Course Details

Graphic Designing Course

Course description

Graphic Design is a course that explores graphic communication through the understanding of the elements and principles of design; as well as, the design process, from idea development through the final execution of a document. Professionals use the concepts explored in this course in the following disciplines: advertising, graphic design, web design, illustration, broadcast design, photography and game design and many others. Assessment will be based upon a rubric that takes into consideration effort, technical understanding and creative use of resources for the completion of various assignments using PhotoShop CS5 and InDesign CS5.

Course outline

MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN

Content Of Module 1

• Definition: A definition of graphic design and its specialised industries.
• History: The history of written communication from ancient to present times with visual examples of pivotal movements and designer work.
• Specialities: Explanation of the various specialities within the industry of graphic design. An understanding of graphic design's role in future industries.
• Social Networks: Introduction to professional organisations and affiliations that will enrich the student's understanding of the profession.

MODULE 2: DESIGN BASICS

Content Of Module 2

• Vocabulary: Design elements and principles.
• Studies: Illustrated studies reinforcing the concepts and vocabulary of design. Refinement of final studies using Adobe Illustrator software.
• Software: Introduction to vector-based computer software Adobe Illustrator.

MODULE 3: INTRODUCTION TO TYPOGRAPHY

Content Of Module 3

• History: Students will be introduced to the evolution of the alphabet and letter-form design.
• Vocabulary: Students will learn type families, type anatomy and type principles.
• Studies: Students will learn how to illustrate the basic type families and apply tools to them.
• Software: Students will learn typographic tools available in Adobe Illustrator software.

MODULE 4: COLOUR

Content Of Module 4

• Vocabulary: Students will learn the vocabulary associated with colour theory.
• Studies: Students will display a working knowledge of the concepts in this Module by completing several computer based colour studies using templates provided.
• Software: Students will learn the colour tools available in Adobe Illustrator software.

MODULE 5: ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY

Content Of Module 5

• Vocabulary: Students will learn advanced typographic theory and vocabulary.
• Studies: Students will display a working knowledge of the concepts in this Module by completing several computer based typographic studies using templates provided.
• Software: Students will learn advanced typographic tools available in Adobe Illustrator.

MODULE 6: PHOTOGRAPHY

Content Of Module 6

• Vocabulary: Students will learn the tools and vocabulary associated with printing and photography.
• Studies: Students will display a working knowledge of the concepts in this Module by completing a studio style photoshoot. They will also create their first advert design.
• Software: Students will learn basic photo manipulation tools Adobe Photoshop software.

MODULE 7: LOGOTYPE DESIGN

Content Of Module 7

• Process: Students will learn the processes and tools associated needed to create meaningful design concepts.
• Studies: Students will display a working knowledge of the concepts in this Module by completing several computer based typographic projects using templates provided.
• Software: Students will use illustration and Adobe Illustrator software to illustrate, design and refine projects.

MODULE 8: DESIGN SYSTEMS I

Content Of Module 8

• Process: Students will follow the creative process to define their own goals for the projects in the Module.
• Studies: Students will conceptualise, develop and refine design systems based upon an organic form of their choosing. They will further this knowledge by creating an iconic system.
• Software: Students will use advanced Adobe Illustrator software knowledge to illustrate, design & refine projects.

MODULE 9: LAYOUT DESIGN

Content Of Module 9

• Vocabulary: Students will reinforce vocabulary from earlier modules that applies to typographic layout.
• Studies: Students will learn how to manipulate typographic principles to create dynamic layout design.
• Software: Students will be introduced to Adobe InDesign.

MODULE 10: DESIGN SYSTEMS II

Content Of Module 10

• Projects: An instrumental module in the course. Students will deepen their knowledge of working with the design brief and idea generation. Design a complex corporate identity system, package design project and design campaign.
• Software: Students will identify which programmes are right for each design task by using both Photoshop, InDesign and/or I for their projects.

MODULE 11: PREPARING YOUR PORTFOLIO

Content Of Module 11

• Resources: Students will be introduced to various graphic design job resources.
• Studies: Students will learn how to design a personal identity system, and create a professional graphic design portfolio with a design system in place.
• Software: Students will use the appropriate software for the projects.

MODULE 12

Content Of Module 12

• Projects: A fantastic opportunity to take you tutors feedback from the module 11 portfolio and rework and refine in the portfolio refinement project. Students will produce a resume and cover letter using a personal design system based on their identity. Students will undergo an industry consultation of a chosen work in a guided fashion. Students will also undergo Copyright in design and OHS assessments.
• Software: Students will identify which programmes are right for the each design task by using both Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and/or Illustrator for their projects.