VISL 1
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This class focuses on the development of the student as a graphic designer. Topics to be covered are the elements and principles of design such as color, shape relationships, thematic design, typography, etc. Students will utilize Adobe Illustrator and will develop all work through sketching first. Using these design techniques and programs students will develop a body of images directed towards graphic design both print and new media. The emphasis is on creativity, exploration and the development of a working knowledge of graphic design and how it is integrated into all forms of print and new media.
REQUIRED TEXT:
Relevant periodicals for each student will be assigned via traditional and Internet access per student’s needs.
OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE:
The objectives of this course are:
1. To learn the purpose, theories and practices of contemporary graphic design.
2. To enhance the student’s visual, written and oral communication skills.
2. To participate in discussion, collaboration and critical dialogue.
3. To develop an enriched understanding of image use and possibilities.
4. To explore the aesthetics, uses and the social ramifications of graphic design.
Lectures, demonstrations, and instruction.
Critiques and group discussions.
Class direction on projects and individual development.
Late projects will either not be accepted or will result in a lowered grade. In addition, there will be tutorial assignments worked on in class and a high probability of surprise quizzes. Finally, all students should maintain notes on class lectures, demonstrations and instruction. Class attendance is essential (see below).
Evaluation
Final grade will be based on class participation, student progress, evaluations of prototype with the emphasis on the final prototype, and evaluation of student’s notebook. More than three absences will result in a failing grade.
CONTACT HOURS:
1 Lecture/Demos 2 Lab = 3 total
CONTENT DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this course is to expose students to the use of diverse design environments and to familiarize them with interactive, web and print projects.
INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Lectures and demonstrations on software and design.
EVALUATION:
A= Excellent Work
B+ = Above Average
B = Average
C+ = Minimal Average
C= Below Average
D+ = Well below average
D = Minimal Level
F = Failure to meet expectations
Final grade will be based on class participation, critiques and student progress, evaluation of MidTerm and Final exam, and 5 projects (emphasis on the final project) and evaluation of student’s notebook. More than three absences will result in a lower grade.
Text
Periodicals from Print magazine, How magazine and ID magazine and other industry sources.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Color and shape – A series of thematic designs will be created and developed through all five color harmonies – monochromatic, triadic, analogous, complementary, and split complementary. Due TBD
2. Advertisement – Using type, color, shape and photo/illus students will develop a series of three advertisements for a product or event. Due TBD
3. Editorial – Using type, color, shape and photo/illus students will develop an editorial series of three pages for a news story or event. Due TBD
4. Package – Using type, color, shape and photo/illus students will develop a package line of three components for a product or event. Due TBD
5. Flash and Web design – Students will develop an HTML website and a Flash introduction/banner series. Due TBD
Critiques
The student’s progress will be assessed by faculty and other students at multiple critiques to be given during the semester.
Students will need to spend at least three hours per week in the lab (outside of class time) to complete these projects
HOMEWORK HOURS:
Each student is required to practice and work design theory 3 hours outside of class time.
SUPPLEMENTARY READING LIST
GENERAL:
Periodicals from Print magazine, Communication Arts, How magazine and ID magazine and other industry sources.
Links
The list below links to some design and graphic sites. If you would like to add to the list please email me atpatrickaievoli@yahoo.com.
http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/aigamedalists
http://www.commarts.com/CA/feapion
http://www.cooper.edu/art/lubalin/#
http://www.davidcarsondesign.com/?dcdc=top/s
http://archive.salon.com/wlust/road/1997/11/11road.html