Graphic Design

In Design Software Essentials, students cover the necessary functions of Photoshop and Illustrator. These are the two major 2D image creation and editing software. These programs form the foundation of digital imaging in both print screen and video graphics. Students will learn through several lab assignments that cover pixel manipulation, composing, adjusting, and resizing in Photoshop. In Illustrator, students will learn how to properly and efficiently manipulate vectors; how to create and use color properly, and finally how to efficiently output vector images for screen or print. Concepts learned in this course carry over into animation, motion graphics, 3D design, and more.

This course covers the major principles and elements of design, which form the basis for visual communications by introducing students to creative processes in which designers use to create work. Students will explore the formal qualities of design through projects centering around the visual use of Line, Shape, Value, Color, Form, Texture, Space, and Composition.

This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of Typography, Lettering, and Layout Design as it relates to various design environments, from signage to long-form text. Students will study the various classifications of type, as well as type anatomy, and the historical and cultural context of font design. Students will solve visual design and layout problems using Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

In this course students will create work exploring the diverse field of illustration — from editorial, to visual development, to comics. Students become acquainted with the Digital Painting Program, Procreate for the iPad, as leveraged by illustrators in the industry

This course will explore the history of visual communication with a focus on illustration and design. Students will examine styles and techniques from both Western and non-Western traditions, and the emergence of new design technologies throughout history. This course will encourage a thoughtful, critical analysis with regards to social responsibility within the arts, and issues relating to representation and equity within the modern Design and Illustration worlds.

This course introduces the fundamental principles of expression through movement in time, sequential composition editing, and image sequence and as well as sound integration, editing and story structure using current digital software. Students explore the techniques and software to incorporate illustrations and graphics into moving animated designs in both 2D and 3D using Blender, Photoshop, and other current software for gaming designs. Students develop sketches for a series of short projects to apply basic animation principles.

This course will explore Web Design theory as it relates to User Experience (UX). Students will design visually appealing websites while prioritizing functionality and accessibility via visual hierarchy and page layout. Students will use Figma and other web-design services to consider how type, color, and overall structure of a web page guides the user in the intuitive navigation of a website.

This course will explore Web Design theory as it relates to User Experience (UX). Students will design visually appealing websites while prioritizing functionality and accessibility via visual hierarchy and page layout. Students will use Figma and other web-design services to consider how type, color, and overall structure of a web page guides the user in the intuitive navigation of a website.

This course will cover the theory and practice of creating brand identity design products. Students will explore branding and identity as it’s represented within a visual system, which would include iconography, typography, pattern, color, and so on. Students will explore the components of a strong visual identity via the creation of design projects such as logos, print ads, stationery, business cards, etc.

This course will cover the theory and practice of creating brand identity design products. Students will explore branding and identity as it’s represented within a visual system, which would include iconography, typography, pattern, color, and so on. Students will explore the components of a strong visual identity via the creation of design projects such as logos, print ads, stationery, business cards, etc.

This course introduces the student to commercial screen-printing techniques. Areas of emphasis include types of frames, terminology, fabric selection, photo mechanical stencil preparation, fabric stretching techniques, screen printing inks, squeegee selection, and substrates. Projects are selected and designed by each student and must be printed on predetermined substrates. Classroom theory will be supported by lab demonstrations.

This course is intended to provide the vehicle for students to show overall competency and skills in Graphic Design Technologies, which have been a part of their degree program. Under supervision of a faculty advisor, the student will select an appropriate project, plan, and perform the necessary tasks, and present the results. It is expected the student will create a professional portfolio with the objective of obtaining either a professional position in the field, or admission into a 4-year institution.