Students will learn how to work through steps of the graphic design process, starting with the identification and research of design problems, and the intended message and the target audience, to development of basic graphic design solutions presented visually through clear, well-executed layouts created by both traditional and electronic means. Fundamental graphic design and typographic principles, elements, techniques and vocabulary used in design problem solving will be introduced. Students in this course will also learn about areas/categories of graphic design, creating examples such as posters, book/CD covers and logos. Topics covering selecting appropriate printing papers, professional practices, psychology of color, and critique methods will also be introduced.

This course will give students from all areas of study in the Visual Communications Studies Department an opportunity to prepare and submit portfolios of their work for final review by a jury composed of department faculty members and professionals. The course will emphasize professional procedures, work habits, and demonstration of creative and technical skills, depending on the students' areas of expertise, as well as appropriate communication with clients, presentation techniques, and ability to work as a fully contributing member of a team.

In this course, focus will be placed on design of multi-paged printed graphics including brochures, booklets, catalogs, menus and editorial designs using grids to organize information. Issues such as page sequencing and pagination, readability, design flow, consistency and preparing documents to meet industry standards will be addressed. Assignments will be completed using page layout software consistent with industry standards.

In this course, students will learn about various classifications and areas of identity design and will develop identity symbols and systems of identification and branding for businesses and organizations as well as individuals, including components such as business cards, letterheads, envelopes and invoices. Focus will be on identifying client need, budget and target audience in order to develop appropriate identity design solutions with components that are compatible, consistent, and practical to use. In addition, students will be familiarized with current brand identification system designers and current design trends in identity design. Students are expected to find a real client for at least one of the assignments for this course.