GRAPHIC DESIGN (Portfolio Development)

Drawing I
Drawing I will teach students about the multi-level individual instruction specific to the field of study. The course will introduce basic visual vocabulary as well as introduce and explore aspects of basic drawing and problems concerned with translation of three-dimensional visual experience into two-dimensional form. The course will acquaint students with the basic concept of drawing with various mediums, including pencil, charcoal, chalk, pen, and ink. Students will learn to expand their drawing abilities into literal, abstract, and expressive drawings.

Design I
Multi level, individual instruction specific to field of study. Introduces basic visual vocabulary. Students work with point, line, plane and volume to develop an awareness of the elements used to indicate form.

Introduction to Computer I-A
In this course you will learn how to use Adobe Photoshop. You will be familiarized with basic operations and image editing tools to create or edit graphics and photos for print or web material. We will explore the basic functions of the program: layer theory, color correction, realistic retouching, photo compositing, etc. Students will work independently on weekly assignments. Based on what you learned, you will have 5 main projects involving your own creative thoughts.

Introduction to Computer I-B
This class is designed to prepare students for professional practice in the design field. In this course you will learn how to use Adobe Illustrator. In using Adobe Illustrator, you will learn about the nature of vector artwork and of graphic and visual problem solving. You will also learn about the skills necessary to create posters, business cards, and all other vector artwork. During the course, you will have weekly assignments teaching you various useful tools. Based on what you learned, you will have 5 main projects that will involve and exercise your creative thought. It is your responsibility to bring all the necessary materials, complete the exercises at home, and properly save all work.

Graphic Design 1
The purpose of this class is to gain a better understanding of what graphic design is and its principles. You will be dealing with the interaction of text and image—the fundamental components of graphic communication. Students will develop these skills, while working with text and image, as they create creative solutions to a series of design problems. Students will be expected to expand their proficiency in all aspects of the design process, including the use of formal design principles, type as image, symbolism, creative brainstorming, conceptualizing, critical thinking, collaboration, and presentation. You will define the hierarchy of information through the ordering of elements into a comprehensive visual unity. The emphasis will focus on developing the subject through research, analysis, and organizing information. This course will also introduce the student to studio operations and procedures, client-designer relations, as well as design and production process for print media.

Graphic Design II
Graphic Design II is an extension of Graphic Design I, but fully expands and explores the interaction of text and image. The purpose of this class is to become more independent in the use of fundamental components for graphics communication, which expresses ideas by employing visual, rhetorical strategies, i.e. metaphors, puns, irony, and metonymy. Students need to create independent and creative solutions to a series of design problems. Students are encouraged to take risks, develop their own voice as a designer, as well as expand their proficiency in all aspects of the design process, including creative brainstorming, conceptualizing, critical thinking, collaboration, and presentation. Students will also need to increase page layout proficiency for applications in publishing and advertising. Page layout, coupled with extensive use of typography, will be expected in each assignment. Students will be expected to draw, write, and illustrate projects in addition to using the computer.

Typography
The purpose of this class is to gain a better understanding of basic typography, its origins and uses. You will learn how to construct a letterform, learn what the basic type style characteristics are, and develop your hand skill. You will also learn the proper definitions and how to use the vocabulary necessary to discuss typography.

Package Design
The purpose of this class is to gain insight into the process of developing a strong, unique branding package through a step-by-step professional design process. This course will define the role of packaging in product identification, presentation, and production. The class will explore the unique challenges of adapting typography, illustration, design, and materials to three-dimensional form. Research will include marketing objectives, structural integrity, and display aesthetics. Each project involves one marketing research in which students have to come up with a strong creative brief. A creative brief is an outline for developing and evaluating marketing products that will help you strategically focus your thoughts and analyze the best method when approaching a communications problem.

Communication Design
Students will study the foundations of communication for effective visual communication and solve design problems by using visual language. Students will explore the creative process of making images that can effectively move ideas and information to the audience to communicate a message.