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 or 3:45 - 6:15 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
Demo printing/mounting Designs
Critique Project 1
Type Classifications, Hierarchy, alignment
Notes 1
Notes2
Watch LinkedIN Tutorial
This tutorial
Letterpress exercise in class
Illustrator Demo/Work in class
NOTES RED FLAGS
NOTES TYPE CLASSIFICATIONS
Introduce Project 2
Type Principles and Layout
3 thumbnail layouts due next class
Review Thumbnails
Work in Class on Layouts
Watch Typography Tutorial
Fonts in Use
Type Cheat Sheet
Bezier Game
FONT BRIEF
ADOBE COLOR
COLOR NOTES
Typography Basics
individual 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
Copyright Tutorial (CHPT 1 ONLY)
Color Theory, Color Context
Atmospheric Perspective
5 sketches for next class, 15 reference images
Review Sketches, choose design
More Photoshop tutorials
FALL BREAK NO CLASS MEETING
Copyright quiz
Individual draft critique
Print & mount project 3 in class (due at end of class)
Introduce project 4
posters
design 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, not printed or mounted
Introduce Project 5: Magazine Spread
Design journal due next class
InDesign Demo
Review concepts
Tyope setting in InDesign
Begin layout
Review Layouts
More InDesign
Review Concepts
Begin building in InDesign
Work in class
NO CLASS THANKSGIVING BREAK
Magazines Due, Critique
Introduce Final Portfolio
Style Guides
FINALS WEEK BEGINS
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:
Project 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 September 6th.
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.
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."
jdunlap@commonwealthu.edu
Office: A&A 260
LINK TO ZOOM OFFICE HOURS
Office Hours:
Tu & Th 12:00-1:00 and 6:15-7:15
Wed 12:00 -1:00
or by appointment
My Work
