Description:
From UNM-G Catalog: Prerequisites: DDM 131*, 101*, 110* and 280*. Building on skills developed in DDM 131*, this course elaborates on concepts essential to professional page design.
Objectives:
This is an intermediate level studio course designed to further build students skills and techniques in the area of graphic design. The class is primarily concerned with print as a medium of output, but other productions will be presented and experimented with as well. We will be concentrating on the practice, production, theory, and history of Graphic Design. Students will produce a wide variety of real world design projects demonstrating their understanding of the subject matter. This will be achieved through hands on application of professional tools toward real world graphic arts projects.
Upon Completion of this course, students will:
Further develop skills using professional tools both digital and traditional media in the field of graphic design.
Achieve a intermediate level of skill and knowledge in understanding and implementing principles of design.
Further develop vocabulary in design and production.
Develop and refine skills using professional graphic design software including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.
Cultivate design, production, and conceptual skills necessary in the field of graphic arts.
Obtain a basic understanding of both historical and contemporary graphic design and apply their knowledge to projects and assignments.
Method:
We will achieve these lofty goals through a plethora of techniques. We will be combining online and classroom work. Online portion will be found at http://pagelayoutii.blogspot.com/. Students are expected to check the blog at least before each class for instructions and assignments. A normal day in the classroom setting will consist of a combination of lecture and hands on learning via exercises and assignments. Independent research and experimentation will also be extensively relied upon. The majority of the work for this class will be working independently on projects and assignments. We will also be looking at and collecting examples of work past and present to aid in our creation of new pieces.
Materials
Gmail account (free)
Pintrest account (free)
*Multiple Storage Media such As CD-R/DVD, External Hard Drive, ipod, Flash Drive etc. (Flash Drive Suggested). Online storage is another good option, while free on line storage has limited in capacity safer than most portable types.
*Notebook and/or Sketchbook
Matt Board (Black or White (as needed)
Rubber Cement
Exacto Knife
Metal Ruler 24”
Scissors
Tracing Paper
*Sharpy (Black, 1 fat and 1 thin)
Other materials will be assigned as needed
Suggested: Quick Start Guide for Adobe Illustrator and InDesign and/or subscription to linda.com (an online video tutorial subscription).
Books etc:
Subscription to Adobe Cloud; http://www.adobe.com/products/creativecloud/students.edu.html (If you have questions about your computers ability to run the software call 1-800-585-0774 for assistance.
The grid system, Kimberly Elam (purchas online)
Thinking with Type, Ellen Lupton (purchas online)
Geometry of Design, Kimberly Elam. (purchas online)
Grading:
NOTE: A grade of C or better is required for program.
Your grades will be based on a variety of data collected throughout the semester. Most of your grade will of course be directly from you work based on your progress throughout the semester. Evaluation will be determined on individual progress in area of design, presentation, technical knowledge, sketchbook, morgue, quizzes and writing samples. Your grade will primarily be based on class participation. Below is a rough breakdown...
60% assignments & projects
30% participation, work ethic, attitude, effort
10% test, quizzes, and presentations
‘A, A-, A+’ Consistently excellence in technical, design, and concept on all projects, exercises and assignments.
‘B+, B, B-’ High quality work, steady progress in both technical and artistic development.
‘C+, C, C’- Acceptable quality and effort.
‘D’ Deficient but passing.
‘F’ Failure to meet minimum requirements.
‘WP’ Will only be given to students who meet with the instructor to evaluate their options.
‘WF’ AWAL (Absent With Out Leave) Students. If you disappear and I do not hear from you WF WILL be the grade you receive.
‘I’ Incomplete will only be given to students who are unable to due to emergency.
Easiest way to improve your grade.
Keep up with the class Blog.
Ask questions.
Participate in critiques and class discussions.
Attend each class meeting.
Be on time to each class.
Meet project deadlines.
Keep notes, sketch book and morgue organized.
Get help when you need it.
Easiest ways to lower your grade.
Attendance:
Attendance is essential. In order to pass the course you are only allowed 4 absences. More than 4 will result in a grade of WD, WF, F, or I, depending on the circumstances. Punctuality is part of attendance. Unexcused and excessive lateness will not be tolerated. Students who are late 2 times will receive 1 absence. In order to be considered for an excused absence or late arrival students MUST contact the instructor by e-mail or phone BEFORE the class in question. Emergency situations do arise and will be assessed on an individual basis.
2 times late = 1 absence
3 absences = loss of one letter grade
4 absences = loss of 2 letter grades, etc.
5 absences = D (not able to pass to photo II)
6 absences = F (regardless of grade to that point)
Missing Deadline:
Deadlines are critical in the field of Graphic Arts. Missing deadlines in the filed will have dire results, costing thousands of dollars, your reputation and your employment. This class is to prepare you for the working in the field. Missing a deadline, critique, or mid-process critique, will also have serious consequences, missing a deadline will result in losing one letter grade on that assignment. One additional letter grade will be removed from the project for each class meeting that it is late. Missed quizzes will not be made up without extremely extenuating circumstances.
Critiques
It is essential that not only your work be present but you as well. Participation in critiques in class and online will be strongly considered when evaluating grades. Critiques are possibly the most essential part of the class, this is where we pull what we have learned, and evaluate how it applies to our work. We learn from presenting, evaluating and discussing our work with the class. Each persons work and ideas are critical to our learning and growing as artists and designers.
Your Responsibilities
Note: Failure to meet, or abuse of any of the following will result in either failure of the class or immediate removal from the class at the discretion of the instructor.
Turning work in late. If needed, turn work in prior do due date (prints for critique or post to the blog as appropriate).
Participating in critiques. You will need to discuss your own work, and express your thoughts on others.
Being in class on time and having necessary work and materials.
Proper use of lab/studio facilities.
Cleaning up after yourself. The studio should be left as you found it, (better if possible). It is no one is paid to clean up after you. If you make a mess, pick it up. If you move something, put it back. If you barrow it...
Respect for facilities and others in the DDM. (Including, but not limited to... Excessive noise, improper use of equipment and facilities, rude or disrespectful speaking or behavior, disruptive behavior).
Students are financially responsible for any missing or damaged equipment.
Proper use of lab/studio facilities.
Cleaning up after yourself.
Respect for facilities and others in the DDM. (Including, but not limited to... excessive noise, improper use of equipment and facilities, rude or disrespectful speaking or behavior, disruptive behavior).
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),
In accordance with University Policy 2310 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any student needing academic accommodations should first contact UNM-Gallup Accessibility Services at 505 863 7660 (Gurley Hall 1133.) It is also imperative that you take the initiative to bring such needs to the instructor€™s attention, as I am not legally permitted to inquire. Students who may require assistance in emergency evacuations should contact the instructor as to the most appropriate procedures to follow. Note: This syllabus and outline is subject to change. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of changes should they occur.
