GRAPHIC DESIGNING MODULES

Introduction to Graphic Design

Module 1 offers an overview of what graphic design is and the immense professional opportunities it provides. Students will be inspired and enlightened whilst being taken on a journey to the great works of past and present iconic graphic designers. You will be introduced to the most popular designer sites encompassing work within the various industries that designers work in.

A definition of graphic design.

An introduction to pivotal historic and contemporary designers.

An introduction to the various specialities included in the graphic design profession.

An introduction to online design resources that will inspire and enrich student’s education throughout the Module.

 Module 3: Introduction to Typography

Typography is a critical skill to the graphic designer. In Module 3, students will get an overview of what typography is and the integral role it plays in graphic design. They will learn the history and evolution of the alphabet and typographic design and will advance into basic theory and practice.

Students will be introduced to the evolution of the alphabet and letter-form design.

Students will learn type families, type anatomy and type principles.

Students will learn how to illustrate the basic type families and apply tools to them.

Students will learn typographic tools available in Adobe Illustrator™ software.

 Module 5: Advanced Typography

In Module 5 students will advance their knowledge of typography by learning how to apply graphic design elements and principles to typographic design. All studies in this Module will be computer based.

An expanded knowledge of type anatomy, tools and vocabulary.

An introduction to the elements, principles and theories of design as they apply to typography.

The ability to create letterforms, lines of type and body copy, using Adobe Illustrator™ software.

 Module 7: Logotype Design

In Module 7, students will use the tools they have learnt to create typographic systems. This is how dynamic logotypes are made. Students will be introduced to the creative process and will learn how to use it to create, analyse and manage concepts. They will also learn how to manipulate letterforms to create legible, well crafted, dynamic and meaningful word-marks.

Students will learn the processes and tools associated needed to create meaningful design concepts.

Students will use illustration and Adobe Illustrator™ software to illustrate, design and refine projects.

An understanding of the creative process.

The ability to generate, analyse, edit and refine concepts.

The development of a typographic logotype.

 Module 9: Layout Design

In Module 9, students will learn the essential elements of composition and layout design. Students will create dynamic typographic compositions in multi-page layout programme, Adobe InDesign.

Students will learn how to manipulate typographic principles to create dynamic layout design.

Students will be introduced to Adobe InDesign™.

Advanced understanding of proportion and its application in layout design.

The ability to create unified systems out of dissimilar elements.

The ability to manipulate typographic tools to create dynamic layout.

The development of a type and image project.

An introduction to multi-page layout planning, design and software.

The development of advanced typographic layout.

Module 2: Design Basics

In this module, students will begin putting design elements and principles into practice. Students will begin to make decisions using the visual language of a designer. By doing simple studies, this module will introduce students to Adobe Illustrator™ software.

A working knowledge of design elements and how to use them.

A working knowledge of design principles and how to use them.

An introduction to design vocabulary needed to evaluate solutions and communicate as a designer.

Ability to manipulate space to communicate specific objectives.

 Module 4: Colour

In Module 4, students will learn the critical elements and principles of colour that create meaningful design. Students will be introduced to the relative theory of colour and will learn the vocabulary and tools needed to create and talk about colour design.

Students will learn the vocabulary associated with colour theory.

Students will display a working knowledge of the concepts in this Module by completing several computer based colour studies using templates provided.

Students will learn the colour tools available in Adobe Illustrator™ software.

 Module 6: Photography

In Module 6 students will get an overview of photography. They will learn the basic tools they need to shoot photography as a graphic designer, will learn how graphic designer’s work with professional photographers and will learn how to source online stock photography. They will be introduced to pixel-based graphic design programme Adobe Photoshop™.

Students will learn basic photo manipulation tools Adobe Photoshop™ software.

An understanding of the basic tools for photography.

An understanding of vocabulary, resolution and file formats.

The ability to create an impacting photographic compositions.

The ability to crop and manipulate photographs to enhance meaning.

An introduction to layout and advert design.

 Module 8: Design System I

Module 8 is all about systems. Students will begin to show a command for design principles by creating a graphic interpretation of an organic subject. This project reinforces the creative process and the integral part that research plays in concept and design. Students will use illustration and Adobe Illustrator™ software to develop their marks.

Students will use advanced Adobe Illustrator™ software knowledge to illustrate, design & refine projects.

The ability to create, identify and refine advanced design systems.

The ability to evaluate design decisions to enhance communication and simplify graphic systems.

The development of a dynamic, unified organic form.

The development of a unified series of icons.

 Module 10: Design System II

In Module 10, students will begin to make their own decisions to create professional quality, self-guided work. Students will now have a good knowledge Adobe Illustrator™, Photoshop™ and InDesign™. They will know the strengths and weaknesses of each graphic design programme. They will also have the ability to brainstorm and create their own design and communication goals for their projects. This Module will allow students to analyse previous work and rework it into real-world projects for their first graphic design portfolio.

The ability to define project goals.

The ability to create a complex working design brief.

The ability to critique, analyse and develop professional quality design.

The development of Corporate Identity systems, packaging and design campaign.