2026-09-19 DDM - Exercise 2 + DPI Explained
Quick recap
The class, led by Brian, focused on digital image fundamentals, particularly the distinction between pixels, PPI, and DPI, and their relevance to screen and print media. Brian explained how image resolution, screen size, and viewing distance affect perceived sharpness, using examples of monitors and TVs. The class also worked on Exercise 2 in Photoshop, which involved cleaning up a hand-drawn sketch, with Brian providing technical support for issues related to software access, filters, and file submission. Several students, including Alley, Tiana, LéAndra, and others, raised questions about accessing Photoshop, navigating the class website, and completing the exercise. Brian addressed these queries, offering solutions and clarifications on the participation and grading process. The session included a brief history of Photoshop and a reminder about the importance of having the necessary software for future classes.
Next steps
Collaboration
Students without Photoshop: Reach out to Mr. Campbell to request Photoshop installation.
Students without Photoshop: Request a technical difficulty exemption for Exercise 2 by watching the video and selecting the exemption option when prompted.
All students: Complete Exercise 2 by watching the tutorial videos and submitting the required screenshot or exemption.
All students: Ensure Illustrator is installed for the next class.
Students needing Photoshop license: Email IT directly to obtain the student version, as suggested by Amber.
Summary
Student Photoshop Access Issues Meeting
Brian led a meeting discussing students' progress on exercises and technical challenges. Many students reported issues accessing Photoshop, with Alley confirming that both school computers and personal devices lacked the software. Brian decided to message Mr. Campbell for assistance and advised students to reach out directly for help. The conversation ended with instructions on how to view exercise grades on the website, with Brian demonstrating the process to De-Anna and Shaquan.
Color-Coded Grade Tracking System
Brian introduced a color-coded tracking system where green indicates good progress, yellow represents caution, and red indicates problems. He explained that students can track their grades through ID numbers and will receive feedback notes when work is submitted. The class discussed technical issues with submission forms and clarified that once work is submitted, students may continue without taking additional screenshots. Brian then began teaching about image resolution, explaining the difference between pixels and DPI (dots per inch), and clarified that DPI measures printer dots in a linear measurement rather than square inches.
DPI vs PPI Explained
Brian explained the difference between DPI (dots per inch) and PPI (pixels per inch), clarifying that DPI is only relevant for physical media like print or screens, while PPI is used for digital images. He demonstrated how images exist in both digital and physical realms, with digital images being made up of pixels and physical images being made up of dots whether displayed on screens or printed. The discussion focused on explaining that DPI measurements don't apply in the digital realm and are only meaningful when discussing physical image reproduction.
Screen Specifications and Purchasing Decisions
Brian led a discussion about screen specifications and purchasing decisions, asking students about their recent screen purchases and technical knowledge. He demonstrated the difference between screen resolution and size using examples, explaining how pixel density affects image clarity. The discussion included recommendations from Joseph about monitor specifications, particularly suggesting at least 16-inch screens with 1080p resolution for affordability, and Brian emphasized the importance of understanding technical specifications rather than relying solely on marketing terms when making hardware purchases.
Monitor vs TV Pixel Density
Brian demonstrated the difference in pixel density between monitors and TVs by comparing a 27-inch monitor and a 55-inch TV, both with the same 4K resolution but different sharpness due to their respective pixel densities. He explained that monitors typically have higher pixel density (PPI) than TVs, resulting in sharper images on the same physical size screen. The class discussed how pixel density affects image clarity, with students sharing their preferences between the larger TV and smaller monitor based on size considerations for different room setups.
Screen Viewing Distance Discussion
Brian discussed the importance of viewing distance over resolution or DPI when evaluating screen quality for different use cases like design presentations and print materials. He explained that for design studio work, the optimal viewing distance is closer to poster presentation rather than billboard distance, making the viewing experience more critical than technical specifications. The class watched a historical video of early Photoshop from 1990 and discussed its evolution, then prepared to begin Exercise 2 which involves converting a rough sketch into a cleaner digital version using Photoshop.
Digital Design Exercise 2 Guidance
Brian led a session on accessing and completing Exercise 2 for the Intro to Digital Design Media class. He guided participants through the process of watching videos, accumulating participation points, and submitting screenshots where required. Several students, including Joshua Shallow, Alley, Caitlin, and Jessica, encountered issues with being enrolled in the wrong module, which Brian addressed by refreshing their access. For those without Photoshop, Brian clarified that they could request an exemption and still earn participation points by watching the required videos.
Photoshop Tutorial Session
Brian led a Photoshop tutorial session, addressing questions from students about scaling images, accessing filters, and managing rulers in the software. He explained how to enable the sketch filter in newer versions of Photoshop by going to Edit > Preferences > Plugins and checking "show all filter groups and names." Brian clarified that students don't need to close and reopen Photoshop after making these changes, and confirmed that Video 2 doesn't require screenshots. He also informed the class that tutorial videos and class recordings are available on the website for reference.
Technical Access and Course Guidance
Brian conducted a class session addressing technical issues and providing guidance on accessing course materials and completing exercises. He explained that all computing class work runs through a central website where students can find class recordings, summaries, and exercise materials. Students with access challenges were advised to watch tutorial videos to earn participation points and submit screenshots or exemptions when unable to complete exercises due to technical limitations. Brian extended the deadline for completing current exercises to Monday for students facing technical difficulties, and clarified that while exercises are done in class, future assignments can be completed outside class time when students have proper computer access.
File Formats and Software Updates
Brian clarified that for the current assignment, a JPEG or PNG file is sufficient, but a Photoshop file will be required later for exercises. He addressed several student questions about file formats, submission processes, and technical issues with Photoshop tools. Brian announced that the next class will focus on Illustrator exercises and reminded students to install the necessary software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and SketchUp). He extended class participation time by one hour to allow students to complete their tutorials, and introduced a new technical difficulty exemption button that students can use to request software access assistance.
Attendees: Brian Williams (Organizer), Darian Forde (External), LéAndra Layne (External), Shaquan Harrison (External), Avion Davy (External), Marlon Shirley (External), Morton Taylor (External), Caitlin Falconer (External), Darian Forde (External), kai Mccalla (External), Marlon Shirley (External), Rodine-Ashleigh Mendez (External), Kattannia Foster (External), KAYLANI RUSSELL (External), Brenika Crawford (External), KAYLANI RUSSELL (External), Tashawn “A” Forde (External), Jaydon Myrie (External), Ashley Mc Pherson (External), Darian Forde (External), and 41 others.
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