Author: Uhl, Jason

COMPUTER
ART & DESIGN FINAL PROJECT CHOICE PACKET

OPTION #1
Photo Sculpture Series (Learning the Digital Darkroom)
Within this project option you will be required to explore photography in a professional and creative way. A major goal is for you to not think of photography as taking a ‘snapshot’, but rather to think of photography as an art-form. The photo option MUST be completed as a series of either separate images or combined images (see examples). Minimum number of good quality, sharp, in-focus, and meaningful images is 10-12. This means you may need to take 20+ images to be able to select the best 10-12. Find something to emphasize through your work (an expression, emotion, objects, etc.). You will learn to use a photo program to do adjustments to color, size, scale, tonal scale, contrast, etc.
Specific Directions you Might Consider for this Option:
-Extreme Close Ups (animals, objects, eyes, something used in everyday life.)
-High Contrast (dark background with spotlight on your object or subject; create dramatic lighting).
-Photo Sculpture (an assemblage of photos of a favorite candy or of a face) (self-portrait?), etc. (zoom in/out).
3 specific goals that I have for this option are:
1:
2:
3:
Examples:

Vocabulary and Concepts Related to DSLR Cameras & the Digital Darkroom

OPTION #2
Digital Painting
Within this project option you will be required to explore painting and PhotoPLUS & DrawPLUS painting tools in a professional and creative way. A major goal is for you to not think of the brushes and colors as solid blocks of color, rather, think of digital painting almost like a watercolor illustration where you are working from a nice reference image and laying down slightly translucent layers of brushed color. For instance, you will want your colors to blend and look naturalistic when creating a landscape digital painting rather than using bold yellow, blue, green, etc….you do not want your digital painting to look like it was made in Microsoft Paint! The topic is up to you, however, I highly suggest working either with a landscape or a portrait due to this likely being your first exploration into digital paint brushes and the effects they can create.
Note: DrawPLUS is better for varied line quality but less for a blended look. PhotoPLUS is better for a smoother blend.
Specific Directions you Might Consider for this Option:
-Extreme Close Ups (animals, objects, eyes, something used in everyday life.)
-High Contrast (dark background with spotlight on your object or subject; create dramatic lighting).
-Landscapes, Seascapes, and Portraits (stay away from super detailed cityscapes due to time constraints)
-Meaning: focus on choosing a topic that makes your work meaningful. Try to push a ‘message’ through your work.
3 specific goals that I have for this option are:
1:
2:
3:
Examples:

OPTION #3
3D Modeling in Sculptris
Within this project option you will be required to explore the basics of 3D modeling in a program called Sculptris. Essentially, you start with a sphere (think of a ball of clay) and using tools in the program you push, pull, and shape the object into a character. I suggest looking over the tools panels to become familiar with what tools do what and watching 1-2 online tutorials to help you sculpt the figure or object you want to create in addition to our in class demonstrations. This program works best for humanoid type figures or creatures rather than highly geometric models. You will have the opportunity to 3D print your model when complete. You will need to hand paint your model.
Specific Directions you Might Consider for this Option:
-Extreme Close Ups (animals, objects, eyes, something used in everyday life.)
-Character References (favorite cartoon characters re-created in your own interpretation).
-Portraits (a 3D-portrait made from a reference photo)
-Meaning: focus on choosing a topic that makes your work meaningful. Try to push a ‘message’ through your work.
3 specific goals that I have for this option are:
1:
2:
3:
Examples:

OPTION #4
Computer Illustration (open-choice subject matter)
Within this project option you will be required to create a computer-based illustration that fits the project theme of expressive or emotional content and a unique perspective. The subject matter is open to you. Minimum document size is 11x14.
Specific Directions you Might Consider for this Option:
-Extreme Close Ups (animals, objects, eyes, something used in everyday life.)
-Landscapes and Seascapes or City Scapes
-Portraits
-Meaning: focus on choosing a topic that makes your work meaningful. Try to push a ‘message’ through your work.
3 specific goals that I have for this option are:
1:
2:
3: