Graphic Design

Students will use Vector Illustration software for technical drawing, composition and implementation of created art into print, web and social media. Students will incorporate traditional drawing skills and scanning methods into their digital illustration and drawings. Composition, digital color specification and current graphic design trends will be emphasized.

Students will study typography, color, and layout. Studies include symmetrical and asymmetrical compositions, grid method systems, designing with type, image, and the graphic functions of typography. Students will develop an understanding of the basic design principles, including space, line, form, color, and the use of letterforms and design contrasts to convey a visual message. Students will be introduced to target markets and designing for an audience. Projects will be completed with various design media while exploring the importance of working in stages from research to rough idea to finished design work.

This course explores the use of digital photography, desktop scanning and photo manipulation software in the creation of photo compositions and support materials for graphic design.

This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research, and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

In this course, students explore the Gateway Technical College community. They examine college resources and services, investigate skills that lead to academic success, and identify strategies for achieving educational and personal goals.

This course guides students through an organized experimentation of traditional art media to create images that convey specific messages to viewers. A variety of media is used including: watercolor, acrylic, oil pastel, inks, dyes, collage, and computers. Good composition, visual organization, development of creative thinking and visual problem will be emphasized. This course will include a study of perspective, light, shade, and color theory. Current illustration and color trends will be explored.

This course examines the basic concepts of graphic design page layout and focuses on the principles, equipment, software, and workflow used in the design and publishing process. Students will integrate basic marketing principles in their design strategies and will apply graphic design concepts to produce page layout projects. In so doing, they will understand the primary components of design and publishing; research, strategy, input, composition, project development, and output. Digital prepress fundamentals used in preparing graphic design artwork for printing and publishing will be studied. Color separations, trapping and/or press ready artwork as well as History and discussion of traditional and digital prepress equipment and techniques will be introduced. Customer needs, technical accuracy, prepress troubleshooting issues, timelines and proofing will be included.

This course offers tips on presentation design and the use of multimedia in the graphic design field. Students will learn how to create slides, overheads, and on-screen presentations. Transition effects and the use of sound and video will be incorporated into on-screen presentations. Students will create an interactive portfolio and at least one presentation for class demonstration.

This course is intended to develop analytic reasoning and the ability to solve quantitative problems. Topics to be covered may include: construction & interpretation of graphs; descriptive statistics; geometry & spatial visualizations; math of finance; functions and modeling; probability; and logic. Appropriate use of units and dimensions, estimates, mathematical notation, and available technology will be emphasized throughout the course.

Students will use GUI software to design, test, publish, and edit web pages that apply basic visual principles and communication strategies.

This course examines advanced concepts of graphic design page layout and focuses on the marketing, software, and workflow used in the design and publishing process. Students will use layout, illustration, and photomanipulation software at and advanced level to create portfolio quality projects. Color usage, scanning principles, file formats, importing of text and graphics will be reinforced. All projects will be properly prepared for commercial production. Students will integrate research, and marketing principles in their design strategies. Projects will be presented and critiqued through written and oral presentation processes.

This course introduces students to the workflow of graphic design, from the initial conceptualization of a project to the printed piece. Attention to customer needs, development of presentation materials, and cost estimates are discussed. Students will become familiar with graphic design, job titles and duties. Stress management and time management are incorporated into the course. Legal and ethical issues, as well as those involving copyrights and trademarks, are discussed.

Students will produce advanced level projects in graphic design. Various software applications will be integrated in the creation process. Emphasis will be placed on solving advanced visual problems, creating portfolio quality pieces, participating in classroom critiques and final production options and issues. Students will develop problem-solving techniques to guide them through the process of organizing a complete project, including research, marketing, conceptualization, full design development, file preparation, analysis of the project components, color (ink) selections, paper selection, photography, and various finishing techniques. Reproduction issues including timelines, budgets, ink properties, paper properties and design mechanics will be applied to individual projects.

This course introduces students to some of the major theories and topics of psychology, including the physiological basis of behavior, personality and learning theories, memory, states of consciousness, stress, research methods, intelligence, human development, psychopathology, and social behavior.

The student will prepare and present oral and written technical reports. Types of reports may include lab and field reports, proposals, technical letters and memos, technical research reports, and case studies. This course is designed as an advanced communication course for students who have completed at least the prerequisite introductory writing course.

Students will focus on resume, portfolio development and interview practices. Career exploration, professional practices, networking will also be discussed. All aspects of this course will lend to the professional development of the individual student. In order to showcase and promote the accomplishments of the student, a graduate design display requirement will be met at the Annual Student Design Show.

Complete three elective credits. The suggested electives are: 204-115 Advanced Digital Photography 204-149 Advanced Web Page Design This is for informational purposes only. Once you register for your course, you can delete this block from your timeline.

This course will teach students the basics of using 3D software for design. Animation, modeling and storyboarding will be examined, as well as the technical aspects and vocabulary involved in mastering 3D software. 3D computer graphics will be compared to 2D. Practical applications for 3D software will be examined as they relate to graphic design, web design, and game design.

This course examines interpersonal relationships of humans and groups and the consequent structure of society. It details the various social processes and concepts which shape human behavior, analyzing such phenomena as organizations, deviance, race and ethnic relations, population, urbanization, social change, and social movements. Religion, education, and the family are studied.

This course explores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, methods of organization, research, structuring evidence and support, delivery techniques, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, including the listening process, form the basis of the course.