Graphic Design II
ART  3922  sec 003 
Fall 2007
12:00 - 1:50 pm
Monday: Montague 209
Wednesday: ABAH 335

Graphic Design II is the second 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 visual research, creative brainstorming, conceptualizing, critical thinking, the use of formal design principles, collaboration, and presentation.

Rob Wittig
rwittig@d.umn.edu Office: VKH 131A Phone: 726.7545
Office Hours:
10-11 MWF or by appointment

Here's what I care about:

That you learn a ton about feeding your creativity as a designer --- developing a sophisticated habit of noticing and note-taking so that you always have a storehouse of ideas at your fingertips.

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.

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.

This course adheres strictly to UMD's Student Academic Integrity Policy, which can be found at www.d.umn.edu/assl/conduct/integrity.

The instructor will enforce and students are expected to follow the University's Student Conduct Code http://www.d.umn.edu/assl/conduct/code.

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 Magazines
You are required to purchase and bring to class four design or art magazines during the semester, one per month. Some acceptable magazines are: Step, HOW, Print, CA (Communication Arts), Graphis, AdBusters, Juxtapoz, ArtForum, Art in America

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.

In-class "sprints" and small homework assignments are required and will be assigned throughout the semester.

Evaluation will be based 70% on all phases of design projects (sketch, thumbnails, full sized comps, and finished work), 30% on attendance and engaged participation in all class discussions, exercises, sprints, homework, 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.

Projects

1_Ideabook This will be a sketchbook that you will hand craft into an artist's book over the course of the semester. In it you will record your observations of the world and culture around you. The first few weeks of the semester will be dedicated entirely to beginning this project, but you are required to continue creating spreads in your book for the entire semester.

2_Narrative Visual/Verbal Book You will create a beautiful small book containing a visual verbal narrative. I will offer possible texts for your use, or you can develop your own narrative. We'll be drawing from the worlds of graphic novels and film for powerful storytelling techniques.

3_Music Design You will investigate the rich history of graphic design that accompanies and surrounds music. Your project will be to create a design program for a favorite band or musician, in print or electronic form.

4_Poster Series You will tap the resources of your Ideabook to create a series of powerful posters addressing a social/cultural issue of concern to college-aged people.

The good news is

 

that all this only will work so long as you stay relaxed and stay playful!

Yes, designeers get to play for a living.

Week
Monday in Montague 209
Wed in ABAH 335
Readings + Lectures
Sep 05 >>> Project 1: Begin Ideabook Historical Style Research
Sep 10 - Sep 12 Project 1 : Begin Ideabook Project 1 : Review Ideabooks

Geographic/Cultural Rsch.
Sep 17 - Sep 19 Project 1 : Continue Ideabooks Project 1 : DUE for Crit Contemp Artist Research
Sep 24 - Sep 26 Project 2 : Narrative Book Project 2 : Narrative Book Field Trips
Oct 01 - Oct 03 Project 2 : Narrative Book Project 2 : Narrative Book


Oct 08 - Oct 10 Project 2 : Narrative Book Project 2 : Narrative Book 6 week grading alerts
Oct 15 - Oct 17 Project 2 : Narrative Book Project 2 : DUE for Crit  
Oct 22 - Oct 23 Project 3 : Music Design Project 3 : Music Design Music Design Research
Oct 29 - Oct 31 Project 3 : Music Design Project 3 : Music Design
Comparable design Rsch
Nov 05 - Nov 07 Project 3 : Music Design Project 3 : Music Design  
Nov 12 - Nov 14 Project 3 : Music Design Project 3 : Music Design  
Nov 19 - Nov 21 Project 3 : Music Design DUE Project 4 : Poster Series Issue research
Nov 26 - Nov 28 Project 4 : Poster Series Project 4 : Poster Series ...
Dec 03 - Dec 05 Project 4 : Poster Series Project 4 : Poster Series ...
Dec 10 - Dec 12 Project 4 : Poster Series Project 4 : Posters DUE ...
FINALS Week
Dec 16 - 21

FINAL EXAM:
Wed Dec 19 at 10 AM		 ... <<<ALL WORK DUE