Graphic Design
What is Graphic Design?
Graphic Design Syllabus
Description: This course introduces Graphic Design as a means of communicating ideas using words and images.
Objectives: You will complete minimum of 12 projects that will introduce you to the basic principles of typography, graphic design, and the creation of digital imagery. The initial projects will progress from being theoretical to practical in nature, starting with abstract designs using creative typography and ending with the digital composition. The final project of the semester is using all the skills and technical methods you've learned over the class to create original, creative, and unique digital art.
Software: • Adobe Photoshop
* I will be conducting in-class tutorials on software applications.
Photoshop 6 or Higher (TBA)
Materials:
• Binder or folder for handouts
• Sketchbook (optional)
• Pencils for sketching (required)
• White plastic eraser / kneaded eraser
• * Storage devices: USB Drive or Flash Drive is Required
* Need to always save your work * No one is responsible for your work except for you!!
Projects: I will be handing out detailed descriptions at the beginning of each new project. The projects that you will be working on will be: (1) Name Logo Design, (2) Tattoo Design (2-a) Snowboard Design (3) T-Shirt Design (4) Poster / Flyer Design (5) Car Rendering (6) Room Rendering (7) Nike Custom Shoes (8) Cell Phone Concept (9) Website Design (10) Vans Custom Shoes (11) Video Game System (12) Comic Book Cover (13) Movie Poster Group Project: Clothing Brand Extra Credit: Business Card and Book Cover
Critiques: Critiques will be conducted as open, informal forums where you will discuss and comment upon other students' work in a constructive, critical, and intelligent manner. There will be final critiques of finished work for all projects, as well as group critiques of preliminary work for certain projects throughout the semester. I expect you to openly question your fellow students on their decisions in regard to concept, design and presentation. Be prepared to answer for your work - no decision is made arbitrarily, and I want to know why you did what you did, and to explain why you believe your design is effective and appropriate to your concept. Attendance during critiques is crucial. I expect everyone to have their work finished and ready for show promptly at the beginning of class on critique days. Work that is turned in late will be dropped one full letter grade (A work becomes a B; B work becomes a C, etc.).
Grading: Instructor will grade the projects on students' computer monitor or turned through email.
Presentation: Your final project designs will be printed and mounted or matted on black mat board with spray adhesive or rubber cement. I will go over more on presentation for specific projects as the semester unfolds. Clean presentation is a must in graphic design and plays a large role in how your work is perceived.
Evaluation:
Course evaluation will be based on:
Projects, according to the following criteria:
• degree of innovation/creativity
• effectiveness and clarity of design
• tightness, cleanness and timeliness of presentation
Participation:
• regular class attendance
• contribution to critique discussions
Attendance: Attendance is mandatory and will be taken at the beginning of every class. You may notify me of an unavoidable absence by emailing me or leaving a note in my mailbox in the main office either before or after the absence. If none of the above actions are taken, the absence will be considered unexcused. More than 5 unexcused absences per semester will result in a lower grade. An excessive amount of excused absences or late arrivals to class will lower your grade as well.
Plagiarism:Plagiarism or duplication of others' work is absolutely not allowed and will result in receiving a failing grade for the course and possible expulsion. All work must be your own.
Final: The Final Exam will be the final project from this class and may be held before the Final Exams at the regularly scheduled class time.
Classroom Rules:
The computers should be only used for Graphic Design projects.
Leave all settings as is.
Respect all other students and their work.
Keep food in the designated area, water in appropriate areas.
Positively use the time, abilities, and technology you have been blessed with.
Do not disrupt the class. For example, making inappropriate comments or loud talking.
Do not disrespect the instructor by talking back to the teacher, having negative attitude, or bad behavior.
Student may whisper while working but silence is encouraged.
Consequence of breaking classroom rules will be a lower grade, loss of privileges, seat change, referrals, detentions, and suspensions.