Digital image making

What will the course Cover?

This course will cover essential Adobe Photoshop topics such as cropping and resizing images, adjusting tonal balance and making alterations, scaling and distorting images, tweaking and balancing colours, and understanding pixels, resolution, and file sizes. You will work on short projects to explore the creative potential of this programme for editing digital imagery.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for those who want to develop their editing skills in digital image manipulation in a creative context.

What skills, knowledge or experience do I need to start this course?

This is a beginner’s course, so no previous experience with Adobe Photoshop is required. However, you should be confident in using a computer and basic digital software. You will be encouraged to take notes and take part in peer discussions, though we welcome different forms of participation. We are committed to accommodating diverse learning needs—please inform us of any specific requirements when enrolling.

What should I be able to do by the end of the course?

By the end of this course, you will be able to: • Confidently navigate the Adobe Photoshop interface and tools. • Crop and resize images to meet specific requirements. • Adjust tonal balance and make alterations to enhance image quality. • Scale and distort images without compromising their integrity. • Tweak and balance colours to achieve desired visual effects. • Understand the concepts of pixels, resolution, and file sizes in relation to print requirements and digital display and file sharing. • Save your images using a range of file types, understanding the use of each different one and their suitability for external display, printing and exporting into different software. • Apply your skills in creative projects to edit and manipulate digital imagery.

How is the course organised?

This is a hands-on course delivered in the digital suite. It includes presentations, demonstrations, formal instruction, handouts, practical tasks, individual tuition, and peer feedback.

What extra study or practice is expected outside of the class?

If you have photoshop at home, do repeat the processes you have learnt in each lesson to embed the knowledge, although this is not essential. Re-reading your notes to familiarise yourself will help you remember your new skills. Bring photos or images that you wish to manipulate into college on a memory stick or email them to yourself.

How will my progress be assessed?

Through tutor feedback, one-to-one and in group discussions. Progress will be recorded on an Individual Learning Plan.

What can I expect to go on to after this course?

After completing this course, you might consider enrolling in advanced Photoshop courses to further enhance your digital editing skills. Additionally, you can combine your abilities with other visual art subjects such as illustration, glass design, or photography to continue developing your creative digital skills.

Are there any other costs and what do I need to bring?

For note-taking, please bring a notebook and pen or a digital device.

What support is available?

Help with literacy or numeracy is available through the basic education programme and the ESOL programme offers help for speakers of other languages. Additional support can be provided for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Details are available in the Course Guide or from teaching or reception staff.

Tutor - Tbc TBC

Kirsty Brooks is an artist and designer who creates public artworks using collage, glass, photography, digital layering and archive research. She has taught in adult education for twenty years focusing on experimental processes and material combinations. @kirsty_brooks_artist www.axisweb.org/artist/kirstybrooks