ARTS 342 Digital Imaging

Creating multiple digital images through a varied methodology. Preparing digitized art for electronic media and the printed page through electronic pre-press techniques. Training in a professional image-editing application. Note: Formerly ARTS 351.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Training in a professional image editing software application is crucial to the development of a graphic and media designer. The ability to create, manipulate, edit, and create digital images from photos and other digital media is a required skillset for anyone entering these or related fields.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt. Each thread must be at least 200 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge, creativity, and critical reflection. In addition, the student is required to reply to 2 of their classmates’ threads, each reply being at least 100 words and posted on different days to foster meaningful interaction. Discussions are designed to promote critical thinking and peer engagement. 

Core Discussions:

• Introduction Discussion

• Printing in Photoshop Discussion

• Ethical Considerations in Photo Manipulation

Discussions: Collaborative Studio (8)

Discussions are collaborate learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to engage in 8 Discussion: Collaborative Studio in this course. These weekly studio touchpoints simulate a real-world collaborative environment. The student is expected to post meaningful progress updates, share screenshots, ask questions, and offer peer feedback. Each Studio Discussion is worth 10 points and should reflect ongoing engagement with course content and projects.

Design Projects (4)

The student will implement the design process and demonstrate technical and conceptual proficiency in Photoshop through milestone-based creative projects.

Surreal Photo Manipulation Project Assignment
The student will create a surreal scene by combining multiple photographs using advanced selection, blending, and transformation tools. This project encourages visual storytelling and strong conceptual development.

Book Cover Project: Sketches Assignment
The student will generate and submit multiple book cover layout sketches, focusing on composition, typography placement, and concept ideation. These sketches serve as a foundation for the final design.

Book Cover Project: Computer Concepts Assignment
The student will develop digital compositions for their book cover based on their selected concept, using Photoshop tools like brush, shape, and text effects. This project will be evaluated on clarity, visual impact, and technical quality.

Book Cover Project: Final & Process Book Assignment
The student will finalize their book cover design and submit a professionally formatted process book. The process book will include design stages, reflections, screenshots, and analysis of their creative journey.

Exercise Assignments (13)

These guided exercises are designed to build technical proficiency in specific tools and workflows in Photoshop. Each exercise is worth 25 points and emphasizes hands-on practice in a focused area.

• Essential Tools Exercise Assignment

• Recipe Card Exercise Assignment

• Basic Selection Exercise Assignment

• Clipping Mask Exercise Assignment

• Color Effect Exercise Assignment

• Range & Focus Exercise Assignment

• Portrait Retouching Exercise Assignment

• Retouching Exercise Assignment

• Generative AI in Photoshop Exercise Assignment

• Content-Aware Fill Exercise Assignment

• Basic Text Effect Exercise Assignment

• Advanced Text Effect Exercise Assignment

• Brush & Shape Tool Exercise Assignment 

Quizzes (2)

The student will complete 2 assessments throughout the course to evaluate their understanding of design principles and Photoshop functions.

• Midterm Quiz – Covers tools, selections, effects, and workflow knowledge.

• Final Quiz – Reviews full-course material including advanced features, ethical topics, and technical execution.

Each quiz is open-book/open-notes, includes a mix of multiple-choice and true/false questions, and is timed for 3 hours.