VA305 Digital Vector Graphics II
Syllabus | International University of Sarajevo - Last Update on Mar 03, 2026
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Visual Arts and Visual Communications Design
TBA
Course Lecturer
Course Objectives
This course aims to explore more advanced vector graphics techniques using Adobe Illustrator. Students will perfect precision drawing, complex shape construction, data-driven design, typography systems, 3D vectors and materials, automation, and professional production standards. Emphasis is placed on conceptual thinking, technical mastery, and real-world applications such as branding systems, information design, and scalable digital assets
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Course Materials
Required Textbook
Adobe Illustrator Classroom in a Book (2024/2025/2026 Release), Peachpit Press
Additional Literature
/Teaching Methods
Practical work combined with face-to-face lectures and in-class practicing.
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic | Readings / References |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Advanced Vector Foundations, Introduction to the Course | Introduction |
| 2 | Precision Construction Techniques | In-class practice/lecture |
|
• Shape Builder vs. Pathfinder deep comparison
• Live Paint advanced workflows
• Grids and modular construction
• Smart Guides optimization
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| 3 | Complex Pattern and Brush Systems | In-class practice/lecture |
|
• Pattern creation beyond repeats
• Scatter, Art, and Pattern brushes
• Seamless tiling systems
• Scaling artwork correctly
|
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| 4 | Gradient Mesh and Advanced Color Systems | In-class practice/lecture |
|
• Gradient Mesh deep dive
• Blends for dimensionality
• Global color systems
• Spot vs Process workflows
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| 5 | Advanced Typography in Illustrator | In-class practice/lecture |
|
• Variable fonts
• Glyph panels and OpenType features
• Envelope distort
• Custom lettering construction
|
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| 6 | Symbol Systems and Asset Libraries | In-class practice/lecture |
|
• Dynamic vs Static symbols
• Asset export workflows
• Creative Cloud Libraries
• Multi-artboard systems
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| 7 | Perspective and Isometric Systems, Midterm preparation | In-class practice/lecture |
|
• Perspective grid tool
• Isometric vector construction
• Architectural vector drawing
• Mockup building
|
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| 8 | MIDTERM | Exam Project Submission |
| 9 | Data Visualization and Infographics | In-class practice/lecture |
|
• Graph tool advanced usage
• Custom graph styling
• Precision alignment
• Hierarchy in complex systems
|
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| 10 | 3D and Materials Panel | In-class practice/lecture |
|
• 3D Revolve, Inflate, Extrude
• Lighting and materials
• Vector vs raster output
• Preparing assets for motion
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| 11 | Advanced Masking and Transparency | In-class practice/lecture |
|
• Opacity masks
• Knockouts
• Blend modes
• Appearance panel mastery
|
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| 12 | Branding Systems and Scalable Identity | In-class practice/lecture |
|
• Logo systems
• Responsive vector identity
• Design systems thinking
• Asset export for web & app
|
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| 13 | Production and Prepress | In-class practice/lecture |
|
• Color separations
• Overprint preview
• Packaging dielines
• File packaging standards
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| 14 | Final exam preparation | In-class practice |
| 15 | FINAL EXAM SUBMISSION | submission |
Course Schedule (All Sections)
| Section | Type | Day 1 | Venue 1 | Day 2 | Venue 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VA305.1 | Course | Monday 09:00 - 11:50 | B F1.25 Computer Lab | - | - |
Office Hours & Room
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Assessment Components
Final Exam
AI: Consult InstructorAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4 5
Midterm Exam
AI: Consult InstructorAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 2 3 4
Projects
AI: Consult InstructorAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4 5
IUS Grading System
| Grading Scale | IUS Grading System | IUS Coeff. | Letter (B&H) | Numerical (B&H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 44 | F | 0 | F | 5 |
| 45 - 54 | E | 1 | ||
| 55 - 64 | C | 2 | E | 6 |
| 65 - 69 | C+ | 2.3 | D | 7 |
| 70 -74 | B- | 2.7 | ||
| 75 - 79 | B | 3 | C | 8 |
| 80 - 84 | B+ | 3.3 | ||
| 85 - 94 | A- | 3.7 | B | 9 |
| 95 - 100 | A | 4 | A | 10 |
Late Work Policy
Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.
ECTS Credit Calculation
📚 Student Workload
This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:
Lecture Hours
45 hours ⏳ (15 week × 3 h)
Final Exam Preparation
30 hours ⏳ (3 week × 10 h)
Midterm Exam Preparation
11 hours ⏳ (1 week × 11 h)
Projects
64 hours ⏳ (8 week × 8 h)
150 Total Workload Hours
6 ECTS Credits
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.
Technology & AI Policy
Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.
Communication Policy
All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [VA305] in the subject line.
Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.
Learning Tips
Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.
Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Syllabus Last Updated on Mar 03, 2026 | International University of Sarajevo
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| Course Code | Course Title | Weekly Hours* | ECTS | Weekly Class Schedule | ||||||
| T | P | |||||||||
| VA305 | Digital Vector Graphics II | 1 | 2 | 6 | Monday 09:00-11:50 | |||||
| Prerequisite | Junior Standing | It is a prerequisite to | - | |||||||
| Lecturer | TBA | Office Hours / Room / Phone | Currently not available |
|||||||
| TBA | ||||||||||
| Assistant | Dino Šahović | Assistant E-mail | dsahovic@ius.edu.ba | |||||||
| Course Objectives | This course aims to explore more advanced vector graphics techniques using Adobe Illustrator. Students will perfect precision drawing, complex shape construction, data-driven design, typography systems, 3D vectors and materials, automation, and professional production standards. Emphasis is placed on conceptual thinking, technical mastery, and real-world applications such as branding systems, information design, and scalable digital assets | |||||||||
| Textbook | Adobe Illustrator Classroom in a Book (2024/2025/2026 Release), Peachpit Press | |||||||||
| Additional Literature |
|
|||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: | |||||||||
| Teaching Methods | Practical work combined with face-to-face lectures and in-class practicing. | |||||||||
| Teaching Method Delivery | Face-to-face | Teaching Method Delivery Notes | ||||||||
| WEEK | TOPIC | REFERENCE | ||||||||
| Week 1 | Advanced Vector Foundations, Introduction to the Course | Introduction | ||||||||
| Week 2 | Precision Construction Techniques | In-class practice/lecture | ||||||||
| Week 3 | Complex Pattern and Brush Systems | In-class practice/lecture | ||||||||
| Week 4 | Gradient Mesh and Advanced Color Systems | In-class practice/lecture | ||||||||
| Week 5 | Advanced Typography in Illustrator | In-class practice/lecture | ||||||||
| Week 6 | Symbol Systems and Asset Libraries | In-class practice/lecture | ||||||||
| Week 7 | Perspective and Isometric Systems, Midterm preparation | In-class practice/lecture | ||||||||
| Week 8 | MIDTERM | Exam Project Submission | ||||||||
| Week 9 | Data Visualization and Infographics | In-class practice/lecture | ||||||||
| Week 10 | 3D and Materials Panel | In-class practice/lecture | ||||||||
| Week 11 | Advanced Masking and Transparency | In-class practice/lecture | ||||||||
| Week 12 | Branding Systems and Scalable Identity | In-class practice/lecture | ||||||||
| Week 13 | Production and Prepress | In-class practice/lecture | ||||||||
| Week 14 | Final exam preparation | In-class practice | ||||||||
| Week 15 | FINAL EXAM SUBMISSION | submission | ||||||||
| Assessment Methods and Criteria | Evaluation Tool | Quantity | Weight | Alignment with LOs | AI Usage |
| Final Exam | 1 | 30 | 1,2,3,4,5 | Consult Instructor | |
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| Midterm Exam | 1 | 20 | 2,3,4 | Consult Instructor | |
| Projects | 4 | 50 | 1,2,3,4,5 | Consult Instructor | |
| *** ECTS Credit Calculation *** | |||||
| Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | |||
| Lecture Hours | 3 | 15 | 45 | Final Exam Preparation | 10 | 3 | 30 | |||
| Midterm Exam Preparation | 11 | 1 | 11 | Projects | 8 | 8 | 64 | |||
| 0 | ||||||||||
| Total Workload Hours = | 150 | |||||||||
| *T= Teaching, P= Practice | ECTS Credit = | 6 | ||||||||
| Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey | Last Update Date: 06/03/2026 | |||||||||