Introduction to Computer Graphics: Vector vs Bitmap

Hello Students,

What does this car have to do with video games? Today's lesson is about the two image creation methods that exist in digital media. Raster or bitmap graphics are what most computer users are familiar with... these could be a photograph on a website or a video that you watch. The other method is vector graphics.

It's all about connections. Pierre Bezier was an engineer and one of the founders of geometric modeling and in the field of calculating curves for CAD/CAM systems and was a leading engineer at Renault, bringing this technology to auto manufacturing. Early video games such as space invaders used vector graphics also. Now a bezier curve can exist in 2 dimensions or three, modern video games can use 3D models that are comprised of "Nurbs" or "Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines". These are basically 3D objects that are created by bezier curves and have "surfaces" between the curves to create a shape. These are all examples of vector graphic technology being used in different ways.

Raster or Bitmap graphics are also used in video games. Early games used small graphics called "sprites" to create animated video game characters. In modern 3 dimensional games, bitmap graphics are used to create textures on 3D graphics.

Let's Make Some Pixels! Bitmap Icon Art Assignment:

• Open Photoshop and create a new document, set width to 12 pixels and height to 16 pixels and resolution to 72DPI
• Go to the photoshop PREFERENCES menu and choose GUIDES, GRIDS AND SLICES and set the GRIDLINE to EVERY 1 PIXELS and the SUBDIVISION to 1
• Select the BRUSH TOOL and in the BRUSH OPTIONS set brush size to 1 Pixels
• Create a new layer in the layer palette
• Begin to draw your image, use different colors from the COLOR PICKER and paint your image in square by square
• When artwork is complete, scale it up by using the IMAGE menu, and clicking IMAGE SIZE, increase the pixel dimensions and set the RESAMPLE IMAGE option to NEAREST NEIGHBOR-PRESERVE HARD EDGES
• When finished create a new folder for this project, then go to File > Save for Web and Devices, Set file format to GIF and save a file for turning in. Then go to File > Save and save a Photoshop version of your file.
• When you are done creating Mario try creating your ow character from scratch! Use your imagination and make a cool character. Want to challenge yourself? Ask me how to animate your pixel art!

Previous Student Examples:

Introduction to Vector Art, Pen Tool Practice and Box-to-Car:

Vector Assignment Part 1: Pen Tool Practice!
Pen Tool Tutorial:

Read through this tutorial carefully and follow along with illustrator using the pen tool. You will be required to turn in a pdf file that demonstrates your steps of pen tool practice in each step of the tutorial, additionally at the end of the tutorial there are 10 black shapes. You must trace these shapes using the pen tool. You may download the images, and use the FILE/PLACE function in Illustrator to place the jpg on your artboard for tracing.

View the tutorial here: http://www.vectordiary.com/illustrator/drawing-with-pen-tool

When your Pen Tool Exercise is complete you can move on to this next assignment, Place and Trace. The goal is to further practice your Pen Tool by tracing line art over a photograph.

Vector Assignment Part 2, Transform Box to Car:

"Box to Car" Illustration created by R.O.P. student Josh Booker

• Open Illustrator and create a new document, File>New
• Draw a box about 4X4 inches
• Click on the Pen Tool and hold to reveal the hidden tools and select the Add Anchor Point Tool (it looks like the Pen Tool with a + next to it)
• Begin clicking on the box outline to add anchor points, several to each side
• Switch over to the Direct Selection Tool and Click-Drag an anchor point to move it
• Continue dragging your anchor points to modify the shape
• Keep adding anchor points and moving them to create the outline of an automobile
• Add more anchor points and adjust to smooth out your creation
• Use Illustrators simple drawing tools such as the circle tool and pen tool to customize your creation. Add colors too!
• When finished create a new folder for this project, then go to File > Save for Web and Devices, Set file format to GIF and save a file for turning in. Then go to File > Save and save an Illustrator version of your file.

Previous Student Examples:

Thank you...

Thank you to all my great students from this semesters CTE Graphic Design class. There were some very impressive portfolios and projects and I thank you all for your hard work and dedication. I know every student walked away with new skills, insight and abilities in Graphic Design.

It was my honor to provide you all with high quality CTE education in the Arts, Media and Entertainment pathway.

 - Mr.W

Design Challenge: Design The "_________" Of The Future!!!!!

Hello Students,

Our final class exercise is a design competition. This is not a graded assignment but there will be a prize for the finalist!

BMW M1E Electric Prototype Automobile Design Concept by Seth Wilson

Challenge: Your design challenge is to create the "_____" of the future. Imagine what a cell phone might look like in 10 years, or perhaps what will new automobiles look like. There is no limitation of the subject, you could even design the coffee cup of the future. Think about how products change and evolve over a very short amount of time. What did cell phones look like 10 years ago or 20 years ago? What everyday item can you see becoming even more advanced over time? For this challenge, I as your instructor cannot aid your efforts, you must rely on each other to problem solve.

Time limit: 1 Hour, Designs must be completed and ready to present at the deadline

Format: Final artwork must be displayed on screen as a still image or slideshow presentation. Consider that your sales pitch is as important as the merits of your design. You may use any and all resources available to visualize your design but derivative work will be disqualified (no repurposing of pre-existing concepts, designs, etc... don't steal someone else's concept design and pass it as your own basically).

Judgement: While student input is taken into consideration for judging the finalists, the ultimate decision will be made by me. I am judging based on design originality, quality of illustration and details included with your concept. What makes your product/item futuristic? What materials are it made from? How is it powered? Is your design feasible? Is it beneficial, will it sell, is it even possible with existing trends in technology.

Advice: Take a few moments to think of your idea, research similar products or ideas, research current "prototype" concepts already in existence, take inspiration where you can. Check out my own design for an electric sports coupe above.

Above: This is an old 3D animation I created for Seagate as part of a campaign that looked at homes and workspaces and the growth of data use in the future. Companies are aware of emerging trends and work hard to be in front of the most profitable new markets. 

Presentation: Be ready to present your design to the class. Be prepared to discuss the details and advantages of your design to the class.

Wait for my mark to begin!

Previous Student Design:

Ambulance of the Future by Ray Kaiser