David Marshall - Art Instructor
As an experienced college-level instructor and working artist, the primary theme of my classes is clear content presentation, regardless of artistic media. Exercises combine old-world fundamentals (research, anatomy, perspective, composition, typography, color, consistency, etc.) with innovative use of traditional and digital media. These exercises -- taken from professional assignments and first-hand knowledge of the business environment — are designed to prepare students for real-world expectations.
Art of the Comic Book
Syllabus | Massachusetts College of Art | Fall 2009
Fundamentals of sequential art (comic books, newspaper strips, graphic novels). Primary focus is storytelling, using ink-on-paper media. We explore narrative techniques to create a variety of moods, rhythms and passages of time. Exercises are designed to build confidence with both the tools and metaphysics of this medium. Students work on individual and collaborative projects. As the course progresses, mastery of the technical fundamentals leads to personal expression. While this is primarily a studio class, we also cover history of comics' development, industry-standard production methods and the current business environment. Course outcome assessment:
- Gain history of how current devices of comics were created and have developed
- Understand of how these devices should be used to build solid storytelling skills
- Use basic media techniques and materials
- Understand the fundamentals of sequential storytelling
- Apply anatomy, drafting, perspective, page layout, composition, panel arrangement
- Tell a variety of stories in a clear and interesting manner
- Use mastery of technical fundamentals to make personal expressions
- Work in solo and collaborative projects
- Develop creative solutions to unanticipated problems
- Draw on solutions by historical and contemporary artists
- Objectively critique your work, as well as the work of others
- Use currrent digital and traditional production techniques
- Be aware of professional opportunities and presenting your work
Introduction to Computer Illustration
Syllabus | Massachusetts College of Art | Summer 2003
The art of creating and developing professional digital images. Emphasis on applying traditional art-making methods and drawing fundamentals to the use of electronic tools (including scanners and drawing tablets.) Specific areas of focus include:
- Working closely with Department Chairs to insure consistency within overall strategy
- Creating the course for junior- and senior-level students enrolled in full-time Design program
- Adapting the course for intensive summer workshops
- Added instruction in the use of Corel Painter (along with the industry-standard applications of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop)
- Strengths and limitations of electronic production techniques for print and web
- Using group discussions to build awareness of solid decision-making
- Contribute to course curriculum through participation in faculty meetings (Massachusetts College of Art)
Introduction to Computer Design
The art of using page layout software for Graphic Design applications. Example assignments include the creation and development of brochures, book covers, posters and direct mailers. In addition, students are also exposed to production techniques, vendor research and veteran "hacks" for getting around software limitations. Specific areas of focus include:
- A historical background for how the major software packages were developed
- Customized workload for students from the full-time Design department and Continuing Education
- Production techniques, vendor research and the introduction of veteran "hacks" for getting around software limitations
- Using group discussions to build awareness of solid decision-making
Introduction to Web Design + Development
(Proposed Class, based on Career Experience) Apply Graphic Design principles (as well as those of User Interface Design, Content Design, Information Design, etc.) to the medium of the Internet. Example assignments included the creation and development of popup ads, online newsletters and artist's websites. In addition, students are also the strengths and weaknesses of current web technologies. Specific areas of concentration include:
- A historical background for how the Internet and web browsers were developed
- Current technologies of DHTML, CSS, XML and JavaScript
- Formatting graphics and code for optimum browser-rendering efficiency
- Awareness of designing the information "flow", not just the visual appearance
- The advantages and disadvantages of coding for multiple browsers and platforms