In this class you will learn the theories of graphic design while designing and producing several real-world projects. This class will meet for six sessions and include an intense design workload. Students will be expected to work on design projects outside of class.
objectives
- Provide students with a broad understanding of graphic design concepts and processes, both formal and conceptual
- Instruct students on how to design materials for print and web and get them produced
- Discuss design fundamentals and communication objectives
- Students will refine their ability to present and discuss their own work and the work of others
projects
You may use your own content and subject matter, or we will provide materials.
- Abstract designs
- Wrapping paper
- Logo
- Typeface research
- Poster
- Book spread
Students should have an intermediate knowledge of InDesign (Photoshop and Illustrator a plus, but not required). Throughout the course, the instructor will provide various handouts and reference materials.
All projects will need to be completed outside of class. Each assignment must be printed out in color at actual size, and trimmed for presentation in class. Print projects will not be critiqued onscreen.
session 1
Introduction to Graphic Design and Process
- What is graphic design?
- Concepts and ideas
- The design process
- Studying and collecting
- Research
- Brainstorming
- Drawing and refining: from thumbnails to a final design
- Presenting work
- Gestalt theory overview
- Form and counterform
- Various hands-on class exercises
- Homework Assignment: Visual Inspiration Collection, finish class exercises & begin reading Graphic Design: The New Basics by Lupton and Phillips
session 2
Elements and Principles
- Line
- Shape
- Volume
- Space
- Value
- Color
- Texture
- Visual organization
- Hierarchy
- Balance
- Figure-Ground
- Repetition-Variation
- Rhythm
- Harmony
- Contrast
- Scale
- Transparency
- Focal Points
- Group review & critique of finished homework project
- Various hands-on class exercises
- Homework Assignment: Wrapping Paper Design
session 3
Text and Typography
- Typeface classification
- Personality
- Measures: points, picas, ems
- Spacing: leading and kerning
- Choosing and licensing type
- Group review & critique of finished homework project
- Various hands-on class exercises
- Homework Assignment: Typeface Research & Logo
session 4
Page Layout
- Page size and orientation
- Proportions and white space
- Setting copy, heads, pull quotes, drop caps
- Grid systems (including baseline grid)
- Multi-page documents in InDesign
- Group review & critique of finished homework project
- Various hands-on class exercises
- Homework Assignment: Poster
session 5
Working With Images
- The power of photography & illustration
- Sizing, cropping and framing, placement
- RGB and CMYK
- Vector vs Raster
- Raster Resolutions
- Working with scanners
- Stock photography
- Group review & critique of finished homework project
- Various hands-on class exercises
- Homework Assignment: Book Spread
session 6
Wrap Up
- Tables & Forms
- Branding and identity systems
- What is a brand?
- Identity systems
- Corporate type
- Corporate color
- Brands and the internet
- How to critique your own designs
- Group review & critique of finished homework project
- Various hands-on class exercises
about the instructors
Karen Parry is founder of Black Graphics, a design studio in NYC. Her work has won numerous awards and been published in a variety of design books and magazines. She is a member of the Type Directors Club and ATypI (Association Typographique Internationale).
James Puckett is the founder of Dunwich Type Founders, a type design studio based in New York City. In addition to typeface design James is a skilled graphic designer. He is a book critic for ILoveTypography.com and an adjunct professor at Fordham University.
Price: $750
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