Fall 2024
email: stlarson@nmu.edu
phone: x1488 (227-1488)
Office: 84 ART
"Development of concepts and practices of computer art with an emphasis on 3D imaging and the overlaps between 3D imaging techniques. Creative and commercial applications of 3D imaging will be explored while developing pre-professional production workflows."
The course is all about building virtual things - the technical aspects of creating models and forms with software, the design aspects of manipulating sufraces, texture, and lighting in an effective manner, and the conceptual aspects of forms that involve emotion, interpretation, and communication. Recurring topics will emphasize 2D and 3D design principles. The course includes technique, design, and concepts of the medium with a focus on student production.
This is a studio course. The course will involve problem solving, discussion, and project development pertaining to 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering. Lectures will include demonstrations, discussions, technical exploration, and aesthetic inquiry. Ability to meet project deadlines is stressed. As with any art/design studio course, some success in the course will be dictated by the ability to play and explore, the process of trial/error, an investment of time and brainspace, and careful observation.
Maxon Cinema4D and ZBrush will be the primary tools for the duration of the semester, but Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator will be used for smaller components of the semester.
This course is initially about increased control of modeling/texturing in 3D with both subdivision and sculpting techniques... two very different approaches to the same goal. A primary goal of the course is to understand how techniques migrate between software packages. Ultimately, your ideas should dictate the final product, not a bias or comfort with one application.
Technique Outcomes
1. Create imagery by working in 3D space: creation and transformation of objects.
2. Create imagery utilizing efficient sub-division modeling and digital sculpting techniques.
Design Outcomes
1. Create imagery with effective control of design.
2. Utilize texture and rendering in the creation of realistic imagery.
3. Apply knowledge of light, shadow, and depth cues in the creation of imagery.
Concept Outcomes
1. Analyze images for narrative and/or metaphorical representation.
2. Synthesize ideas, processes, decision-making, and final output in a variety of methodologies.
Consideration in grading is given to the following:
* TECHNIQUE - Technical control and craftsmanship
* DESIGN - Visual thought process; composition and framing, overall design, lighting, texturing, quality of motion
* CONCEPT - Creativity and imaginative use of the medium; serious engagement with ideas and issues to communicate an idea to the viewer
* SCOPE/AMBITION - The amount of work produced and pushing beyond project minimums
All projects have a grading rubric with the specific criteria for project evaluation. The rubrics are linked to each project webpage.
The semester points grade scale is approximately as follows (max 2,500 pts):
A: 2,300+
B: 1,775
C: 1,250
D: 725
The grade weighting of the various projects is approximately as follows:
"Sketchbook": 4%
Rig the Mech: 3%
Mechanical Organism: 24%
Texture the Scene: 3%
Game Props: 6%
Vessel: 3%
Head/Bust: 6%
The Ring:
14%
Emotive Character:
17%
Open: 15%
Engagement: 5%
Many projects have level-ups (additional project options) that can be completed for addtional points. All level-ups are optional/bonus and they are seldom announced (they might be embedded in the project description). Robust use of level-ups can raise a semester grade a full letter by the end of the semester - there are over 500 points available. But beyond the points, level-ups allow customization of project parameters.
Students should not be afraid of failing while creating. SO MUCH can be learned from failing at something. With that in mind, the lowest project grade of the semester will be dropped at the end of the semester. This will apply only if a good-faith effort is made on the project; it will not apply to projects that are skipped or obviously completed in a few minutes.
As a reminder, if you are a Computer Art major, you must maintain a 2.7 GPA average (B-) across your computer art courses and you must achieve a C- or better grade in all Foundations courses -- 101, 102, 2D Foundation, 3D Foundation, Digital Foundation, 270 -- to be eligible for Individual Art Review and Senior Capstone Project.
Students are expected to complete all assignments for the specified date; late assignments will be penalized 25% (approximately one letter grade) automatically and no assignment will be accepted more than one week late. Failure to complete all Assignments results in automatic failure of the course. If you do not complete all of the assignments, you have not completed the minimum course requirements.
Stuff happens. Sometimes life stuff collides with class stuff. Sometime you just stumble during a project. Every student receives an Oops Token at the start of the semester.
Oops tokens:
* May be used at any time to receive a no-questions-asked 48-hour extension on a project. Extensions may not be used for the final project.
* If unused, Oops tokens will provide a warm feeling of accomplishment.
Attendance is essential. The course is comprised of lectures, demonstrations,
class discussions, critiques, visual presentations, and working in class,
all of which cannot be repeated so it is in your best interest to conscientiously
attend class... but there is no formal attendance policy - it is just assumed you will attend class.
Active participation in discussions and critiques, asking questions, and making comments are encouraged and expected. Students will be expected to verbally present their work and talk about the process as well as their interests and ideas. Student engagement (participation, critique productivity, willingness to explore course material, completion of projects/challenges, etc.) contributes to the semester grade.
There is no participation grade but there is an engagement grade. Why? Because you can participate by saying words but not actually be engaged in the material. Engagement includes participation but it also requires that the participation is actively related to the class - in discussion, in critique, in forum postings, in informal settings, in studio production.
* A second storage system for files/backups: USB drive at least 16GB size (32+ is recommended), external hard drive, or regular access to Google Drive.
* Assuming your laptop is a primary production tool, the required software is Adobe Photoshop, Maxon Cinema 4D and ZBrush. (The Maxon student license fee for C4D/ZB is $60 for a one year license.) All software is also availabe in the computer studios.
* Projects are mandatory. It shows that you understand how to apply the concepts learned in class. Projects must be completed before class starts on the day it is due. Some projects will include class critique and others will simply be turned in. Some projects will require a revision, some projects will have the option for a revision, and some projects will not be revised.
* Any project (except the final project) may be revised one additional time after the final submission. The optional revision is due one week after the intial project deadline.
* There will be no food or drink in the computer lab.
* It is suggested that you wash your hands before and after using the lab.
* If you have a cell phone - answer it in the hallway, NOT in the lab (and never during class).
* The computer studio will have open lab hours. It is assumed that projects cannot be completed during regular class meetings.
* Computers are to be utilized for coursework and activities related to coursework. Do not use computers for entertainment during class meetings.
* Do not display material on screen which may be distracting or offensive to your neighbor.
* Informal discussion about projects and techniques can be a HUGE benefit. Find that discussion. It can happen before/after class or through a host of other methods -- but have that discussion. Your peers are one of your best learning assets in a studio course.
* Make multiple backups. "My computer died" is not an acceptable excuse for not handing in your assignment. Keep a copy on your laptop, your flash drive, the server, etc.
* Version your work. Save different versions of your project whenever you make a significant change so that you can easily go back to an earlier version if things go wrong. (e.g. save files animation01.c4d, animation02.c4d, animation03.c4d, etc.) There is a built-in Save Incremental function in both After Effects and Cinema4D. (ZBrush does not have save incremental function, unfortunately.)
* Try things on a test scene, not your main work. Everything can be copy/pasted together. This is paticularly relevant when trying to fix a problem... sometimes it is easier to go back to an earlier version of the project (you did see the previous suggestion, right?).
* Get familiar with the Cinema4D help system. It can save you a lot of time... google is not always the fastest answer.
* Follow project guidelines carefully.
* Assignments WILL take more time than you expect. Work on them early. Do not start a two-week long project two days before it is due.
* The computer studio is an excellent resource. Faster computers = faster work. Larger displays = less scrolling around and moving palettes. ZBrush was designed for tablet use. If a computer is not working, there are others. If peers are working, there is a convenient help/critique resource. [And Larson drops in frequently.]
My classroom is a place where you will be treated with respect. In this course, each voice has something of value to contribute. Please take care to respect the different experiences, beliefs, and values expressed by students, faculty and staff. Each member of this class is expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every other member of the class.
If you have a need for disability-related accommodations or services, please inform the Coordinator of Disability Services in the Disability Services Office by: coming into the office at 2001 C. B. Hedgcock; calling 227-1700; TTY 227-1543; or e-mailing disserv@nmu.edu. Reasonable and effective accommodations and services will be provided to students if requests are made in a timely manner, with appropriate documentation, in accordance with federal, state, and University guidelines.
If you are a veteran and need assistance with your benefits or are experiencing complications with your education due to military service-connected issues, contact the Veteran Resource Representative in 2101 Hedgcock (227-1402 or mrutledg@nmu.ed). The Veteran Resource Representative can advocate for you before the Veterans Administration and can also help you solve any veteran specific issues you may have.
It is the responsibility of the student to safeguard his or her personal property, including any personal property that is required for any course. Northern Michigan University, the School of Art and Design, faculty and staff, are not responsible for loss or damage to personal property of students.
The Instructor may duplicate your artwork from this semester for instructional and or promotional uses that relate to the educational mission of the instructor, department or university. If you are unwilling to allow your portfolio to be copied for these specific purposes, please inform the instructor.
NMU acknowledges that scheduling conflicts between required academic activities and religious and spiritual obligations are inevitable. In the event of conflicts, I will make every effort to help students avoid any negative academic consequences of observing religious and spiritual obligations. When an class or project conflicts with a religious or spiritual obligation, students are responsible for notifying me in advance of the date(s). You are not exempt from meeting course requirements or completing project in a timely manner.
