Objective

You will be creating a portrait of a real person that is inspirational to you. This could be any real person. Your design needs to have a high level of details and a background that compliments your design. There should be significant differences between your robot last year and this portrait. You will import a photo of your sketch into Illustrator and recreate it. You will use the sketches as a base for your designs, so sketches must be completed! This is a requirement for the project.   

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Project Requirements 

• Sketches or reference photos are embedded and used

• Portrait represents a real person

 

Help Resources

• Search Illustrator Portraits or Illustrator Characters on Google

• Character Kit Tutorial Directions

• Sketch to Vector Tutorial - Download Image Here

• Strokes and Brushes Demo Video

• Draw Noses - search through the additional YouTube clips

• Draw Eyes - search through the additional YouTube clips

• Portrait Demo #1

• Portrait Demo #2

 

Step 1: Brainstorming Steps

1. Create a new folder inside your Final folder and name it “Portrait”.

2. Create a new Google Doc inside your Portrait folder and copy and paste the Portrait Creative Brief into this new doc.

3. Fill out the top of the Creative Brief and title it by clicking on Untitled Document. 

4. Complete the Creative Brief brainstorming steps. 

5. Turn in your physical sketch with your name on it to Mr. Wiant.

 

Step 2: Project Steps

1. Create 11x17 AI file

2. Place your sketch or reference image into your AI doc - File>Place. Check that the image is embedded. 

3. Sketch and reference photos are kept on their own layer so Mr. Wiant can see the original ideas compared to your final design. It is best to lock this layer.

4. Create your character considering the personality and background they have and adding lots of great detail. 

5. Create a background that compliments the character.

 

Step 3: Turn In Directions

1. Save a JPG and AI file saved as “lastName_Portrait”. Use the settings below for your JPG. 

• Select Use Artboards

• Color Mode: RGB

• Quality: 10

• Resolution: 300

2. Turn both files into your Portrait folder. 

3. Complete the self-evaluation and grading on the rubric. 

4. Complete checklist and submit in Schoology.

 

Monday 1/27

Landscape Wallpaper Design

Objective

You will be creating a landscape scene using gradients that will be used for a computer wallpaper background. Consider how colors work well together and how gradients can enhance this design. This design will be used to replace the current wallpaper on your computer. 

 

Help Resources

• Search for an Illustrator gradient landscape tutorial online if you need help with a direction to go.  

• Freeform Gradient Demo Video

• Appearance Panel Demo

 

Project Requirements 

• Scene using gradients 

• Landscape or Cityscape is created

 

Step 1: Brainstorming Steps

1. Create a new folder inside your Final folder and name it “Wallpaper”.

2. Create a new Google Doc inside your Wallpaper folder and copy and paste the Wallpaper Creative Brief into this new doc.

3. Fill out the top of the Creative Brief and title it by clicking on Untitled Document. 

4. Complete the Creative Brief brainstorming steps. 

5. Turn in your physical sketch with your name on it to Mr. Wiant.

 

Step 2: Project Steps

1. Create 3410x1918 pixel AI file

2. Place your sketch image into your AI doc - File>Place. Check that the image is embedded. 

3. Sketch and reference photos are kept on their own layer so Mr. Wiant can see the original ideas compared to your final design. It is best to lock this layer.

4. Create your landscape considering how the color scheme will compliment your design. 

5. Apply gradients and effects. 

 

Step 3: Turn In Directions

1. Save your Illustrator file as “lastName_wallpaper.ai”. 

2. Export your file as a JPG by going to File>Export>Export As and changing the format to JPG. Make sure to check the Use Artboards box on the bottom left. 

3. On the next screen save your JPG file using the settings below:

   1. Color Model: RGB

   2. Quality: 10

   3. Resolution: 300

4. Go to your System Preferences on your computer’s dock, which is on the bottom. They are the gray gear icon. 

5. Click on Wallpaper. 

6. Click on Add Photo at the bottom of the window. Locate your design and select it. 

7. Close all windows and take a screenshot of your screen (Command + Shift + 3).

8. Turn in the AI, JPG and screenshot. 

9. Complete the self-evaluation on the rubric. 

10. Complete and submit the checklist in Schoology.

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Monday 1/13

Personal Avatar

Objective

You will be creating an avatar to replace your current avatar in Google. Your avatar could be an illustration of yourself, a logo that represents yourself or any sort of design that represents you. Even if you don’t use the avatar for real, you will need to place it into your Google account to mock up the design. 

 

Project Requirements

1. Avatar is placed into Google to mock up your final design. 

2. Sketch is embedded into Illustrator and used directly to create your design.

 

Avatar Help Resources

Flat Style Avatar

Another Flat Style Avatar

Creating Icons

 

Sketch to Vector Help

Image Trace - convert your sketch directly to vector paths

Sketch to Vector Using Shapes - create your design by using your sketch as reference in Illustrator

 

Step 1: Brainstorming Steps

1. Create a new folder inside your Final folder and name it “Avatar”.

2. Create a new Google Doc inside your Avatar folder and copy and paste the Avatar Creative Brief into this new doc.

3. Fill out the top of the Creative Brief and title it by clicking on Untitled Document. 

4. Complete the Creative Brief brainstorming steps. 

 

Step 2: Project Steps

1. Create a new Illustrator file that is 1000x1000 pixels 

2. Select your circle tool and double-click on the background to set the size. Size it to be 130x130 pixels. 

3. Size the artboard correctly by going to Object>Artboards (at the bottom)>Fit to Artwork Bounds. 

4. Design within that circle, although you do not need to have a circle in your final design. This can be just used as a guide. 

5. Upload your sketch into Illustrator and embed it. 

 

Step 3: Mockup of Avatar Steps

1. Export your file as a JPG by going to File>Export>Export As and changing the format to JPG. Make sure to check the Use Artboards box on the bottom left. If you don’t, you will not have a nice rectangle design and you will lose points.

2. On the next screen save your JPG file using the settings below:

   1. Color Model: RGB

   2. Quality: 10

   3. Resolution: 300

3. Go to Gmail and click on your avatar icon on the top-right corner.

4. Click on the pencil icon>Change>My Computer and upload your JPG.

5. Once your icon is updated in Google, take a screenshot of it by using shift+command+4. You then can click and drag around the icon. Make sure to include a large enough representation of the image and don’t just screenshot the avatar. The purpose is to see how the avatar looks with the surrounding elements. 

 

Screenshot Mockup Example

 

Step 3: Turn In Steps

1. Save your Illustrator file as “lastName_Avatar.ai”. 

2. Place the JPG, mockup file and the Illustrator files into the Avatar folder.

 

 

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Wednesday 1/8

Bauhaus Coloring Page

Objective

You will create a series of coloring pages that represent the Bauhaus movement. The purpose is to refresh your Illustrator skills and knowledge of custom shapes in order to prepare you for your next assignment. 

 

Bauhaus Design Slides

 

These tools need to be used:

1. Pen Tool

2. Shape Builder

3. Width Tool

   1. Tip - Use Object>Expand Appearance when you are done creating your shapes to allow you to remove the fill and add a stroke. 

4. Pathfinder Tool

5. Misc - explore with tools like the blending tool or a combo of tools to refresh and expand your knowledge. Look at the Illustrator Tutorials on the Resources page to refresh your knowledge of other tools. 

 

Step 1: Projects Steps

1. Create a new folder inside your Final folder and name it “Bauhaus”.

2. Download the Bauhaus Coloring Ai file. 

3. Use each tool listed for the 3 squares. Take time to explore a creative style that fits the Bauhaus style. Do not use colors yet, just black strokes. 

4. The final row you can use any tools you like. 

5. Add the title Bauahus on the bottom with a font that fits the style. 

6. Add your name using hierarchy correctly by considering font and size. 

7. Color in your designs on Illustrator in a Bauhaus color scheme. Explore the live paint option if it helps you.

 

Step 2: Turn In Directions

1. Save your Illustrator file as “lastName_Bauhaus.ai”. 

2. Export your file as a JPG by going to File>Export>Export As and changing the format to JPG. Make sure to check the Use Artboards box on the bottom left. 

3. On the next screen save your JPG file using the settings below:

   1. Color Model: RGB

   2. Quality: 10

   3. Resolution: 300

4. Turn both files into your Bauhaus folder.

 

 

 

Wednesday 11/20

Fall Final: Symbolism Self-Portrait

Objective

You will be creating a symbolism self-portrait in the style of Constantini to tell a story about yourself with the images you choose. You will need to include objects and elements that represent yourself and use your photo editing techniques to color correct the design so your objects have similar lighting and work well together. 

 

Project Tips

• You can use a photo of yourself that you have already taken, or you can take a photo in class. 

• It will be easier to remove your image from the background if you use a solid white background behind yourself. 

• Consider what angle you want your face to be too. Are you looking up, down or straight? This will depend on what type of objects you will have coming out of your head. 

 

Help Resources

• Glow Effect

• Puppet Warp 

• Hair Mask Tutorial

• Warp Images Video

• Adding Noise to an Image

• Blend Images in Photoshop

 

Project Requirements

1. Your face must be recognizable in the final design and your image is removed from the background.

2. The use of clouds don’t need to be used like the examples. However, it may help to blend images into your head this way. Look for Photoshop brushes, cloud tutorials or you can use layer masks on cloud images to create these.

3. At least 6 images need to be used. Search free stock photo websites to find large enough images or use your own images. If you are struggling with finding certain images let Mr. Wiant know.

4. Overlap images to give the illusion of depth.

5. Objects should be “interacting” with each other. 

 

Step 1: Brainstorming Steps

1. Create a new folder inside your Final folder and name it “Self-portrait”.

2. Create a new Google Doc inside your Surrealism folder and copy and paste the Self-portrait Creative Brief into this new doc.

3. Fill out the top of the Creative Brief and title it by clicking on Untitled Document. 

4. Complete the Creative Brief brainstorming steps. 

 

Step 2: Project Steps

1. Create a new PSD file - size 11x17” and 180 resolution

2. Remove your image from the background using masks, pen tool or selection tools. 

3. Start to add images and apply photo editing skills to the images to blend all of the images together. 

 

Step 3: Turn In Steps

1. Save your PSD file and a high-res JPG file as “lastName_Self-portrait” and upload both files to your Self-portrait folder. 

2. Complete and submit the checklist in Schoology.

 

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Wednesday 10/29

Travel Poster

Objective

You will be creating a travel poster that represents a destination of your choice. This poster should revolve around promoting the destination using visual identity.

 

Project Requirements

• Many layers are used to create the poster

• Attractive typography was used that represents your theme if needed 

• A variety of past AND new Photoshop skills are used

• Design need to be photo based and not vector based

 

Project Help

• Generative Fill

• Double-exposure Effect

 

Step 1: Brainstorming Steps

1. Create a new folder inside your Final folder and name it “Travel”.

2. Create a new Google Doc inside your Travel folder and copy and paste the Travel Creative Brief into this new doc.

3. Fill out the top of the Creative Brief and title it by clicking on Untitled Document. 

4. Complete the Creative Brief brainstorming steps. 

 

Step 2: Project Steps

Create a Photoshop file 11x17” and 180dpi to start your design.  

 

Step 3: Turn-In Directions 

1. Save your file as a high-res JPG and PSD titled “lastName_Travel”. 

2. Turn-in both your PSD and JPG files into the Travel folder, which needs to be in your Final folder.

3. Complete and submit the checklist in Schoology.

 

Friday 10/25

Website Portfolio

Objective

A portfolio is very important for a designer to have to properly showcase their work and to have a place to display their work online. Wix is a free website building tool that will allow you to create a portfolio site that is unique to you. You will need to use trial and error while building this website and you may get frustrated, but you need to push on to complete the website. 

 

Portfolio Steps

1. Creating a Wix Account → we will do this together

• Wix Sign Up Page (Click on Sign Up once you are on the webpage.)

• Use whatever email address that you use the most often. It does not need to be your school email.

1. Select a website template

2. Create Navigation for Pages - Video Tutorial

3. Create an interesting Homepage to catch a person’s attention

4. Build a gallery to showcase design work 

 

Portfolio Requirements

1. Home Page 

       - This page needs to catch the viewer’s attention. You can use one of your strong designs, a quote, or           whatever else you think will do this. Look online at examples for inspiration. 

2. Portfolio Gallery

      - At least 4 GD1 projects

      - At least 2 GD2 projects

      - Each piece needs to include a title that is different from your file name.

      - Descriptions are optional if you want to explain your work in a few sentences. This will up the quality

 of your site.

3. Significant effort was shown and creativity.

4. Unneeded elements are removed

 

Portfolio Help

Use the Wix resources below to allow you to build a stronger and more engaging website portfolio. 

 

Navigation Video Tutorial

Discover the Wix Editor

How to Build a Wix Website Video Tutorial

 

Student Example Sites

Adama's Website

Albert's Website

Juana’s Website

Tru's Website

Mr. Wiant's Design Cycle Sample Site

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Semester 1 Portfolio Rubric

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Monday 9/30

Personal Impact Poster

Objective

This project will allow you to express yourself by creating a poster that represents an event that impacted you personally. If you can’t think of something that impacted you personally, then you can use an event that may have impacted your close family.

 

Project Requirements

• Many layers are used to create the poster

• Attractive typography was used that represents your theme if needed 

• A variety of past AND new Photoshop skills are used

• Design need to be photo based and not vector based

 

Project Help

• Depth of Field

• Layer Mask to Edit Colors

 

Step 1: Brainstorming Steps

1. Create a new folder inside your Final folder and name it “Personal Impact”.

2. Create a new Google Doc inside your Personal Impact folder and copy and paste the Personal Impact Creative Brief into this new doc.

3. Fill out the top of the Creative Brief and title it by clicking on Untitled Document. 

4. Complete the Creative Brief brainstorming steps. 

 

Step 2: Project Steps

1. Create a Photoshop file 11x17” or 8.5x11” and 180dpi. 

2. Use many layers to create an elaborate design that showcases your photo editing skills and new Photoshop skills. ​

 

Step 3: Turn-In Directions

1. Save your file as a high-res JPG and PSD titled “lastName_Personal Impact”. 

2. Turn-in both your PSD and JPG files into the Personal Impact folder, which needs to be in your Final folder.

3. Complete and submit the checklist in Schoology.

 

Monday 9/9

Western Stock Show Contest

​Objective

You will be creating a design for the National Western Stock Show art contest. The theme for this design is simply “Western Lifestyle”. Does western lifestyle mean cowboys, rodeos, animals, landscape or something else to you? 

 

Contest Website

 

• Champion, reserve champion and honorable mention art pieces will be displayed at the 2025 National Western Stock Show.

• Grand Champion & Reserve Champion artwork will be professionally framed by Abend Framing.

• Grand Champion & Reserve Champion artists are invited to join us at the Ace Highs Mixer on January 12 to be recognized for their winning artwork.

• Each entry will receive two grounds admission tickets for opening weekend of National Western Stock Show (January 11-12, 2025).

 

Project Requirements

• A variety of past AND new Photoshop skills are used.

• Design principles are used strongly together. 

• Creativity and attention to details are used.

• Attractive typography was used that represents your theme if type is being included. 

• Photo editing/adjustment layers are used. 

 

Step 1: Brainstorming Steps

1. Create a new folder inside your Final folder and name it “Western”.

2. Create a new Google Doc inside your Western folder and copy and paste the Western Contest Creative Brief into this new doc.

3. Fill out the top of the Creative Brief and title it by clicking on Untitled Document. 

4. Complete the Creative Brief brainstorming steps. 

 

Step 2: Project Steps

1. Create a Photoshop file 11x17”, 13x19” or a square size, no larger than 19” square, with a resolution of 180. 

2. Use your brainstorming and sketch to get started. 

 

Step 3: Turn-In Directions

1. Save your file as a high-res JPG and PSD titled “lastName_Western”. 

2. Go to File>Save A Copy and change the Format to JPG. Select the highest resolution option selected when you are saving it.

3. Upload the PSD file and JPG file to your Western folder.

4. Complete and submit the checklist in Schoology. 

 

Tuesday 8/21

Personal Poster Design

Objective

To create a personal poster in Photoshop that refreshes your Photoshop and design skills. The theme can be whatever you like. Maybe you could design a concert poster, travel poster, poster that represents you or what you did this past summer. Search for tutorials if you are struggling to select a topic for this design. The poster should use a variety of design skills and use design principles from last year such as balance, white space, flow, etc.

 

Project Skills

• Correctly set up a file, save a file with the correct extension and submit files correctly.

• A variety of past AND new Photoshop skills are used.

• Creativity and attention to details are used.

• Exploration of photo editing skills were used. 

• Design principles were used successfully 

 

Project Help

• Tutorial Video: Color Contrast

• Tutorial Video: Hue & Saturation

• Selection Tool Demo Directions - Download Images

 

Step 1: Brainstorming Steps

1. Create a new folder inside your Final folder and name it “Personal Design”.

2. Create a new Google Doc inside your Personal Design folder and copy and paste the Personal Design Creative Brief into this new doc.

3. Fill out the top of the Creative Brief and title it by clicking on Untitled Document. 

4. Complete the Creative Brief brainstorming steps. 

 

Step 2: Project Steps

1. Create a new file that is 11x17’’ and 180dpi resolution. 

2. Rely on your old skills and learn new Photoshop skills while you create. 

 

Step 3: Turn-In Steps

1. Your PSD and JPG files should be saved as “lastName_Personal”.

2. Go to File>Save A Copy and change the Format to JPG. Select the highest resolution option selected when you are saving it.

3. Upload the PSD file and JPG file to your Personal Design folder.

4. Complete and submit the checklist in Schoology.