabus

Click here to read the syllabus for the course. This course is set up with a front loaded model. That means that you’ll learn all the skills in the first unit and we’ll spend the rest of the semester honing and developing those skills. We will complete a number of projects, each taking 2-3 weeks. Attendance in class is a must.

Software

You will not need to have Adobe Illustrator and Adobe After Effects, but if you choose not to have them, you’ll need to spend a lot of time in the lab. If you want to get it for yourself (which I recommend), then I’d recommend getting Adobe Creative Cloud. You can get it at a discounted student price.

Tutorials

I have created hours worth of tutorial content. Spend some time with these and watch them often. There is a wealth of knowledge there and I have put them in the best order to learn. You can view the list here or by going to http://305.commbyui.org/instructionstutorials/video-tutorials/

Books

There is no required textbook for this course. The course website, vectorpaths.com, has both resources to help with design and a blog where students will be blogging and submitting assignments.

I’d like to recommend a few books that I’ve found very helpful. Don’t purchase these until you feel that you need them.

Graphic Artist’s Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines The BIBLE of freelance design and illustration work.

How to Draw: drawing and sketching objects and environments from your imagination An exhaustive book on proper drawing.

Perspective! for Comic Book Artists: How to Achieve a Professional Look in your Artwork Great book on perspective.