title
typelo

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 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 familiar with essential design terminology
  • Gain technical proficiency using industry standard software applications, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
  • 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

This course meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 - 3:30 in room AAB 204

JAN - FEB 2024

Tu JAN 23

Introduction to course

Syllabus

Th JAN 25

Project 1

NOTES 1

NOTES 2

NOTES 2

GESTALT NOTES

EXAMPLES

12 Thumbnails due next class

Tu JAN 30

Critique Thumbnails in small groups

Illustrator Demo

3 Designs due next class

Th FEB 01

Draft Critique of Designs

3 FINALS DUE NEXT CLASS

Tu FEB 06

Demo on refining designs

UPLOAD TO INSTAGRAM

Demo printing/mounting Designs

Th FEB 08

Critique Project 1

Type Classifications, Hierarchy, alignment

Notes 2

Watch LinkedIN Tutorial

This tutorial

Play with Pangram

Tu FEB 13

Illustrator Demo/Work in class

NOTES RED FLAGS

NOTES TYPE CLASSIFICATIONS

Introduce Project 2

Th FEB 15

Finish Type Classification

Type Principles and Layout

FEB - MAR 2024

Tu FEB 20

Work in Class on Layouts

Watch Typography Tutorial

Fonts in Use

Type Cheat Sheet

Bezier Game

FONT BRIEF

Th FEB 22

ADOBE COLOR

COLOR NOTES

Typography Basics

individual draft critique

Review drafts

Tu FEB 27

Open Note Quiz on Typography tutorial

Project 2 Due

Print and Mount in class

Upload to IG

Copyright Tutorial (CHPT 1 ONLY)

Th FEB 29

Critique Project 2

Introduce Project 3

Introduction to Adobe Photoshop

play with photoshop

Tu MAR 05

Th MAR 07

Copyright quiz

Atmospheric Perspective

Review Play Exercises

Gather 15 reference photos

Thumbnail 5 concepts for Tuesday after break

Tu MAR 12

SPRING BREAK

Th MAR 14

SPRING BREAK

MAR - APR 2024

Tu MAR 19

small group review of thumbnails

work in class

Photoshop demo - Blending Modes

individual draft critique of Project 3

work in class

Th MAR 21

Review graphic landscape drafts

Work in class

Tu MAR 26

Project 3 DRAFT DUE

Print and Mount before next class

Th MAR 28

Critique Project 3

Introduce Project 4:Poster

Choose a designer and research for Design Journal Entry for next class

Sketch Thumbnails for Poster

posters

Tu APR 02

Review Thumbnails

Being building Poster

Photoshop Demo

Th APR 04

Individually Review Drafts

Tu APR 09

Critique Project 4

Introduce Project 5: Magazine Spread

Designer Journal Due next class

InDesign Demo

Examples

Th APR 11

Letterpress Demo and In-class exercise

APR - MAY 2024

Tu APR 16

Th APR 18

Magazine Spread draft due in the dropbox

Tu APR 23

Magazine Due

Introduce Final Project

STYLE GUIDE EXAMPLE

Develop Style Guide for next class

Indesign interactivity

Th APR 25

Review Style Guides

Work on Portfolio

Work in class on portfolio

Calibre

Tu APR 30

Work in class on portfolio

More InDesign Interactivity

Th MAY 02

No Class this day, Zoom appointments available for Friday between 2-4pm

SUNDAY MAY 05

FINALS WEEK BEGINS

ALL REVISIONS DUE BY SUNDAY NIGHT AT MIDNIGHT

Th May 9th

12:30-2:30

PROJECTS


All Projects are due in the dropbox before class begins on the due date, always


All files must be properly labeled and turned in as following:

  • Illustrator files: 1. Packaged AI, jpeg (web), pdf (print)

  • Photoshop files: 1. PSD (no package), jpeg (web), pdf (print)

  • InDesign files: 1. Packaged Indd, pdf (print)

No Projects are accepted after deadline. You have remote access from any computer anywhere to the dropbox through:

remote access

Instagram

INSTAGRAM FORMAT DIMENSIONS


Instagram

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.

Computer Labs on Campus can be found at:

CLICK HERE FOR COMPUTER LABS ON CAMPUS

Room 204 Availability Hours


Liz's Office Hours


MATERIALS

There is no text for this class, notes and reading material will be uploaded to this site and students will be informed when assignments are on the site. You will be required to back-up your projects with an external harddrive or USB stick. Additionally, you will need a sketchbook no smaller that 5 x 7 and no larger than 11 x 14 and a pencil or pen each class to work out ideas.Ipads with pencil or graphics tablets are also acceptable. We will use your free www.lynda.com/linkedin-learning subscription for at home tutorials, the link can be found on your student homepage on the Bloomu site or HERE

You will also need to purchase a 25 dollar print coupon

See Instructions here

Please purchase the coupon before February 1st.

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.

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.

Grading

For each project you will be sent a Google form that details the individual requirements for that project and you will answer either "yes" or "no" questions regarding the tasks and knowledge you are expected to learn and be able to implement at each interval. For each question you earn a "1" for "yes" and "0" for "No" answers. Accurate self-assessment is a key factor in working successfully, so be honest with your answers. I will be there to help with answering those questions if needed, and will potentially ask you for justification for your assessment if I see a discrepancy. Your assessment involves four criteria: Technical, Formal, Professional/Craftsmanship, and Critical Thinking. These criteria are explained further:


Evaluation Criteria


(1) Technical proficiency - use of software applications

(2) Formal - Use of accepted practices and a visible understanding of concepts and principles

(3) Craftsmanship, presentation, deadlines and participation in critique

(4) Concept, critical thinking and revision


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

CONTACT


James Dunlap

jdunlap@commonwealthu.edu

Office: A&A 260

LINK TO ZOOM OFFICE HOURS

Office Hours:

Mo, Tu, Wed, Th 12:00 -1:00

Wed 3:30- 4:30

or by appointment

My Work