PMCG 475
Dates: January 26 – April 20
Thursdays, 6:30pm – 9:30pm
13 Sessions
INTRO. TO GRAPHIC DESIGN
This course is an introduction to the study of graphic design as a communication tool on a professional level.
AREAS OF EXPLORATION
The designer’s role as a communicator & innovator of design; creative, technical, & business skills will be developed to reach a specific target audience; the steps in creating a project from concept through execution; the visual quality of the final artwork through the use of high-resolution imagery & basic core principles.
TOPICS
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Basic core principles and best practices of Graphic Design
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Imagery: creating high quality artwork: conventional/digital techniques
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Color usage: visual, emotional and cultural
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Typography and the use of appropriate fonts to enhance concepts
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Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator
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Careers in Graphic Design
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
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Develop skills in graphic design, as both art form & communication tool.
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Build familiarity with typography, hierarchy, branding, relationship of images & meaning, & develop an understanding of how to design across multiple digital platforms (web, mobile, social feeds).
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Present ideas in a logical & articulate fashion.
ASSESSMENT
Grading is based on the individual progress of each student. Students will be expected to come to class prepared with progress on weekly assignments & complete project deadlines to receive a passing grade. Participation in class discussions and critiques are also expected.
ATTENDENCE
Attendance & participation in all class meetings is mandatory. If a student has more than (3) unexcused absences during the semester, upon the discretion of the instructor the student may receive a failing grade. Multiple late arrivals will also have adverse effects on final grades.
MATERIALS
Basic studio tools & materials are required. Basic computer skills & computer access are required. Students are encouraged to compile a library of digital fonts, graphic design & typography books, illustration & photographic collections.
PROJECTS
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Poster for an event,
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Logo and Branded Styleguide for product or service
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Digital Campaign Development & Design
Computer facilities fee: $25
CLASS SCHEDULE
Based on our progress each week, this outline may vary and will be determined at the end of each class; adjustments will be made as necessary. Students are responsible for checking this site each week to get class assignments for the following week.
Class 1
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Overview of the semester
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Core Principles of Graphic Design
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Illustrator Workshop #1: Scale + Grid, Placement of Images
Class 2
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Daily Inspiration
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Color Theory
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InDesign Workshop #1: Selecting a Color Palette
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Introduction to project #1 – Poster
Class 3
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Daily Inspiration + Present Poster Ideas/Concepts
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Typefaces
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Illustrator Workshop #2: Vector Shapes + Pathfinder Tool
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Assignment: Finish Project #1
Class 4
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Daily Inspiration + Present Poster
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What Is Branding? The Basics: Part I
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Introduction to project #2 – Styleguide
Class 5
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Daily Inspiration + Present Client
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What Is Branding? The Basics: Part II
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InDesign Workshop: Setting up a Styleguide
Class 6
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Daily Inspiration
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Reproduction Files Basics
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In-Class Assignment: Work on styleguide
Class 7
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Daily Inspiration + Styleguide Presentations
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Campaign Design: Web + Social Media, Designer Best Practices
Class 8
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Daily Inspiration + Present Styleguide
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Photoshop Workshop #1: Photo Retouching
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Introduction to project #3 – Digital Campaign
Class 9
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Daily Inspiration + Campaign Progress
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Campaign Design: Animated Gifs and Infographics
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Photoshop Workshop #2: Creating an Animated Gif
Class 10
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Daily Inspiration + Campaign Progress
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Careers in Graphic Design + Designer Resources
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In-Class: Refining Campaign Project
Class 11
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Daily Inspiration
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In-Class: Refining Campaign Project
Class 12
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FINAL PRESENTATIONS