COURSE OVERVIEW

This hybrid/online course explores the analysis and interpretation of the elements and principles of design as applied to the practice of visual communication. The course is designed to put you in touch with the design process by developing certain technical and perceptual skills required for the solution of graphic design projects. Result=Process.

Primary emphasis will be placed on:
Organization of design elements, materials and forms of communication and most importantly individual interpretation. In the process you will be enhancing your design vocabulary through the use of directed laboratory exercises. We will begin with a simple graphic interpretation exercise and conclude with more complex graphic design problems that will include the following: Designing within specific parameters, the synergy of type and image, letterforms and figure ground, and the impact of the World Wide Web to the designer of the future.

Hopefully you have completed Arts 53A and preferably Arts 8 and 12 or have equivalent experience to take this course.

FORMAT & REQUIREMENTS

Login:
You will be required to login for every meeting that we are online during the quarter. I will send out the web login address prior to the start time for each meeting. This is so I can keep track of positive attendance which is required by the college.

There will be approximately 1 project every 2 weeks with a lecture/discussion usually at the beginning of the period. This is followed by a discussion/critique at the beginning of the period in which the assignment is due.

You will receive, in some cases, a handout that explains supplementary information for certain projects. This is supported by in-class lecture and discussion.

Each assignment is designed to put you in touch with an important design concept, therefore it is crucial that you turn in all assignments. Due dates are important in all design disciplines. It is your responsibility to turn projects in on time.

Late projects are accepted and will be graded down accordingly. Normally one point, which is equal to one letter grade.

A missing assignment at the end of the quarter will affect the final grade by one letter grade.

Grading:
Grading will be based on the following:

1. Ability to solve projects with creativity and originality.
2. The instructor's best judgment of project content and craftsmanship.
3. Class participation and punctuality.

Grading procedure:
10=A, 9+=A-, 9=B+, 8=B, 7=C, 6=D, and so on.

Please note:
It is assumed that you have made a commitment to the field of graphic design/interactive design as a career. If you miss 3 meetings I will drop you. It is your responsibility to drop this course if necessary.

MATERIALS

Recommended Materials:

Recommended Texts:

History of Graphic Design: Philip Meggs
PRINT: Graphic Design periodical
COMMUNICATION ARTS: Graphic Design periodical