Introduction
to Digital
Arts
Learn how to turn an idea into finished digital work.
No previous experience required
You will learn how to learn.
- 01Embrace what you do not know.
- 02Decide what is worth finding out.
- 03Try, search, test, make, or ask a useful question.
- 04You are going to tell the story of your struggle.
- 05Explain what changed and what you learned.
How every project works
Every project uses the Project Pipeline.
- Think ItDefine the idea and purpose.
- Plan ItChoose a realistic direction.
- Make ItBuild and save progress.
- Fix ItRespond to evidence.
- Show ItPresent the current work.
- Assess ItExplain what changed.
How your grade works
Your grade has two parts.
Projects
Planning, attempts, response to problems and feedback, completed agreed work, presentation, reflection, and professional submission.
Creativity and Mr. Oxford's personal taste are not grading categories.
Daily Class Work
10 or 0
Earn the 10 by arriving prepared, using class time for the current assignment, following classroom and safety rules, and saving work or showing progress before leaving.
What stays fixed
Classroom Expectations
- Be On Time and Be Ready.
- Be in your assigned seat when class begins.
- Put Phones and AirPods Away.
- Keep them away for the entire class.
- Wait for Permission to Log In.
- Do not touch a computer until Mr. Oxford gives permission.
- Use Computers for Classwork.
- Stay on the assigned task.
- No Gum or Food.
- Leave both outside the classroom.
- Water Stays Sealed.
- Keep it on the floor.
- Use the Passing Period.
- Bathroom breaks are for emergencies.
- Bring Everything You Need.
- No in-and-outs during class.
Use only when the technology is ready
Computer setup waits for working computers.
- 01School login on the iMac
- 02School Drive in Chrome
- 03Google Drive for desktop
- 04Class folder in Drive
- 05School Adobe account
- 06Save, reopen, and export a test
Use your school account, approved tools, and files you have permission to use.
If a password, Try, Buy, or another problem appears, stop and show Mr. Oxford the screen.
Your first creative introduction
Begin with a Mandala.
- Show something you enjoy.
- Show something you care about.
- Show something you might want to make.
- Show a strength or question you bring to class.
Use words, colors, icons, patterns, or symbols. Do not include private information. You may keep it private or share one chosen part. Artistic skill is not being graded.
The Social Dilemma
Digital design can shape behavior.
- 01What behavior is the platform trying to produce?
- 02What design choice supports that behavior?
- 03Who benefits when it works?
Protect Us / Content notice
Protect people before sharing media.
The film discusses online manipulation, sextortion, AI-generated sexual images, and unsafe chatbot interactions. You will not be asked to share a personal experience.
If an online situation becomes threatening, sexual, manipulative, or unsafe:
- Stop responding.
- Do not pay, forward, repost, or investigate on your own.
- Contact a trusted adult or the school reporting route.
What begins next
Project 00 builds your foundation.
- 01Creative Direction Board
Choose a purpose, audience, references, colors, and type direction.
- 02Personal Identity Mark
Turn that direction into a simple visual mark.
- 03Minimalist Personal Poster
Use story and hierarchy to communicate one clear idea.
- 04Portfolio and Presentation
Save the process and explain what changed.
If computers are not ready, begin with references, words, and sketches on paper.