Design Fundamentals
This is a foundational design course, covering the theories, processes, vocabulary, and techniques common to visual design disciplines. Students will develop and apply their knowledge through analysis, critique, and individual and collaborative exercises and projects.
UC/CSU
Units: 3
Here's the Spring 2024 Syllabus
Note that this course is co-listed in 2 departments: Visual Media Design, ( VMD 101) = Photography (PHOT 100)
Scroll down to view class materials list
above image: Design Fundamentals students Nick Schuster, Paola Garcia & Zander Whalen.
Design Fundamentals: Syllabus + Prerequisites
Link to the Spring 2024 Syllabus (will be updated by Mid August, 2024)
There are no prerequisites for the class. it's advised that but students take or place out of
ENGL 88 or ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English
Class expectations: This class is fun but demanding and it requires a number of hours outside of class for you to work on projects and pass the course.
You will need to allocate approx 5-10 hours a week (outside of F2F class meetings) for assignments and online Canvas content.
Important Class and Institutional Dates
Meetings: The class is HYBRID which means that we will have THREE MODALITIES of learning:
Face to Face. On WEDNESDAYS we will meet in person on the Ocean Campus in Art 103 from 9:10 am–12 pm:
Virtually, (which means I will be available on Zoom on MONDAYS from 10 am–11 am.
(I will stay online for 10 minutes, if a student doesn't login, I will log out of the Zoom. Message me through Canvas if you cannot meet at this time and we can set up a separate appointment).
These CityZoom meetings will not be recorded.
Midterm date: TBA
Final Project Date: TBD
You must be present and hand in the final project to pass the class.
Academic Accomodations
If you need classroom or testing accommodations because:
You have a challenge or disability
You have emergency medical information to share with me
You require special arrangements in case the building needs to be evacuated
Please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, My online hours are on Mondays from 10–.11 But let me know if that timing doesn't work. Please reach out to me via canvas messenger so we can make an appointment that works with your schedule.
Students seeking disability-related accommodations are encouraged to also register with Disabled Students Programs and Services located in Room 323 of the Rosenberg Library (415) 452-5481. Please see the DSPS website for more information and alternate locations.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Introduction to Design by Alan Pipes. please buy USED! see images above! ISBN 13: 9780131841062 or ISBN 13: 9780132085113
* In preparation for the first day of class, be sure you get the required textbook, Introduction to Design, by Alan Pipes. You do not need the book's current edition; I urge you to Rent or get a used copy from online bookshops. It is also sold at the CCSF Campus bookstore.
Materials to purchase for the class
Note: Blick Art Supplies will be creating a kit with most of the materials listed below for the Spring 2024 class.
Please support our local art supply stores if you can, and bring your student ID or proof that you are a student and often have discounts!
Items with an asterisk * will be used right away; please purchase them as soon as possible.
Note #1: Based on your personal project choices, you will need to acquire more art supplies later in the semester.
Note #2:Please support our local art supply stores! As a bonus, they give discounts to students! (NOTE: I'm providing links from Amazon.com for convenience!)
Blicks 1930 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109,
Flax -2 Marina Blvd Bldg D, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, SF, CA 94123
Arch 1490 17th St San Francisco, CA 94107
Scrap SF - 2150 Newcomb Avenue, SF, CA. I LOVE SCRAP! SCRAP is a Creative Reuse center; you can often get materials at a very low price. But sometimes it’s hard to know what they have, so go there with an open mind.
* Introduction to Design, Alan Pipes, either edition - please buy USED! see images above! ISBN 13: 9780131841062 or ISBN 13: 9780132085113
* Technical pens, the best brands are Itoya, Staedtler, and Sakura, but they are expensive) they're sold in sets, which can be cheaper than buying separately. Try to get a good range of thicknesses, from 005 (.20mm) to 08 (.50mm). A 6 pack is a good choice; please only buy black ink. Here is a reasonably priced option
* A thick black sharpie or another big thick marker
* A few pencils (you can use ones from home...)
* Any Eraser, kneaded or white, just not a red as they often leave marks!
* Metal edge ruler, at least 12-inches long.
* an Exacto knife and extra blades
An Artist color wheel 5" x8" or larger preferred, I would love you to get The Colorwheel Company's color wheel, they sell it at blicks and at the CCSF bookstore!
Unlined index cards - 4" x6." It's important to buy unlined index cards made from thicker paper stock, and you'll be able to flip the paper with less of a struggle. I suggest the Oxford brand. Please have approx 75-100 cards.
Binder clip or Big clip Amazon only seems to sell them in multiples. You only need one; maybe split an order with a friend?
OPTIONAL but encouraged if you can swing it!
*Optional, but very nice to have A light pad, with (more expensive) or without (more economical) battery. A light pad is very helpful for the Line projects and flipbook projects. ( but please don't spend more than $20-$30. I suggest you purchase one online. Local stores do charge much more!)
* Optional, but nice to have: 9"x12"self-healing cutting mat. (There are cheaper versions online, but remember that often you get what you pay for)
Optional, but nice to have: Artist tape or Painter's tape (useful for later projects). You can also just use scotch/transparent tap
Optional, but nice to have: tracing paper (it can be a pad or roll, at least 9")
Optional - Primary paints from a reputable art company
Broken link? These things happen! Message on Canvas and let me know!