12 Week curriculum, example
A 12 week study of 3 Libre Graphics tools: Gimp, Inkscape and Scribus for students interested in graphic design and visual communication foundations, aged 16-19. The structure/timetable simulates a UK HE 12 week programme of activities (a module) culminating in independent mini project and (online) public presentation of students’ work.
Summary
This programme serves as an introduction to Libre Graphics, industry standard Free software for a wide range of visual communication disciplines such as graphic design, illustration and animation. We will look at both software skills and graphic design basics in the context of software e.g. how to handle colour, type, layout and image in Gimp, Inkscape and Scribus. The programme aims to encourage creativity and curiosity through the study of digital tools within a stimulating, secure and well managed learning environment.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this programme students will be able to:
Understand the basic terminology applicable to art and design practices, and within the world of Libre Graphics.
Practice general understanding what skills are necessary to design own artifacts, whether for print or screen.
Demonstrate confidence in self-learning as foundation of independent creative practice.
Have fun with the software – independently explore the possibilities and constraints of Gimp, Inkscape and Scribus.
Materials
Sketchbook, computer, webcam, internet connection.
Indicative timetable
|
Day/Week |
Theme/Software |
Workshop details/Lesson plan |
|
|
||
|
1 |
Introduction |
Free software, Bitmap+Vector, Colour (RGB+CMYK) & Install party! |
|
2 |
Inkscape |
Interface, Document properties, Tools + Layers, Align and Distribute, Text, Fill+Stroke Colour, Effects, Filters. |
|
3 |
Gimp |
Interface, Document properties, Tools+Layers, Colour management, Image editing, GIF animation |
|
4 |
Scribus |
Interface, Document properties, Tools+Layout design |
|
5 |
Colour |
Colour wheel: Primary, secondary, tertiary Complementary Warm/cool Tints&shades Interaction of colours |
|
6 |
Image |
Image type (vector+bitmap) Photograph Info graphics Drawing from observation and for illustration Collage and remix |
|
7 |
Text |
|
|
8 |
Layout |
Composition Grid Focal point Space division (+symmetry&asymmetry) Empty space Repetition Positioning Scale, contrast, and harmony |
|
9 |
Motion |
Image sequences Flip books Rotoscopes Gif animations |
|
10 |
Mini project |
Poster, booklet, flier, flip book, gif animation, with a specific theme – to be agreed with students. |
|
11 |
Mini project |
Individual tutorials |
|
12 |
Mini project |
Individual tutorials |
|
TBC |
|
Presentation of work: online 10 mins individual presentation and published links to the work |
Resources for independent study:
https://en.flossmanuals.net/digital-foundations/_full/
http://www.openculture.com/2016/03/3900-pages-of-paul-klees-personal-notebooks-are-now-online.html
https://opentextbc.ca/graphicdesign/chapter/chapter-4/
https://www.gimp.org/tutorials/