Interview with Chris Leavens Vector Artist

Jan 16th in Interviews by Sonali Vora

Chris Leavens is a talented vector artist born and raised in Pennsylvania who now resides in Los Angeles. He graduated with a BA in film and video and initially worked in the film industry. Later Chris decided to take a break from the film biz and began working as an illustrator, graphic designer, and web designer, focusing primarily on educational material for children.

Chris creates vector art entirely in Adobe Illustrator including textural elements. Chris's work incorporates absurdity, anthropomorphism, and a healthy dose of humor. For those who don't know he has also written a tutorial for Vectortuts+ .

In this interview he talks about how he got started in the design industry. He gives an insight into his creative process, talks about the awesomeness of vector art and Adobe Illustrator and much more!

flow/state Phil Renato

Documentation of the objects, process, and installation of Phil Rentao's sabbatical exhibition at Kendall College of Art and Design Main Gallery Jan 12-Feb 6 2010


This is a piece made on a 3D printer, See the interior honeycomb structure.

Make sure you see this show.

Kendall College of Art and Design Main Gallery Jan 12-Feb 6 2010

Copyright and Fair Use in the Classroom,

What is Fair Use?
Fair use is the most significant limitation on the copyright holder's exclusive rights. Deciding whether the use of a work is fair IS NOT a science. There are no set guidelines that are universally accepted. Instead, the individual who wants to use a copyrighted work must weigh four factors:
The purpose and character of the use:
Is the new work merely a copy of the original? If it is simply a copy, it is not as likely to be considered fair use.
Does the new work offer something above and beyond the original? Does it transform the original work in some way? If the work is altered significantly, used for another purpose, appeals to a different audience, it more likely to be considered fair use.
Is the use of the copyrighted work for nonprofit or educational purposes? The use of copyrighted works for nonprofit or educational purposes is more likely to be considered fair use.
The nature of the copyrighted work:
Is the copyrighted work a published or unpublished works? Unpublished works are less likely to be considered fair use.
Is the copyrighted work out of print? If it is, it is more likely to be considered fair use.
Is the work factual or artistic? The more a work tends toward artistic expression, the less likely it will be considered fair use.
The amount and substantiality of the portion used:
The more you use, the less likely it will be considered fair use.
Does the amount you use exceed a reasonable expectation? If it approaches 50 percent of the entire work, it is likely to be considered an unfair use of the copyrighted work.
Is the particular portion used likely to adversely affect the author's economic gain? If you use the "heart" or "essence" of a work, it is less likely your use will be considered fair.
The effect of use on the potential market for the copyrighted work:
The more the new work differs from the original, the less likely it will be considered an infringement.
Does the work appeal to the same audience as the original? If the answer is yes, it will likely be considered an infringement.
Does the new work contain anything original? If it does, it is more likely the use of the copyrighted material will be seen as fair use.

Exercise Assignment : Creative Collage

Exercise Assignment: Collage Creature

Create a figure out of vintage digital images.

Go to google images and download 10 to 15 images of humans, animals, insects, or plants, which you will use as source material.

Select images that are at least 300 x 300 dpi.

Save images to your flash drive
.
Open images in Photoshop three at a time.

Create a new file 5” x 7” 300dpi

Save the new file with the name of your Collage Creature. save as a psd.file ( Photoshop file)

Select sections using the select tools and copy selections and paste or drag on to the new blank file.

Use the transformation tools to scale, rotate, flip and or warp the selections.

Place different images together to create your figure.

See Maggie Taylor’s Web site for inspiration. www.maggietaylor.com
However, I want this piece to be your creation.

Your creature must have at lease 7 different elements form different images.

Show Work in progress on Monday
Final due on Thursday Jan. 28th Be prepared to explain how you created your piece.


Remember to save your file often!

Jerry Uelsmann Did Photoshop Techiques : Before the Time of Computers

Untitled, 1969
SGP ; 11"x14" ; 16"x20"

Uelsmann's surrealistic body of work is distinguished by its complex and poetic multiple image composition, revealing the extraordinary effects that the process of photography can accommodate. In a review of Uelsmann's 1975 monograph Silver Meditations, the critic Hilton Kramer said Uelsmann was abundantly endowed with "technical mastery and ... flawless confidence in ... the inspired energies of the imagination." Text from The Photography Encyclopedia



Jerry Uelsmann has been a master print maker since the early 1960s. He creates composite photographs with multiple negatives and extensive darkroom work. He uses up to a dozen enlargers at a time to produce his final surrealist images.

Maggie Taylor

Patient Gardener by Maggie Taylor


You do not need to know everything about Photoshop: Read what Maggie Taylor says about Photoshop.


When asked for her advice to someone learning digital imaging she had this to say, "I have met a lot of people who seem intimidated or frustrated by the many features of Photoshop. Keep in mind that you don't have to be able to use every part of the program. Don't be reluctant just because it seems too complicated in the beginning. Learn about a feature at the point that you need to use it. That's when it will make sense to you."

Computer Aided Design,

The Computer is Just a Tool to Make ART!

The Computer is Just a Tool to Make ART!
This is a blog to showcase what the Digitally Based ART class at Aquinas College is about.
The class will be exploring numerous ways to use a computer to make art.
We will use a variety of 2D and 3d software programs form Photoshop, to Flash, to Illustrator, to Google Sketchup. Open source graphic software will also be covered.

Art is capitalized in Digital Based ART because Art is the main focus of this class.

We will use the computer to look at the world in a different way, then we will, create art based on these impressions.

The class will involve studying artists who use a computer to make art.

We will use this blog to communicate and share digitally based artwork and artists.

Artrage

This Art Program costs $40 - $80 however it has the most realistic paintbrush.

You can try Artrage 2.5 for free to see what it does.

Best of all, ArtRage doesn't force you to learn complex tool settings, it lets you get right down to painting with tools you already know how to use.

Paint, Sketch and Draw With Tools You Already Know How to Use!

Welcome to the home of ArtRage, the easy to use, stylish painting software for Windows and Mac OS X!

With ArtRage you can paint with oils and watercolors, sketch with pencils, spray stickers over your canvas, and much more. Stencils and rulers let you create precise shapes or smooth curves freehand. Tracing and Reference images let you load photos to recreate either by eye or by letting ArtRage select colors for you as you paint. For professional users, ArtRage offers Layers and Layer Groups, Layer Blend Modes compatible with the PSD file format, plugin Filter suport and more.

Google Sketchup and Picasa Google Photo Program

http://sketchup.google.com/download/

Google SketchUp 7
Create 3D models and share them with the world

Google SketchUp is software that you can use to create 3D models of anything you like. Build models and add them to Google Earth »

http://sketchup.google.com/training/videos.html



Picasa is a free software download from Google that helps you locate and organize all the photos on your computer, edit and add effects to your photos with a few simple clicks and share your photos with others through email, prints, and on the web. The special Picasa Basic Fixes are buttons that make it fast and easy to crop, remove red eye, fix the contrast and color, and enhance your digital pictures, and they are very similar to the professional features in Lightroom!

http://picasa.google.com/

Syllabus

AQUINAS COLLEGE 
Art Department
 
Mission Statement of the Art Department
 
We train artists, art historians and visual arts administrators, and provide service courses for non-art majors.  Through our courses, we aspire to build an appreciation for the rich interchange of images and ideas that link art and other academic disciplines.  Our graduates in art have been encouraged to consider their future professional role in the contest of both the contemporary world and the historical world.  Besides a reverence for art history, they have been taught appropriate skills of mind, hand, and eye.  They have been helped to find the next steps in their life journey, and have been challenged to be the best they can be in their chosen specialty.  Non-majors who have taken our courses become better able to evaluate the visual aspects of their environment, understand the value of creative problem solving, and appreciate art in history.  And they often find their study of art to be profoundly nourishing to the spirit.
 
Aquinas College Integrity Statement
Aquinas College is rooted in the Dominican traditions of prayer, study, community and service, combined with a deep respect for truth, honesty and integrity. In this spirit, we strive to create an environment in which integrity is prized and practiced. We expect all community members to uphold these values through honesty, fairness, and respect for others.
 
COURSE SYLLABUS AND CALENDAR
AT 242-249 Digitally Based Art
 
I.               Identifying Information            
Location:          Computer Lab Room #319/ Printmaking Studio
Times: Mon-Thursday 9-12am      
Instructor: Jerry Berta              
Home Number:       616 866 1950        
Cell Number:        616 443 0452        
Fax Number:              
E-mail Address: jerryberta@gmail.com
Office Hours:      Before and after class and by appointment Prerequisites:   AT140 2-D Design         
 



II.          Course Description

 Digitally Based Art class is designed to expose art students to various methods of using current image editing technology in the creation of art. Students will not only learn to use image editing software and equipment and how to incorporate new technology into their art practice, but will also learn about the place that technologically based art has in modern art history and in the current discourse.

Course goals:
1.Students will learn to use the computer as a tool to your make art.
2.Students will learn various ways to input ideas and creations into a computer, with a variety of Graphic Arts software. (See below)
3.Study how digital based art relates to modern artists from Seurat to Shepard Fairey.
4.Students will explore ways to output their computer creations on everything from printers to Rapid Prototype Machines.
5.These outputted objects would then be made into art.

Since this is a Digitally Based Art course. Our main way of communicating inside and outside of class will be through the class blog ” Computer is Just a tool to Make ART! “
http://computerisjustatooltomakeart.blogspot.com
Assignment will be posted here, along with links to Digitally Based Artists and tutorials for software. This is a two-way blog; all students will have access to post information for the class to share from assignments to research about digital artists and graphics software.

Requirements:
1.Sketchbook for ideas and keeping notes.
2.Flash Drive 8 GB for storing digital files.
3.Traditional Art Materials based on the art you want to create.
4.Final presentation materials such as frames and matting.
5.Use of digital camera
6.Some printing is covered by lab fees, additional prints may come with added cost.

Software programs:
1.Abode Design Suite. Available for use in AQ computer labs and art class.
a)Photoshop
b)AI Abode Illustrator
c)Abode Flash
d)Dreamweaver
2.Google Sketch Up 3D Modeling Program
3.Open Source Graphic Software
a)Gimp
b)Ink
Input techniques:
1.Digital Camera, Keyboard, Mouse, Graphic Tablet, Scanning

Output techniques:
1.You as an artist as an output tool. A new way to look at art, which you create with your traditional artist techniques & tools.
2.Ink Jet Printers, Laser Printers, Photo printing.
3.How to get from Ink Jet Prints to Canvas.
4.Rapid Prototype Machine. 3D Printer (Turn a Google Sketchup creation into reality.)
5.Laser cutters.
6.Water Jet Cutters.
7.CNC Routers
8.CNC Plasma Cutters
9.Video screens, from video MP3 Players to high res DVD.

We will study how traditional Artist’s techniques relate to Digitally Based Art.
From George Seurat, Close Close, Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, to Shepard Fairey,

There is no assigned textbook for this course.

There will be assigned reading and tutorials form the web and library.
See Weekly posting on Class Blog.

Learning Exercises Description:
This is a hands on art class, you will learn by doing. Every week there will be a several exercises you will need to perform in order to show your proficiency in image editing. As the class progresses these exercises will be assigned on the direction you are going with your art. Exercises are graded on your ability to show how well you have learned these techniques. These exercises will represent 25 % of your grade.
Digital art presentation.
Research and create a presentation about a Digital Based Artist that has influenced you in this course. A beginning list of artists will be provided.
This presentation will account for 10% of your grade.
Assignments Description:
There will be four art assignments, three minor assignments and one final major assignment. Assignments are art! These will graded on creativity, composition, use of technique and how well it stands up as a piece of art.
These Assignments will account for 50% of your grade.
Class Participation:
Art is a very basic form of communication from the very first cave paintings to the latest digital images. As artists you need to be able to communicate ideas. Participation in class discussions and input to the class blog is one of the requirements of this class. Class participation will account for 15% of your grade.

III.              Schedule of Classes

Week 1.

1.Overview of course
2.Use of ”Computer is Just a Tool to Make ART!“
3.Use of “Youtube” and Google as a Help tool
4.Vector vs. Bitmap
5.Exercise: Using Objects as Pixels
6.Photoshop and Illustrator Basics. Setting up workspace and Toolbars.
7.Undo button and use of history
8.Sketchup Basics.
9.Preview of Digital Artists
10.Exercise: Do tutorial posted on class Blog.

Week 2.
1.Create a Digital Signature / Icon/ Stamp to mark your creation as a work of art.
2.Digital Photography
3.Photoshop techniques: Use of masks, layers, and filters.
4.Illustrators techniques: Use of Pen Tool, Text, Fills, Live Trace
5.Collage
6.Overview of Open source Graphic Art software.
7.Exercise: Do tutorial posted on class Blog.
Week 3.
1.Photoshop techniques: Advanced Use of masks, layers, and filters.
2.Illustrators techniques: Use of Pen Tool, Text, Fills, Live Trace
3.Vector exercises. From hand drawn to Vector
4.Output: Transfers form Ink Jet Prints to paper and beyond.
5.Exercise: Transfer image from printed to traditional art.
6.Hand Gesture Drawing over Digital Printout.
7.Digitally Combine Hand Gesture Drawing with Digital Printout.
8.Exercise: Do tutorial posted on class Blog.
Week 4
1.Photoshop Advanced techniques: Creating Patterns, Brushes
2.Illustrators Advanced techniques: Creating Patterns,
3.Sketchup 3 D Advanced techniques
4.Creating Patterns, Brushes
5.Using patterns to create fabric design
6.Exercise: Photoshop Repairing broken Neon
7.Exercise: Do tutorial posted on class Blog.

Week 5.
1.Sketchup 3 D Advanced techniques
2.Exercise: Create a 3D object/ sculpture in Sketchup
3.Photoshop Advanced techniques: 3D imaging, warping,
4.Review of which Digital Based Artists will be presented by students.
5.Exercise: Do tutorial posted on class Blog.
Week 6.
1.Conceptual Digital Art
2.Google Earth Art
3.Exercise: Do tutorial posted on class Blog.
Week 7.
1.Exercise: Do tutorial posted on class Blog.
2.Exploring Output:
a)Laser Cuts, paper, wood
b)Plotter cut Sandblast material as a woodblock plate.
c)Plotter Cut Vinyl as a stencil for painting.
d)Ink jet Decals to transfer to a 3D object.
e)Water-jet cutters for sculptural use.
f) Large scale images, Billboards, Vinyl wraps.
Week 8.
1.Midterm review and Critic of Art and technique.
2.Advance Digital Techniques
3.Work on Digital creations.
4.Experiment with output techniques.
5.Exercise: Do tutorial posted on class Blog.
Week 9.
1.Digital Presentation of Digital Based Artists
2.Visit to Meijer Sculptural Park to take digital images.
3. Work on Digital creations
4.Exercise: Do tutorial posted on class Blog.
Week 10.
1.Over view of Programming Art and Fractals
2.Combining 2D artwork into Motion.
3.Overview of Flash Animation
4.Use of Dreamweaver to animate images.
5.Exercise: Do tutorial posted on class Blog.
Week 11.
1.Work on Digital creations.
2.Studio time to create art.
3.Exercise: Do tutorial posted on class Blog.
Week 12.

1.Work on Digital creations.
2.Studio time to create art.
3.Review and Critic of Art and technique.
Week 13.
1.Explore output capabilities in local industry.
2.Finalize Sketchup designs to ready for output.
3.Work on Digital creations.
4.Studio time to create art.
Week 14.
1.Create a 2D or 3D prototype art presentation, for a large-scale commission.
2.Work on Digital creations.
3.Studio time to create art.
Week 15.
1.Present 2D or 3D prototype art presentation to class.
Explain techniques used.
2.Finalize work on Digital Creations and Studio Artwork.
3.Create a simple animation from 2 D Digital images.

Week 16.
1.Finalize work on Digital Creations and Studio Artwork.
2.Present animation in a creative way.
3.Final Review and critic of finished artwork.

 
REQUIREMENTS
1.Consistent and ON-TIME attendance. Art Department policy stipulates a grading penalty for more than three absences and a grade of no-credit for more than six absences, with no exceptions.
2.On time completion of the assigned projects.
3.Three or more hours per week outside of class spent on class projects.
4.Tutorials and Readings as assigned.
5.Keeping creations, thoughts and questions, as well as notes from class demos.
6.Cleaning studio work area after each session
 
VI.       Assessment Tools Used and Criteria for Evaluation and Grading 
Final grading ratios: 50% based on Artwork, 25 % based on weekly exercises 15% based on your instructor's subjective evaluation of your initiative, improvement, participation in discussion, and general engagement in the work and thought of the course, 10% based on the Digital Artists Presentation.   NO GRADES OF INCOMPLETE WILL BE GIVEN.


VII.     Support Services and other Requirements 
Students with Disabilities
If you believe you qualify for course adaptations or special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is your responsibility to contact the Disability Coordinator (616) 632-2166 and provide the appropriate documentation. If you have already documented a disability or other condition that would qualify you for special accommodations, or if you have emergency medical information or special needs, this should be reported in confidence to the Disability Coordinator to discuss your specific needs.   Together, you can then plan how best to coordinate your accommodations.
Academic Assistance
The Academic Achievement Center (616) 632-2166 offers free tutoring to all students. In addition, participants in the Student Support Services program can receive academic assistance and other services.
 
Academic Dishonesty
Written or other work that a student submits must be the product of her/his own efforts.  Plagiarism, cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty, including dishonesty involving computer technology, are prohibited.  Further information on Academic Dishonesty can be found in the current College catalog.

Photoshop Tutorials Videos

Total Training For Photoshop CS4 - Intro To Photoshop CS4 - 14 Free Videos