AVI 1OI/Y/P C o m p u t e r

Graphics Unit: The Basics

Introducing Vector Graphics:

The are commonly two types of graphics, Vector and Bitmap (also called Raster) programs. Each type has its
own reason for being.
In simple terms, think of vector as being like layers of shapes, as though you were working in layers of
paper - each one is a complete object. Whereas bitmap is when you have dots placed side by side to create the
shapes - each shape is made up of tiny pieces.

Vector Graphics:

vector graphics are drawn by the Postscript language

using mathematical formulas that describe the shape
of the image.
re-sizing vector graphics has no effect on the output
resolution. Instead, the graphic is simply redrawn at
the new size by Postscript language.
vector graphics are
RESOLUTION INDEPENDENT.
This means they can be re-sized without losing any
detail or clarity.
file sizes are typically small.
vector graphics are produced from illustration programs
such as; Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, and Freehand.
other names for vector graphics include: outline,
draw, and object oriented.
file format: EPS (Encapsulated Postscript)

Bitmap Graphics:

bitmap graphics are composed of tiny elements

called pixels.
re-sizing a bitmap graphic increases or decreases the
resolution.
bitmap graphics are
RESOLUTION DEPENDENT.
This means they contain a fixed number of pixels,
as a result enlarging or reducing the size of the
image can effect the clarity.
enlarging a bitmap graphic excessively results in pixilation,
jagged edges and a loss of detail.
reducing a bitmap graphic causes the image elements to
compress closer together resulting in a loss of detail and
a darker image.
file sizes are potentially larger and can range from
1-100s megabytes.
bitmap graphics are produced from to paint programs
such as Adobe Photoshop and any scanned images.
file format: TIF (Tagged Image Format) & EPS for
images containing paths used to mask and create
transparent backgrounds.
other names for bitmap graphics include: raster,
paint, bitmapped and scanned.

Vector graphics are good for reproducing crisp outlines, as in

logos or illustrations.

Resolution Rules of Thumb:

Bitmap images are good for reproducing subtle

On Screen monitor display = 72 ppi
(This is all your screen can handle. Thats why if you have a gradations of colour, as in photographs.
great looking image on the internet-- which would likely be
a low resolution JPEG file to conserve space-- and you go to print it, its fuzzy and pixilated. This is because your monitor may be happy at 72 ppi, but your printer needs much more than 72)

Printing resolution: Colour images = 300 dpi

Black & White images = 266 dpi

Basically, what all of this means, is that if you wish to work on a larger scale (say larger than 5 x 7) and have it print
fairly clearly, then you must take the digital photo, or scan, at the highest resolution you can. When you open your
image into the software program, you must then convert it to the correct dpi.

AVI 1OI/Y/P C o m p u t e r

G r a p h i c s U n i t : A d o b e P h o t o shop

Mad Science!

Ever wonder if Mary Shelley might have been onto something when she had her
famous character Victor Frankenstein utter those famous words, Its alive!?
Well, now you too can experience the power of bringing to life the bizarre and
seemingly impossible - its only a few clicks away!
Using multiple layers and the tools that you are familiar with in Adobe Photoshop
Elements, create you can transform yourself.

(the success criteria)

1) Begin by choosing the person you wish to modify. Decide how you wish to
alter and transform your picture. Save these images.
** note, be sure to refine your search for larger files
** practice responsible digital citizenship and search for opensource/ creative
commons images.
http://www.flickr.com/creativecommons/
http://library.wrdsb.ca/research/digital-citizenship/copyright-friendly-sources/
2) In Photoshop, create a new document, open your image, then drag and drop
your image into the new document.
Now duplicate this layer so you have two versions of the same person beside each
other.
3) Add 5 - 10 new layers onto the second image where you change the
appearance of the person you have chosen. Have fun here, be as creative as you can while staying within appropriate
school boundaries.
Your goal is to create seamless borders between the random images you select. Although it may be quite impossible for
these images to actually be combined, your goal is to make it seem quite plausible.
4) Using the tools available to you in Photoshop such as: the dodge and burn, blend & smudge and especially the
eyedropper tool to pick up flesh tones that can be painted over merged areas, try to create a seamless transition
between the combined images.
5) Save your photoshop document as LAYERS so your process is evident. If you are working in Photoshop Elements,
you should un-check the default to save separate files each day, but leave the 'save as layers' checked.

Learning Goals:

The Creative Process: apply the creative process to create a variety of artworks

The Elements and Principles of Design: apply the elements and principles of design to create art works for the purpose of selfexpression and to communicate ideas, information, and/or messages;
Terminology: demonstrate an understanding of, and use correct terminology when referring to, elements, principles, and other
components related to visual arts;
Production and Presentation: produce art works, using a variety of media/materials and traditional and emerging technologies, tools,
and techniques;
The Critical Analysis Process: demonstrate an understanding of the critical analysis process by examining, interpreting, evaluating,
and reflecting on various art works;
Conventions and Techniques: demonstrate an understanding of conventions and techniques used in the creation of visual art works;

AV I 1 O I P Y P h o t o s h o p M a d S c i ence Rubric
Criteria:

Level R = none-insufficient
(0% - 49%)

Knowledge and Understanding

Name:

Level 1 = limited Level 2 = somewhat Level 3 = considerably

Level 4 = thoroughly
(50 - 59%)
(60 - 69%)
(70 - 79%)
(80 - 100%)

(Understanding of concepts, elements, principles, meaning and significance)

Demonstrates an understanding of the elements and principles of design

Successfully utilizes the tools available in Photoshop as bitmap-based art. (layers should
not be flattened; technique should be evident)

Thinking and Inquiry

R 1 2 3 4

/20

R 1 2 3 4
R 1 2 3 4

overall mark
for category:

(25)

R 1 2 3 4
R 1 2 3 4

(25)

/50
total:

(The conveying of meaning through various forms;communication of intended message expression/organization of ideas)

The completed rubric answers:

The rubric questions have been thoroughly answered and were properly submitted with
your completed assignment.
The rubric answers demonstrate attention to details and thoughtful, insightful answers.
The visual communication of the intended message:
Choice of images accurately and effectively communicates the intended symbolic
message through verbal/visual information.
The message you are trying to communicate is clearly expressed to the viewer for the
chosen mood/theme/concept

Application

overall mark
for category:

(Planning & Process; Creative thinking skills & processes, critical analysis)

Planning & Process

evidence of thorough brainstorming, research, preliminary planning, reference material;
documented (in sketchbook) - the portraiture unit, research on surrealism, expressionism
your work was prepared on time for class critiques, peer feedback through daily
progress & effective teacher-conferencing in a timely manner and each day in the lab.
Problem Solving
Evidence of creative solutions to the problem of creating a surreal/expressive montage
to create an effective mood/theme/altered image.
Effective choice & arrangement of images (it does not look like you clicked on
everything you could with no planning or rationale).

Communication

R 1 2 3 4

R 1 2 3 4
R 1 2 3 4
R 1 2 3 4
R 1 2 3 4

overall mark
for category:

(50)
(50)

/100
total:

(The use and knowledge to make connections within and between various contexts; final product, composition, creativity)ity)

Foundations: Responsible Practices.

throughout the creation of this piece you demonstrated responsible studio practice by:
Maintaining a clean, respectful workspace; Not wasting/losing materials/tools/equipment;
Responsible, ethical digital citizenship; Using original images and/or citing your sources.
Staying focused on your assigned work and limiting time surfing the web/social media etc
Application:
Visually communicates an effective overall design based on creativity, balance and
visual impact.
There is a clear focal point and/or effective balance, visual weight
Degree of detail and complexity in the images
Demonstrates effective shading techniques such as: a wide range of tones, contrast between
values, modeling of forms, rendering of texture etc. through the tools available in Adobe
Photoshop (layered images and colours with varying degrees of opacity, dodge/burn,
smudging/blurring, cloning etc.)
The mad-science image contains a minimum of 5 different layers.
The final product demonstrates "photoshop magic" (no 'plop n, drop' layers - seamless
transitions between layers)
Professional presentation of the final product/file was saved properly

Teachers comments & feedback:

overall mark
for category:

R 1 2 3 4

/20

R 1 2 3 4
R 1 2 3 4
R 1 2 3 4
R 1 2 3 4
R 1 2 3 4
R 1 2 3 4
R 1 2 3 4

/100

AV I 1 O I P Y P h o t o s h o p M a d S c i ence Rubric

Name:

1. What are the main traits of bitmap/raster based programs?

2. What tools/techniques did you use in photoshop to create "photoshop magic"?

3. How does your montage demonstrate the traits of surrealism, or expressionism?

4. What is the message that you wish to communicate to the viewer? (think about mood/tone/
theme) How successful do you feel you are at achieving this message? Why? Also consider
your composition - focal point, choice & arrangement of images etc. How did you plan an
effective composition to communicate this message to the viewer?

AVI 1OI/Y/P C o m p u t e r

G r a p h i c s U n i t : T h e a s s i g n m e nts

Letters in Space:

This assignment takes advantage of overlap, size variation, and colour perspective to create an interesting
graphic image..
1) Begin by choosing one letter that you wish to work with. Stick to only one letter, this will create a stronger
sense of unity.
2) Through layers with the features available in Adobe Illustrator create a successful overall composition
which:
has a strong sense of depth
uses colour gradations
try using transparencies on some of the layers
overlap individual letters to create a further sense of depth. Allow some to extend beyond the printable page this will create visual entry points.
use the pick tool to select and then enlarge, shrink and turn letters.
Experiment with different fonts and fills, but remember to try to keep a sense of cohesion and unity. You
want the piece to work successfully, not just look like the fill tool threw up all over your page.
Remember that through repetition comes unity.
Use the rectangle tool to create a background fill that shows a sense of depth in both colour/value choice and
fill choice. Place it behind the letters through the Arrange > Order menu.
3) Create a unique signature that is placed in the bottom corner of the page.
Type in your name in a font that isnt too busy, but suits your personal style.
Create an interesting shape using the rectangle/ellipse/ basic shapes tools and the Arrange>convert to curves
menu. Then place this shape so it overlaps your name and is roughly the same size.
Select both the shape and your name by holding down the ctrl key while you use the pick tool and click on
each item.

AVI 1OI/Y/P C o m p u t e r

The Computer Portrait:

G r a p h i c s U n i t : V e c t o r G r a p hics
This assignment is intended to enhance your knowledge of portraiture as
well as your understanding of CorelDRAW. The portrait should be more
or less a self portrait with a few creative elements. Your challenge is to
get the face as realistic and as three-dimensional as possible. You may
be creative with hairstyle, clothing, accessories and background.

Getting started: A review of the placement of features on the face is

required as background information. Begin with a large oval in the middle of the page on the computer screen and build from there a feature at a
time. A convincing portrait will emerge if:
you take the time to use the convert to curves feature
you layer the shapes
you use the radial fill to tone your image.
remove unecessary outlines
add neck and ears (unless ears are hidden by hair)
Leave hair, neck, shoulders, ears, clothing and and background until the very end when you have completed the
face to the best of your ability.

Using layers of various fills

(the radial fill being the most
appropriate for this project)
will create the same illusion
as a toned drawing where the
object begins to look
3-dimensional.
Take the outline off of certain
shapes for a heightened effect.
Use the convert to curves tool to create nodes that you move around,
and use the flyout handlebars to crank the nodes into the proper twisted
shapes. With your shape tool, double-clicking adds another node.