Classes
A foundational level, hands-on course introducing the theoretical application of the elements and principles of 2d design and the practical applications of color theory. Exercises in visual thinking and the use of traditional principles of composition and two-dimensional media are emphasized through sequential, skill building projects.
Graphic Design 1 is the first in a series of five consecutive courses that are intended to provide the students with opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills in the competencies required for professional practice in the field of graphic design. In addition to skill development, the class projects help students develop professional attitudes and practices that were required for success in achieving their career entry objectives. Starting with basic design problems, assignments build on concepts introduced in the BFA foundations courses. In addition to these design concepts, theories in communications and Gestalt psychology provide students with the opportunity to plan and execute successively more complex communication problems.
GD 1 is intended to provide the foundation for effective and professional processes that were consistently developed around the general parameters of client need, target audience, design brief and graphic style. Application of the grid and other forms of visual organization is introduced. The class also strengthens foundation design concepts such as sequencing, symbol recognition, figure and ground relationships through assignments involving typography and image making. Students are also introduced to ideas of ethics, social responsibility, sustainability and the power of communication to instill change.
As the second course in the Graphic Design core curriculum, Graphic Design II encourages the development of a cohesive form and content relationship through visual communication. The class projects also strengthen foundation design concepts such as sequencing, visual hierarchy, grouping, symbol recognition, figure and ground relationships through assignments both off and on the computer. Application of the grid and other forms of visual organization is emphasized. Typography and image making techniques are equally explored in solving design problems through conceptual thinking and project development. Course study includea historical examples of style as reference points to developing meaningful contemporary design.
This course provides an introduction to the study of the letterform as a cornerstone of graphic design. It focuses on how typography can be used as a communicative device as well as a graphic, compositional and expressive element. Areas explored include letterform anatomy, letterform analysis, measuring systems, typographic identification, and practical issues of setting and using type effectively.
Computer Graphic Design I: Arts 091 (Spring 10)
Print Media Graphics introduces the fundamentals of the Macintosh operating system, printing, scanning and font management. Through exploratory projects in design the student has an opportunity to distinguish advantages and disadvantages between various design approaches, specific software strengths/purposes, methods of digital file organization, and minor troubleshooting techniques. Students are introduced to the basics of vector drawing on the computer, as well as page layout design techniques for single and multi-page documents. As one of their assignments, students compete to design the cover for Pacific Seminar III textbook.
Computer Graphic Design II: Arts 095 (Fall 09)
The course introducea the student to the use of the computer as a creative tool in the creation of motion graphics and digital video. Projects develop a basic understanding of type, illustration, sequential imagery, live video, and other graphic elements as they have been influenced by time-based applications in narrative and non-narrative applications. We focuse on the general ideas of sequential storytelling, timing, editing, emphasis, thematic development, and interactivity. Students have the opportunity to work individually as well as part of a team. The primary software programs we utilize are Adobe Flash & Final Cut. As one of the assignments, students worke with a clients from the Pacific Library and the Department of Communications competing for a redesign of an online interactive tutorial for Pacific Seminar II. The winner of the Fall 09 class, Cindy Quan, completed the tutorial as a practicum in the spring with me.
Time Based Media: Motion Graphics: Arts 115
The course introduces the student to the use of the computer as a creative tool in the creation of motion graphics. Students experiment with notions of form, function and visual communication as related to the exploration of media applications. Students compose and graphically articulate conceptual solutions to given problems and measure the effectiveness of solutions based on client/problem and or creative/strategic needs. We focuse on the general ideas of sequential storytelling, timing, editing, emphasis, thematic development, and interactivity. Projects develope a basic understanding of type, illustration, sequential imagery, and other graphic elements as they have been influenced by time-based applications in narrative and non-narrative applications. The primary software programs we utilize were Adobe Flash, Edge Animate and After Effects.
This course examines the historical and applied application of visual art for publication and mass media. A series of practical assignments investigate a variety of sub-themes routinely practiced by illustrators such as advertising, editorial, scientific and book illustration. Students are encouraged to experiment with a wide variety of media and techniques though concept-driven coursework. In addition, the course give students insights into the demands of a professional illustration career.
Graphic Design III builds upon the concepts introduced in Graphic Design I and II. Students further examid typography and forms of image making for specific design applications. GD III assignments expand upon the theories of two-dimensional graphic design, visual identity, branding and theme development into the areas of packaging, installation and environmental design. Model-making, interpretive signage, the object as graphic symbol, and control of three-dimensional space as a means of graphic communication are explored. Skill in conceptual development and technically accurate representation are equally emphasized with increasingly more multi-part and complex design problems. Course study includes historical examples of style as reference points to developing meaningful contemporary design.
The class collaborates with Engr 293: Technology Venturing, a graduate level Engineering class on inventing and developing a new product. Working in groups with engineering students, the graphic design students brand the product, create a visual indentity, packaging and an advertising campaign for their group's product. The results have been highly enriching for both classes in terms of collaborative practices and interdiciplinary collaboration.
Senior Graphic Design Seminar: Arts 175
As the culminating capstone course in the Graphic Design curriculum, Senior Graphic Design Seminar is a comprehensive design course allowing students the opportunity to apply the combined understanding gained from earlier courses and projects to more fully realized work. The class is intended to increase and focus the students’ skills in research, problem identification, planning and execution of multi-faceted levels of visual information and meaning.
Students then has the opportunity to develop their work into a comprehensive presentation portfolio for application to either graduate school or employment in the field of graphic design. Exploration of portfolio presentation options (the form) is examined in addition to the development of related collateral such as a resume and self-promotion materials. Professional business practices, organizations, and related design issues are some topics for ongoing class discussion.
Students arrange and participate in a minimum of two informational interviews with reputable design firms as a means of gaining further insight into the world of professional design practice. In addition, students participate in a Portfolio Review conducted by a panel of design professionals who are invited to Pacific’s campus. This is viewed by the program as the pinnacle event in the study. Exhibition of student work to the campus community occurres in collaboration with senior Fine Arts majors in the annual spring art/design show held in the Art Department gallery.