Creative Media

Rev: Jan. 30, 2023

Grades:  10-12

•    This course will count as AP Credit
•    Eligible For AP Art History Exam
•    No Pre-Requisites
•    No Material Fees

This Class will combine AP Art History with 2-D Design (a studio art course).

AP Art History is an introductory college-level art history course. Students cultivate their understanding of art history through analyzing works of art and placing them in historical context as they explore concepts like culture and cultural interactions, theories and interpretations of art, the impact of materials, processes, and techniques on art and art making, and understanding purpose and audience in art historical analysis.
Students should be able to read a college-level textbook; write grammatically correct, complete sentences; and analyze visual elements of works of art.

Fundamentals of 2-D Design is an introduction to the basic elements and vocabulary of two-dimensional design, covering line, shape, space, texture, and basic fundamentals of color. Projects will emphasize creative solutions to visual problems through the study of two-dimensional models of pictorial organization. 

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Grades:  10-12

Would you like to learn more about computer animation, the growing industry, opportunities right here in Albuquerque?  Animation offers a variety of experiences such as:

• Modeling 3D objects and animating them using industry standard techniques and software
• Modeling, painting, rigging, and animating your own original characters
• Designing and modeling 3D sets
• Using special effects
• Additional hours outside of class are not required but are super-fun

In Digital Media Animation, you will create a fully-animated short film. Each new skill or technique will be taught to you in the context of your own project. You will create your own original or fan-art character by modeling a base character form, sculpting in details, painting color and fine detail on the surface, and rigging the character for motion. You will create your own scene and animate your character in that scene. Finally you will play movie director, as we use virtual lights and cameras to turn your scene into a short film. Many additional topics are taught on a one-on-one basis to interested students.
Skills and knowledge acquired in this course can be applied to the U.S. Department of Education Information Technology career cluster and its respective pathways and the New Mexico Arts and Entertainment and Communication and Information career.  

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Grades:  10-12
Required:  Successful completion of Animation

In Animation Advanced Second Year, you will choose an animation specialty and explore cutting-edge techniques in one of three fields: Video Game Development, Advanced Animation, or Computer Generated VFX for live-action film.

In Video Game Development you will create your own 3D Video Game or Virtual Reality App using your own art assets. Some scripting is taught as an optional topic, but for this specialty we highly recommend concurrent or prior enrollment in either CEC’s Web Programming or Computer Science classes.

In Advanced Animation you will learn the latest in hybrid 2D/3D drawn animations, virtual sculpting, body and facial motion capture, lip-sync animation for dialogue, and advanced character rigging - once again, all in the context of your own original short film.

In Visual FX you will learn 3D camera and object tracking, advanced rendering and lighting techniques, node-based compositing, and creation of HDRI environment maps. Some video editing is taught, but for additional editing and cinematography training, we highly recommend concurrent or prior enrollment in CEC’s Digital Film Production class. Skills and knowledge acquired in this course can be applied to the U.S. Department of Education Information Technology career cluster and its respective pathways and the New Mexico Arts and Entertainment and Communication and Information career. 

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Grades:  10-12    
Recommended:  2.5 cumulative GPA, computer literacy
Lab fee:  $10.00

Are you an aspiring audio recording engineer, live sound technician, a creative musician, or just a music lover? You should sign up for Digital Audio!

• Theories of digital and analog sound
• Sound waves, frequency response and decibels
• Digital recording and editing techniques using Adobe Audition   
• Current application of digital audio in the market place
• Creation of digital audio projects alongside Digital Animation and Film classes
• Career mentoring opportunities are available

Digital Audio is a survey of the fundamental theories of sound, capturing and editing audio, production of audio projects, and the legal considerations involved.  The student explores the science of audio, recording techniques using digital and computer devices, software technologies, and current applications in the market place.  Topics include, but are not limited to, sound waves, analog vs. digital sound, frequency response, decibels, recording techniques, hardware and software technologies, career exploration, and presentation formats.  Literacy strategies are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Digital Audio II: Production Management: Students will manage multimedia productions or projects, in part or whole, inspire and motivate others with innovative ideas, and carefully evaluate content according to workplace, school, and community standards. Students will produce media utilizing technical applications, including word processing (i.e. Word, Docs), desktop publishing (i.e. Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), audio and video editing software (i.e. Final Cut Pro, Premiere, Audition, iMovie, GarageBand, and Logic). 

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Grades:  10-12
Lab fee:  $10.00
CNM Dual Credit may be available, but is not guaranteed.*

Are you interested in an exciting career in New Mexico’s film industry? This hands-on course will focus on concepts, techniques and principles of filmmaking, where students create original digital content. Digital Film Production I is a two-semester course that introduces the student to the necessary skill sets, concepts and professional practices common to digital media careers. Whether you’re interested in becoming a director, screenwriter, actor, technician or editor, this course prepares you for a career in this growing field. Skills and knowledge acquired in this course can be applied to the United States Department of Education Audio-Video Technology & Communications Career Cluster and respective pathways and the New Mexico Arts and Entertainment career cluster.

This course will cover:

• Hands-on experience in the 5 Phases of Production
• Creation and distribution of original digital content for multiple audiences
• Industry-standard training in set safety and professional norms
• Exploration of current trends in media creation and distribution
• Increased awareness of career types and paths within the industry
• Professional soft skill development

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Grades:  10-12
Materials fee:  $20.00
CNM Dual Credit may be available, but is not guaranteed.*

Digital Film Production II focuses on the mastery of the skills and concepts related to narrative and documentary film production. The student develops advanced techniques in screenwriting, pre-production, shooting and editing and applies them to individual, collaborative and community-based projects. The student continues to investigate and analyze current trends in filmmaking, including career opportunities and contemporary technical and aesthetic considerations. Students analyze and apply best practices to film production projects, and evaluate their effectiveness in field productions.

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Grades:  11 & 12
Materials fee:  $20.00
CNM Dual Credit may be available, but is not guaranteed.*

Digital Film Production III offers the student an opportunity to further study filmmaking principles and techniques with emphasis on mastery of aesthetic and technical skills and concepts. The student refines advanced techniques in screenwriting, pre-production, shooting and editing through work on individual, collaborative and community-based projects. The student integrates current trends in filmmaking, including career opportunities, and contemporary technical and aesthetic considerations into his/her work. He/she develops best practices towards the completion of short film projects. Literacy is integrated throughout the course.

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Grades:  10-12

Students of all artistic levels are welcome. 
This course will count as a Drawing I credit.

In Optical Illusion Art, we will explore the theory and practice of design, investigate each of the basic elements of design (line, shape, color, value, texture) and create artwork in which you utilize the organizational principles of design. This course cultivates a work ethic that pertains to time management, craftsmanship, and presentation. Through practice and theory, critical thinking and problem-solving mechanisms will be enhanced. There will be frequent critiques. It is important to be able to discuss your work and the feedback we get from critiques can help us view our work from a new perspective.

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