StartonEDU

Level 1 will center around using the graphics program Krita. Students learn how to create the proper digital canvas for a project by determining size and level of detail of their work. With the introduction of the brush tool and layers, we will begin to build the students’ understanding of the relationship between computers and art. The brush tool seems simple but the student will learn it has many nuances that allow the recreation pencils, pens, and other physical media. In addition, the students learn the digital platform advantage of layers, which allow a new level of editing.

Level 2 will incorporate projects to increase the students’ proficiency with their tools. Krita has the capacity to reproduce many different painting techniques including the ability to smudge and blend paint textures. While working with that tool, the students will begin to learn the basic elements of making art. The brush tool can also emulate many different pencils, from soft lead to colored. With this tool the student will be able to render simple black and white sketches or colorful masterpieces. Specialty brushes allow for many different effects including pixels, stamps, and patterns. Layers and editing will allow the students to take their art in new directions.

This level introduces tools that are solely available in a digital medium. Vector images are lines, shapes, and other components that are stored on the computer using a geometric formula. With vectors, we can design items to specific dimensions or the replicate those components at any size. Various selection tools enable creation of other shapes, designs, and letters that allow for editing digital art and providing effects not available in physical media. We will also introduce programmed scripts that enable students to simplify frequent tasks. The text tool will allow the creation of words and letters in within the design. We will discuss how the student can use font type, size, and color to various desired effects.

Students will gain a better understanding of the selection tool when we introduce advanced coloring techniques. By utilizing the fill tool, gradients, and brush effects, students will be able to efficiently apply color to their piece.  In addition, we will teach cell shading, and cut and grab coloring methods used in current cartoons and media. Through vectors, the student will be able to produce isometric drawings and models. These components can be rendered at any size, and the students’ drawing scale will be limitless. Additional formatting techniques with text will allow the student to create dialog for comics, advertisement information, or additions to already created art. Further training with the scripting tool will enable the student to simplify their processes and make the program easier to use.

After learning how to create their own art, the students will be introduced to photo-manipulation and how to interact with existing images. Graphics programs have the ability to radically alter pictures. We will begin by teaching the student lighting and color techniques by retouching a photo. Krita also provides filters, clipping masks, and the ability to cut and paste other assets into one piece. By utilizing all of the tools previously introduced, the student will have an improved understanding of the extents of graphics software. The students will begin to learn how to effectively combine photos in ways only limited by their imagination.

In the final level, students will take all of the tools and concepts they have learned and pursue a final project of their own. The school has relationships with comic artists, animators, and digital arts professionals, and the student will be coached in their design and implementation by practitioners of their specific field. The cooperation among the students, instructors, and other departments will allow for the student to fully realize a project from start to finish. In addition to Krita, the school also has other computer programs specifically suited for certain projects. For example, developers created programs like Pencil and Blender solely for animators. The school’s full range of technology such as digital cameras, and video capture will be available to aid the student. By the end of the program, they will have a full understanding of the connection between art and technology.