STUDY PROGRAMME
Graphic Design and Art Direction

AFAM CODE
ABPR19

DISCIPLINARY AREA
Graphic design

DISCIPLINARY FIELD
Editorial design

CREDITS
10

APPROACH
Theoretical/project based

This course analyses the theoretical, methodological and practical understanding of editorial design in all its phases and applications: from magazines to pop-up, with an introduction to some elements of packaging. Specific attention is devoted to the proper use of typographic and iconic elements, to the study of formats and layout grids, to the balance between text and images, as well as to the choice of printing materials and techniques.

The programme grants 10 credits, divided as follows:

• EDITORIAL DESIGN: 3 CFA

• GRAPHIC PRINTING TECHNIQUES: 7 CFA

Successful students will be able to:

EDITORIAL DESIGN:

• Analyse and identify different publishing layouts and related editorial office organization

• Work on publishing projects observing production phases, limits and feasibility of publishing ideas

• Work on a printed magazine project, with attention to the technical, graphic and content-related aspects (text and images)

GRAPHIC PRINTING TECHNIQUES:

• Create files in their native format and in PDF standards in consideration of the project’s final output

• Observe norm specifications and requirements of the technical processes of production

• Use correct technical terms when interacting with people responsible of the creation of the printed product, ensuring the best possible quality of the final product

EDITORIAL DESIGN:

• Introduction to the editorial project with reference to history and discipline, with an overview of the international publishing scene (mainstream and independent markets)

• Understanding of the market, of the organization of an editorial office (roles, responsibilities) and of the workflow (editorial project, graphic project, page layout, page arrangement, printing methods)

• Editorial design: technical aspects (formats, page arrangement, binding...), structure (flat plan, cover, articles, columns, contents/advertising ratio), graphic structure (grid, typography, page hierarchy, publication formats), use of images (illustration and photography)

• Book evolution: new formats for digital books, the “above the fold” area, interaction with readers

GRAPHIC PRINTING TECHNIQUES:

• Introduction to the working processes in printing (design, electronic pre-press, traditional and digital printing, set-up and paper processing)

• Acquaintance with the possible ennobling processes, colorimetry and Colour Management (CMS, ICC colour profiles)

• Creation and checking of PDF printing files (PDF/X standard, characteristics and use of different versions)

• In-depth study of printing materials (paper and special supports, inks) and of the relation between Bitmap image resolution and printing screen lines

This is a theoretical/project based course.

Students will take part in the following activities, which may vary depending on the development of different projects:

• Classroom lectures

• Use of tutorials, videos or other media tools

• Exercises and revisions

• Workshops

• Individual or group projects

• Individual or group study and research

Assessment tools may include:

EDITORIAL DESIGN:

• Graded test: arithmetical average of al grades

• Submission of exercises, projects or research work: assessment of publishing projects completed throughout the course

• Oral exam: testing of theoretical knowledge and analytical skills associated with the design project

GRAPHIC PRINTING TECHNIQUES:

• Written exam: closed questions (see mandatory textbook/lecture notes)

• Assessment of the printed outcome of the last project developed within the editorial design module

Further details about the exams will be provided by the professors.

The final grade will result from the weighted average of the programme modules.

Mandatory for non attending students, in place of what prescribed by the professor:

• Lupton, E. (2010) Thinking with type – a Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors and Students, Princeton Architectural Press.

Many of the recommended sources, together with additional material, are also available online on MyNaba, in the Library section.

Books and resources might be requested or suggested by the professors.