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Digital Art

Digital Art Magnet (Grades 6–8)

Description

The Digital Art Magnet at David A. Boody Middle School introduces students to the exciting world of digital design using industry-standard software like Photoshop and Illustrator. This program focuses on developing artistic skills while teaching students the technical side of digital art, such as creating and editing images, understanding design principles, and exploring animation.

Throughout the program, students will explore the following key concepts:

  • Raster vs. Vector Images: Students will learn the difference between these two types of images—raster images (which are pixel-based, such as photographs) and vector images (which are made using paths and can be scaled without losing quality).

  • Photoshop: This program is used for retouching and editing photographs and images, helping students enhance their creative work with techniques like color correction, layer manipulation, and photo blending.

  • Illustrator: Students will use Illustrator for creating digital illustrations, logos, and designs. They'll learn how to work with shapes, lines, and text to create clean, scalable artwork.

  • Product Design: Students will get a hands-on experience with the basics of designing products, from the conceptual phase to the final design. They'll work on projects that focus on creating packaging, logos, and advertisements.

  • Basic Animation: Students will also be introduced to the fundamentals of animation, learning how to bring their designs to life through movement.

Grade 6 Topics: Introduction to Digital Art

  • Understanding Design Principles: Composition, balance, and color theory

  • Getting Started with Photoshop: Basic photo editing, cropping, and retouching

  • Introduction to Illustrator: Creating basic vector shapes and designs

  • Exploring Animation Basics: Creating simple moving graphics

Grade 7 Topics: Enhancing Skills & Creativity

  • Advanced Photoshop Techniques: Layering, filters, and advanced photo manipulation

  • Advanced Illustrator Design: Creating logos, characters, and intricate designs

  • Introduction to Product Design: Designing a product prototype (e.g., packaging, branding)

  • Animation Principles: Basic motion graphics and frame-by-frame animation

Grade 8 Topics: Mastery & Portfolio Development

  • Creating Digital Portfolios: Showcasing projects using both Photoshop and Illustrator

  • Product Design Projects: Students will create real-world design concepts, from logos to product mockups

  • Advanced Animation: Students will complete a final animation project, incorporating storytelling and advanced animation techniques

  • Final Project: Students will create a complete design portfolio that includes a variety of works, demonstrating their mastery of digital art skills

Program Highlights

  • Hands-on learning with Photoshop and Illustrator

  • Opportunities to create real-world design projects such as logos, posters, and product packaging

  • Exposure to animation techniques for bringing designs to life

  • Development of a personal digital art portfolio

  • Collaboration with peers and opportunities for artistic expression

At the end of the program, students will have the skills and knowledge to pursue digital art in high school or even as a potential career path. Our Digital Art Magnet program nurtures creativity, technical skill, and problem-solving abilities in the digital world.

6TH GRADE
7TH GRADE
8TH GRADE

Visual Arts Middle School Talent Testing Virtual Components

Supplies needed for this application:

  • #2 graphite pencil 
  • Eraser 
  • 2 pieces of 9x12" drawing paper 
  • 1 piece of lined loose-leaf paper (or written responses may be typed) 
  • Set of 12 Crayola colored pencils 

Please do not submit a portfolio or any additional artworks besides the 3 required assignments listed below. It will not be reviewed. Submit photographs only, no videos. Required file type: JPEG or PDF, please no HEIC or TIFF files. Make sure images are the correct orientation and be careful of the contrast when scanning drawings.

  1. “Observational” Still Life Drawing

Create a drawing with ONLY a #2 graphite pencil on 9x12” drawing paper of a multiple object still life composition. Spend approximately 30 minutes on your drawing. We will be assessing the line quality and proportions of your work. Take up the entire page and you may use shading to enhance your drawing. Do not crop any of the objects in the still life. Only create a still life drawing from the photos provided, do NOT trace the photo or use color.

Choose 1 view of the still life from the photographs linked on the Mark Twain website.

 

  1. A Themed Drawing from Imagination using Color

Work on 9x12” drawing paper using a #2 graphite pencil and a set of 12 Crayola colored pencils. Choose 1 drawing prompt from the 4 different choices listed below. At least 2 people should be included in your drawing that are not stick figures and your work must include color. Both figures should be full length (head to toe), and at least 1 should be standing. Include the faces of both figures. Spend approximately 30 minutes on your drawing. Only select one of the drawing prompts.

Drawing prompt choices:

  1. A day in the park  
  2. A day at the beach 
  3. A trip to the market 
  4. A family outing (NOT a birthday party) 
  1. Comparing and Contrasting 2 Artworks

Students will compare and contrast 2 different artworks, writing at least 2 paragraphs. Each paragraph should be at least 4-5 sentences. Spend approximately 30 minutes answering the following questions: How are these pictures similar? How are they different? Use complete sentences and good grammar. Answers should not be in the form of a Venn diagram. You do not need to research or know the name of the artwork or artist, just share your observations. Only write about the 2 provided artworks, not any other artworks.