Computer Courses

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Illustrator Basics

SF EXCOM–1102–01
Instructor: Erin Lampe
Fri., 9:30–3:30 p.m., February 17
1 session. $135. Noncredit. Prerequisite: knowledge of computer basics, Mac or PC
In this one-day workshop, participants learn how to use Adobe Illustrator to create high quality illustrations, logos, posters and other custom artwork. Using the various vector tools, students discover how to transform existing shapes and add color to drawn objects, as well as how to transform a scanned raster image into editable vector artwork. Participants also use layers to organize their artwork, and explore the options for exporting Illustrator files. Throughout, the class explores the tools, palettes, menus, and essentials through a series of hands-on, in-class exercises designed for beginners, with optional intermediate take-home work if desired. While working on in-class assignments, students also familiarize themselves with the use of Wacom Intuos digital drawing tablets.
Optional: Participants may bring USB flash drive to class for copying exercises or classwork. One student per Macintosh computer.

Photoshop Basics

SF EXCOM–1103–01
Instructor: Erin Lampe
Fri., 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., February 24
1 session. $135. Noncredit. Prerequisite: knowledge of computer basics, Mac or PC
Adobe describes their Photoshop software program as “the ultimate playground for bringing out the best in your digital images, transforming them into anything you can imagine, and showcasing them in extraordinary ways.” It has certainly become the standard for image creation and manipulation in many professions, including: design, photography, architecture, art, and marketing.

This one-day workshop provides an overview of Photoshop, Bridge, and Camera Raw through which participants learn to navigate through the workspace using palettes and windows such as Layers, Color Space, Masks, Text, Gradients, Adjustment Layers, Resolution, red-eye and blemish correction, the application of artistic and textural effects, as well as best practices for organizing adjustments or selections into layers for more control. Upon leaving this class, students should be able to create Photoshop images from scratch and properly manipulate, color correct, or touch up existing images, as well as export for print or the web.
Optional: Participants may bring USB flash drive to class for copying exercises or class work. One student per Macintosh computer.

Advanced Photoshop

SF EXCOM–1104–01
Instructor: Erin Lampe
Fri., 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., March 23
1 session. $135. Noncredit. Prerequisite: Photoshop Basics or equivalent, Mac or PC
This workshop includes several hands-on exercises using Photoshop, Bridge and Camera Raw. Exercises include step-by-step instructions for creating or editing an image, as well as lots of explanations and techniques. Subject material includes advanced layers techniques, color correction, photo retouching and manipulation, print production techniques, automation, and best practices for workspace and image management. Because this is a fast-paced workshop, the instructional materials assume that the student has basic experience with the application and general graphic terminology. If you are not sure of your knowledge, it is strongly recommended that you take Photoshop Basics first.
Optional: Participants may bring a USB flash drive for copying exercises or class work. One student per Macintosh computer.

Interactivity with InDesign

SF EXCOM–1105–01
Instructor: Erin Lampe
Fri., 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., March 9
1 session. $135. Noncredit. Prerequisite: InDesign experience
As the landscape of publishing shifts from print to digital, learning how to create and adapt effective digital publications is essential. This one-day intensive covers how to design interactive documents or presentations using Adobe InDesign CS5.

Students learn how to add interactivity to PDF files or forms as well as how to create and publish interactive SWF files, including animation and video. The class explores how to use InDesign to create ePubs or digital magazines for online, Kindle, or iPad use. Learn the benefits of designing once in InDesign and transforming a file for traditional print as well as interactive versions.
Optional: Participants may bring a USB flash drive for copying exercises or class work. One student per Macintosh computer.

Digital Drawing and Painting: Wacom Tablet Intensive

OAK EXMED–1200–01
Instructor: Eugene Young
Sun., 10 a.m.–1 p.m., March 4, 11, 18, 25
4 sessions. $275. Noncredit. Prerequisite: Photoshop I or equivalent. Previous drawing, painting, or illustration experience recommended.
An ever-growing number of animators, illustrators, graphic designers, and architects are choosing the convenience and versatility of the Wacom tablet for the creation of illustrations, concept art, and storyboards. This hands-on workshop introduces the Wacom tablet as a digital drawing and painting tool using Photoshop.

The first half of the course emphasizes the tablet itself, how it works, proper set up, handling and care of the tablet and stylus, and setting up an efficient digital workspace. Students build hand-eye coordination, confidence, and spontaneity with the tablet through mark-making, gesture studies, and methods for building value, texture and form. Techniques for creating custom brushes, coloring existing line art, and grayscale images are also covered.

During the second half of the course, students work on an assignment using photographs and scanned drawings to give a greater context to the skill-building exercises, while emphasizing creativity and problem solving.
Bring to first class: Digital images of your own that you would like to work with, USB flash drive for saving exercises, sketchbook, and pen or pencil. One student per Macintosh computer.

Adobe Creative Suite Intensive

SF EXCOM–1300–01
Instructor: Erin Lampe
Mon.–Thurs., 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., March 19–22
4 sessions. $310. Noncredit. Prerequisite: basic computer skills, Mac or PC
Adobe Creative Suite is the industry standard for digital imaging and publishing. This four-day intensive introduces students to Adobe's InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, combined with an overview of Adobe Acrobat PDF workflow, Adobe Bridge, and Camera Raw.
The first day is spent learning to draw and alter vector images in Illustrator; the next day covers learning the basics of photo editing, color correction and manipulation in Photoshop. In the third session, the class puts it all together in InDesign, learning layers and multipage document setup while exploring type styles and basic layout. The final session is split between overviews of Adobe Acrobat workflow and working on personal student projects with individualized assistance.
Throughout, participants explore the tools, palettes, menus, and essentials of each application through a series of hands-on, in-class exercises designed for beginners, with optional intermediate take-home work if desired. While working on in-class assignments, students also familiarize themselves with the use of Wacom Intuos digital drawing tablets. Course topics may change to best suit the individual needs of the class.
Optional: Participants may bring USB flash drive to class for copying exercises or class work. One student per Macintosh computer.

Exploring Flash Interactive

OAK EXCOM–1504–01
Instructor: Pam Stalker
Sat., 10 a.m.–1 p.m., February 11–March 31
8 sessions. $450. Noncredit. Prerequisite: basic Mac skills and previous graphic software experience (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator, or Painter)
This intensive course offers an in-depth, design-driven introduction to Adobe's multimedia and animation software program, with its rich features and tool sets, widely used today by designers, developers, animators, educators, and students. At an introductory level, this course explores the primary applications of the program: graphics, animation, interactive authoring, and audio and video integration. Each lesson works on specific interactive concepts through the concept and completion of projects while navigating through the Flash interface. By the end of the class, each student should have a basic Adobe Flash web site containing animation, graphics, text, and interactive events such as buttons, a gallery and video and audio playback.
Required: *Adobe Flash Professional CS5 Classroom in a Book (new or used) for reference.*
Bring to first class: notebook, pencil.

Website Design

SF EXCOM–1501–01
Instructor: Taro Hattori
Sat., 10 a.m.–4 p.m., March 3–April 14 (no class March 24)
6 sessions. $550. Noncredit. Prerequisite: Mac skills, Photoshop, Illustrator
OAK EXCOM–1501–02
Instructor: Taro Hattori
Mon.–Fri., 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., March 19–23
5 sessions. $550. Noncredit. Prerequisite: Mac skills, Photoshop, Illustrator
Website visitors expect, not only information, but a rich visual and participatory experience. Using modern web standards as the framework, students investigate what makes design for the online environment user-friendly and elegant. Focusing mainly on Adobe Dreamweaver, students are introduced to the core of website technology and formats such as HTML, CSS, Javascript, and blogs, as well as efficient workflow for website design. By the end of the class, students are expected to build their own website and register for a domain name and web hosting services.
This fast-paced course is geared only for those who feel confident in their computer skills. One student per Macintosh computer.

App Programming for Graphic Designers

SF EXCOM–1503–01
Instructor: to be announced
Sat., 10 a.m.–1 p.m., February 11-April 14
10 sessions. $575. Noncredit. Prerequisite: experienced Macintosh user, comfortable with Photoshop; must own an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch
In this course, students examine the nuances and subtleties of timelessly beautiful print design and explore the tools and techniques available for creating an equally compelling, yet uniquely tailored experience on a touch screen device.

The medium is Apple's iPad / iPhone. Participants learn to program from the absolute beginning using the device's native programming framework called Cocoa Touch. No previous programming experience is necessary.

Custom crafting your own code for the iPad enables you to harness the devices specific capabilities in your designs, resulting in something magical. Rather than selecting paper, varnishes and innovative binding, students make use of delightful animated navigation, unexpected transitions, and boundless digital space.

Leveraging the specific capabilities of this new and universally adopted publishing medium gives your work the competitive advantage among hundreds of thousands of apps that are straight reproductions from print—or built under the constraints of templates or tangential technologies.

Participants come up with their own idea for a publication-oriented app and learn how to plan, structure, and code it. The class also learns how to read Apple's online documentation, allowing students to continue on their own, forging a personal route to forms of expression we have only begun to imagine.
Students will need access to a Macintosh on which they can install the most current release of Apple's Xcode (available as a free download).