Week 1: Sept 24TH – SEPT 28th
What is Graphic Design?
In class:
WELCOME! Throughout this course you will be learning terminology, presentation skills and the fundamentals of design.
Today we'll be covering these topics: What is graphic design? What is visual communication? What is the process? We'll talk about the basic elements (dot, line, shape, pattern, texture) and principles (balance, emphasis, tension, rhythm) of graphic design.
Homework—Project 1:
Using one of your 10 shapes chosen from your in class exercise you will create 2, 10" x 10" compositions. The first composition should be stable and the second composition should be dynamic.
Scan in your chosen shape. Make up to 50 duplicates of your shape (you may reduce or enlarge your 2 x 2 shape). Create 2, 10" x 10" compositions using that shape, via repetition, inverting positive/negative space, overlapping and placement. Final compositions will be pure black and white, photocopied, 10” X 10”. Use the principles of balance, tension, rhythm, pattern and focal point to help create your compositions. Chosen 2”x2” shape and the two 10”x10” compositions should be ready for feedback next week.
CLICK ON THESE LINKS:
Required reading:
Graphic Design Process (site)
How to Survive Critique (site)
Critique Guide (PDF file)
What Classes We Offer:
Our 2 Year Program
Recommended reading:
Landa Chapter 3 (To read just the chapter notes click here)
"How to" files:
Use this template for your 2 x 2 (TIFF file)
Using the classroom scanner (PDF file)
Digitally preparing your 2x2 shape for your homework assignment (PDF file)
Printing to the classroom printers (B&W) and to the HP printers (color) (PDF file)
LECTURES
Gestalt Presentation (PDF file)
Edward Fella & Paula Scher (PDF file)
Chermayeff & Geismar (PDF file)
RESOURCES
Chapter 1 & 2 Outline (PDF file)
HOW TO'S
Using the Classroom Scanner (PDF file)
Printing b&w and color (PDF file)
Loading fonts into Suitcase (PDF file)
SITES OF INTEREST
Edward Fella site (Personal site)
Jeff Kleinsmith / Patent Pending industries
13 African American Graphic Designers You Should Know, Part 1
13 African American Graphic Designers You Should Know, Part 2
RECENT GRADS