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Course Objectives


The aim of GRDS366 Print Design is to expand on foundational knowledge and skills in graphic design to create more content-driven, professional projects that will culminate in a final printed portfolio. Students will explore the various types of print mediums used in graphic design to include packaging design, branding (clothing, stickers, mugs, etc.), publication design and letterpress printing. Students will learn to identify and select various quality types of paper and work with multiple printing processes. Critical thinking, creative problem-solving and experimentation will be emphasized in this advanced-level course. Additionally, students will visualize projects using current software including Procreate, Adobe Fresco, 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 fluent with essential design terminology
  • Become technically proficient 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 Mondays & Wednesdays 1:00 - 3:30pm

JAN - FEB 2024

Mo Jan 22

Introduction to course

Syllabus

Begin Letterpress: Monogram

We Jan 24

Letterpress Demo

Mo Jan 29

Letterpress Demo

ZINE IDEAS

Discuss/Demo Staple Book Binding

We Jan 31

Review Letterpress progress

Review Zine concepts

GRAPHIC DESIGN TRENDS 2024

Mo Feb 05

Project 1 due: Three Letterpress prints, edition of 3 each

Introduce Project 2: Zine Publication

Bring Concept to next class

We Feb 07

Review Zine Concepts

Begin Production

Build Mock-up and annotate placement of contents

Mo Feb 12

Indesign demo for multi-page publication

Epson P800 Demonstration

Typography Basics

We Feb 14

Review progress on Zines

FEB - MAR 2024

Mo Feb 19

Review Zine Progress

Discuss cover stock possibilities

Demonstrate Chine-collé

We Feb 21

Review Zine Progress

Mo Feb 26

Project 2: 'Zine Due

Critique

We Feb 28

Introduce Project 3: Merch Design

Bring brief of concept to next meeting

Presentation

Hats

Rush Order Tees

Mo Mar 04

*Zine due printed

Review Briefs

Begin sketching concept

Choose products to brand

Research vendors

Review concepts

We Mar 06

Order Merch

Begin building design concepts

Create digital mockups

Finalize Designs for next class

Introduce Project 4: Packaging Design

Develop concept brief for next class

Mar 11 - 15

SPRING BREAK

Mar 11 - 15

SPRING BREAK

Mar 11 - 15

SPRING BREAK

Mar 11 - 15

SPRING BREAK

MAR - APR 2024

Mo Mar 18

VISTAPRINT

MAKE STICKERS

Aliexpress

PAPERMART

Review progress with merchandising design

We Mar 20

Review Merch finals, order merch

Mo Mar 25

Introduce Packaging Design

Concept Brief and Sketches Due Monday

Printify

Order Merchandising

Examples

We Mar 27

Review Concept Sketches and Brief

Research templates for next class

Build rough Mock-up

Beer Can Blanks

Mo Apr 01

Review Mock-ups

Begin Designing

We Apr 03

Review Packaging Design and Content

Mo Apr 08

Packaging Due

Introduce Publication Design

Concept brief due next class

We Apr 10

Review Concept Briefs and Thumbnails

APR - MAY 2024

Mo Apr 15

We Apr 17

Mo Apr 22

Th Apr 24

Mo Apr 29

We May 01

Last day of class

Fri May 03

Last Day of Classes

Mo May 06

FINALS WEEK BEGINS

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 Aspect ratios and Print sizes



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


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 of 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. 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 from either Liz in the Art Office or at the University Bookstore. Please purchase the coupon and turn it into to Professor Dunlap before February 1st.

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.


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-

Art majors at the sophomore, junior, and senior level are required to participate in the departmental annual review. Specific details including portfolio requirements and review dates will be provided during the semester. Non-participation will lower your final grade by 1/3.


SELF-ASSESSMENTS


ASSESSMENT 1: Letterpress

ASSESSMENT 2: Zine Design

ASSESSMENT 3: Merch Design

ASSESSMENT 4: Packaging Design

ASSESSMENT 5: Publication Design

ASSESSMENT 6: Deck of Playing Cards

ASSESSMENT 7:FINAL

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