2026-09-26 DDM - Image Size Calculation + Exercise#3
Quick recap
The class, led by Brian, focused on concluding the discussion about image size, resolution, and the differences between DPI for printing and PPI for screens. Brian explained the importance of understanding how image resolution translates to real-world print sizes, using formulas and examples to demonstrate how to determine if an image will be sharp enough when printed. He also introduced the concept of vector images in Illustrator, contrasting them with pixel-based images in Photoshop, and explained their different uses and characteristics. The session included technical troubleshooting for students accessing Illustrator and submitting exercises, as well as addressing grading and participation issues. Brian emphasized the relevance of these concepts for architecture students, especially in preparing printed work, and encouraged students to master both pixel and vector-based tools.
Next steps
Adriana
Submit the previous exercises via the submission portal, using a different Google login if necessary, and include a comment about the submission.
Collaboration
All students: Complete Exercise 3 (Introduction to Illustrator) and submit it by Monday if access to Illustrator is not available before then.
All students: Prepare for a class exercise next week on image size and DPI, which will count towards participation.
Summary
Technical Difficulties Meeting Setup
The transcript appears to contain fragmented audio and screen-sharing content from Brian Williams, including music and sound effects, followed by brief chat messages from LéAndra. Brian experienced technical difficulties with audio and screen sharing before successfully connecting with the team. No substantive business discussion or decisions were captured in this portion of the meeting.
DPI Requirements for Media Projects
The meeting focused on discussing the second studio project, with students confirming their project names including "tectonics" and discussing their progress. The main educational content centered on explaining DPI (dots per inch) requirements for different media types, with Brian explaining that paper requires the highest DPI (300) since it's held close to the face, while posters can use less and billboards require the lowest due to greater viewing distance. The discussion was interrupted by audio issues and technical difficulties with screen sharing, but concluded with an explanation about why paper requires higher DPI than screens, based on viewing distance and the need to detect pixelation.
Screen vs Paper Display Quality
Brian led a discussion about the differences between screen and paper display quality, explaining that screens have lower DPI/PPI due to their brightness and the physical limitations of screen technology compared to ink on paper. He demonstrated through Photoshop examples that scaling up images does not make them sharper and that an image may appear sharp on a small screen like a phone but become blurry when enlarged on a larger screen or printed. The discussion concluded with Brian preparing to give an example about printing photos from phones for presentations, illustrating how image quality assessment depends on the viewing size and technology.
Image Resolution for Large Printing
Brian discussed the importance of understanding image resolution and sharpness when printing, particularly for large formats like billboards or architectural renderings. He explained that images may appear sharp on computer screens but may not look the same when printed at larger sizes due to differences in PPI (pixels per inch) between screens and printers. Brian introduced a formula for determining real-world image measurements: pixels divided by DPI equals real-world measurement. He used an example of a 3,000x1,686 pixel image to demonstrate how to apply this formula and ensure images will be sharp when printed on large formats.
Image Resolution and Printing Calculations
Brian led a discussion on understanding the relationship between image resolution, DPI, and printed size using a formula to calculate real-world dimensions. The group determined that a 3,000 by 1,686 pixel image at 150 DPI would print as approximately 20 by 11.24 inches, which is less than half the size of a standard 24 by 36 inch sheet. Kimmeisha asked about finding the required DPI instead of checking if the image fits, and Brian explained that adjusting DPI alone wouldn't solve the fit issue since pixel count cannot be changed, though he didn't complete the full explanation before the transcript ended.
DPI and Printing Resolution Discussion
Brian discussed the importance of using appropriate DPI (dots per inch) based on the viewing experience and distance, explaining that 300 DPI is suitable for close-up viewing while 150 DPI is adequate for typical presentation distances. The class explored how rendering resolution limitations are tied to graphics card capabilities and budget constraints. Brian used an iPhone 14 Max as an example to demonstrate that while modern phones have high megapixel cameras, simply taking photos with them doesn't guarantee they will be sharp enough for large-scale printing without proper pixel checking and adjustments.
Megapixels and Image Resolution
Brian discussed the relationship between megapixels and image resolution, using examples to explain how to calculate pixel dimensions from megapixels and vice versa. He demonstrated that an iPhone 14 Max's 48-megapixel camera can capture images with dimensions of approximately 6,000 pixels by 6,000 pixels, which would print at around 53.74 inches by 40.32 inches when scaled to fit a 24x36 poster. Brian emphasized that students should use these calculations to determine if their rendered images will be sharp enough for printing, warning that blurry work would result in deductions to computing grades. The discussion concluded with Brian introducing an upcoming exercise on image sizing and transitioning to a new topic about non-pixel-based image types.
Pixel vs Vector Image Differences
Brian explained the differences between pixel and vector images, demonstrating how pixel images contain finite squares that can capture realistic lighting and details but become blurry when zoomed in, while vector images use mathematical curves that remain sharp at any size but cannot replicate realistic lighting effects. The class discussed how vector images appear more cartoonish or animated compared to pixel images, with Kimmeisha noting that vector images don't match how we perceive real-life lighting. Brian concluded by explaining that Photoshop works with pixels while Illustrator works with vectors, and announced they would transition to an exercise in Illustrator to further explore vector concepts.
Illustrator Exercises for Architecture Students
Brian led a class session focused on Illustrator exercises, explaining that vector tools are essential in architecture alongside pixels. He directed students to access Exercise 3 through the Hub, which includes three short videos covering Illustrator basics. Brian addressed technical access issues by instructing students without Illustrator to watch the videos and request exemptions, and he helped Adriana resolve submission portal issues by requesting she resubmit through the proper channel.
Illustrator Basics Training Session
Brian led a session on Illustrator Basics and clarified that no screenshots were required for this assignment. He reminded participants that those already familiar with Illustrator could request an exemption from watching the video.
Illustrator Class Technical Issues Resolution
Brian led a class session focused on Illustrator exercises, managing exemption requests and addressing technical issues with grades and video access. Students, including Amber, Raniah, and others, discussed exemptions, missing grades, and system errors, with Brian providing guidance and troubleshooting steps. Brian reminded students to turn off background layers when saving final submissions and addressed ID mix-ups affecting grade visibility, ensuring most issues were resolved by the end of the session.
Illustrator Video Technical Issues Discussion
Brian addressed technical issues students were experiencing with video progress bars and exemptions for not having access to Illustrator. He clarified that for the intro to Illustrator video, no screenshot was required and class participation only applied to watching that specific video, not the exercises. Brian informed students that exercises don't require screenshots or watching 100% of the video, and announced that next week would include a class exercise on image size and DPI theory.
Attendees: Brian Williams (Organizer), Amber (External), Jaheem Lewis (External), Trisel Sterling (External), Dominick H. (External), Darian Forde (External), Chyan Blanchard (External), Dominick Hylton (External), Tahira Lawrence (External), Danielle Williams (External), Jaheem Lewis (External), Jaheem Lewis (External), Tavia Ruddock (External), Tahira Lawrence (External), Brenika Crawford (External), Darian Forde (External), Knoxx (External), kai Mccalla (External), Tajerah Grant (External), Kemiella Thaxter (External), and 49 others.