Graphic Design

This introductory course teaches students the skills of drawing, value, color, composition, balance, and proportion. These skills form the foundation of graphics design and photography courses and provide a solid foundation for improving students’ artistic abilities through the application of digital media. This is followed by Fundamentals of Drawing & Design 2 (in development), which builds on the principles and skills taught in C121. Its objectives are to deepen and refine drawing and composition skills through a more robust understanding of value, color, balance, and proportion. Practical exercises are utilized throughout the class to give students tangible experience and work for their portfolios.

Graphic Design I (proposed course) will introduce the students to the concepts of Desktop Publishing. Topics covered include
color theory, page layout, composition, print requirements, and other production-related techniques. The applications used in this class are Adobe™ Photoshop™ for image editing, Adobe™ Illustrator™ for logo design, and Adobe™ InDesign™ for page layout and composition. Graphic Design II (proposed course) will build upon the previous classroom experience from Graphic Design I and cover new concepts for infographics, advertising, electronic publications, production of books, graphic novels, magazines, and newspapers.

(proposed course)

From handheld to professional SLR cameras, students will learn the basics of equipment and advanced methods to make photographs look more professional. This class will cover how to connect, download, and upload digital images to CDs, the web, or print. From file management to composition, this class covers a wide range of techniques to make students better, more effective photographers.

(proposed course)

An advanced course in photographic techniques using professional lighting and studio tricks. Students will learn how to manipulate light and shadow to create contrast, form, and interest in portraits, product shots, and landscape photography.

(proposed course)

This course is designed for students to apply the knowledge, skills, and techniques they learned throughout the Visual Communications program. Students must complete a comprehensive design project from conceptualization to production. This professional-level portfolio project will integrate essential design and project management principles to give students a platform to demonstrate their unique style, creativity, and technical proficiency. This class will serve as a necessary transition from student work into professional practice.