GD150 Principles of Graphic Design

Credits 5Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090, WR090 and MTH020, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels. Co-requisite: IM178, IM120, IM122, IM123, IM124 and IM125.

This course develops basic conceptual, critical viewing and technical skills in graphic design. The elements of design: line, shape, space, form, texture, value and color are explored through developing visual images and compositions. Areas of design practice are introduced as well as the steps involved in the design process. Students will use industry standard software to create digital artwork and production files.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Apply core color theory principles in creating contrast and hierarchy within a design solution
2. Apply the principles of design: Hierarchy, Organization, Unity, Variety, Proportion, Scale, Rhythm, Repetition, Proximity, Grouping, Balance & Composition
3. Demonstrate ability to use graphic software to create artwork and build simple print-ready digital files
4. Demonstrate the design process through research, exploration, modification, application and evaluation of ideas
5. Demonstrate the positioning and combination of graphic elements in a digital layout utilizing multiple compositional approaches
6. Explore different levels of simplification and abstraction within 2-dimensional design solutions
7. Identify the core elements of design: line, shape, space, size, texture, color & typography

GD151 Composition and Production

Credits 5Winter

Registration Requirement: GD150.

Students apply the principles of visual perception and design to investigate the relationship of elements in compositions. Grid systems are introduced to structurally integrate and organize type and graphics. Both the aesthetic and technical aspects of color are deeply explored. Students continue to develop precise digital skills in Illustrator and InDesign as files are prepared for print reproduction.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Apply multiple design elements to create a cohesive series of design projects
2. Apply the core elements and principles of design
3. Demonstrate increasing aptitude with professional layout and illustration software applications, features and tools
4. Demonstrate proper use of digital tools for professional print reproduction and preflighting
5. Identify appropriate technology, tools and techniques to create, organize and modify graphic elements
6. Prepare accurate, multi-color digital files for RGB, CMYK and Spot color reproduction
7. Use descriptive typographic and design vocabulary during critiques, class discussions and in projects
8. Utilize grid systems to structurally integrate both type and graphic elements in a composition

GD152 Concept, Creativity and Unity

Credits 5Spring

Registration Requirement: GD151.

This course explores developing effective creative concepts in both 2- and 3-D formats that are part of a unified visual system. Students document their research, investigate multiple concepts and apply their knowledge of design styles to a multifaceted project. A strong emphasis is placed on quality craftsmanship and preparing complex digital files using the Adobe Creative Suite.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Achieve visual unity between multiple pieces of a branded collateral campaign
2. Apply critical viewing skills when evaluating design solutions
3. Choose appropriate materials and employ processes that enhance the final solution
4. Demonstrate increasingly efficient use of the Adobe Creative Suite applications, features, and tools
5. Articulate design styles by their characteristic typography, color schemes and visual components
6. Prepare and print graphic files for unique resolution, size, and output needs

GD160 Typography Systems

Credits 5Winter

Registration Requirement: GD150.

Students learn to analyze, decode and encode written information through the study of typographic principles. Hierarchy, readability and legibility are applied to both long and short text documents. Students gain proficiency in expressing ideas through type choices and combinations in printed and screen-based applications.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Apply appropriate type-face combinations for a variety of formats and applications
2. Apply common grid structures for the composition of complex page layouts
3. Apply different positions, scales and placements of typographic elements for multiple page sizes and orientations
4. Demonstrate fluency with the use of the type tools available in both InDesign and Illustrator software
5. Identify and apply common typographic elements used in multi-page compositions
6. Identify, classify, measure, specify and describe typographic attributes
7. Utilize custom designed letterforms to reflect content or concept within a design

GD165 Digital Illustration

Credits 4Spring

Registration Requirement: GD150.

Image development and exploration using a variety of digital illustration techniques is covered in this course. Project phases include developing iterations, producing a mood board and documenting visual research. Students work with photographic and hand-drawn material and combine both raster and vector images using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Apply the appropriate digital tools and techniques to recreate common illustrative styles
2. Demonstrate the appropriate combination of typography and illustration to maintain visual hierarchy and compositional balance
3. Demonstrate the use of basic illustrative tools to visualize depth within a 2-dimensional image
4. Prepare digital files to present completed designs as in-situ applications
5. Research and purposefully reference stylistic qualities of art or design history within a design solution
6. Translate a process or sequence into a cohesive series of illustrated visuals
7. Translate the research and insight of a narrative into a visual interpretation

GD248 History of Graphic Design

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

This course provides an overview of the major developments within the History of Graphic Design as an art form. The course will cover themes, influences and styles from the Gutenberg's printing press to the contemporary digital era of design. Specific areas of study will include the advent of the printed word, the influences of the Industrial Revolution, modern digital technologies, and world history's effect on Design. There will be a content focus on specific design movements such as (but not limited to) Dada, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Constructivism, Swiss Style, and Postmodernism. This course is intended for Graphic Design majors and non-majors.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Analyze and critically respond to contemporary designs influenced by historic movements
2. Articulate the formal elements (line, shape, color, composition, etc...) that make each presented design style unique
3. Describe on the relationship of specific Design movements to the politics and events of the associated time periods
4. Describe on the relationship of technology in the creation and distribution of design through the presented history
5. Identify key historical movements in graphic design from around the world from the industrial revolution to present day

GD250 Developing Brand Identity

Credits 5Fall

Registration Requirement: GD152.

The examination of visual, conceptual and communication factors as applied to brand identity development. Focus is on brand messaging to internal and external target audiences and the development of business marketing strategies through the application of a visual identity system.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Apply appropriate tools, techniques and technologies to produce production ready solutions
2. Apply concept development through research, ideation and visual/verbal invention
3. Create a comprehensive branding system for a company or organization
4. Identify a company or organization's competitors, target audience and media channels
5. Prepare project prototypes and documentation
6. Prepare solutions with strong regard for market audience and client outcomes

GD251 Advanced Typographic Layout

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: GD250.

The research, development, organization, design and visual presentation of complex editorial structures such as magazines, catalogs and guidebooks are covered in this course. Students learn to develop visual narrative and storytelling skills to capture and hold the reader's attention. Strategies for design and content development as well as digital production and distribution via print or mobile devices are addressed.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Apply advanced master-page techniques, paragraph styles, and character styles to a multi page document
2. Apply clear editorial and art direction to a multi-page production
3. Demonstrate an understanding of audience and content in the creation and selection of imagery and compositions
4. Demonstrate proper file management and production techniques for all assignments
5. Identify the challenges of preparing content for print and digital environments (web, tablet, mobile, etc...)
6. Identify the differences of pagination for different design and production methods
7. Utilize appropriate techniques and design processes to optimize efficiency in production of a multi-page publication

GD252 Digital Media Studio

Credits 5Spring

Registration Requirement: GD251.

The capstone project course is designed to showcase a student's overall conceptual ability and technical competence. Students will demonstrate their understanding of all phases of the design process from research, to implementation, to final critical analysis in a complex, multi-faceted project.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Apply project management skills by effective scheduling, benchmarking and time management
2. Apply the researched concepts and developed graphic elements as a unified campaign at a professional level of execution
3. Assemble and design documentation of the research process and design development
4. Defend the selection of imagery, concepts, techniques, and media approaches used to develop strategies and deliverables
5. Evaluate design solutions with strong regard for target audience and project or client outcomes
6. Explore concept development through a variety of ideation processes
7. Investigate effective typography, organizational strategies and appropriate use of digital media

GD260 Professional Practice for Graphic Designers

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: Second-year standing in an Integrated Media program.

This course prepares students for careers in media as professional Graphic Designers. Topics included are intellectual property, legal, ethical and contractual issues as well as record-keeping for freelancing in the creative services. Students prepare to search for internships and/or employment by writing resumes, learning networking skills, assembling and assessing initial portfolio projects.

Additional Course Fee: $40.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate the effective implementation of core business documents required for entrepreneurship
2. Determine personal and professional goals to achieve upon graduation
3. Develop the appropriate documentation necessary to gain employment within the creative services industry
4. Explore the process of determining the value of design services as an employee and freelancer
5. Identify appropriate strategies for finding employment within the creative services industries
6. Identify key issues of intellectual property rights that affect Designers as creators and users of copyrighted materials