ART181~Graphic Design I

Instructor: Heather Bednorz
e-mail: heather.b@cox.net
To leave messages, contact Applied Technology Dept., (623) 845-3161
Introduction to development of lettering and design skills through functional and aesthetic use of typography.
Concentration on lettering for reproduction, type indication, historical development, type specification, and
use of letter forms as design elements.

Course Competencies
1. Describe the history, use, scope, and reproduction systems of graphic design. (I)
2. Use tools of the trade for doing layouts, mechanicals and illustrations. (II)
3. Produce graphic design projects utilizing principles of design. (III)
4. Design material for advertising from a thumbnail rough through the comprehensive layout and camera
ready work. (IV)
5. Estimate and choose appropriate type in terms of size and style. (V)
6. Use basic color theory to execute work in wet and dry mediums. (VI)
7. Hand letter small signs with pen and brush. (VI)

Course Outline
I. Academic (lecture)
A. Basic elements and principles of design
B. History
C. Layout theory and principles
D. Terminology
II. Hand Craft (studio)
A. Graphic design tools
1. Use and care of tools
2. Equipment for reduction and enlargement
3. Graphic arts scales of measurement
B. Sketching
1. Thumbnails
2. Preliminary layouts
3. Hand completed projects
C. Layout
1. Roughs
2. Comprehensives
III. Computer Craft (lab)
A. Hardware
1. Computer systems
2. Scanner
3. Printer
B. Software
1. Page layout programs (Overview, Quark Xpress)
2. Drawing programs (Overview, Adobe Illustrator)
3. Photo processing programs (Overview, Adobe Photoshop)
C. Production
1. Rough layouts
a. Type specification
b. Image usage: preparing and importing photos and other graphics
Projects (more information will be provided throughout the course)
1. Pictogram - Research photography in books and magazines, carefully observe and draw form, creatively
reinterpret image, and finally, simplify image. See handout for full description.
2. Letterform - Construct your own letters by hand, incorporating found images/objects. See handout for full
description.
3. PSA Black and White Ad Series - Create a series of three related public service announcement ads in
black and white. See handout for full description and A Typographic Workbook page 245 for reference.
4. Typographic Celebration Cards - Create two full color greeting cards, complete with envelopes. See A
Typographic Workbook page 161 for full details.
5. Typeface Poster - Create a two sided poster highlighting the story and use of a typeface. Full details can
be found in Design for Communication, pages 165-177. Also see A Typographic Workbook page
191 as a reference.
6. CD Cover: Typographic Music - Create a CD cover and mock up final in a CD case. Full details can be
found in Design for Communication, pages 114-199.

Grading
Students will receive the grade they earn by regular attendance, class participation and the completion of all
class requirements. Students are required to submit at least one graphic design piece to the Traveler magazine
(fall) or Student Art Show (spring).

Grading Scale:
92-100 A
91-84 B
83-70 C
69-50 D
49-0 F

Projects will be presented in a professional manner (mounted) for critiques. Students will complete up to
6 projects throughout the class, including thumbnail sketches carried through to finished comprehensives.
Please note that all projects are due at the beginning of the session on their due date. Five points will be
deducted from the project grade for every class session late. Please contact instructor if you foresee any
difficulty meeting a deadline.

Final grades will be determined as follows:
Projects: 65%
Quizzes and in-class assignments: 20%
Classroom participation: 15%

Student Conduct
Students are expected to perform respectfully towards each other, the instructor and all school property. No
smoking or eating is permitted in class or the lab. Only projects assigned in this class are to be executed
during class time and/or on college equipment.
Classroom participation is expected. Students are encouraged to ask questions during class and to give
other students honest, courteous feedback during critiques. Students in advanced levels may be asked to
participate in the critique of lower level work.

Attendance
Attendance is mandatory for this class. Students will be allowed a maximum of two unofficial absences after
which they can be withdrawn from the class. Contact instructor if you will be missing or have missed any
classes. Some absences may be excused due to unavoidable circumstances.
Tardiness creates problems for students and teacher alike. Please plan to be in class at the beginning of
class time each day. If you must be late, please quietly enter class and take your seat. If you are more
than 20 minutes late, you will counted absent for that day. Likewise, lab time is crucial to this class and is
mandatory. You will be required to sign in during the last 30 minutes of lab time and show work accomplished
that day. Again, contact the instructor if you had special circumstances regarding your tardiness.

Disability Statement
If you have a disability that may have an impact on your work in this class, and for which you may require
accommodations, see the instructor first, then notify the Disability Services and Resources Office located in
SPS 31 if necessary. Their phone number is 435-3080.
Multilevel Class Meetings
In order to have enough students to hold class, up to four levels of this course must meet concurrently. Each
student is expected to function autonomously when the instructor’s attention is focused elsewhere.

Disclaimer
The instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus, course requirements, grading system or calendar at
any point in the semester. Students will be notified of any changes.

Course Syllabus Acknowledgement
I acknowledge that I have received a course syllabus. I have read it and understand the attendance and
academic requirements and policies. Furthermore, I recognize that this course, being a college course
involving both reading and hands-on work in the classroom and lab, requires attendance and 1 to 3 hours
outside of the class time each week in order to successfully complete the course. I also understand that
this course teaches an introduction to the principles of graphic design and does not include all aspects
of the topic.

Course: ART181 Graphic Design I
Course Section: 1802, Fall 2005

Name (please print):

Signature:

Date: