Graphic Design Courses
An introductory, comprehensive step-by-step instruction and explanation of the “how”
and “why” behind the industry standard software skills of Adobe Creative Suite, including
InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will be introduced to each feature as
they work through information, including projects, reviews and step-by-step tutorials.
Study of industry-standard software and how to integrate these programs into seamless
communication, while producing work that conforms to design principles and client
expectations. Students learn essential graphic-design terminology and continue developing
their knowledge and skills through advanced, hands-on projects implementing vector
illustrations, page layouts, image manipulation and typography. Prerequisite: ART
130 required or instructor's signature.
Introductory studio inquiry into graphic communication, including concepts and practical
applications of traditional and contemporary visual art. Covers symbols, typography,
information design, visual concepts and three-dimensional graphic design. Lectures,
readings, demonstrations, slide presentations and group exercises are applied to visual
problem solving, using digital hardware and software tools. Prerequisite: ART 130
(may be taken concurrently) or instructor's signature.
Covers foundations of two-dimensional visual graphic design, using basic computer
skills, techniques and technology. Classic design elements of balance, harmony, variety
and other design principles are explored and employed toward projects covering line
and shape, type combinations, typography as design elements, color composition, drawing,
photo, and collage. Prerequisites: ART 130, ART 131 (may be taken concurrently) or
instructor's signature.
Focuses on using typography as the primary visual in design exploration, with text
introduced as a design element. Includes font classification, composition and production
techniques. Projects cover typographic history, effective use of type and letterforms,
and working knowledge of effective typographic methodology to creatively solve communications
problems. Prerequisites: ART 135 (may be taken concurrently) or instructor’s signature.
An introduction to fundamentals of digital photography. Topics include learning to
use and understand digital cameras, shooting techniques, lenses, correct exposure,
lighting, composition, creative image enhancement and manipulation. Includes instruction
on skills useful for graphic design. Prerequisites: ART 130 recommended.
This foundation class for graphic designers identifies issues specific to publications
and ways in which design principles and techniques are applied to solve them. Topics
include effectively organizing content, using type and color, understanding the development
of functional and visually engaging compositions, understanding visual and informational
hierarchy, and typography. Prerequisites: ART 135 or instructor's signature.
Packaging design combines marketing and graphics with an emphasis on three-dimensional
design. Packages are analyzed and positioned from a marketing point of view. Brand
marks, visual graphics and color schemes are developed for individual products and
more sophisticated related product lines. Typical assignments include food, fragrance
and mass-market packaging designs. Prerequisites: ART 135 or instructor's signature.
Graphic Design II is a studio course covering the process and purpose of graphic design.
Projects include developing Graphic Design solutions for logos, branding, book jackets,
packaging, posters, and advertising. Components of the design process including typography,
layout, two-dimensional design principles, the job search, and student portfolios
will be covered. Prerequisite: ART 136 or instructor's permission.
Introduction to Web Site Graphic Design stressing fundamental principles and their
application to the Web. Good web design is not about mastering the technical details
of software. The starting point of any great website is understanding color, type,
layout—the building blocks of great design—essential to developing professional web
design skills. Prerequisite: ART 234 or instructor's permission.
Capstone class investigates each phase of the branding process through comprehensive
coverage of key brand applications in graphic design and advertising. Students gain
insight into the art of designing individual brand applications—brand identity, promotional
design, identification graphics, web sites, and advertising. Develops strategies for
generating ideas and creating brands. Prerequisite: ART 235 or instructor's permission.