Graphic Design
Studying Graphic Design
Graphic design is visual communication. Graphic designers communicate ideas through text, images, and page layout. They create visuals that inform and captivate. They make logos, posters, advertisements, brochures, magazines, book covers, billboards, and so forth.
Learning Outcomes
Student who complete the program will be able to:
- Demonstrate total mastery of the principles of graphic design, color theory, typography, and layout, as well as an appreciation of the history of art and design.
- Apply graphic design principles to create designs that meet the needs of the client.
- Master industry-standard software for photo editing, illustration, page layout, and animation.
- Communicate ideas and design concepts clearly to clients.
- Demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability for teamwork.
- Deliver quality work to clients on schedule and within budget.
- Do their job in a professional and ethical manner.
- Keep abreast of the latest design trends, technologies, and industry practices.
Career Opportunities
Graduates work in advertising agencies, publishing houses, the printing industry, newspapers and magazines, production houses. Experienced designers become chief designers and art or creative directors. They may also start their own graphic design house.
Unleash the Power of Design
Credits
To Graduate
General Education Requirements 26 Credits
English Language ENG (200,201,208) 9crs & 1 course BUS 210 3crs = 12crs
(BUS 201 or ENT 301 3crs & HUM 318 3crs & (HUM 212 or BUS 215 or HUM 215) 1cr = 7crs
(ART 205 or ART 206 or HUM 210 or SOC 201 or COM 208 or HUM 211 or PSY 201 or POL 202 OR HIS 200) 3crs = 3crs
(HLT 210 or NLT 201 or CSC 201) = 3crs
PED (201 or 203 or 209) 1cr = 1cr
Core Requirements 18 Credits
Basic introduction to drawing tools and instruments and the theories in the various areas of drawing dealing specifically with the human figure, nude, clothed and in relationship with a given spatial environment. The main issue is to familiarize students with a deeper conception of creative drawing and illustration using their own perception, logic and their ways of expression.
This studio and theory course is a continuation of Drawing I; it concentrates on the techniques of drawing, i.e., how to create 3D images on 2D surfaces using basic drawing techniques. Prereq.: ART200
This is an advanced course, where students develop their imaging skills by producing and understanding various visual aids used by art practitioners for the last two millennia including: theories and principles of colors, Plato’s “shadows in the cave”, the camera obscura, the camera Lucida, mirrors, flip books, pin-hole cameras, the zoetrope.
This course introduces art students to the basic elements and principles of design, such as the design tools and instruments used in a design studio. This course covers the study of geometric shapes, two-dimensional illustration, technical drawing, coloring techniques, design as a concept, and perceptual discipline.
Introduction to the dimensional requirements faced by those working in the areas of three-dimensional design with the emphasis on package design. Exploration of visual language, compositional principles, problem solving methodology and production in graphic design. Prereq.: DES201
Major Course Requirements 31 Credits
This course complements History of Art and Design I. It works backwards and looks at radical art from the late 19thcentury to the Renaissance.
Students will learn about the basic techniques of the photographic art (lighting, composition, depth of field, white balance…). Through several studio and outdoor exercises / assignments, they will be invited to put into application the theoretical information they will have acquired in class. This course also aims at preparing the students for more advanced photography and cinematography courses.
This studio course will introduce the elements, concepts, principles and techniques of typography and calligraphy and their development into creative art forms to symbolize a specific meaning of visual communication. Students will study calligraphy and typography within various languages. Prereq.: ART201
This course introduces students to the visual elements, principles and problem solving methodologies, as well as techniques of graphic design. It is an overview of the current profession. Emphasis is placed on concept development, process and the creation of designs for the current market. Coreq.: GDP200, Prereq.: ART201
This course will introduce students to software used to create visual image and design. Emphasis will be on the study of Adobe Illustrator and the transformation of hand- rendered graphics into fine-tuned vector illustrations. Students will also learn how to prepare their files for pre- press.
This course examines the layout of multi-page designs and publications through lectures and studio work. Students will work with body-copy as both a readable text and as an aesthetic design element. Emphasis will be placed on how information is organized and composed in order to communicate effectively. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of a grid system in contrast with experimental, organic design. Prereq.: GDP211
The purpose of the course is to provide students with sufficient techniques, tips, and solutions for using Photoshop software. It introduces the student to the pixel world and to the power of manipulating different types of images to create astonishing designs.
On this course student will tell a story through a sequence of visual images, incorporating sound and motion. From concept development, hand-rendered key-frames to a professional-level time-based media work. Coreq.: GDP211
An introduction to the techniques and practices of traditional and digital animated film production. The student will be trained in a wide variety of approaches to paint and draw animation: from storyboarding to the final product. Prereq.: GDP310
This course introduces students to the marketing world, its importance, various functions and activities and the impact it has on the business environment. Students will be acquainted with the creation of value for consumers, the marketing mix concept and its application, the segmentation, targeting and positioning and the key elements of a marketing strategy. Prereq.: ENG200
This course will introduce students to a real life career. It includes the client and their various needs and background plus the setup required to open a graphic design agency. Students learn about the market in a particular environment; the need for the products and the influence the design can have in conjunction with the competition. Senior Standing required.
Emphasis Requirements - Graphic Design 24 Credits
An advanced studio course where students explore 2D and 3D forms of graphic design, along with an introduction to motion graphics. Projects are based on: corporate identity systems, advertising campaigns, package design / environmental design, advanced typography, motion graphics and the impact of graphic design to better one’s society. Prereq.: GDP211
A concept is expressed by visuals and words. To complete the graphic courses which are visual courses, the student will learn to deal with words, such as slogans, body copy, etc. Coreq.: GDP211
On this course students design packages from simple labels to 3D forms, ensuring creativity and functionality, and the application of graphics, type and color, in order to create brands. Prereq.: GDP211
The Art Forum is a program where invited guest speakers who might be artists, curators, designers, gallery owners or writers on art give a lecture to Arts students, sharing the experiences about the real world and the area of their expertise. Students are expected to analyze research and write about topics discussed by guest lecturers on a weekly basis. Prereq.: ART201
On this course student learn printing techniques, terminology and how to transform digital files into professionally printed pieces. Students work directly with a print house.
Students are assigned a project in which they must complete a variety of design pieces, applying all they have learned, as a cohesive unit. Emphasis will be placed upon each student’s individual design vision, final presentation and professionalism. Prereq.: GDP225
On this course student define their own project and complete a collection of work based upon research and creative analysis. Students also complete their portfolio. Emphasis will be placed upon each student’s individual design vision, final presentation and professionalism. Prereq.: GDP490