Visual Literacy

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Computer Graphics. Lesson plans, work files, presentations.

WI State Standards:

AA Cr10h
Investigate: Engage in critical thinking, problem solving, and research through elements and principles of art and design studio practices and processes.
(aesthetics / problem solving)
AA Cr12h
Make: Create works of art that introduce students to media, care of tools, and basic craftsmanship skills.
(skills)
AA Pr10h
Develop Meaning: Curate a body of work incorporating personal, historical and contemporary art to communicate one or more points of view.
(aesthetics / communication)

The course is designed for students interested in art and design.

timeline

semester 1

weeeks 1-8	weeks 9-11	weeks 12-20
unit 1: digital images Learning Targets: vector vs. bitmap PS basics: advanced photo editing AI basics: vectors, paths, shapes AI – special effects AI – extras (icons, image trace, 3D, etc.)	unit 2: visual communication Learning Targets: pinciples of infographics: types and styles data visualization: steps of working with information choosing apropriate templates basics of photography photo editing basics	unit 3: layout Learning Targets: organizing space – layouts, alignment, grid layout printed materials vs. screen view: color modes, typefaces solving specific visual problems – defining the goal: what do we want to achieve? intro to typography

weeeks 1-8

weeks 9-11

weeks 12-20

unit 1: digital images

Learning Targets:

vector vs. bitmap
PS basics: advanced photo editing
AI basics: vectors, paths, shapes
AI – special effects
AI – extras (icons, image trace, 3D, etc.)

unit 2: visual communication

Learning Targets:

pinciples of infographics: types and styles
data visualization: steps of working with information
choosing apropriate templates
basics of photography
photo editing basics

unit 3: layout

Learning Targets:

organizing space – layouts, alignment, grid layout
printed materials vs. screen view: color modes, typefaces
solving specific visual problems – defining the goal: what do we want to achieve?
intro to typography

semester 2

weeeks 1-10	weeks 11-20
unit 1: elements & principles of design Learning Targets: what are the elements of design? how each element affects design finding balance in elements use how to apply the design principles to solve a visual problem what are the principles of design?	unit 2: problem solving Learning Targets: Gestalt principles Visual Perception creating a logo designing a business card

weeeks 1-10

weeks 11-20

unit 1: elements & principles of design

Learning Targets:

what are the elements of design?
how each element affects design
finding balance in elements use
how to apply the design principles to solve a visual problem
what are the principles of design?

unit 2: problem solving

Learning Targets:

Gestalt principles
Visual Perception
creating a logo
designing a business card

There’s a reason it’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words.

Science suggests that the human brain responds to and processes images faster than any other type of data.

32% of marketers say visual images are the most important form of content for their business, with blogging in second (27%). (Social Media Examiner)
When people hear information, they’re likely to remember only 10% of that information three days later. However, if a relevant image is paired with that same information, people retained 65% of the information three days later. (Brain Rules)

HubSpot has collected some statistics that show how visual content is a powerful communication tool:

Content with relevant imagery gets 94% more views than content without images.
People remember information better when it’s paired with images (10% retention of audio information vs. 65% retention of audio + visual information after three days).
Visual content is 40 times more likely to be shared on social media.

Visual Literacy is the ability to communicate your ideas through visual elements.

We all have different personalities, experiences, ideas, and understanding of life. A designer’s task is to convey his/her ideas by working with and manipulating the Elements of Art. These are our "visual tools".

If you understand how to use these tools to control how people see and interpret your design – then you are on a right path to be a great designer.

Before you start using design to express your ideas and communicate thoughts, let’s work on exercising your mind to be more flexible and creative. These are important "work-outs" for your brain that will help you to "loosen up", to think outside the box, and to choose unusual solutions to given problems.