Class Topics
Survey for Digital Art in Michigan
CREDITS: 0.5 credit per semester
PREREQUISITE: None
This course is an introduction to digital art and image manipulation. Students will explore the history of digital art forms and utilize digital devices and the Adobe Creative Cloud to create their own original works that can be utilized for print or the web.
Through our digital painting academy, they will gain essential exposure to modern computer/technology tools, learning the foundations of file management and computer systems & software, while develop thinking strategies to create original works grounded in multiple digital mediums and formats. Digital art for beginners will include studies in Graphic Design, Digital Photography, Digital Painting/Illustration, Film/Animation, 3D Design & Motion/Web Graphics — studies include programs such as: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, After Effects, Adobe Premiere, Adobe InDesign, & Adobe Animate.
Photography
CREDITS: 0.5 credit per semester
PREREQUISITE: Digital art survey or Permission of Instructor
This course introduces the history of photography, its progression and its influence into the modern age. Students will explore many skills and tools including traditional and digital photography techniques & theory, professional digital photo editing/compositing techniques, series development, lighting, studio & setting strategies, and creating special effects. Students will engage deeply with tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom and personal devices to create a collection of original high quality images and building a strong personal portfolio portraying original thematic development, high levels of professional editing skill and quality of photo presentation.
MATERIALS REQUIREMENT: Cell phone with Photo Capability or Digital Camera (DSLR Camera with Tripod is Recommended)
Illustration and Graphic Design
CREDITS: 0.5 credit per semester
PREREQUISITE: Digital Art Survey or Permission of Instructor.
This is an intermediate level class which students will gain in-depth knowledge of digital rendering techniques and strategies by creating solutions to real world projects and challenges. Students at Multimedia Arts High School in Michigan will be utilizing design thinking & ideation processes to develop original concepts as they explore visual culture, design theory, brand/character development, multi-media communications, product design, digital drawing, public art & architecture. This course further develops a focus on the understanding of multiple file types and digital rendering applications & skills as students gain experience working with raster images, vector design, digital drawing, 3-D Modeling, motion graphics & animation.
MATERIALS REQUIREMENT: Cell Phone with Photo Capability
Film and Animation
CREDITS: 0.5 credit per semester
PREREQUISITE: Digital Art Survey or Permission of Instructor.
In this course, students will study the history of film and animation to develop an understanding of a wide variety of media production tools and approaches. Students will also be engaged with a hands on experience with character/plot development, film analysis, studio strategies, camera techniques, video editing, audio engineering, 2D & 3D animation, and special effects. During this process students will be exposed to traditional & modern film/animation techniques & theory, commercial advertisements, original character design, storyboarding, stop-motion photography (puppetry & clay-mation), green-screen/digital effects, frame by frame & flash animation, and the building/organizing of digital resources. Students will be exposed to the use of video cameras, studio lighting, audio/video interfaces/capture devices, drawing tablets, & multimedia software such as: Adobe Premiere, After-Effects, Adobe Animate, Adobe Audition & Photoshop to create their own original & unique video/animations. Students will have a great experience gaining the essential skills necessary to create original & unique video/animations.
MATERIALS REQUIREMENT: Cell Phone with Video Capability or Video Camera
Yearbook
CREDITS: 0.5 credit per semester
PREREQUISITE: Permission of Instructor; Ambition to Create a Memorable School Yearbook
Students who are motivated to create a high quality yearbook are strongly encouraged to sign up. Students will work closely throughout the year as a group to develop the theme, layouts, and design of our school yearbook. Students with knowledge or experience in writing, graphic design, and the arts are encouraged to enroll and will make a great addition to our team but no prior knowledge/experience is required. Students will be gaining experience and utilizing online publishing programs, as well as learning techniques utilizing Adobe products like Photoshop or Illustrator to create a high quality school yearbook publication that documents the events of the school year and life at AAW (student life, special events, department recognition, award recognition, assemblies, clubs, art showcases and performances, etc.). Students will also be developing skills in photography, journalism, time-management strategies, graphic design collaboration/team production processes and deadline management. In our digital art in Michigan, students will be required to attend assigned events, have organizational skills, participate in collaborative team meetings and meet required deadlines.
MATERIALS REQUIREMENT: Digital camera is suggested, but is not required. Work will be required outside of the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer beginner-friendly courses in digital art for students with no prior experience?
Yes! Our digital art for beginners’ course, called Digital Art Survey, is designed to welcome students of all skill levels. Whether you’re just exploring for beginners or preparing for advanced study, our curriculum provides the perfect foundation.
How does the Multimedia Arts Academy prepare students for future careers in creative industries?
Our multimedia arts academy equips students with critical technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities. By the time they graduate, they’re well-prepared for higher education or entry-level positions in animation, film, photography, and graphic design.
Are digital photography and editing covered in the program?
Absolutely. We offer a dedicated digital photography art course that explores both traditional and modern techniques. Students in our program gain hands-on experience using Photoshop, Lightroom, and real-world photography assignments.
What tools and software do students use in digital media arts classes?
Our digital media arts program incorporates tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, and Animate. Students in this gain hands-on experience with both hardware and software used in today’s creative industries.
Can students learn digital illustration even if they can’t draw well?
Yes! Digital illustration for beginners starts with basic techniques that anyone can learn. Whether you’re new or have some experience, our classes build skills from the ground up using tablets and professional software.
Is the curriculum aligned with college-level expectations for digital arts?
Yes, our Multimedia Arts high school in Michigan follows a curriculum modeled after college programs. We ensure students in our multimedia arts academy develop both theoretical knowledge and technical skills necessary for higher education success.