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Typography and Logo Design course hero image of a letterpress print case containing wood letterpress letters

Introduction

Course Objectives

The aim of GRDS 202: Typography & Logo Design is to gain a more rigorous understanding of symbols, icons, logos and typographic elements in order to create and implement these elements into sophisticated design projects. 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. Students will identify historically influential and contemporary 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 from 1:00 - 3:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays in AAB Room 204

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
  • 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

FEB-MAR 2026

MAR-APR 2026

APR-MAY 2026

Projects

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 depending on the software you are using. These are the required files for each program:

  • Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
    • ✓ 1. Packaged .ai folder
    • ✓ 2. JPG for web
    • ✓ 3. PDF for print
  • 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
Document size reference chart showing required project dimensions

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

Remote access login portal for course dropbox (opens in new tab)

Projects

Typography & Logo students will keep a daily sketchbook, which will be turned in every Monday. Sketchbooks must contain at least 10 of the weeks for 20 points.

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 hard drive or 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 LinkedIn 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.

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 brainstorm 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 — accommodations 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:

  • Three (3) Tardies (arriving late or leaving early) = One (1) Absence
  • Tardiness of One (1) Hour or More = One (1) Absence

ATTENDANCE:

  • Three (3) Absences (Excused or Unexcused) = One Letter Grade Reduction (i.e., a “B” becomes a “C”)
  • Each Additional Absence (Excused or Unexcused) = Another Letter Grade Reduction
  • 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 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, and proper tools
  2. Formal — Use of accepted practices and 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 audience needs, and using principles of design to express voice and mood

You can earn 5 points per criteria for each project, for a total of 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 a 3-point deduction from your project grade.

Section 6: Policies & Contact

Policies

Student Code of Conduct

Limited Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Generative artificial intelligence (AI), including tools such as ChatGPT or similar platforms used for creating text or conducting research (not images), may be used in limited circumstances. Students are responsible for fact-checking any statements composed by generative AI tools. If you are unsure whether you are using a tool appropriately in this course, you are encouraged to discuss your situation with the instructor.

Students may use AI to assist with writing designer statements; however, you are strongly encouraged to use your own original and authentic voice. AI should only be used to assist with grammar and sentence structure.

If AI assistance is used, you must clearly note that usage at the bottom of your statement (example: AI used to check grammar). Any use of AI tools beyond what is outlined above constitutes a violation of course expectations and will be addressed according to Commonwealth University’s academic misconduct policy.

Contact Information

Professor James Dunlap

Email: jdunlap@commonwealthu.edu

Office Location: AAB 260

Zoom Office Hours Link: Join Zoom Office Hours

Office Hours

  • Monday & Wednesday: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
  • Tuesday & Thursday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
  • Or by appointment

View Professor Dunlap’s Professional Work