GRD 120 - Intro to Graphic Design
IntroDUCTION to GRAPHIC DESIGN
GRD 120
Office - Stevenson Center Room 1139
Office Phone - (231) 777-0239
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 6
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Introduction, study and practice of basic design vocabulary, elements, and principles. Individual elements of design such as line, shape, value, texture, space, size and color will be explored as they relate to electronically generated digital formats and print designs. Emphasis will be given to the principles of design i.e., balance, emphasis, rhythm and unity to analyze the effectiveness of printed communications and other related electronic media. Students will create basic designs in appropriate software including Illustrator, Photoshop and Indesign or Quark.
PROGRAM OR DEGREE OF WHICH THIS IS A PART: This course is a major area requirement of the Graphic Design Program and will be applied to the A.A.S.Degree.
PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to recognize and use design terminology.
Students will be able to identify the elements of design including line, shape, value, texture, space, size and color in historical as well as contemporary works of art and communications. Students will develop designs utilizing each element.
Students will be able to distinguish the principles of design and composition including balance, rhythm, emphasis, and unity in historical as well as contemporary works of art and communications. Students will develop designs incorporating the principles.
Students will be able to recognize grids as the basis of fine art, newspaper, magazine and book design and distinguish different grid structures. Students will employ a grid system as a tool for organizing their designs.
Students will become familiar with various color wheels as well as learn the graphic color systems.
Students will be able to commit their designs to electronic form by selecting and using appropriate computer software.
ASSESSMENT: Students will complete an in-class exercise for each new concept demonstrating their level of skill. A graded homework assignment will follow, reinforcing the new concept.
TEACHING METHOD: Lectures, handouts, class discussions, demonstrations, and practice in-class exercises will be accompany each concept introduced. Group activities will be employed at the concepting and creative idea formulation sections. Guest speakers including a professional designer and/or art director will be invited once each semester.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: The student is expected to be at all class meetings. In the event of their absence all work missed is their responsibility. The student will be allowed three (3) absences during a 15 week semester and one (1) absence during a 7 1/2 week term. Grades will be lowered one full letter grade with each additional absence. No excused absences will be allowed except for a summons to jury duty, in which case, a note from the court clerk will serve as the student's excuse. Students whose lack of attendance impedes the learning process will be withdrawn from the class.
COST TO THE STUDENT BEYOND TEXTBOOK AND LAB FEE:
(Materials list will vary depending on homework and project assignments.)
Assorted Pencils for roughs
X-acto Knife
Straight edge
Cutting Surface
External storage unit and/or cd-r
Black Matboard to mount projects
Text: Graphic Design Solutions by Robin Landa
References:
Principles of Form and Design by Wucius Wong
Making a Good Layout by Lori Siebert & Lisa Ballard
The Language of Visual Art by Jack Fredrick Myers
NOTE: Instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus if necessary during the semester.