ART 103 DESIGN - COURSE STRUCTURE |
THE 3-STAGE SEMESTER BREAKDOWN |
STAGE 1 - SKILLS BUILDING: DESIGN & SOFTWARE |
| This first stage will familiarize and develop graphic design software skills. We will focus upon Illustrator Photoshop and InDesign. Students will use examples assigned in readings and discussed in class to familiarize themselves with both the historical and present uses of graphic design. There will be a range of examples discussed, from the political uses of graphic design, and the ramifications of such use; the specific graphics properties that spur psychological reactions on certain demographic groups; the development and maintenance of brand identity. |
| The 1st phase of the course will require students to learn or augment knowledge and use of graphics software, including Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. This phase will have more time dedicated to it in order to ensure that students can competently complete the rest of the course. |
STAGE 2 - PROJECT 1: DESIGNING FOR CLIENTS RUDIMENTS |
| Students take the knowledge and skills gained in stage 1 of the course to begin to produce designs for a client. Students will be assigned a client to develop proposals and a finalized set of designs that adhere to established brand identities. In this phase, students will also begin to learn the process of documenting their work and creating an online portfolio. |
STAGE 3 - WEEKS 11-14: PROJECT 2: PERSONAL PROJECTS |
| The cumulative aspect of this course results in a blending of the prior two stages of the course. In this phase, students are expected to choose a design project such as introducing a new brand, evolving existing brands identities, presenting infographics among other applications of design skills. Students will choose the content of their designs. Students are responsible for documenting and preparing all graphics properties and adding them to the portfolio began in stage 2. The skills in software and practice along with knowledge of design standards gained in the first two phases are represented by work produced in this third phase. This phase is seen as self-directed and is therefore weighted accordingly in the rubric. |
| Transitions between the stages of the course will include time for additional instruction and designing worksheets and proposals. |
The image below extends the explanation of the project example on this page.
