Introduction to Imagemaking

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/image-making

Introduction

### Course Review: "Introduction to Imagemaking" If you’re a passionate creator or a novice looking to dive into the captivating world of graphic design, Coursera's "Introduction to Imagemaking" offers an invigorating and structured approach to imagemaking. This course serves both serious makers and newcomers, providing a flexible yet guided exploration of the creative process. #### Overview Imagemaking is fundamentally an exciting confluence of artistic expression and thought-provoking design. This course emphasizes experimentation, idea sharing, constructive feedback, and the joy of discovery—a refreshing blend for students looking to enhance their creative skills. What stands out is how the course balances structure with freedom, allowing for natural creativity to flourish within defined parameters. #### Syllabus Breakdown **Week 1: Image-based Research** The course kicks off by immersing you in image-based research. This foundational week sets the scene for the rest of the course by teaching students to analyze images through various techniques. You will select a subject that resonates with you, laying the groundwork for your upcoming experiments and designs. This week is crucial as it encourages reflection and critical thinking, essential skills in design. **Week 2: Making Images** Next, you step into a hands-on making session, where you explore your subject through a variety of mediums—from the simple to the complex, from analog to digital. You’ll be encouraged to think outside the box and experiment with different modes of representation, making this a week full of creative exploration. The freedom to iterate and play with your ideas fosters a sense of innovation that is often stifled in more rigid environments. **Week 3: Composition is Relational** During the third week, you’ll delve into the fundamentals of composition. Understanding the relationship between elements within your images is vital, and this week will guide you in crafting visually appealing spreads for your upcoming project. With a focus on core principles, this week equips you with the tools to create well-organized visuals that communicate effectively. **Week 4: Designing a Book with Your Images** In the final week, students synthesize their hard work into a tangible format—a digital book. Utilizing 10 to 20 of your favorite images from previous assignments, you’ll construct an 8-page book that encapsulates your journey through the course. The introduction of image-based books for inspiration adds a practical touch, and the instructions for compiling your work into a digital format via Issuu encourage professional presentation skills. #### Recommendations "Introduction to Imagemaking" is not just a course; it’s an invitation to explore the artistry of design. Here are a few reasons why I highly recommend this course: 1. **Hands-On Learning**: The course encourages practical experimentation, a vital component of learning in any creative field. 2. **Structured Yet Flexible**: While there is a framework in place, the course allows for individual expression and creativity, catering to various learning styles. 3. **Constructive Feedback**: The emphasis on sharing and receiving input is invaluable, as it cultivates a community of learners eager to grow together. 4. **Comprehensive Skill Development**: By the end of the course, you will not only have a deeper understanding of imagemaking but also create a portfolio piece that showcases your unique perspective. 5. **Supportive Community**: Engaging with fellow students offers additional perspectives and ideas that enhance your learning experience. In conclusion, "Introduction to Imagemaking" on Coursera is a remarkable course for anyone interested in graphic design. It balances creativity and structure, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned artists alike. Whether you're looking to improve your design skills or want to explore new avenues for self-expression, this course will undoubtedly enrich your understanding and appreciation of imagemaking. Don't miss the opportunity to unleash your creative potential—enroll today and embark on this exciting artistic journey!

Syllabus

Week 1: Image-based Research

Welcome! This week we will introduce image-based research and investigate these images in a design context using a range of techniques. You will then choose a subject of your own to research that will become the basis for your experiments and designs in the coming weeks.

This week is a making session! You will take the subject you selected last week and think about it in different ways. From simple to complex, hand to digital, realistic to abstract and everything in between, we'll explore and experiment freely. We'll also consider different modes of representation, and try a hand at creating our own ranges of representation with images.

In this third week, we will define and investigate core principles of composition, and begin to compose simple spreads for your book.

In this final week, we will pull together your work from the previous weeks to make spreads using 10-20 of your favorite images from your assignments and compile them into a 8-page book. I am also sharing with you a few image-based books to give you some ideas on how to structure your book. Note that for the final assignment I am asking you to submit a digital book through Issuu (instructions are included in the assignment). If you choose to create your images by hand, you will still need a computer loaded with InDesign or a similar program to clean up the images and prepare the files for upload to the Coursera platform.