Welcome to Beginning Graphic Design!

Course Description: Beginning Graphic Design class will introduce you to the idea of using images, typography, and page layouts to communicate a message to an audience. Projects are designed to help you learn graphic design techniques and will work toward developing the skills needed to complete increasingly complex projects. We will learn various applications-Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Famous works of art from the past and present will be studied and used to give direction, showing you a wide range of styles and techniques, as well as possible solutions to problems. You will learn vocabulary related to looking at, talking about, and writing about art. You will be expected to discuss your work and your artistic process both verbally and in writing. No background or previous art classes are necessary. The most important thing you can bring this class is an open mind and willingness to put forth the effort needed to complete projects successfully and on time.

Course Objectives:  While completing this course, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

• Acquire and develop the skills needed to creatively solve visual communication problems.
• Understand, develop and employ visual hierarchy using images and text.
• Analyze and utilize a broad range of aesthetically, historically and culturally diverse approaches to design.
• Distinguish and interpret various types of typography.
• Utilize a broad range of type styles in combination with visual images.
• Understand how graphic design may be used as an international visual language.
• Recognize assessment of art as a tool to use in order to measure growth and to manage the learning process.
• Acquire the ability to critique and judge your work based on the opportunities and experiences afforded to you during the learning process in the classroom.

Class Format: This course is organized as a studio art environment. Most days we will meet for a short time as a group to discuss the day’s objectives, review new assignments, or to participate in a presentation of work. The bulk of the classroom time will be dedicated to studio time. Learner preparation and active participation are key elements in this course and are expected every single class session. There will be lots of independent work in this class. The more you put into it, the more you will enjoy it.