HVCC Digital Media A.S. Program
The Digital Media degree at Hudson Valley Community College introduces students to a diverse range of digital art and design disciplines, complemented by a strong foundation in the fine arts. The curriculum includes drawing, two-dimensional design, photography, digital imaging, graphic and web design, animation, video art, and an introduction to programming for artists and designers.
Through hands-on studio courses, the program emphasizes learning the technical aspects of each area, alongside their contemporary and art historical contexts. As students in this program, we participate in valuable experiences such as the annual student exhibition, internship opportunities, and engagement with professionals through panel discussions and presentations.
A key component for second-year students is the assembly of a print and web portfolio, designed to prepare for career entry or transfer for further study. The program cultivates skills applicable to diverse career opportunities and also fulfills many SUNY general education requirements for transfer. This portfolio represents my work and progress within this comprehensive program.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students are equipped to:
- Create a printed and digital portfolio suitable for presentation to prospective transfer institutions and/or employers using industry-standard technology.
- Demonstrate basic programming skills to further enhance content created in areas such as digital imaging, graphic design, video, animation, and web design.
- Demonstrate the application of design principles and the development of digital media content using industry-standard technology.
- Identify digital media technologies and utilize them in the creation of digital media content including web, digital audio, digital video, and photography.
Below, you'll find links to the work I've completed for each course taken so far. Each link leads to a dedicated page for that course's assignments and projects. **It is important to note that all projects are presented in the exact state they were submitted for grading. No updates, tweaks, or corrections have been made beyond what was necessary to display them on the web.**
ARTS 129 - Photography I
This course provided an introduction to the theory, practice, and history of photography, with an emphasis on the production of digital images. Key learning included the basic principles of digital cameras and digital printing, and their application within the visual language of photography. As a hands-on studio art course, it offered the tools to understand the conceptual, visual, and historical aspects of photography through lectures, slide presentations, and discussions.
DART 100 - Digital Imaging I
This course emphasized the use of the computer as a tool in digital image making. Hands-on lectures introduced the tools and methods employed in digital imaging using industry-standard software, alongside current artistic trends. Emphasis was placed on the formal aspects of composition and structure, image manipulation, retouching, and compositing through raster-based graphics programs. Additionally, the course covered the process of inputting and outputting digital images for print production and web graphics.
DART 110 - Introduction to Graphic Design
This course provided an introduction to graphic design as a form of visual communication through the use of image, form, color, and type. It covered the history of graphic design and foundational compositional principles, including grid systems, hierarchy, and typography. The curriculum included practical exercises in visual perception, visual organization, and visual communication using industry-standard software.
DART 120 - Web Art and Design
This studio art course focused on the fundamentals of building and designing websites. It introduced the history, theory, and best practices of web design and art through readings, assignments, and hands-on lectures. Key topics covered included compositional principles of the web page, layout and navigation design, color schemes for the web, effective uses of multimedia, and non-linear narratives. Through several small-scale projects, foundational skills were developed in implementing HTML, CSS, and an introduction to JavaScript/JQuery for website creation.
ENGL 101 - English Composition I
ENGL 101 was focused on improving writing ability by concentrating on the core writing processes: prewriting, drafting, and revising. The course addressed key considerations for a writer, particularly how to effectively engage an audience, choose appropriate diction, and ensure grammatical correctness in my work. We also covered essential research techniques, which included a library orientation, and we had the opportunity to practice oral presentation skills by presenting our writing. A significant component of the course was completing a research paper.