Digital Art Design: Learn the endless possibilities with Photoshop

In this 32-week course, students will learn how to seamlessly integrate traditional art-making techniques with digital tools. Designed for artists who are comfortable creating their own art, this hybrid course will teach students how to use Photoshop to enhance their analog artwork and bring it into the digital world so that it can be shared with a wider audience.

Students will explore a variety of techniques such as scanning, color correction, layering, and more. They'll learn how to turn their original artwork into digital products such as cards, stickers, fabric, and t-shirts, expanding their creative reach and building their digital portfolio.

In addition to learning how to use Photoshop, students will also delve into basic art and design principles such as composition, typography, and color theory. They'll apply these principles directly to their own artwork, creating visually appealing and impactful designs that showcase their unique style and perspective.

Whether you're a budding artist looking to expand your skills or simply interested in exploring the world of art for products, this hybrid course offers a unique opportunity to merge traditional and modern techniques in a fun and engaging way.

Create

Bring your art to life! Transform sketches, paintings, and doodles into t-shirts, stickers and more with Photoshop.

Imagine

Tap into your innate creativity and make more art! Experience the joy of self-expression and become an active creator, not just a consumer, as you delve into the world of artistic production.

  • Harness the power of Photoshop! Unlock the potential of this incredible tool as you learn to design repeat patterns, cards, logos, and more. Discover the versatility and limitless possibilities that Photoshop offers to bring your artistic visions to life.

  • Learn the art of visual communication by sharing your unique message and life experiences through design. Explore the storytelling aspect of art, creating visually compelling pieces that convey your ideas and leave a lasting impression.

  • Expand your creative boundaries through designing from briefs. Embrace the challenge of working within given parameters, honing your creative muscles, and discovering new ways to express your artistic vision while meeting specific design requirements.

 FAQs

  • Our class offers the best of both worlds. You'll have access to engaging pre-recorded video lessons each week, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Additionally, we come together as a creative community every week via Zoom, fostering real-time interaction and discussion. Our live sessions are scheduled on Tuesdays, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Mountain Time, ensuring a dynamic and enriching experience.

  • This class is tailored to middle and high school students who share a passion for artistic expression and want to explore the myriad possibilities that Photoshop unlocks. Whether you're an aspiring artist or simply someone fascinated by the creative process, our class offers an exciting journey into the world of digital artistry.

  • Absolutely! Our class warmly welcomes adults who are eager to delve into the realm of digital art. We have a diverse group of participants, including enthusiastic adults who are joining us to discover the wonders of artistic expression through Photoshop.

  • Don't worry! We understand that life can sometimes get busy. In the event that you're unable to join the live Zoom session, rest assured that all classes will be recorded. You'll have access to the recorded session within just one day of the original class, ensuring you won't miss out on any valuable content.

  • To make the most of this course, you'll need a few key tools. First and foremost, access to Photoshop is crucial. Ensure you have a computer equipped with the capability to run Photoshop smoothly, along with a reliable mouse for precise control. For the artistic touch, gather your preferred art supplies. To manage your creative journey, having an external hard drive is recommended. You'll also need the convenience of a smartphone camera or a scanner to capture your physical creations digitally. For a comprehensive breakdown of these requirements, feel free to refer to the dedicated "Software Requirements" section below.

  • Your success is my priority. You'll have multiple avenues to seek assistance. During our live sessions, I'll address questions and provide guidance. For further support, I've allocated an additional hour, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Tuesdays, exclusively for addressing queries and offering feedback. Additionally, a convenient video question and answer feature is integrated using the user-friendly Loom software. Should you encounter any hurdles throughout the course, you can also reach out to me directly through our digital classroom's messaging system. Rest assured, you'll have the resources you need to thrive.

  • Cost of the course is $600 for the school year (August-May) with options to pay monthly or to pay in full. If you register in August, the monthly option is $60/month. If you pay at once, there is a discount and the course is $560 for the year.

  • The course will take place on a user-friendly online education platform known as Mighty Networks. This platform has been carefully chosen to provide you with the optimal learning experience. Within this virtual space, you'll find an array of valuable features designed to enhance your engagement. From conveniently accessing Zoom links and viewing lessons to seamless communication with me, Mighty Networks has you covered. It also serves as the hub for all course-related payments, offering you easy access to your account and the ability to make payment adjustments when needed. Rest assured, your learning journey will be well-supported through this dedicated platform.

  • Upon registering, you'll immediately gain access to the initial week of content. This initial week is thoughtfully structured to ensure that all students have the necessary supplies and to foster a sense of camaraderie within the class before our interactive Zoom sessions commence. Mark your calendars for our inaugural Zoom class on August 29th—a dynamic start to our creative journey together. Our Zoom sessions will continue until our final session on May 21st. For your convenience, the detailed school calendar is available for download here, allowing you to plan your engaging learning adventure well in advance.

  • Well Educated Heart Academy (WEHA) is a close-knit community comprising dedicated educators and mentors who share a common belief in nurturing curiosity and learning through a heart-centered approach. I've chosen to collaborate with this exceptional community because I share the conviction that genuine learning thrives when it springs from a place of genuine interest. WEHA's philosophy resonates with my own teaching values, and I firmly believe that when we engage the heart, the pursuit of knowledge naturally ensues. By partnering with WEHA, I am excited to create a learning environment that transcends conventional methods and truly speaks to the heart of each student's educational journey.

  • Certainly! The flip classroom model is a distinctive approach to learning. In this context, students engage with the course materials and lessons before our live sessions. This proactive preparation enables them to come to our interactive sessions with a solid foundation of knowledge. This is a departure from the traditional classroom setup, where instructors deliver information during class, and students work independently afterward.

    By adopting the flip classroom model, we empower students to take ownership of their learning journey. They delve into the lessons at their own pace, allowing them to arrive at our live sessions equipped with questions, insights, and a deeper understanding. This enriches our discussions and facilitates more meaningful interactions among students. Our goal is to cultivate a sense of responsibility and foster engaging conversations, ultimately enhancing the learning experience.

  • Absolutely! You can easily access and review the course syllabus by downloading it here. This document will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the course structure, topics covered, assignments, and any other relevant details. Feel free to explore the syllabus to gain a deeper understanding of what to expect throughout the duration of the course.

  • To enroll in our courses at Well Educated Heart Academy (WEHA), kindly note that the registration process must be completed on a computer and not through the Mighty Networks app. Here's the step-by-step guide:

    1. Begin by visiting the following link: https://wehacademy.org/

      2. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the blue "Access" button. You won't need to make any payment for accessing the community.

      3. During the account setup, ensure that you create the account using your student's name.

      4. Once your account is established, navigate through the left-side menu options, including "General," "Open Posts & Questions," and more. Click on "Courses 23-24," then select "Digital Art Design." At this point, you'll have the choice between a monthly subscription or the full-year payment plan.

    For additional guidance, there are instructional videos available on how to register:

    How to Register Video

    Parent Webinar - This comprehensive video outlines the expectations and requirements for both parents and students to excel in any of the WEHA courses.

    We're excited to welcome you to our creative community at WEHA!

Software Requirements

To get started, you'll need Adobe Photoshop, the go-to software for this course. We will be using Adobe CC (Creative Cloud) for this course and not older versions of Photoshop. One of the biggest benefits is that you will be able to access all the newest features and updates that Adobe rolls out. There are a couple options for purchasing a Photoshop subscription if you don’t already have one. 

  1. You can subscribe to the Photography Bundle, priced at $9.99/month. It provides access to both Photoshop and Lightroom. While we won't be using Lightroom extensively in this course, unfortunately, there's no way to get Photoshop alone. It's worth noting that these plans are paid on a monthly basis but require an annual commitment. You can find that plan at this link: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html  (choose the 20GB plan)

  2. If you would like access to the Creative Cloud suite which includes Photoshop (programs like InDesign, Premier Pro, etc.) you can take advantage of the homeschool discount offered by Adobe Creative Cloud. The discount is available for $19.99/month, and you'll need to provide proof of homeschooling eligibility. Check out the details here: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html?plan=edu#student-teacher-eligibility

I only recommend this option for people that are also planning on learning these other programs. You will only need Photoshop for this course. 

Hardware Requirements:

Let's make sure you have the necessary hardware to embark on your creative journey:

  • Smartphone Camera or Scanner: We'll be working with images, so having a smartphone camera or a scanner is essential. This way, you can easily capture or digitize your artwork. I personally prefer using a scanner, but I will show you how to use a smartphone to capture your art if you don’t have a scanner. 

  • Laptop or Desktop Computer with a Mouse: For the best experience, I recommend using a laptop or desktop computer with a wireless mouse. Trust me, it can be quite tricky to edit in Photoshop using just a trackpad. While Adobe does offer Photoshop for the iPad, it doesn't provide all the features we'll be exploring. So, grab your trusty computer and ensure it meets the minimum and recommended system requirements for running Photoshop. Check them out here: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/system-requirements.html

Art Supplies:

At the heart of this course is the beautiful collaboration between traditional art techniques and digital design. I encourage you to bring your preferred art supplies along for the ride. Whether it's ink, watercolor, acrylic, or any other medium that sparks your creativity, get ready to make some art!

External Hard Drive:

To keep your computer running smoothly and avoid any hiccups while working with large files, I highly recommend investing in an external hard drive. With the extensive nature of our projects, having an external hard drive with a capacity of 1TB or larger will be incredibly helpful. 

Optional Extra:

While not required for the course, using a drawing tablet and stylus can be something you may consider if you plan on using Photoshop after this course. If you're keen on exploring this option, make sure to choose a drawing tablet and stylus that are compatible with your computer. Many artists enjoy using the Wacom Intuos Pro, but feel free to do some research and find the best fit for your needs.