Graphic Desgin I art 2911

Graphic Design I is the first in a sequence of graphic design courses dealing with the interaction of text and image, the fundamental components of graphic communication. Students will develop and hone skills in working with text and image as they create solutions to a series of design problems. Visual literacy will be increased through exposure to contemporary design issues and graphic design history. Students will be expected to expand their proficiency in all aspects of the design process, including the use of formal design principles, type as image, creative brainstorming, conceptualizing, critical thinking, collaboration, and presentation.

Rob Wittig
rwittig@d.umn.edu Office: VKH 131A Phone: 726.7545
Office Hours: 9-10 Mon & Wed or by appointment

Here's what I care about:

That you learn a ton about what the design profession is --- how designers think and act.

That you learn a ton about making good design choices at the end of a project --- having a solid reason for every choice you make.

That you learn a ton about getting astonishingly creative at the beginning of a project --- having a great time fearlessly exploring new territory.

Amaze us!

Attendance and participation in class for the full class period is mandatory. Studio classes provide the oportunity for interchange between student and teacher and among students. This interaction is vital to the learning process and cannot take place when a student is absent. Late arrival or early depature counts as 1/2 an absence. Any student who misses more than three classes will have final grade reduced one letter grade.

Required supplies:
_unlined sketchbook at least 8"x10"
_print portfolio
_final work mounted to fit into portfolio
_electronic portfolio
_CD-R disk to turn in final work

Required Books
Typographic Design: Form and Communication
by Carter/Day/Meggs

Understanding Comics
by Scott McClould

Final designs must be well crafted and presented in a professional manner. This is both expected in the field, and shows you respect your own work as a designer.

Process is a crucial part of what you'll be learning in this class. For that reason, you are required to complete, keep, and turn in every sketch, note and rough design for each exercise and project. Projects will not be considered complete without all the working stages; you cannot skip any steps.

Evaluation will be based 70% on design projects & portfolio, 30% on attendance and engaged participation in all class discussions, exercises, and critiques.

Special needs If you have any limitation which affects your ability to perform in the class, please see me at your earliest convenience to arrange for equitable participation.

Here's the big secret . . .

Being creative for a living . . .

. . . it's awesome!

Week	Monday in SBE 17	Wed in ABAH 335	Readings + Lectures
Jan 17 - 20	>>>	Poster Research	Typographic Design book
Jan 23 - 27	Project 1 : Formal / Informal	Project 1 : roughs	Typographic Design book
Jan 30 - Feb 3	Project 1 : Formal / Informal	Project 1 : DUE for Crit	Thinking with Type: on www
Feb 6 - 10	Design Blogs	Design Blogs	Blog research
Feb 13 - 17	Project 2 : Visual Narrative	Project 2 : Visual Narrative	Scott McCloud book
Feb 20 - 24	Project 2 : Visual Narrative	Project 2 : Cultural Narrative	6 week grading alerts
Feb 27 - Mar 3	Project 2 : Visual Narrative	Project 2 : DUE for Crit	Portfolios DUE for grading
March 6 - 10	SPRING BREAK	SPRING BREAK
March 13 - 17	Project 3 : Article Design	Project 3 : Article Design	Comparable design Rsch
March 20 - 24	Project 3 : Article Design	Project 3 : Article Design	Prep work for student show
March 27 - 31	Project 3 : Article Design	Project 3 : Article Design DUE	Deborah Littlejohn lecture
April 3 - 7	Project 4 : Multi-part program	Project 4 : Multi-part program	Student Show Opening
April 10 - 14	Project 4 : Multi-part program	Project 4 : Multi-part program	...
April 17 - 21	Project 4 : Multi-part program	Project 4 : Multi-part program	...
April 24 - 28	Project 4 : Multi-part program	Project 4 :Multi-part DUE	...
May 1 - 5	Portfolio Presentations	Portfolio Presentations	Last Week of Class
FINALS Week May 8 - 12	FINAL EXAM: Thurs May 11 at 8 AM	...	<<<ALL WORK DUE