Graphic Design 1

Provides an understanding of basic principles needed for effective visual communication. Presents a survey of graphic design theory and practice. Introduces graphic design processes for creative problem solving, production and critique.

Books

Required textbook

Optional textbook

Design bootcamp

Master a design process and how to think like a designer. You’ll learn skills—researching, brainstorming, sketching, writing, iterating, and prototyping—to create effective visual communications. Through peer critique, you’ll strengthen conceptual thinking, practice presenting, and gain skills to tackle any design project.

The Double Diamond - Design Council

Schedule

WeekTuesdayThursday
1Discover
Define
2Develop
Deliver

Projects

Pictogram series

Illustrate a related series of three conceptual pictograms. The first two pictograms should represent ideas that, when combined, synergize to create new meaning within the third pictogram. Use lines, shapes, and colors. Make your illustrations stylistically simple, clearly understandable, and visually consistent. All design choices should support and enhance the overarching concept. Use Adobe Illustrator to produce your pictograms as vector graphics. Present your pictograms as standalone artwork placed in a logical sequence. Do not use digital mockups for this project.

Schedule

WeekTuesdayThursday
3Discover
Sep 09
4Define
Sep 16
5Develop
Sep 23
6Deliver
Sep 30
7Present 1
Oct 07
8Present 2
Oct 14

Cover design

Design a conceptual cover that represents the allegory featured in a book, movie, or music album. Include other key components such as the spine and back cover, or the disc label and back cover. Use any mediums and methods including digital type, images, and other graphic elements such as lines, shapes, and colors. All design choices should support and enhance the overarching concept. Primarily use Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, or Adobe Photoshop to produce your final designs. Consider using digital mockups to enhance the presentation of your work.

Schedule

WeekTuesdayThursday
7Discover
Oct 07
8Define
Oct 14
No class - Fall Break
9Develop
Oct 21
10Deliver
Oct 28
11Present
Nov 04

Choose a book from:

The New York Times Best Sellers

Personal poster

Design a conceptual poster that represents one of your most unique and personally defining traits, experiences, or beliefs. Use any mediums and methods including digital type, images, and other graphic elements such as lines, shapes, and colors. Do not produce a literal self-portrait. You may include an image of yourself, but you should primarily focus on conveying what makes you unique. All design choices should support and enhance the overarching concept. Primarily use Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, or Adobe Photoshop to produce your final design. Consider using digital mockups to enhance the presentation of your work.

Schedule

WeekTuesdayThursday
11Discover
Nov 04
12Define
Nov 11
13Develop
Nov 18
14No class - Thanksgiving Break
Nov 25
15Deliver
Dec 02
16Present
Dec 09

Schedule 17 weeks

We meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. in GT 511E

WeekTuesdayThursdayNotes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9Fall Break
10
11
12
13
14Thanksgiving Break
15Thanksgiving Break
16
17

Semester breaks

Final Exam

The final exam is scheduled for Dec 09 from 3:00 PM to 4:50 PM.