Assignment 2: Avatars

We will make a simple, easy to read avatar that can be used as your personal mark. This project is designed to show you technical tools in Photoshop and artistic tools in design and linework. The class will work on each step together, and I will provide written tutorials as I go over this with you in class.

My focus is on your ability to handle the tools and the overall cleanliness of your final piece. Work hard and have fun!

 What You Will Turn In                                                         

DAY 1: Thumbnailing

• You will submit a thumbnail template with 10-12 thumbnails sketched on a layer beneath. The file will be 'Lastname_Firstname_AvatarThumbnails.jpg'.
•  Due: Mon. Feb 6 at the end of class      (10pts)

DAY 2: Linework

• You will submit an enlarged version of your favorite thumbnail with refined linework. The file will be 'Lastname_Firstname_AvatarLinework.jpg'
•  Due: Mon. Feb 13 at the end of class    (10pts)

DAY 3: Flats

• You will submit the flat colored version of your avatar. The file will be 'Lastname_Firstname_AvatarFlats.jpg'
• Due: Mon. Feb 13 at the end of class     (10pts)

DAY 4: Final PNG

• You will submit the final colored version of your avatar. The file will be a PNG file NOT a JPG file. It will be named 'Lastname_Firstname_AvatarFinal.png'
• Due: Weds. Feb 15 at the end of class    (15pts)

•  (final due date subject to change)

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Warm-ups: What are they?

Every muscle needs practice, and art uses more than one. Before buckling down to focus on work, make sure you always stretch out your arm, your mind, and your mindset by warming up!

At the beginning of each week, create a new canvas:

                3000 px width

                2000 px height

                300 dpi resolution

                Name: Lastname_firstname_week1 (week2, week3 etc.)

This will become your sketchbook page for the week! Any warm-ups we do at the start of class will be done on this file. They will then be turned in as a .jpg at the end of the week.

When sketching, always sketch as much as you can. This is a workout! Credit will be given based off filling the page by the end of the week.

You will be prompted on what to draw by me each time we warm-up. Use it as a time to improve and expand your skills!

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Welcome Survey

Welcome to Beginning Computer Graphics!

Well we all survived our first week together, and I must say I'm excited to teach you all this semester! With our new site switched over I can now officially direct you to our class survey:

Class Welcome Survey

Please fill this survey out to the best of your ability. Thank you!


illustration by: Dorene Pilapandet

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Assignment 1: Personal Sketch

Welcome to class! I’m excited to see what sort of artists we have in class this semester.

Our first project is a personal sketch. This piece is meant to showcase your personal interests or style in art. Help me get to know you better through this!

The sketch will be painted simply using your own custom brush. You will turn in the project as a .jpg into the google drive ‘Droppy> Advanced> Assignment 1: Personal Sketch’ folder by the end of class Thursday.

•      Turn in your .jpg labelled ‘Lastname_Firstname_personalsketch.jpg’
• specs: 3000 pixels width, 2000 pixels height, 300dpi resolution

Due: Weds, Feb. 1

Grade Status: Entered

 illustration by: Tiffany Zhang

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