Visual Arts & Design / Multimedia Design

Students are introduced to the variety of programs and occupations in the arts, audio/video technology and communication systems. Within this context, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the various and multifaceted career opportunities in this cluster and the knowledge, skills, and educational requirements for those opportunities.

Students learn about a career in the many kinds of media and graphic design and illustration jobs. Digital photography and working toward the intermediate-level use of image editing and drawing programs are strongly focused upon in this class. This is helpful for any future photographer, videographer, animator or advertiser. Students will begin developing a high-quality portfolio for college or design school.

Design portfolios are expanded upon and improved in this second year of Graphic Design and Illustration. There is study of college design and media programs. Time is spent learning advanced concepts in illustration and the advertising and media business and new software programs while continuing to hone skills in image editing and digital photography. Large-format printing of projects is common in this class. Students may select an area of visual communication to begin specializing in during this year of study. It is a high level of media study where specializations such as motion graphics may begin.

An introduction to traditional animation. This course covers essential knowledge, skills, and concepts required for postsecondary fields of study. Upon completion of this course, students are able to describe various careers within animation, as well as admission requirements for postsecondary fields of study in Colorado. Students will digitally create both 2D animations and 3D computer-generated animations. The basic principles of design and animation will be covered that have been used by professionals. Students will have drawing assignments to help them in character design, layout and story development. With the approval of the instructor, students may have the choice to complete major projects in either 2D or 3D.

Course focuses on studio-based photography. Students will learn basic SLR and DSLR camera operations, framing and the art of styling and lighting for professional photo shoots. Projects will include various print advertisements and studio work. Students will learn about careers in related to commercial photography and the postsecondary programs and requirements within Colorado. Some examples of jobs in this area are photographer, graphic designer and stylist. Students will complete a number of projects and design pieces to be added to personal portfolios.

Emphasizes the needs of commercial photographers with regard to technical expertise, creativity, and professional equipment. Technical aspects include film-to-digital transfer, lighting, digital image manipulation, alternative processes, and stock photography. Creative exploration of subject matter, lighting, color theory and other psychological characteristics in the development of images are studied. A variety of photographic equipment is utilized for the studio and on location. Advanced darkroom procedures such as film processing, contact printing, and alternative processes will be covered. Students are expected to create a portfolio of work for both print and electronic formats.

Designed for students with a serious interest in photography, the AP Studio Art—2D Design course enables students to refine their skills and create artistic works to be submitted to the College Board for evaluation. Students are asked to demonstrate proficiency in photography. This type of design involves purposeful decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way with the entire spectrum of ideas. Additionally, this course is an Advanced Placement course. Students are expected to take an exam given by the College Board each year in May. Students who pass this examination may earn college credit. Students must remain enrolled for the entire school year to receive AP credit and the corresponding weighted grade.

Students learn how to use digital video editing software to create, edit, and save movies. Students create movies using digital video clips, digital photos and music. The basics of shooting good video, capturing video from a camera to a computer, creating movies for the web, and creating a finished product will be covered. Students in this class will be responsible for the daily production of Rebel News Network.

Students demonstrate their understanding of a variety of programs and occupations in print media using digital tools that are widely available in professional publication work. Focus is on producing content for reader-oriented publications. Instruction will be paired with hands-on lab experiences in community reporting, both verbal and visual.