Faculty of Art Design and Architecture

Department of Visual Art

NEW MEDIA STUDIES 1A (BAMS7A1)
LEARNING GUIDE 2023

Lecturer: Mr. Sachin Narain

Moderator: Prof. David Paton
Learning Guide compiled by Sachin Narain. 2023
Copyright © University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Printed and published by the University of Johannesburg.
© All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act 98 of 1978,
No part of this material may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or used in any form or be published. Redistributed or screened by any means electronic, photocopying,
recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the University of Johannesburg.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

Section A: Administrative Details 3

Section B: Information sheet on academic programme quality 9

Section C: Assessment Structure, mark allocation 11

Overview – facilitation of learning and assessment 12

Refresher: Introduction to computers and Photoshop 13

Learning Unit One: New Media Studies Essay 29

Learning Unit Two: The Heritage Project 30-31

Learning Unit Three: Surrealist Digital Print 32-33

Learning Unit Four: Vector Print 34-35

Learning Unit Five: The Catalogue Project 36

Anti-Plagiarism Declaration 50

Cover image designed and printed by Mr. Reinhard Griezing. 2023

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SECTION A: ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Contact information

Secretary: Ms. Elda Majola: Email: eldam@uj.ac.za

First Floor, FADA Building, APB Campus Tel: 011-559 1117
Lecturer: Mr. Sachin Narain Email: sachinn@uj.ac.za
Moderator: Prof. D. Paton Email: dpaton@uj.ac.za

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT COVID-19

Studio Work schedule

Overview − Facilitation of learning and assessment

Structure of the Module
Welcome to New Media Studies 1A, Semester One, 2023.

The units construct a new learning experience. The module comprises four units and looks to make
students adept at using a computer and the internet in both the art making process as well as to document
and present the student’s work. The module is designed as an extended introduction to image
manipulation, social relevance, document layout and design.

These units will enable you to:

▪ Learn about compositing photos to read as one sophisticated image.

▪ Efficient use of the internet for additional learning and researching
▪ Understanding aesthetics as a visual artist and apply the necessary techniques to your digital
prints and art house films
▪ Visual storytelling and effective visual communication through use of imagery
▪ Documentation of your work to a high standard.

Purpose of the module

To develop conceptual, imaginative, and technical skills in the use of computer-graphic applications,
as well as enabling you, the student, to document your work in the forms of screen-based art and
design, websites, catalogues as well as photographing your work. You will also learn to develop skills
in creating an online presence as well as learning the various computer-graphic programmes involved
in image generation as well as laying out work for documentation, in keeping with professional
practice requirements in Visual Art.

Aims and Description of the Module

The module aims to equip you with skills, knowledge and values associated with the use of a
computer and the digital world in the art making process.

Each unit in the module aims to extend your skills and knowledge of using computers, Adobe
Creative Suite programmes as well as the internet in creating art as well as to conduct visual research
in other fields of art. references for use in the other fields (modules).

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 The module comprises several specific units designed to build competence in creating art in
Photoshop, laying work out in InDesign, using templates to create websites, and managing the way in
which one uses search engines on the internet as a tool for learning.

The module builds confidence and competence in the student’s professional practice in computer-
based work.

Module outcomes Module assessment criteria

At the end of this module, you should be able to: You will be assessed as competent if you can

• Employ Photoshop and InDesign • Use Photoshop to manipulate and create

programmes in the production of various
art and design-based tasks with
confidence.
new imagery
• successfully print and mount your work.
• Use InDesign to produce a professional
document / catalogue
• demonstrate your thinking processes by
means of a poster.

• Generate and use appropriate image • Present a professionally designed and

references printed artist’s catalogue

• Produce a professional catalogue, website • Create an online presence appropriate for a

and online presence. working artist.

• Utilise internet resources such as Google

pdf guides and infographics as well as
YouTube tutorials.

Assessment Guidelines

The work produced for this module is assessed as continuous and integrated semester’s work through
the presentation of practical work and visual research for formative, individual and group discussions,
critiques and summative practical unit assessments.

There are continuous formative assessments during all units through critiques of practical work.
Formative assessment takes place throughout the semester. A summative assessment is held at the end
of semester one.

Late assignments will NOT be accepted without a valid medical certificate and/or explanatory letter
along with the necessary documents. Supplementary assessments are scheduled as part of the
assessment plan of the module (see ‘Supplementary Assessments’ on p 7). Students have an
opportunity to evaluate the lecturing staff, module presentation and the teaching and learning
experience in the module, usually at the end of term 2.

Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture: Policies and procedures

The University of Johannesburg’s guidelines, Academic Regulations 2023 and Faculty Regulations
2023, are applicable as received in your orientation pack, and available on the University of
Johannesburg’s official website.

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Plagiarism

Dishonesty and plagiarism are not tolerated and will be punished.

• Plagiarism is the verbatim (word-for-word) use of another’s work and presenting it as if it
were one’s own.
• This includes the unauthorised use of image material.
• Copying the work of another student constitutes plagiarism. Assignments may not be
done with assistance from other students or persons outside of the university and should be
your own work.

It is important to acknowledge any thoughts, ideas and information which are not your own. It is also
important to use a standard form of referencing to provide all relevant information that will help any
person who may be interested to read further about the information. As a result, you need to keep an
accurate record of collecting your data.

• For written assignments, you will be required to cite your source(s), especially when referring
to someone else’s information with in your essay. (in text referencing) You are also required
to indicate the reference where the citation can be found at the end of your work (source list).
• You are required to sign and hand in an anti-plagiarism document with every essay you
submit. (found at the end of this document).
• You are required to use the referencing system outline in the FADA referencing guide, as
supplied to you by your lecturer.
• The proper procedures are laid down by the University and the Faculty is responsible for
strategies that address means of preventing, monitoring and handling acts of plagiarism.
• Copyright issues are handled in accordance with DALRO principles and procedures.
• Failure to comply with the University’s regulations regarding plagiarism, constitutes
academic dishonesty, as such, the faculty’s anti-plagiarism policy will be applied to each
case.
• Students who do not understand the concept of plagiarism and how it is applied, are advised
to seek guidance from the lecturer.

Extension Procedure:

ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE HANDED IN ON TIME.

* Each student assumes personal responsibility for the handing in of his / her project/units.

* Projects/Assignments which are received late (even by a few minutes) will have marks deducted
unless the student has applied for an extension based on legitimate reasons, and has received an
alternative submission date or time from the lecturer:

* To apply for an extension prior to the deadline you must:

• Provide certified evidence of your reason for extension. Extensions are granted only for
legitimate reasons and at the discretion of the lecturer and are dependent upon evidence.

If you fail to follow this procedure in a timely manner you may receive zero percentage.

EXCUSES, INCLUDING AMONGST OTHERS, LOAD-SHEDDING, FAULTY

EQUIPMENT, VIRUSES ON COMPUTERS, PRINTER MALFUNCTIONING AND
TRAFFIC-CONGESTION, WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AS GROUNDS FOR AN
EXTENSION OF THE PROJECT. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENTS PRINT OUT
PROJECT OUTCOMES WELL IN ADVANCE I.E., BEFORE THE SUBMISSION IS DUE,
AND KEEP A DIGITAL BACKUP COPY FOR EMERGENCY PURPOSES. BE IN THE

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HABIT OF SAVING YOUR WORK, REGULARLY. NO WORK THAT IS LATE WILL BE
MARKED WITHOUT A VALID NOTE SUBSTANTIATING THE REASON FOR DELAY. WORK
NOT SUBMITTED ON TIME WILL BE REGARDED AS A FAIL.

Class Attendance

The Department acknowledges that the student is central to the learning process, but the process
requires an attendance contract to ensure success. The following regulations from pp. 19 of the
Faculty Rules and Regulations booklet, form the basis of the contract:

AD1.14 Attendance
1.14.1 Long-term illness or overseas visits are not considered valid grounds for exemption from any
part of the programme.
1.14.2 A minimum of 80% class attendance, scheduled tutorials and practical classes is required. A
legitimate reason, and where appropriate the necessary evidence thereof (a medical certificate or
similar), is required to substantiate any non-attendance.
1.14.3 In line with UJ and Faculty policy all students must attend all classes. No student will receive
permission to stay away from classes. If students choose not to attend classes, they simultaneously
choose to bear the consequences of not getting the benefit of the lecture/practical, of not hearing
announcements made in class, and of not being present for unannounced class tests or assignments.
1.14.4 No lectures/practical’s/technical demonstrations will be repeated or will take place outside
scheduled times. If a student is more than 15 minutes late for a class, he or she may be marked
absent and refused entry to the class.

Students must collect their marked projects by arrangement with person the lecturer.

* Projects will be made available as announced in class.

* Students must check their marks for an assignment or test on uLink. If there is a mistake, the
necessary corrections will be made after the student has provided proof of such to the lecturer in
charge.

Studio etiquette:

* Only one person talks at a time during studio sessions. No person will be allowed to interrupt
anyone else, or to talk to a friend or colleague during a lecture while someone else is talking.
Besides being good manners, this is a precondition for meaningful academic dialogue and debate.

All cell phones must be switched off during class.

If you get into any personal trouble that affects your performance in this module, inform
your lecturer immediately. No late excuses will be considered or accepted. Any request or excuse
presented two weeks after an event will not be considered.

Treat the tutors with respect. The tutors provide a valuable service to students. Tutors are there
for [i] assistance with work not understood, [ii] advice about preparation for project submissions,
[iii] guidance when doing projects, [iv] aid when producing studio projects, [v] discussions about
planning your studies, and [vi] support with any other academic problems with this module. If the
tutors cannot help you solve your problem, you must make an appointment with the lecturer.

All students are treated equally. All students will get the same time to hand in projects, the same
time to prepare for submissions, will be measured against the same standards when projects are
marked, and will be held to the same module rules. Justification: Every student has the same right
to equal treatment as every other student, which is in line with the Bill of Rights in our country’s
Constitution. Students with disabilities may discuss their specific requirements with the

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 lecturer.

If you have any problem with any aspect this module, resolve it with the lecturer within seven
days in the following manner: [i] Speak to your tutor. [ii] If the tutor cannot help you, speak to
the lecturer. [iii] If the discussion with the lecturer does not work, submit a written complaint to
the lecturer in which you explain the matter in detail and provide good reasons why you are still
not satisfied. [iv] If you fail to resolve the matter through steps [i] to [iii], submit your complaint in
writing to the Head of the Department.

Prescribed reading

The following readings are important to understand the power that photo manipulation can
have; it is your responsibility to create a thought provoking and conceptually strong digital
prints over the course of this semester.
Photo fakery : the history and techniques of photographic deception and manipulation
. Dino A. Brugioni

Phototruth or photofiction? : ethics and media imagery in the digital age. Tom Wheeler.

Photoshop for Right-Brainers : the Art of Photo Manipulation. Available:

https://0-ebookcentral-proquest-com.ujlink.uj.ac.za/lib/ujlink-ebooks/detail.action?docID=275839

Learning guide

The purpose of this Learning Guide is to support your learning process as there is a detailed
breakdown of what is expected from you each term. This guide is not a substitute for attending
classes, as instructions may vary from what is indicated here. Please ensure you attend all contact
sessions (lectures and tutorials), so that you may be abreast of developments in the course material.
All the required assessments need to be completed and submitted on time. Incomplete work will result
in a lower grade which has unfortunate consequences. Should you have any difficulty with your
assignments, send your lecturer an email and arrange for a meeting to address your problem areas.

Missing assessments due to illness and supplementary assessments

No portfolio that is late will be marked without a valid note providing suitable reasons for the lateness
and the completion of a ‘Unit/Project Extension Form’. Any portfolio, which is not handed in, on
time, will automatically be failed. Any portfolio without the required number of works may incur a
penalty of up to 25% for each missing work, according to specific module.
Supplementary assessments are scheduled as part of the assessment plan of the module. The following
rules apply:
• A student may be granted a special summative assessment opportunity he/she applies in writing to
the lecturer concerned within five working days after the marks of the summative assessment
opportunity have been published.

Deadlines

On the day of submission, the deliverable is due on Blackboard, unless instructed otherwise.
The deadline is no later than midnight on the day of submission, with all the relevant folders
and documents.

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SECTION B: THE ACADEMIC PROGRAMME
Module name NEW MEDIA STUDIES 1A (BAMS7B1)
Pre-requisites for module None
Module NQF level 5
NQF Credits
(Calculated according to notional 16
hours)
1 semester
Duration of module 2 units
Each unit is 7 weeks

Outcomes of the module Module assessment criteria

Module outcomes
At the end of this module, you
should be able to do the following:
Use Adobe Photoshop,
InDesign, Wix or Squarespace and
V Card.
You will be assessed as competent if you can
Using Photoshop to manipulate and create new imagery as
well as learn about the basics of printing and mounting work.
Using InDesign to document both the students work as
well as their thinking processes as a catalogue and posters
respectively.
Use Adobe Spark Page to publish online artist’s catalogues.

Assessment Guidelines

The work produced for this module is assessed as continuous and integrated year work through the
presentation of practical work and visual research for formative individual and group discussions,
critiques and summative practical unit assessments. There are three formative and one summative
assessment opportunities for this module. There are continuous/ formative assessments during all
units through critiques of practical work. Summative assessment takes place at the final review of
work, end of semester one. No late assignments will be accepted without a valid medical certificate
and/or explanatory letter along with the necessary documents. Students will have opportunity to
evaluate the lecturing staff, module presentation and the teaching and learning experience in the
module in the 1st semester, usually at the end of term 2.

Portfolio preparation
Depending on the project the lecturer shall specify the submission requirements

New Media studies: Overview − Facilitation of learning and assessment

Structure of the Module
The units construct a new learning experience. The module consists of four units and looks to make
the student adept at using a computer and the internet in both the art making process as well as to
document and present the work. It will also look to teach the basics of image manipulation, document
layout and the basics of design.

These units will enable you to:

▪ Learn about compositing photos to read as one polished image.

▪ Efficient use of the internet for additional learning and researching
▪ Using the medium of print and the Internet to create your online presence as an artisan
▪ Brand yourself as a visual artist and apply the necessary aesthetics required to stand out
▪ Visual storytelling and comprehensive communication through imagery
▪ Documentation of your work to a high and finessed standard.

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SECTION C OVERVIEW: FACILITATION OF LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT

REFERENCES
Resources for Unit 1 (these can be found in the library you may also use on-line books)

BASIC DESIGN: THE DYNAMICS OF VISUAL FORM

Maurice de Sausmarez
Library ref: OSH 745.401 Des

DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND PROBLEMS

Paul Zelanski and Mary Pat Fisher
Library ref: OSH 745.4 ZEL

ART FUNDAMENTALS THEORY AND PRACTICE

Otto G.Ovirk, Robert O. Bone, Robert E Stinson, Philip Wigg
Library ref:701.8

THE ART OF SEEING

Paul Zelanski Mary Pat Fisher
Library ref: 701.1 ZEL

ART THROUGH THE AGES (MANY DIFFERENT COPIES IN THE LIBRARY AND ON LINE)
Helen Gardner
Library ref: 709.GAR

VARIETIES OF VISUAL EXPERIENCES

Edmund Burke Feldman
Library ref: 701FEL

FOUNDATIONS OF ART AND DESIGN

Alan Pipes
Library ref: OSH 700PIP

PRESERVATION OF DIGITAL ART: THEORY AND PRACTICE: THE PROJECT DIGITAL ART
CONSERVATION
Karlsruhe V Ambra
Library ref: 702.8 PRES

DIGITAL ART
Wolf Lieser
Library ref: 776. LIES

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF DIGITAL ART

Richard Colson
Library ref: 776 COL

DIGITAL ART MASTERS

[Hong Kong]: 3DTotal.com
Library ref: 776.0922 DIGI

PRACTICES OR LOOKING an introduction to visual culture

Marita Sturken and Lisa Cartwright

A Research Agenda for Digital Politics

William H. Dutton
https://0-ebookcentral-proquest-com.ujlink.uj.ac.za/lib/ujlink-
ebooks/detail.action?docID=6213221&query=9781789903096

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How Television Invented New Media
Sheila C. Murphy
https://0-ebookcentral-proquest-com.ujlink.uj.ac.za/lib/ujlink-
ebooks/detail.action?docID=849485

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Lecture due date of Learning Marks Theme/topic Weighting Teaching Method
Semester 1. Unit
Due 3rd March 2023 2 100 New Media Studies 10% Theory
Essay
Due 31st March 2023 2 100 The Heritage Project 20% Studio Practical

Due 26th April 2023 3 100 Surrealism Print 20 % Studio Practical

Due 26th May 2023 4 100 Vector Print 20 % Studio Practical

Due 29th May 2023 5 100 Catalogue Project 30% Studio Practical

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REFRESHER

THE BASICS OF PHOTOSHOP DOCUMENT AND ADMIN LAYOUT

Things you will be doing:

• Using Photoshop as an image manipulation tool as well as an introduction to CS

programmes such as InDesign and Illustrator.
• Learning how to optimise your use of the internet i.e., how to always get good quality
images off Google (or even using a pre-existing image to run a reverse image search),
how to find pdf guides for learning or even self-learning using YouTube tutorials.
• Using the internet as a storage device to eradicate reliance on the USB flash drive
• Including the departments Tablet in both learning as well as showing of work
• The early outlines of an online presence

This unit aims to get you into the space where you are comfortable using computers as well
as the application of the computer and internet in relation to you as an artist. The unit focuses
on using the internet as a tool for referencing images as well as creating an online presence
for yourself as an artist. It will also begin your training in Photoshop CC as a basis for using
any other CC programme. Finally, it begins the implementation of you as a student showing
critical thinking towards how you view your strengths and weaknesses of your work going
forward.

Activities & Projects:

• When searching for images we only want the best quality, this means that on the
Google Images page we need to select Tools>Size> Large/Larger than (input value
of image size)
• Remember that image sizes are in pixels hence we want the highest pixel x pixel
value i.e., 900+ x 900+
• We will also learn to do a reverse image search which entails the following.
-Dragging an image from anywhere on the computer (including a Google search
image result) and dropping this into the Google search box where we would type in
what we are searching for.
• Useful websites for additional image sourcing are Unsplash and Pexel

Learning Photoshop
• We will go through Photoshop in a couple of steps.
1. How to open a new file
2. Bringing images into Photoshop, layer management, usage of tools, editing
options and filters
3. Saving images and the various formats and uses of said formats
Micro management of files on a flash as well as saving to external sources
• The system we use to save our work is as follows

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 1. Reference Folder - This folder is where we save all of our references which
includes jpegs, scans or sketches or information

Work Folder -In this folder we save the digital work files so that they are not
mixed with our references. In this folder we would save the psd. Photoshop
format of files for either later working or so that I may see the work done on a
specific area in your work when I mark.

Finals Folder- In this folder we save final Jpegs, Pdfs’, Artist Statements,
PowerPoint presentations and Proof of learning pages.

2. We will learn to use alternative sources as save point for our work such as:
emailing the works to ourselves, using a drop box account or uploading to the
cloud.
Proof of learning
• You will also be required to create at the end of all projects an A4 Proof of Learning
page in Photoshop.
1. This will be done at the end of a block week or when a specific project has
ended (in the case of drawing for example.)
2. The page is split up into 3 sections- Reference, Work and finals.
Reference will have images of the starting stages of the work which you had
photographed with your tablet.
Work section is the sort of midway through the project
Final will show an image of the final work
3. In each section you will be placing images and comments on: how you are
finding the project, what are you coping with or not coping with and finally a
self-critique where you will state what about the final piece works and what
doesn’t and what could be improved on had you the chance to.
Early development of an online presence
• To get into putting oneself “out there” as an artist one will have to become active in
the online community as well as in the physical world. It is not enough to socially
post work to your personal Facebook or Instagram account. One has to be
professional and set themselves up as an “Art Only” account and actively post works
as well as progress shots of their work.
• You are required to create an Instagram page which is for your art only. I am creating
a Fine Arts page which you will follow and I can measure your progress from there.
• On your page you will post both process and final images of your projects as the year
goes and the mark for this will come from how active you are on the page.

Before we begin with Photoshop:

We will go through the following items:
• SEO management

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 • Saving and backing up work

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)

Search Engine optimisation looks to increasing the quality of both the quality and quantity of
website traffic, as well as exposure to a brand, through non-paid (also known as "organic")
search engine results.
However, in your case as Visual art students you will be optimising the manner in which you
use the internet to find images and information. In many cases you will find yourself using
images from the internet as references, for use in the artmaking process. In said cases, the
quality of the images that you use could alter the outcome of your artwork.
The best way to find a good quality image is to use the tools option in Google Chrome.

Left click on this option to drop down its own menu.

Select the size option and then select the Large option available. This will ensure that the
images that are shown in your search results are of a decent enough quality that they do not
become pixelated when used in your digital art for this module, or as a reference to draw,
paint, print or sculpt.

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Methods for saving your work:
When working on computers and similar devices, at some point you will need to save your
work, either to come back and work on it later or for printing and publishing. For New Media
studies in particular you will need to both save and back up your work.
The methods for saving are:
• Using a USB flash drive
• Google drive
• Email

USB flash drive:

The flash drive will be where you save your work as a convenient location that you may carry
around with you and use on any computer regardless of the computer being connected to the
internet or not. Within it I would recommend using the following format to save your work.

Three folders titled: References, Work, Finals.

References: Images that are going to be used in artmaking, references or as figures in essays
and papers.
Work: This folder contains items such as PSD files (Photoshop work files) and other such
progress files in which you are currently working.
Finals: here you will save all work which is ready for publishing or printing such as the final
jpeg or PDF finals for new media projects or even final essays for Art History.

You should create a folder for each subject(module) with these folders in it for ease of access
when looking for work or images. Despite the many perks of saving in this format there are
clear cons which are present.

Cons of saving on a USB:

• Computer viruses- One of the present dangers that has affected past students as well
as working professionals are computer viruses which may attack objects on your flash
drive. Computer anti-virus programs are able to detect and remove these with the cost
of infected files being quarantined and removed. This means that the virus may infect
files that you were working on either in the editing programs, or in Microsoft Word
where you could be working on an essay. These infected files will be removed and

16
 without backups you will lose master copies of your work. In the past students have
learned that on deadline days, Murphy’s law takes effect and everything that can go
wrong will go wrong. The excuse of work lost on a flash drive is not acceptable and
will be penalised heavily.

• Physically losing or destroying the flash- The stress of student life or a simple
moment of absent mindedness could cause you to lose your Flash drive and all the
contents stored therein. You should backup your work (especially crucial work
documents) to a secondary database.

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Google Drive:

This option is usually located in the top right corner of the Google Chrome homepage.
Leftclick on the grid and the drive option will appear.

Google drive allows for up to 15GBs to be stored on the account which is linked to your
email (Gmail) address. This is free and will allow you to access stored data as long as you
have an internet connection. One of the benefits of saving your work in this format is the
absence of computer viruses which is a present threat when using a USB flash drive.

18
Emailing files to yourself:

By typing your own email address in an email, you can save items in your email inbox. This
is a quick effective way to quickly save an object for later use. If you do not wish to use a
bulky database such as drives this might give you a single place to store information and
needed items.

The cons of email and Google drive:

At times lags in your internet connection may cause files which are being uploaded to
become corrupted and you will either have to reupload or (in the case that you see the files
corruption too late) find out that your files are corrupt and unusable.

Keyboard shortcuts:
Keyboard shortcuts are an essential part of your work process. They cut down on time needed
to perform actions through entering keys which instantly perform said actions. Below are
some of the shortcuts which you will be using. The important ones are highlighted:

List of basic computer shortcut keys:

• Alt + F--File menu options in the current program.

• Alt + E--Edits options in the current program.

• F1--Universal help (for any sort of program).
• Ctrl + A--Selects all text.ƒ
• Ctrl + X--Cuts the selected item.
• Ctrl + Del--Cut selected item.
• Ctrl + C--Copy the selected item.

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 • Ctrl + Ins-- Copy the selected item.
• Ctrl + V--Paste the selected item.
• Shift + Ins -- Paste the selected item.
• Home -- Takes the user to the beginning of the current line.
• Ctrl + Home--Go to the beginning of the document.
• End -- Go to the end of the current line.
• Ctrl + End -- Go to the end of a document.
• Ctrl + D -- Deselect area
• Ctrl + Z -- Go back one step
• Ctrl + Alt + Z – Go back multiple steps (Holding down Ctrl and Alt whilst pressing Z)

To maximise your use of hotkeys you should practice keeping your left hand on the keyboard
and your right hand on the mouse (if you are right-handed and vice versa if you’re left-
handed). Your lecturer will go through this with you.

20
The basics of using Photoshop:
The first step to using Photoshop is setting up the document you wish to create:
Left click on File in the top left corner of the program which will drop a menu. 1

For now, the options we will go through are:

New…
Open…
Open Recent….
Save…
Save as…

1 You will notice that Photoshop provides you with the Hotkeys to the specific options on the
right-hand side of the menu.

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New document:

When you click on New… a menu will appear. This menu is to format your document which
you are going to be working on. Once you have titled it you need to choose a preset size for
the document. For the types of documents that we create in New media studies, you will be
using the international option which holds typical paper sizes from A4 to DL.

22
When you choose a preset the width and height of the document will be automatically added.
You may also input values to create a custom sized document. The resolution should always
be set to 300 ppi (pixels per inch), in order to ensure that the document produced is of the
best quality when published or printed. Once you have all of these options selected you may
open a document.

Opening a document:
The open option allows you to open files on your computer in Photoshop.

You may open any file that is compatible with Photoshop in a new tab. The easier alternative
to this is simply going to the location of the file and dragging the file onto the tab bar or
directly onto the page that you are working on.

Open recent option:

One of the most useful tools for finding recent files that you have worked on without going to
the file location. Its other use is that if Photoshop crashes or is closed unexpectedly you may
access your files from there and it will open the last saved point for the document

23
Saving your work

In Photoshop there are two saving options. These are Save and Save as…
When you first create your document you will use the save as option to define the type of file
you are saving your document as well as the location and name of the document.

When you use the Save as option a menu will appear. On the left hand side of the menu are
locations on your computer where you may save your work. Typically you will select the My
Computer option and locate your USB flash drive and save the files into the folders on the
device.

Once you have selected a location you need to give your file a title, after which you will need
to choose the format in which you will save the document.

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Formats for saving work:
You will notice a myriad of format options to save your work in. The main ones that we will
focus on are:
Photoshop (PSD)
JPEG (JPG)
Photoshop PDF (PDF)
PNG (portable networks graphics)

Photoshop (PSD)
A PSD file is a layered image file used in Adobe Photoshop. PSD, which stands for
Photoshop Document, is the default format that Photoshop uses for saving progress data. This
is the most important format for saving your work as it will contain the progress work for the
final document you are working towards.
(YOU SHOULD ALWAYS MAKE BACKUPS OF THESE FILES)

JPEG (JPG)
Jpegs are compressed images; this means that unlike Photoshop PSD files all of the
information has been flattened into a single image. This is the best format to save your work
in if it is just a single image you are going to publish online or if the printer only accepts
Jpegs for printing.

NB: Jpeg is not a recommended format as every time you open the document to edit there is
some loss of image quality.

Photoshop PDF (PDF)

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A PDF is a Portable Document Format (PDF) file and is read by the Adobe PDF reader
program. If you wish to save a document that cannot be changed, for example you have an
essay which you have typed in Microsoft Word and every time you open and close it shifts
text or images. The pdf format will lock down the document so that nothing moves before
you print it.

PNG (portable networks graphics)

Similar to the compressed Jpeg format, the PNG format offers images which are transparent
or devoid of a background. This format is best for low quality images which are going to be
published digitally.

(Useful tip: if you wish to find an image of something without a background to use in your
work, you can search for a png version of that in Google Chromes image section)

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Printing:
The process of printing work, especially digitally generated work is a common output in this
subject.

When you attempt to get professional printing done you will be confronted by words such as
gsm and paper type. You will need to know what these are in order to ensure that your work
is of the highest quality.

Typically work is printed on paper of varying GSMs. GSM is an acronym standing for
‘Grams per Square Meter’, and this looks to the weight and quality of the paper which you
are printing on.

The second focus of printing is the type of paper on which you are printing.

Printing paper types:

• Inkjet Printer Paper

This type of paper is designed for specific use with inkjet printers. There are different
forms of inkjet paper which work well with inkjet ink, including photo, glossy and
business card

• Laser Printer Paper

Laser paper is best used with a laser printer. This is used more in business
environments for tasks such as printing documents, mailing labels and cheques.

• Matte
This paper is one of the most frequently used, as it is suitable for all everyday printing
tasks. Matte paper is finished with a white coating which helps the ink to dry faster
than on other paper types, and means it is suitable for urgent documents. Most of your
projects will be printed on Matte paper as the standard printing paper for your new
media projects.

• Bright White
Bright white paper sheets are much smoother and are non-textured, which makes
them ideal for high-quality, presentable double-sided printing. The brightness of the
paper ensures that both sides can be printed on without the ink showing through on
the other side.

• Glossy
This paper type is traditionally used when printing images or photographs rather than
text, as it has the ability to produce brilliant colours and sharp images. The glossy
surface absorbs the ink.
YOU ARE NOT AT ANY POINT ALLOWED TO PRINT ON GLOSSY PAPER. I
HAVE INCLUDED IT IN THIS LIST SO THAT YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS AND
CAN AVOID PRINTING ON IT

Printers:
On your journey to becoming a visual artist, you will at some point have to engage with
people to do work for you. For example, not all sculptors who work with casting metal have
the facilities and will have to outsource their work to a foundry. Similarly, you will have to
outsource the printing of your work to professional digital printers who have the resources to
bring your work to life on paper.

Bear in mind that there is a standard to this and ordinary printers who produce mass
worksheets will not make the grade to meet this standard.

Finding a professional printer who can do your required job is something that you are going
to be required to do during this module.

There are various ways to go about this.

1. Word of mouth: Typically, speaking to your seniors and other artists who have made
use of printers in the past might be able to put you in contact with printers as well as price
ranges.
2. Physically contacting printers with the specifications of your project to receive quotes
for your work. From here you would compare prices and quality to find what works for you
3. Online Quote services from printers: Many printers now have websites on which you
may input the specs of your project to get instant quotes.
The process of going to a print shop requires you to have your final artwork saved as a JPEG
or PDF on a USB flashdrive which will be plugged into one of their computers (Note: keep
back ups of your files in case of emergencies)

REMEMBER: Should errors arise in printing, that is an issue for you to rectify with the
printers. Subpar work that is submitted with receive subpar marking.

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New Media Studies 1A: 2023
Unit One

Photoshop Project One: New Media Studies Essay

Due Date: 3rd March 2023. No later than midnight. Send email to sachinn@uj.ac.za

Assignment

The purpose of this New Media Studies project is to teach you how to write academic essays
about your work and provide your own opinions on the subject matter while also helping ease
your transition into university. You are expected to produce you an essay about how the 4IR
(fourth industrial revolution) will have an impact on Visual Art and the future of art making.
You may choose to argue for or against 4IR in your essay and provide extracts from different
sources or journal extracts to aid your argument.

In order to make sense of your essay, you are expected to build a scaffolded argument, i,e.
state your outline from the research question very clearly and expand on what you are going
to speak about and stick according to structure. The outline you will be learning is very
important, keep the document you build in class within the first week as your template draft
to write all your future essays.

Your essay should include everything you learn in class with the layout your lecturer will
stipulate as well as your sources consulted, and images used.

Assessment criteria
Section 1 2 3 4 5
Weighting
1. Does the student engage with the brief? 20
2. Has the student presented a fair amount of research? 20
3. Is the document formatted correctly? 20
4. Is the research coherent and well written? 20
5. Has the student prepared and outline their argument in an 20
academic manner?

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Unit One

Photoshop Project Two: The Heritage Project

Due Date: 31st March 2023. No later than midnight on Blackboard.

Assignment

The purpose of this New Media Studies project is to envision yourself within a social
environment in the current South African context. As such, select a social context such as
class inequality, queerness, racial tension, unemployment, xenophobia etc., research its
central concept and comment on that through an artwork which speaks to your own idea or
reimagining South Africa. Some ways in which you can re-envision such a context include
the following:

Identify and research a problematic subject that needs to be addressed for the benefit of South
Africans. Collect visual material from the news-media, books and printed sources related to
the subject. When you have a wide selection of images related to your topic, critically select
images or sections of images and scan / re-photograph / import these into a designated Folder
on your computer. In Photoshop, manipulate the images /photos in terms of composition,
clarity, and tonalities to create good-quality outcomes. Use the images to create a
composition that addresses the central concept you chose, in an accurate manner and that
embodies YOUR view of re-envisioning a changing South Africa.

In Photoshop, treat the frame as a collage and occupy the necessary space to tell your story.
Make innovative use of the composition regarding how you manipulate and use space as each
aspect you insert into the composition should have a conversation that relates to the next.

Dimensions

You will create a Photoshop document with the following technical dimensions. Width 42
centimetres, height 29,7 centimetres, Orientation should be landscape, resolution should be
300 pixels/inches, the colour mode should be RGB colour at 16 Bit.

Submission format

Your final folder should be titled

“FADA_NMS1B_NameSurname_StudentNumber_ProjectName” e.g
“FADA_NMS1B_SachinNarain_1234567_TheHeritageProject”.

Always adhere to this filing format. Inside your final folder, there should be four more
folders titled, “Research”, “Artists’ Statement”, “Final PSD Document” and “References”.

Your “Research” folder will contain all relevant screenshots, pdfs, journal extracts etc which
inform your artwork. “Final PSD Document” should include your project file as well as
exports of your final in both JPEG and TIFF formats. “References” should have all your
sourced images used in the final which are unedited.

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Outcomes

This project is scaffolded on your work in New Media Studies 1A. You will learn how to
compile a visual narrative using digital art to visualise a changing South Africa and its
relationship with the people. Further, you will learn about manipulating multiple layers to
appear as one image through creating a montage.

Assessment criteria
Section 1 2 3 4 5
Weighting
1. Does the student engage with the brief? 20
2. Has sufficient standard of photo manipulation been 20
achieved?
3. Quality of work, is the final export clean, tidy and seamless? 20
4. Image Quality: appropriate imagery, resolution, editing and
presence? 20
5. Have you applied the necessary techniques to achieve a 20
strong aesthetically pleasuring export?

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Photoshop Project Three: Surrealism Digital Print

Due Date: 26th April 2023. No later than midnight on Blackboard.

Assignment

In this project, you are required to imagine, respond to, and create a surreal digital painting
using photoshop. You may choose your own subject matter.

You will need to focus on how each element within the painting/image is manipulated either
through transforming the background, the subject or object in a way, such that they appear as
static, sharp and heavily affected through warping or superimposed on one another. This print
will require careful conceptualisation and adequate preparation through sketches and designs
before you begin.
The focus on surrealism requires you to be innovative and imaginative in your approach to
the composition, such that reality is distorted, perspective changed, and subjects are
transformed in a way that questions the logical order. Refer to examples of the art of a range
of cultures around the world e.g., the ukiyo-e artwork tradition, or the comic-book / graphic
novel tradition etc. Look carefully at the compositional dynamics and structure of the image.
How can you reinvent reality and reinsert a specific narrative that challenges your viewer to
rethink accepted ideas about the topic that you chose? To achieve this, you need to ensure
that your editing is seamless for the viewer not to detract from slippages in technique at the
expense of a good concept.

Dimensions

You will create a Photoshop document with the following technical dimensions. Width 42
centimetres, height 29,7 centimetres, Orientation should be landscape, resolution should be
300 pixels/inches, the colour mode should be RGB colour at 16 Bit.

Submission format

Your final folder should be titled

“FADA_NMS1A_NameSurname_StudentNumber_ProjectName” e.g
“FADA_NMS1A_SachinNarain_1234567_SurrealismPrint”.

Adhere to this filing format at all times. Inside your final folder, there should be four more
folders titled, “Research”, “Artists’ Statement”, “Final PSD Document” and “References”.

Your “Research” folder will contain all relevant screenshots, pdfs, journal extracts etc which
inform your artwork. “Final PSD Document” should include your project file as well as
exports of your final in both JPEG and TIFF formats. “References” should have all your
sourced images used in the final which are unedited.

Outcomes

You will learn how to composite more efficiently and manipulate images to tell a visual
narrative using digital art. The application through the medium of digital art and recreating a

32
known artistic style such as surrealism, will allow you to interpret images and careful
consider the composition. Further, you will learn under the principles of multiple layer
manipulation to appear as one image through creating this print.

Assessment criteria
Section 1 2 3 4 5
Weighting
1. Does the student answer the requirements in the brief? 20
2. Is the work at a technically high standard, clean and 20
seamless?
3. Quality of work, attention to colour palette and artistic 20
elements in the composite?
4. Image Quality: appropriate choices, editing and presence? 20
5. Have you applied the necessary techniques to achieve a 20
strong aesthetically pleasuring export?

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Illustrator Project Four: Vector Print

Due Date: 26th May 2023. No later than no later than midnight on Google drive link. Send
email to sachinn@uj.ac.za

Assignment

This project will require you to produce a vector illustration print using the Adobe
programme, Illustrator. You can either draw your reference from scratch or use Adobe
Photoshop to create the digital print and then develop your vector outline in Adobe
Illustrator. The success of this project lies in how you can create a strong visually appealing
vector graphic using all learned techniques.

This project will require you to revisit an existing artwork from any previous module and
create a response to that artwork in the form of a vector print. You should be able to link
between selected artwork and further develop your work through the vector print.

take a photograph of yourself and manipulate it through clean editing techniques of

superimposing, multiple exposure, or through critical exposure and tonal manipulation of
your photograph. The success of this project lies in how you can seamlessly stitch together
multiple objects or various editing techniques in relation to your portrait. The aim is to make
it appear as natural as possible as if it was intended to be that way.

This is your final digital project for the semester as such, skillsets which you learned
throughout the semester either through your own research, YouTube or any online service, or
in class techniques should be applicable. This project should be filled with strong visual
appeal and must be aesthetics pleasing to the eye. As such, treat this print as if your entire
body of work is represented through the appeal you are able to produce.

Dimensions

You will create a Photoshop document with the following technical dimensions. Width 42,02
centimetres, height 58,14 centimetres, Orientation should be landscape, resolution should be
300 pixels/inches, the colour mode should be RGB colour at 16 Bit.

Your final print for this project should be A2 in size.

Submission format

Your final folder should be titled

“FADA_NMS1A_NameSurname_StudentNumber_ProjectName” e.g
“FADA_NMS1A_SachinNarain_1234567_SurrealismPrint”.

Adhere to this filing format at all times. Inside your final folder, there should be four more
folders titled, “Research”, “Artists’ Statement”, “Final PSD Document” and “References”.

Your “Research” folder will contain all relevant screenshots, pdfs, journal extracts etc which
inform your artwork. “Final PSD Document” should include your project file as well as
exports of your final in both JPEG and TIFF formats. “References” should have all your
sourced images used in the final which are unedited.

34
Outcomes

By the end of this project, you would have spent sufficient time with the format that is digital
art and manipulation of images. The learning experience through this project comes in the
form knowing how to create a strong and compelling image that is finessed to a high quality
and composited with attention to detail on all artistic elements, line, colour, tone, shape, and
space. Further your understanding of perspective, lighting, gradient and a foresight in
knowing what images can work will be worked to create a seamless photo manipulation.

Assessment criteria
Section 1 2 3 4 5
Weighting
1. Is the final export visually strong with presence? 20
2. Is the work at a technically high standard, clean and 20
seamless?
3. Quality of work, attention to colour correction grade and 20
artistic elements in the composite?
4. Image Quality: appropriate choices, editing and presence? 20
5. Have you applied the necessary techniques to achieve a 20
strong aesthetically pleasuring export?

35
BAMS71A: NEW MEDIA STUDIES 1A. 2023.
UNIT TWO: THE DIGITAL AESTHETICS CATALOGUE PROJECT

Unit Title THE DIGITAL AESTHETICS CATALOGUE PROJECT

Subject Leader Sachin Narain
Semester One. Terms 1 and 2
Module Size 14 weeks x 9 hours = 126 hours
Date set 14th February 2023
Project Duration 14th February – 2nd June 2023
Date Due 2nd June 2023
Examiners Sachin Narain
Moderator Prof. David Paton
Marks 100 (weighted at 30% of your final mark for this module)
Note
1. Full attendance and project participation is required.
2. Use the 1st term-recess productively.
3. Submit a signed anti-plagiarism statement.
4. Email your final catalogue in PDF to sachinn@uj.ac.za and CC Prof. Paton
5. Keep a copy of your work as you progress through the project.
6. Plan your work to circumvent obstacles such as load-shedding, vaccine
appointments etc.
7. The outcome is a digital/online catalogue with a QR Code

Aims and Objectives

This unit serves as an introduction to the method and technique of digital catalogue
production in Visual Art. You will learn to use a combination approach in Adobe InDesign,
to formulate a presentation of your year’s work in the form of a digital, art catalogue. The
emphasis in this project is on a high-quality of text and pictorial content, carefully interlinked
with a well-structured catalogue that represents your role as an art student. Further
submission deadlines will be communicated to you in class.

Outline syllabus
The approach to learning is a development of the previous module in that you will learn the
following:

• Create a catalogue structure in InDesign,

• Learn appropriate fine management
• Learn to use the InDesign Tools Menu,
• Learn how to insert, images, video, QR Code and linked text into the book structure.
Teaching Strategies
According to lock-down regulations, this module is online and computer-lab-based, with
practical forming the basis of exploratory work. Discussion on important technical aspects
will be offered. Reference will be made to pictorial resources and studio notes. Conceptual
development consultations to be held online by appointment. Your attendance at these
tutorials is mandatory.

Assessment

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Continuous assessment. The final panel evaluation of the practical work is offered at the June
Review. The project defines all the requirements for the catalogue.

Criteria
Practical and technical mastery of InDesign and Photoshop tools menus and techniques as
well as the composition and good-quality of image and text will be assessed. The assessment
will also consider your attendance and your contribution to discussions and tutorials. The
following specific criteria apply:

• Functionality / effectiveness of the document as a digital catalogue,

• Visual Appeal, composition and Image/text/video relationship,
• Technique: Active working links, embedded videos, critically edited images and text,
sources consulted, captions.
• Accuracy of information. Coherent representation of the student as artist.

Outcome
On the successful completion of the project, you will have achieved the following:

• A comprehensive digital catalogue of your work this year,

• A written abstract about your views on Art and the work you conducted this year.
• A linked access to contact details via an embedded QR code,
• A linked, short video presentation in you catalogue.

UNIT TWO: ASSIGNMENT:

Design and produce a web-based art catalogue using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop to
represent yourself as an artist and include your year’s work as a Visual Art student at UJ. The
structure and requirements of the catalogue are listed in the rubric, as part of this project
brief.

SOME GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR YOUR ATTENTION:

• Please contact your lecturer for clarity on any aspect of your work in this project.
• Due to Covid-19 regulations, after-hours work in the studio is not allowed. Kindly
manage your time constructively, to meet the project deadline. NB: Only 11 students
are allowed at a time in B-Green-14, the computer lab., on APB.
• PLEASE SAVE YOUR WORK REGULARLY. Save a copy of your work either on
the Cloud or an external hard drive. The Department will not be responsible for work
that is lost or deleted.

Submit your project to < sachinn@uj.ac.za > via a Google Drive link on or before the due
date. Late submission will not be accepted.

37
BAMS71A: NEW MEDIA STUDIES 1A. 2023. THE IN-DESIGN DIGITAL
CATALOGUE CHECK LIST

DATE SET: 14 February 2023. Marks: 100

DATE DUE: 2nd June 2023. No later than Midnight via email to sachinn@uj.ac.za, CC Prof
Paton.

CHECK LIST
No REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH SECTION OF THE DIGITAL
CATALOGUE

1. Overall Appearance: Cover/Home page. Inter-relation with

contents. Composition. Suitability of font to Image & image to
menu. Image quality i.e., Colour/ Tone/ Saturation/ Clarity/
Detail. Image quality.
2. Contents Page/ Menu: composition, neatness, accuracy & active
links. List of Illustrations.
3. Introduction: Part One: A one-page, edited abstract comprising:
Introduction to yourself and the description of a personal
WorldView on Art. Motivation to study Visual Art. Motivation:
Which aspect of Art History do you find most inspiring. Why?
Part Two: A description of the structure of the catalogue.
4. Content: Work completed in all modules offered in the 1st year
Visual Art programme, to be included. Each module to include an
introduction of the student’s response to learning in that module.
+ A statement on how the student envisages further exploration in
that module in the next year of study. Describe the project. What
techniques were learnt? What concepts were explored? How were
concepts related to techniques? What was the outcome? Images of
Student at work during the studio modules. Writing requirements:
Grammar, structure, logic, flow.
5. Photographic documentation: All the student’s work is
represented. The images are carefully selected, critically
enhanced in terms of exposure, clarity, contrast, tonality, and
saturation. No filters to be used. Appropriate captions used.
6. Invitation: Design an invitation to your planned online
exhibition. Include the UJ & FADA logos, appropriately, & your
own logo.
7. QR code: Embed a QR Code that links to your online presence &
contact details.
8. Curriculum-Vitae: Include your achievements & a high-
resolution Black and White self-portrait.
9. Sources consulted. See FADA Reference Guide.

38
Below are examples of execution on the final deliverables…

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ANTI-PLAGIARISM DECLARATION

University of Johannesburg
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.
DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL ART
ASSIGNMENT COVER PAGE/DECLARATION

Title:………………………………………………………………………………..
Full name:……………………………………………………………..............
Student number:……………………………………………………..............
Module Name: ……………………………………………………………………...........
Lecturer: ………………………………................................................
Due date: ………………………………...............................................

1. Plagiarism is to present someone else’s ideas as my own.

2. Where material written by other people has been used (either from a
printed source or from the internet), this has been carefully acknowledged
and referenced. I have used the Geneva Convention for citation and
referencing. Every contribution to and quotation from the work of other
people in this essay has been acknowledged through citation and
reference.
3. I know that plagiarism is wrong.
3.1 I understand what plagiarism is and am aware of the University’s policy in
this regard.
3.2 I know that I would plagiarise if I do not give credit to my sources, or if I
copy sentences or paragraphs from a book, article or Internet source
without proper citation.
3.3 I know that even if I only change the wording slightly, I still plagiarise when
using someone else’s words without proper citation.
3.4 I declare that I have written my own sentences and paragraphs throughout
my essay and I have credited all ideas I have gained from other people’s
work.
4. I declare that this assignment is my own original work.
5. I have not allowed, and will not allow, anyone to copy my work with the
intention of passing it off as his or her own work.
6. I consent to my work being used by the Department of Visual Art, for publicity purposes and for
academic reasons.

SIGNATURE …………………………………….DATE………………………………..

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