Introduction
Course Objectives
The aim of GRDS200: Introductory Graphic Design is to learn to more critically read the visual landscape surrounding us by developing an understanding of design through implementing design concepts in creative works. Students will practice a variety of design approaches, develop observational skills, develop a vocabulary which articulates formal design aesthetics within a conceptual framework, and analyze the political, cultural, social, way-finding and commercial uses of design throughout history. Students will identify historically influential designers and designs and be able to critically discuss design works. Additionally, students will visualize projects using current software including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
This course meets in-person on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 - 6:15 in room AAB 20
You will learn the following:
This course is designed as a studio course in which students will complete a number of challenging assignments while learning the basic principles and standards within the graphic design industry. At the completion of this course, students will:
- – Become fluent with essential design terminology
- – Become technically proficient using industry standard software applications, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, as well as Mac Operating System.
- – Focus on craftsmanship and professional presentations of design projects
- – Apply principles of formal design aesthetics to graphic design projects to create effective visual communications
- – Strengthen creative problem solving and critical thinking skills
- – Learn to analyze and discuss your design concepts and the work of peers and professionals
JAN-FEB 2026
NO CLASS
SNOW DAY
Introduction to course
Syllabus
12 Thumbnails due next class
Critique Thumbnails in small groups
Illustrator Demo
3 Designs due next class
Draft Critique of Designs
3 FINALS DUE NEXT CLASS
Demo on refining designs
Demo printing/mounting Designs
Critique Project 1
Type Classifications, Hierarchy, alignment
Notes 1 Notes2
Watch LinkedIN Tutorial
This tutorial
FEB-MAR 2026
Illustrator Demo/Work in class
Introduce Project 2
Type Principles and Layout
Type classification
Layout Example
Work in Class on Layouts/Letterpress
Watch Typography Tutorial
Fonts in Use Type Cheat Sheet Bezier Game FONT BRIEFindividual draft critique
Review drafts
Type Layout Notes Classifications
Open Note Quiz on Typography tutorial
Draft Critique Project 2
Print and Mount before next class
Critique Project 2
Introduce Project 3
Introduction to Adobe Photoshop
play with photoshop
Color Theory, Color Context
Atmospheric Perspective
5 sketches for next class, 15 reference images
SPRING BREAK
SPRING BREAK
SPRING BREAK
SPRING BREAK
MAR-APR 2026
Copyright quiz
Individual draft critique
Print & mount project 3 in class (due at end of class)
Introduce project 4
postersdesign journal Due next class
Critique Project 3
Discuss poster design
Review Concepts
5 Thumbnail sketches due next class
Review Thumbnails
More Photoshop
Begin building poster
Review poster progress
Review drafts of posters
Posters Due at beginning of class, not printed or mounted
Introduce Project 5: Magazine Spread
Design journal due next class
InDesign Demo
APR-MAY 2026
Review Layouts
More InDesign
Review progress on magazines (due next class printed, not mounted
Critique magazine spreads
Introduce final portfolio prgoject
Begin to develop style guides
Style Guide example
More Indesign demos
FINALS WEEK
FINALS WEEK
FINALS WEEK
FINALS WEEK
Project
All Projects are due in the dropbox before class begins on the due date.
All files must be properly labeled and turned in as following:
EXAMPLE: 01_Your Name_Final.pdf
We work in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign throughout this course. You will turn in different files for finals depending on the software you are using. Otherwise, you only need to turn in packaged/live files for homework. These are the required files for each program:
-
Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
- ✓1. Packaged .ai folder (SHIFT-OPT-CMD-P)
- ✓2. Jpg for web (SHIFT-OPT-CMD-S)
- ✓3. Pdf for print (SHIFT-CMD-S)
-
Adobe Photoshop (.psd)
- ✓1. Psd (no package)
- ✓2. Jpg for web
- ✓3. Pdf for print
-
Adobe InDesign (.indd)
- ✓1. Packaged .indd folder
- ✓2. Pdf for print
No Projects are accepted after deadline. You have remote access from any computer anywhere to the dropbox through:
Projects
- 1. TYPE AS IMAGE
- 2. TYPE ANATOMY
- 3. GRAPHIC LANDSCAPE
- 4. POSTER DESIGN
- 5. MAGAZINE SPREAD
- 6. PDF PORTFOLIO - FINAL
Materials
There is no text for this class. Notes and reading material will be uploaded to this site. Students will be informed when assignments are due and resources via the above calendar. You will be required to back-up your projects with an external harddrive of USB stick. Additionally, you will need a sketchbook no smaller than 5 x 7 and no larger than 11 x 14, and a pencil or pen for each class to work out ideas and take notes. At times during the semester we will use your free LINKED-IN LEARNING subscription for at home tutorials.
You will also need to purchase a 25 dollar material coupon from either Liz in the Art Office or from this LINK TO PAY ONLINE
Please purchase the coupon before February 6th.
Consider each project as a creative or conceptual puzzle to be solved. Graphic design is arrangement, organization and communication, which often require experimentation and revision to find the best choice for the particular idea. Being a creative person is an active process, so revising projects and making many iterations and exploring all of the possibilities around an idea are encouraged and ideal.
These projects are all exercises in creativity, focus on creative problem solving, and technical understanding of the tools.
Projects begin with thumbnail drawings in a sketchbook (or ipad, other) to develop concepts, and then these concept drawings are presented to small groups to brain storm ideas in order to optimize the concept and image.
Evaluation
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory and crucial to be successful. Please make sure to look over the academic calendar to schedule any appointments or travel arrangements during breaks or outside of class meeting times. Students enrolled in studio courses are expected to attend all class sessions, as interaction and class participation are important aspects of the total learning process and should be valued as such. Students are responsible for all material presented in class and should contact the instructor or a contemporary in the course for any information they may have missed. Additionally, there will be no makeup critiques, lectures, demos, or exams for absences. This is a general policy - accomodations can be made for the appropriate situations.
If circumstances occur that cause excessive absences, the student will need to meet with the professor outside of class to discuss the situation. It will be the responsibility of the student to withdraw from class if it becomes necessary. Failure to do so could result in a poor academic standing and financial obligations.
Art Department Policy on Absences
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you have missed and what you need to prepare for the next class. In addition to contacting the faculty member, you should also contact one of your classmates to find out about any assignments not indicated on the course outline.
PUNCTUALITY:
- 1. Three (3) Tardies (arriving late or leaving early) = One (1) Absence
- 2. Tardiness of One (1) Hour or More = One (1) Absence
ATTENDANCE:
- 1. Three (3) Absences (Excused or Unexcused) = One Letter Grade Reduction * (i.e. a “B” would become a “C”)
- 2. Each Additional Absence (Excused or Unexcused) = Another Letter Grade Reduction.
- 3. Five (5) Absences (Excused or Unexcused) = Mandatory Course Failure. Due to the circumstances surrounding Covid 19 if you are not feeling well, or suspect you have been in contact with someone who has Covid 19 you are required to work from home. Contact the professor for the class and attend class via Zoom if possible. Prompt communication to develop a plan will not incur grade reduction. It is up to you to keep track of your absences.
Evaluation Criteria
- 1. Technical proficiency - use of software applications, file management, layer organization, use of proper tools
- 2. Formal - Use of accepted practices and a visible understanding of concepts and principles
- 3. Professionalism - Craftsmanship, presentation, deadlines and participation in critique
- 4. Concept, critical thinking and revision - Ability to justify design decisions with clarity and intention, understanding the audience needs, using principles of design to express voice and mood
You can earn 5 points per criteria for each project, for a total pf 20 possible points per project. You will know when the project is assigned exactly what is expected of you for that project. Each overall rating is given a grade equivalent based on the standard 90%, 80%, 70%, 60% grading percentages.
- 20-19 points = A
- 18 points = A-
- 17 points = B
- 16 points = B-
- 15 points = C
- 14 points = C-
- 13 points = D
- 12 points = D-
Self-Assessments
Self-Assessments are to be completed AFTER the critique of your work before midnight on the day of critique. Failure to complete your self-assessment on-time will result in 3 points deduction of your grade for the project.
- 1. TYPE AS IMAGE
- 2. TYPE ANATOMY
- 3. GRAPHIC LANDSCAPE
- 4. POSTER DESIGN
- 5. MAGAZINE SPREAD
- 6. PDF PORTFOLIO - FINAL
- Typography Questionaire
- Copyright Questionaire
Policies/Contact
Policies
Health and Safety Plan for Spring 2026 and the Student Code of Conduct
Limited Usage of AI:
Generative artificial intelligence (Al), including ChatGPT or similar tools used for creating text or conducting research, NOT images, may be used in some circumstances. You are responsible for fact checking statements composed by generative Al. If you are in doubt as to whether you are using a tool appropriately in this course, I encourage you to discuss your situation with me.
While students are permitted to use AI to assist with writing designer’s statements, students are encouraged to use their own original and authentic words and only use AI to assist with grammar and sentence structure. If you use AI assistance, they must note that usage at the bottom of their statements (ex: *AI used to check grammar). Any use of these tools other than where/how indicated is a violation of course expectations and will be addressed through Commonwealth University's academic misconduct policy."
Contact
Professor James Dunlap
Office: AAB 260
Office Hours
Monday & Wednesday 3:30-4:30
Wednesday 12:00-1:00
Tuesday & Thursday 12:00 -1:00
or by appointment