Welcome!

This website is not updated as frequently as our Google Group and Facebook pages:

Check out our Google Group at http://groups.google.com/group/dc-siggraph and

Facebook at http://www/facebook.com/group.php?gid=125675031425&ref=ts for up-to-date announcements!

Our next meetings are:

• DC_SIGGRAPH has joined with DC ACM to help bring you a graphics-related Professional Development Series. For the complete brochure go to: http://www.dcacm.org/pd
  • Cost is only $300 for each half-day hands-on seminar
  • Seminar dates are March 18-20, 2010

Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Thursday, March 18, 2010 
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (half day)
Objective:  A hands-on seminar to give a comprehensive understanding of the most powerful features of Adobe Photoshop that are often missed or overlooked. 

Audience/Expected Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate users of Adobe Photoshop who need to integrate it into their professional workflow.

Overview: This seminar focuses on filling in the gaping holes many Photoshop users don't realize they have.  Whether it's understanding resolution and color space or more advanced topics like color correction and selections, this seminar will tackle them all.  Learn practical advice to cut through the clutter of Adobe Photoshop. 

Highlights:

• Learn how to customize Photoshop's workspace
• Discover how to precisely size images and level the power of smart objects
• Make advanced selections and accurate adjustments
• Learn the art of non-destructive color correction
• Composite layers with professional masking techniques
• Add and stylize text to your designs
• Automate repetitive tasks with actions and scripts

Text Provided:  Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4: The Essential Techniques for Imaging Professionals– Harrington (Peachpit Press), 2008

Location: George Washington University, School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) Computing Facility
Tompkins Hall 4th Floor
725 23rd Street NW
Washington, DC

Fee and Registration:

• Cost: $300.00
• Register at: http://www.dcacm.org/pd

 

Motion Graphics Toolbox with Adobe Creative Suite
Thursday, March 18, 2010 
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (half day)
Objective:  A hands-on seminar to learn new ways to integrate Adobe After Effects, Flash, and Photoshop for a motion graphics workflow. 

Audience/Expected Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced motion graphic artists.

Overview:  Learning to integrate Adobe After Effects, Flash Professional, and Photoshop gives you more options for your animations and effects and the power to integrate video and motion graphics into a richer user experience. This seminar will explore advanced uses for each application.

Highlights:

• Seamlessly exchange projects and assets between After Effects, Flash, and Photoshop
• Shoot green screen material correctly, work with Keylight, and utilize embedded alpha channels
• Create dynamic text, vector-based animations, and “animated” video using the tools in Adobe Creative Suite 4
• Work with 3D cameras and lights and create 3D environments
• Convert Flash to broadcast and DVD standards with After Effects

Text Provided:  After Effects for Flash | Flash for After Effects: Dynamic Animation and Video with Adobe After Effects CS4 and Adobe Flash CS4 Professional CS4, Adobe Reader – Harrington/Geduld (Peachpit Press), 2008

Location: George Washington University, School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) Computing Facility
Tompkins Hall 4th Floor
725 23rd Street NW
Washington, DC

Fee and Registration:

• Cost: $300.00
• Register at: http://www.dcacm.org/pd

 

Blender Basics - An Introduction to Creating 3D Computer Graphics
Friday, March 19, 2010 
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (half day)

Objective:  A hands-on seminar to give an understanding of Blender's interface and effectively take advantage of it for work in 3D computer graphics. In short, wrapping your brain around Blender. 

Audience/Expected Skill Level: Entry-level computer graphics. Prior knowledge is helpful, but unnecessary.

Overview: This is a hands-on seminar to serve as an introduction to the open source 3D creation suite, Blender.  With the completion of this seminar, attendees will have a clear understanding of Blender's interface and should be able to produce simple models and animation. In particular, attendees will gain a firm understanding for the decisions behind Blender's interface and how to effectively work with it rather than against it. 

Highlights:

• An introduction to Blender and a brief history
• Working with Blender's interface
• Basic polygon modeling
• Understanding Blender's curve objects
• Creating a simple object animation

Text Provided:  Blender for Dummies - van Gumster (Wiley), 2009 [second edition if available]

Location: George Washington University, School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) Computing Facility
Tompkins Hall 4th Floor
725 23rd Street NW
Washington, DC

Fee and Registration:

• Cost: $300.00
• Register at: http://www.dcacm.org/pd

 

Advanced Blender - Adding Simulated Physics to 3D Animation
Friday, March 19, 2010 
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (half day)

Objective:  A hands-on seminar to give an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of advanced features in Blender such as physics simulation and its integrated game engine.

Audience/Expected Skill Level: Attendees should have a basic understanding of Blender and its interface. Anyone who attends the Blender Basics seminar should be comfortable in this course.  Attendees will not need to have a physics background.

Overview:  In this hands-on seminar, attendees will learn about the various physics simulation tools that are integrated into Blender, including soft body dynamics, rigid body dynamics, cloth simulation, fluid simulation, smoke simulation, and Blender's particle system.

Highlights:

• An introduction to Blender's particle system
• Adding forces to a scene
• Using soft bodies and cloth simulation
• Working with fluid simulation
• A brief introduction to Blender's integrated game engine

Text Provided:  Bounce, Tumble, and Splash!: Simulating the Physical world with Blender 3D - Mullen (Sybex), 2008

Location: George Washington University, School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) Computing Facility
Tompkins Hall 4th Floor
725 23rd Street NW
Washington, DC

Fee and Registration:

• Cost: $300.00
• Register at: http://www.dcacm.org/pd

 

Click on "Meetings" for more information on upcoming DC_SIGGRAPH meetings.