Rick Rivas
DesignWithRick
Graphic Design 35
Introduction to Graphic Design
Introduction to
Graphic Design
Rick Rivas M.A.
Telephone:
(408) 855-5309
Email: instructor at
rickrivas.com
Office Hours:
Room: E2-403K
T/Th 2:30-4 (as of 3/21)
Welcome to the support site dedicated to the students enrolled in Graphic Design 35 (Section #95157) at Mission College.
The e-syllabus provides a healthy balance of nutritional information about the field of Graphic Design. Bon Appetit!
The e-syllabus provides a healthy balance of nutritional information about the field of Graphic Design. Bon Appetit!
Introduction to
Graphic Design
Spring 2011 Course Overview
This course is an excellent starting-point for students seeking to enter the field of Graphic Design. In this introductory-level course, students learn to apply the principles of this applied artform in projects ranging from logo design to page layout.
The course is comprised of lectures on Graphic Design, step-by-step demonstrations of Adobe Photoshop CS5, and critiques of student projects.
Basic knowledge of computers and the English language are required. Concurrent enrollment in GRART 64 or previoius experience with Photoshop is recommended.
Examples of Design Topics Discussed
space, color, texture, shape, proportion,Gestalt, unity, balance, repetition, similarity, gradation, radiation, anomaly, contrast, typography, layout, structure, scanability, visual weight, eye-movement, grid systems, symbolism, logo, Photoshop CS4, hardware tools, and much more...Student Evaluation Process
Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the course material through a series of hands-on projects. Evaluation will be based on an ability to demonstrate knowledge of both the information presented in class and from the assigned reading.Grading Scale:
Projects & Presentations (69.23%)
Exams (23.08%)
Quizzes (7.69%)
Semester Calendar
Overview:
Introduction to the course, students, and instructor. In addition, we identified some of the primary concepts that will be covered this semester.
Students got into groups and identified a good and a bad website to discuss.
Assignment
- Get Course Materials
Course Details Covered:
- Grading Policies
- Late Homework/Resubmit
- grades and attendance (Angel Website).
- Course Materials
- Lab Policies
- Contact Information
- Academic Priced Software
- Wacom Tablets
- Organization
Links to get Materials:
Overview:
We examined the field of Graphic Design as a form of visual communication, as a process and how it differs from art. There was also an introduction to "Space" and Adobe Photoshop. Lecture notes can be found here:
Principles of Graphic Design:
- Space
- Negative Space/ White Space
Photoshop CS5:
- Creating a new Document
- Windows/Palettes
- Tools Palette
- Using Layers
- Working with Text
- Transforming Objects
- Pixels & Resolution
Examples
Assignment
- Assignment #1 - Negative Space- Due 9/12
- Quiz #1- Due 9/12
The Questions are according to the book:
1. What is "a communicator's job"?
2. What is meant by "the mind searches for meaning"
3. What is meant by "Space attracts readers"
Elements of Graphic Design
- pgs. 1-29 (Space is Emptiness)
Overview:
We examined the 4 elements of design as well as the technique "repetition". Lecture notes can be found here:
Principles of Graphic Design:
- Conceptual Elements
- Visual Elements
- Relational Elements
- Practical Elements
- Repetition
- Frame of Reference
Photoshop CS5:
- History Palette
- Vector Shapes
- Vector vs. Bitmap
- Pen Tool
- Direct Selection Tool
- Modifying Bezier Paths
- Type Warp
Examples
Assignment
- Assignment #2 - Word Study- work in progress due february 24th, Final Version Due March 3rd
Elements of Graphic Design
- pgs. 31-47 (Symmetry & Assymetry)
Overview:
This week we had the work in progress for the type assignment. We spent some time also working in lab on the projects together. Students were introduced to some photoshop techniques so that they could complete their projects.
Photoshop CS5:
- Clipping Mask
- Layer Effects
- Filter Gallery
- Liquify
- Puppet Warp
- Layer Blending Modes
- Transparency
- Text Palette
- Convert Text To Shape
- Layer Styles Introduced
- Warping Text
- Custom Warp Transform
- Clipping Mask
Assignment
- Work in progress due for assignment #2
Overview:
Due to the missed class, we simply had a lab day and moved the lecture to Tuesday of week 6.
Assignment
- Enjoy your weekend ;)
Overview:
We examined the 6 gestalt concepts, with an empasis on Proximity and Similarity.
- Gestalt
- Similarity
- Proximity
- Continuity
- Common Fate
- Closure
- Simplicity
Photoshop CS5:
- Masking
- Montage
- Layer Blending Modes
- Opacity
- Adjustment Layers
- Selecting Colors
Assignment
- Assignment #3 - Unity- Work in Progress Due March17 and the final version will be due March 24
Elements of Graphic Design
- pgs. 57-65 (Unity, Gestalt, Space)
- Quiz - Given on...
- What are the 6 principles of Gestalt?
- Why are they important to Graphic Designers?
Overview:
Work in Progress for Assignment #3 was the topic for the week.
Overview:
In class we looked at color and imagery technical concepts in Photoshop and in Graphic Design.
- Imagery
- Color
- Unity
Photoshop CS5:
- Montage
- Layer Blending Modes
- Opacity
- Adjustment Layers
- Masking
- Selecting Colors
- Color Balance
Elements of Graphic Design
- pgs. 65-67 (Color)
Assignment
- continue working on assignment #3
October 18 Overview:
We examined the use of gradation/radiation in Design and gradients/masking in Photoshop.
We talked about the idea of unifying a compositiong, controlling eye-movement and balancing the visual weight. Lecture Notes can be found here:
- Radiation
- Gradation
- Eye Movement
- Visul Weight
- Balance
- Unity
Photoshop CS4:
- Masking
- Gradients
Assignment
- Continue working on Assignment #4
Elements of Graphic Design
- pgs. 65-67 (Color)
- pgs. 51-55 (Unity and Space)
- 63-65 (Heirarchy, Balance)
October 25 Overview:
We did the work in progress critique. Lecture Notes can be found here:
- Contrast
- Anomaly
- Grids/Guides
- Layout
Photoshop CS4:
- Selections/Paths
- Brushes
- Color Adjustments
- Adjustment Layers
- Levels
- Filters
- Lighting Effects
- Contrast
Examples
Assignment
- Assignment #5 - Layout- work in progress due Monday Nov 8th, and final version due Nov 15th.
Elements of Graphic Design
- pg. 63 (Dominance)
- 69-73 (How to use the seven design components)
- pgs. 51-55 (Unity and Space)
Handout
Nov 1 Overview:
We looked at the use Unity and Contrast in a composition. Students were given one-on-one assistance with starting their projects.
- Contrast
- Anomaly
- Grids/Guides
- Layout
Photoshop CS4:
- Guides
- Rulers
- Type
- Resolution
- Color Space
Assignment
- work on assignment #5
Elements of Graphic Design
- 63-65 (Heirarchy, Balance)
- pg. 77-93 (The Page as a Visual Structure)
November 22 Overview:
We focussed on the work in progress for your midterm project
Photoshop CS3:
- Type on a path
- Type inside a path
Assignment
- Continue working on Page Layout Assignment!
Elements of Graphic Design
- pg. 103-135 (Section Four)
November 29 Overview:
We looked at the brainstorming matrix and explored potential logos based on the sketches. In addition, we looked at Landor.com (their branding work) to see how they approach branding. Specifically we were interested in their description of the problem and solution process. Lastly I introduced the video "The Persuaders" and the idea of emotional branding.
- Landor.com
Photoshop CS4:
- N/A
Examples
Assignment
- Assignment #6 Brainstorming Matrix (due 12/01)
- Quiz #3 Landor Case Study (due 12/01)
Elements of Graphic Design
- N/A
May 5 Overview:
We looked at the use using Metaphors to communicate based on what a person already knows, as well as the basics of page layout. The lecture notes can be found here (not yet available):
- Metaphor
- Logo Study
- Texture
- Logo Design
- Branding
- Brainstorming Matrix
Examples
December 1 Overview:
Photoshop CS4:
- Working with Selections, Paths, and Channels
- Smart Objects Imported from Illustrator
- Smart Objects
Illustrator CS4:
- Live Trace
Assignment
- Quiz #4 and Extra Credit (due 12/15)
Classroom in a Book
- Chapter 9 on Vector Objects and Smart Objects
Video
Week 14 Review
(Quicktime Movie)
December 8 Overview:
We did the work in progress for assignment #7. We also went over grades/missing work. Here are more lecture notes that will help you with your final.
- Review for Final
Assignment
- Continue Working on Logo Project- Due the day of the Final
December 15 Overview:
General Policies:
Late work will be penalized 10%. Students missing 4 lectures or more will receive “No Credit”. It is the responsibility of the student to drop the course. Plagiarism is unacceptable and appropriate disciplinary actions will be enforced. It is very important that students are respectful of their classmates. Class time should not be used to check email, chat online, or surf the Internet. Students who are sick should not come to class. It is the responsibility of the student to back-up and keep copies of all projects until the end of the semester.
Disabilities
Mission College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students should notify DISC (Disability Instructional Support Center) located in S2-201 (855-5085) of any special needs.
Emergencies
If you are in S1-502, retrieve your personal items and exit the building going out the door of the building that is outside the classroom on the left. Go to the assembly point in the parking lot outside.