GRAPHIC DESIGN (ARD)

This course offers an introduction to graphic design and visual communication. Students are introduced to the elements and principles of design as well as critical analysis and visual problem solving skills. The interrelationship between visual and verbal communication is explored along with the study of typography. In this course, the computer application Adobe Illustrator will be used as the design tool on Macintosh computers only. A working knowledge of basic Macintosh computer skills will be helpful but not necessary.

This class offers a continuation of Graphic Design I. Students will further explore the use of typographic symbols as a crucial element to design. Design history and critical issues in design will be explored. Students will work on a series of projects that emphasize visual expression, composition, and problem solving. The computer application Adobe Illustrator will be used. Adobe InDesign will be introduced.

This class is an overview of basic illustration techniques geared to the needs of the graphic designer. Assigned projects will cover the use of pen and ink, acrylic paint and the digital media programs Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. The class will focus on pictorial communication and exposure to various genres of illustration. Strong design from conceptualization through execution is stressed.

This course covers principles of typeface selection and the use of typographical grids as well as families of type and historical usage. Typographical assignments are presented through themed projects. A variety of basic layouts and formats is introduced. Exercises are geared to develop sensitivity to the integration of typography with a variety of visual imagery. There is an emphasis on concept development and on the cultural associations of various typefaces. Students will be encouraged to integrate ideas and interests from other areas of study in their exploration of the expressive possibilities of type.

Each of these numbers designates a specific level of specialized study on a relevant topic that has been designed by the student in conjunction with a faculty member.

This course enables students to apply their academic knowledge and analytical skills in professional settings while earning academic credit. Students complete an internship (minimum 120 hours, paid or unpaid) and attend weekly seminar/classroom sessions to discuss and share observations about their internships. All students document their daily internship activity using a Blackboard log, and complete an online portfolio and resumé using LinkedIn and Behance. The semester culminates with an online portfolio/journal that documents workplace activity and reflects on the process of applying the design skills learned in the classroom.

Each student will develop a visual vocabulary through assigned readings, class discussion, projects, and through experimentation. This will set the groundwork that reinforces one’s critical, analytical, and perceptual skills. This course will present students with a variety of complex design problems. Students will apply their growing knowledge of the interaction between typography and other visual forms to these specific problems. Research and methodology are vital components of this course and of design in general, and their importance will be stressed. Students will undertake a variety of design projects, as well as a class presentation on a designer of historical importance.

Visual design and technical strategies will be developed to effectively work with moving type and images in a timeline, from storyboards through production to distribution. The history of moving images and motion graphic design will be introduced to support contemporary theories and practices. Working with time-based, sequential processes will increase visual communication strategies and conceptual abilities, while developing skills needed to convey information as successfully as possible. Being able to create animated graphics, kinetic typography, and video projects, as well as work with sound, will help students to better prepare for an ever-expanding graphic design field. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, and Final Cut Pro will be used.

This course introduces students to graphic design for website creation. Students will learn to think critically about web design and apply basic conceptual design principles to website development. The focus of the course will be applying design elements such as color, typography, layout, the grid and hierarchal design to the technological aspect of web design. While the aesthetics of web design will be of primary importance, the technological process will also be studied. Students will learn the latest web languages such as HTML 5, CSS, and JavaScript, develop concepts for web sites, and follow a design process in realizing them. Research and methodology are vital components of this course. Each student will develop two website design projects, as well as a number of smaller design projects. One of these projects will cover embedding animation, movies, and sound into a web site. At the end of this course students will have a working knowledge of web design, and will be able to build and host a site of their own.

Special topics in graphic design are offered occasionally. These courses respond to special interests evinced by students, outgrowths of topics addressed in an intermediate course, or interests of the faculty.

The seminar, offered in the Spring semester, is devoted to an advanced project in Graphic Design as a culmination of a program of study for the major in Graphic Design. This project is completed by an exhibition of student work. Students are responsible for materials related to their senior project.