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:
This course meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 - 3:30 in room AAB 204
Introduction to course
Syllabus
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
UPLOAD TO INSTAGRAM
Demo printing/mounting Designs
Critique Project 1
Type Classifications, Hierarchy, alignment
Notes 2
Watch LinkedIN Tutorial
This tutorial
Play with Pangram
Finish Type Classification
Type Principles and Layout
Work in Class on Layouts
Watch Typography Tutorial
Fonts in Use
Type Cheat Sheet
Bezier Game
FONT BRIEF
Open Note Quiz on Typography tutorial
Project 2 Due
Print and Mount in class
Upload to IG
Copyright Tutorial (CHPT 1 ONLY)
Critique Project 2
Introduce Project 3
Introduction to Adobe Photoshop
play with photoshop
Copyright quiz
Atmospheric Perspective
Review Play Exercises
Gather 15 reference photos
Thumbnail 5 concepts for Tuesday after break
SPRING BREAK
SPRING BREAK
small group review of thumbnails
work in class
Photoshop demo - Blending Modes
individual draft critique of Project 3
work in class
Review graphic landscape drafts
Work in class
Project 3 DRAFT DUE
Print and Mount before next class
Critique Project 3
Introduce Project 4:Poster
Choose a designer and research for Design Journal Entry for next class
Sketch Thumbnails for Poster
posters
Review Thumbnails
Being building Poster
Photoshop Demo
Individually Review Drafts
Critique Project 4
Introduce Project 5: Magazine Spread
Designer Journal Due next class
InDesign Demo
Examples
Letterpress Demo and In-class exercise
Magazine Spread draft due in the dropbox
Magazine Due
Introduce Final Project
STYLE GUIDE EXAMPLE
Develop Style Guide for next class
Indesign interactivity
Work in class on portfolio
More InDesign Interactivity
No Class this day, Zoom appointments available for Friday between 2-4pm
FINALS WEEK BEGINS
ALL REVISIONS DUE BY SUNDAY NIGHT AT MIDNIGHT
12:30-2:30
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:
INSTAGRAM FORMAT DIMENSIONS
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:
Room 204 Availability Hours Liz's Office Hours
CLICK HERE FOR COMPUTER LABS ON CAMPUS
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.
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.
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:
ATTENDANCE:
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.
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:
(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.
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