DESN 255 — INTRO TO COMPUTER GRAPHICS I | FALL 2020 | TTH 1:00–3:45PM | ONLINE (AMI)
Lockers are available for you to store your supplies. Sign up from the Resource Room, #123.
Facilities (departmental) information such as shop and print lab hours can be found here.
COMPUTING REQUIREMENTS
During AMI working from home, you'll need a Computer and Internet Access. If you do not have these, NOTIFY the instructor immediately.
HARDWARE
Any computer from the past 5 years or newer should be sufficient. Laptop, Large-Screen Tablet, or access to a desktop computer.
Mac or PC, either is fine. Whatever you're most comfortable with or already own.
RAM RAM RAM. The more RAM you have, the better. RAM is a relatively inexpensive upgrade, and graphics software is RAM hungry. If your laptop only has 8Gb of RAM, most of that is used by the operating system itself. Upgrade to as much as your computer can handle and/or you can afford. Often, you do not need a new computer, simply more RAM. No one tells you this because they want to sell new computers.
ChromeBook are available for students on loan. Contact Brotman Hall 377: 562-985-5587 (Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm).
Use a MOUSE and/or TOUCH-SENSITIVE TABLET. SERIOUSLY. You CANNOT design from a trackpad. Be sure your wireless mouse is always charged, or better yet, just use a wired mouse; they always work.
Special Requirements for participation in on-line learning instruction (AMI):
ZOOM. Students will need a video conferencing camera. Often built-in on laptops and tablets, or you can add on to a PC with a Logitech or other similar brand. You might also be able to use your smart phone, however be mindful of your cellular data limits, try always be on a wifi connection to avoid draining your cellular limits.
Internet access. Students will need reliable Internet access and a PC, Mac, or comparable computer with the latest version of a web browser; broadband Internet connection (DSL or faster); and a sound card (PCs) and headset with attached microphone for some courses. This course may incorporate tests/quizzes, graphics, video, audio, chat room, and links supported by a website to deliver instruction via the Internet; check course syllabus for details.
Students can contact Student Affairs for support services to assist with technological needs: https://web.csulb.edu/divisions/students/
Getting your work done outside class time alone and when our labs (103 & 105) are not available can be a challenge. However, the following other locations on campus all have Adobe Creative Suite:
Design Classroom 121 has 4 or 5 desktop computers available at all hours the building is open.
The Horn Center and
The Spidell Technology Center at the Library
SOFTWARE
Adobe Creative Suite / Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat)
Photoshop is the most widely used, industry standard Raster-Based 2D Rendering and Photo-manipulation software. I am on the Adobe Creative Cloud monthly subscription, but any version from CS5 or newer should be fine. Menus and tool selections may be a little different but we won't be using any advanced tools not available as far back as CS2 even.
Students can obtain Creative Cloud for just $20/year until you graduate. See Academic Technology for more info. During AMI Creative Cloud is FREE to students. Sign into myCSULB Single Sign-On > go to the Software Depot widget > choose Select Software >
Flash drive (for your working files!) - Not needed during AMI
For transferring your files from school computers and/or dropping off your your files to FedEx office or another printer service in your neighborhood. Check their services online, many have direct job upload services available.
Printer - Not be required during AMI
You'll need access to printing 11x17" AND 20x30" (oversized). Budget accordingly.
Become acquainted with our department print lab, Room 123.
DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE, OR HOUR! YOUR SERVICE BUREAU (Printing house) NEEDS TIME TO TURN-AROUND YOUR JOB.
TRADITIONAL MEDIA
Below is a standard list of things designers use in the studio. Students should have most of these from their other related design foundation courses. You do not need to run out and buy everything right away. Buy and add to your studio as you need. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
We understand art supplies are expensive and do add up. You may use materials that you may already have. Purchase your supplies outside of class time and have them available before the class in which they will be needed so that you can gain the most from your lab/studio time.
Many supplies are available for checkout from The Department Resource Room, #123.
Pencils
Ink Pens
Rendering Tools
Erasers
Papers
Optional
Drafting Tools - Optional in this course
Other Supplies
Ellipse Guides
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* Estimate only. See instructor and calendar for specific due dates. Summer Session schedule is more compressed with one week equal to approximately two and half semester weeks.
CSULB | COTA | DEPARTMENT OF DESIGN | BIO
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