News

May 19: The last day of class!
The procedure: You'll have about 20 minutes to get your file ready. If you feel extra cautious, export a PNG version from the File menu (Export command). Make sure the final project is in your Finished Work folder. We'll do presentations, I'll ask some questions, and then we'll move on to the exercise-portion of the class. You will be assigned two exercises, with a 40-minute time period within which to complete them. And then...that's it.

Where will the class website go?
Some of you asked about the class website; I'll leave it up so you can visit or refer to it as needed. I'll probably open it up to non-students as well, by linking to it from one of my own websites. You might also be interested in browsing the Art 86 and Art 85 websites, which were made for the other two classes I taught.

Stay in Touch
If you'd like to keep in touch, I'd love that, especially since it's my last semester at Mendo and I won't be on campus as much after this semester. Please feel free to add me as a friend on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter, or add me as a contact on Flickr.

Welcome!

Black and White PhotoArt 181 is an introduction to the exciting world of computer graphics. You will learn to use graphics software (example: Adobe Illustrator) in combination with scanners, digital cameras, typography, and other elements and tools. The course will have an emphasis on graphic design and fine art principles.

To start with, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the Syllabus (PDF). We'll be going over this on the first day of class. If you have any questions outside of class, feel free to contact me using the contact details in the syllabus.

This website is important to refer to often, because I'll be putting class updates and lessons online for you to refer to.

About the Instructor

Photo of Marc CarsonI'm your instructor, Marc Carson. I feel like I've been interested in computer graphics all my life, and I love to teach computer graphics courses.

I use Adobe Illustrator, along with other design software, all the time at work...and at play. I still learn new things about Illustrator all the time - though it has a finite number of tools, the combinations of techniques using those tools seem endless.

I enjoy teaching Illustrator as a powerful computer graphics tool.

If you want to learn more about what I do, please visit my "about" page.

Textbook Photo

We will be using the text Adobe Illustrator CS3 Classroom in a Book in class. Copies are available at the college bookstore in addition to many online retailers such as Amazon.

If you're interested in purchasing a copy of the software for use outside of class, Mendo Students can purchase Illustrator at an educational discount.