Computer Graphic Design is an advanced art class that applies art and design skills with professional computer programs

Class Description

Computer Graphic Design I and II develop Visual Communication skills, creating art on the drawing board and on the computer. During the first half of the year(Graphic Design 1), we focus on developing visual design strategies and awareness of typography, while using computer applications in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator (the two most important programs used in the graphic design industry). In the second half of the year, we also include traditional printmaking techniques and collage mixed media projects, as well as producing posters digitally and creating (and printing, cutting, constructing) package designs, created on the computer. Both classes meet the needs of the student who is interested in an art-related career, but its valuable for everyone to know how to communicate visually.

Prerequisites

NO, you do NOT have to have previous classes in art but its strongly recommended.

No, you do not have to be good at drawing but it is a skill that will be used!

It is an advantage to have a basic design sense before taking this class.

Good advise is to have already taken courses in drawing, painting, or photography.

We talk about composition, focal point, negative space, and abstract qualities of a layout, so design skills are needed in Graphic Design I in the fall, before we enter our journey into the higher level design projects in the spring.

Success in this class does require maturity and focus. It is not for the student who is easily distracted or needs a traditionally structured classroom in order to succeed.

It mirrors the atmosphere of a commercial art department with deadlines and interactions between client(from our school or town community) and the students. Students can move freely, talk and share ideas, listen to music, and must work independently and efficiently to meet the many deadlines. (Music is an earned privilege - not guaranteed) Many students release their creativity and work well in this setting.

The objective is to have an enjoyable experience, learning, experimenting, and developing visual communication skills.

Link to class survey: https://goo.gl/forms/c6ht2rTLS0VIoIqv1

What is gained?

Workplace Readiness Skills (Valuable to everyone - in any career)

The student will know how to approach and solve a design problem, using the design process with brainstorming and creating solutions, sometimes collaborating with others in teams.

Students will complete the class with a portfolio that shows a wide variety of visual art skills.

Design Skills

Students will be able to analyze visual design and verbalize their opinions, using terminology and technical concepts of the profession.

Art is everywhere in our cultural landscape - anyone will benefit from a better understanding of their visual world and developing their ability to communication visually.

Recognition

We have had student works chosen by outside clients from our town or within the school. Students are rewarded by being published or printed and can receive acknowledgment for designs that can be listed on a resume. I’ve had many students receive recognition with awards: ( Hospital public relations poster, Teen Arts logo and poster design, Program covers for school performances, 10-K logo and T-shirt design, DuCret juried show winners, exhibitions in Morris Museum, Greeting Card design published for New Providence Board of Ed holiday card, and other community projects.

Computer Graphics professional computer programs are used in almost half of our class projects

Creativity is stressed - It is NOT a technical class although basic technical skills on computer are taught.

We introduce Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator - the same programs used by professionals.

We will also use the Laser printer or the 3D printer to construct physical products from their design

The computer is simply another tool that the artist uses to create, just as the pen or brush or pencil.

First day of school: Please fill out the Google survey so we can be better connected!

Units:

Unit 1: Principles of Design – Pen and Ink Line Systems

Unit 2: The Design Process: Designing for a client

Unit 3: Typography - Logo Design & Vector Digital Graphics:

Unit 4: Digital Art – Vector and Raster formats for digital work of art

Unit 5: Poster Design - Promotional graphics - Community Service