GMD-142 - Introduction to Digital Illustration - Simon Sotelo

Introduction

Whether art is a hobby or you want to be a professional creative, my biggest priority is that you enjoy this class, learn useful things, and understand what art you enjoy making. I look forward to meeting you all next week. If you have any questions about the class, please send me a message in Canvas.

Course Description

Illustration vs Adobe Illustrator

We will learn and use aspects of Adobe Illustrator however; this is not an "Illustrator App" class. I've had students enroll thinking this was a technical or trade course, which it is not. Professionals who focus their careers on mastering these tools for others are called Production Artists/Designers, and you can learn everything you need to know about Adobe Illustrator for free online.

Our class is part of the broader Graphic and Multimedia Studies profession, once known as "Communication Arts," which is exactly what it sounds like. This class explores the basic principles to communicate a complex idea or story using as little as a single image or icon.

To sum it up briefly, illustration is:

1. Visual storytelling (often without text)
2. Used alongside text in books, articles, posters, packaging, etc., to support communication or illustrate a concept
3. A wonderful mixture of artistic expression and intentional influence

An example of what you will learn in this class:

• A brief history of the illustration profession
• Creating a composition
• How to communicate visually with style, graphics, color, etc.
• Visual principles: atmosphere, movement, contrast, etc.
• Professional practices: digital portfolios, freelancing, networking, etc.

What to Expect in this Course

Canvas

This Canvas shell is where you will find ALL information, assignments, and relevant links needed for the class and it's also where you submit your finished assignments and receive grades. Familiarize yourself with the Canvas website because it's clunky and can confuse first-time users. I had a difficult time with Canvas during my first semester of teaching, so please reach out if you need any help navigating it.

I cannot stress how important it is that you know where the Assignments are and how to submit your work.

Right now, you are able to see the topics of your Assignments, but unfortunately, you cannot see the details of an Assignment until the semester officially begins. This is a system feature in Canvas that I'm not able to change, although I hope you're still able to get a sense of the work we'll be doing over the next four months.

Messages: The one thing I prefer Canvas for.

You are welcome to email my faculty address [simon.sotelo@canyons.edu], but I'd much rather you send me a message through Canvas. Because I'm part-time faculty I don't get notifications for new emails. I can however, receive notifications for anything that comes through Canvas.

Meaning:

If you send me a message through Canvas, I will immediately be notified and can respond to you more quickly.

Zoom Meetings

Please do not use the Zoom feature in Canvas.

Apps in Canvas's are pretty terrible, so I will email you a Zoom link about a half hour before each class starts.  Download the Zoom appLinks to an external site. or check that you have the right system requirements to join an in-browser meeting. If you have internet, network, or connection issues, please get in touch with me separately, and we can troubleshoot together.

Google Drive

Canvas is also pretty terrible with image uploads. Please do not upload or submit image files into Canvas assignments. You will add/upload all of your final assignments to the Google folder with your nameLinks to an external site. and then submit the folder's link into the Canvas assignment. If you don't see a folder with your name, you probably enrolled in the class after I set these spaces up. By our second week of class, I'll make sure everyone who sticks around has a space for their work.

Miro

Because this is a remote course, MiroLinks to an external site. is where you will post your homework and discuss your illustration's progress each week. If you haven't already, please sign up using your student email. You should see our assignment boards at this linkLinks to an external site..

Abode Creative Cloud

You will need a subscription to Creative CloudLinks to an external site. for this class, which for students is $20/mo from Adobe, or from CollegeBuysLinks to an external site.. If this is an issue, please contact me separately or contact GMD leadership, and we can talk about solutions. You are welcome to use alternatives to Adobe programs though, the class demos may not translate and I will be limited in my ability to help you troubleshoot your process.

Types of Assessments

We tackle a different project every month during the semester, for a total of 4 illustration projects. 

Each project will follow the same process:

1. Research & Concepts 
2. Thumbnail Sketches
3. Illustration 1st Draft
4. Feedback
5. Illustration 2nd or Final Draft

Other Relevant Course Information

Office Hours

Every student is required to meet with me at least 4 times this semester. We will meet once during each project to discuss ideas, roadblocks, process, or whatever you need to deliver a successful illustration.

My office hours will be Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am - 12pm and you are otherwise free to schedule as many office hours as you need. If you know you need to speak with me outside of class, please schedule office hours at least a day in advance.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/17/2026 Sub#: 2076 Sub ID: 218823